Chapter 5 - Mastiff Corps

The mans heavy threat reverberated ominously in the still desert night. Illuminated by the firelight the older speakers features seemed icily cold and remote, as if what was occurring here tonight was of no concern to him. Grey hair was tinted a shining yellow by the small flame and the shallow lines engraved upon his face gave the man a refined aloof appearance. The other six men were clad head to toe in fine black leather, a single slit for their cold beady eyes to stare out of was the only skin they showed. Jared's terrified expression was all Destro needed to confirm that these men didn't harbour good will towards him.

Destro was aware of his own limitations, despite the deep hatred he nursed for the Shakur clan he knew he couldn't stand up to them single handedly, to do so was the height of folly that would only be rewarded by an agonisingly painful death. Seeing Jared's watering terrified eyes staring deeply into his own Destro felt a sense of companionship with this unfortunate youth, they both obviously had deep grievances with the Shakur clan. However such a small sense of comradeship wouldn't make Destro pitch himself against a force that even the Blood Viper guild wouldn't openly provoke.

Seeing the savage looking young man not making any immediate actions upon hearing the name "Shakur" the greying man frowned inwardly. The sole reason the group didn't attack preemptively was because of the barbarian being an unknown factor. The original plan was to seize and bind the wanted individual as quickly and effortlessly as possible, however the older man had adjusted the plan accordingly to his instincts upon the unknown variable coming into play and his instincts told him casualties were abound if they acted against this barbarian. Hence he tried to negotiate using the name of the Shakur clan.

Seeing Destro pondering Jared took the opportunity whilst quailing to stammer out a fearful question towards the greying man "H-how did yo-u k-know where I w-was?"

Turning his gaze from Destro to Jared the older man sneered maliciously, he decided at this point that perhaps a show of force may persuade this desert savage to allow them to take the wanted party peacefully. "Tracking a wrench such as yourself is a simple feat for myself, Rhangh Fhar, an auxiliary member of the Mastiff Corps"  replying to Jared's question with a voice laced with disdain the older man pulled his right sleeve up baring his right forearm, upon which was branded a mystical Rune, only about the size of a eye, surrounded by a larger tattoo which was of a snarling head of a mastiff.

Shock was stark on Jared's face before it was buried by despair and horror even richer than it had been only moments ago. In contrast a bright spark of interest was ignited within Destro's eyes, before it to was buried by the resignation that he couldn't spite the Shakur clan this time. With a slight bow of apology towards Jared Destro solemnly spoke "I shall'nt hinder the apprehension of this boy in addition this youth humbly pays respects to the Shakur clan"

Reeds survived storms as they could bend to the tide changing winds, however the stubborn oak who wouldn't bow to any other power, despite being noble in nature would still be uprooted and destroyed by truly great storms. Having spoken Destro picked up his Runed blade, placed the tip into the ground and rested his chin upon it whilst staring into the flames sombrely. Guilt wracked his heart at sentencing Jared to the same fate his parents and brother had faced however he knew now was not the proper time to stand up to the overlord known as the Shakur clan, when he was powerful enough he swore that he would exact revenge properly on behalf of his parents, his brother, Jared and all the other wronged souls whom had suffered and been tormented by the hands of the vile Shakur clan.

Logically Jared knew such an outcome was inevitable however seeing his fate decided still distressed him greatly, tears rolling down his face he scrambled to his feet and made a break to escape. However before he had traversed even five steps three of the surrounding black leather clad figures had pounced on him and wrestled the screaming wailing youth to the floor. "On behalf of the Shakur Clan I thank you for your compliance" With a slight nod towards Destro the Mastiff Corps member named Rhangh thanked him. This grey middle aged man was notorious for never treating anyone of lower status than him politely, however seeing this savage whom had donned a Desert Dire Wolfs hide as a cloak a small amount of respect was enticed from the Mastiff Corps member. After all just like everyone on the continent Rhangh respected strength and one needed substantial strength to slay a Desert Dire Wolf.

Listening to Jared's terrified screams Destro had no inclination to acknowledge or respond to the older man. As the black clad leather men hauled Jared to his feet and retrieved ropes from their bags Jared's cries changed from ones of anguish to roars of rage that pierced through the still desert nights heart. "May the Heavens curse your dammed Shakur clan, you have wronged me and you've wronged countless others, in this life and the next I shall wholeheartedly seek your annihilation with every single breath I draw, may Hell open up and swallow you all!" Torrents of abuse spewed forth from the youth who was halfway bound.

Two people stared coolly at the youth being tied up before them, neither Destro or Rhangh showed any emotion at Jared being subdued for to do so would be viewed as showing weakness to the other party. Listening to Jared's continued howling onslaught the middle aged man finally frowned lightly, his cold voice sliced through the hoarse screams of Jared as he spoke "Gag him or we may draw Desert Dire Wolves upon purselves and this mans camp"

Hearing what the older man said a humourless mirth surfaced surfaced in Destro's sombre eyes "You speak truth the pained cries of this man will most assuredly draw in predators, be it Wolves or more ferocious beasts" Rhangh cast a queer look at the savage, it was common knowledge that in the outskirts of the desert the apex predator was the Desert Dire Wolf, as to what this barbarian referred to by more ferocious beats he had no inclination.

Despite the curses erupting from their captive the three black leather clad men carried on tying him up coolly and calmly even speeding the process up upon hearing their captains command. Eventually when Jared was entirely bound tight and lay limply on the floor one of the three men took a gag out intent on stopping the torrent of wrath that was expressed by words flowing from Jared's mouth. Seeing the gag Jareds howling reached a frenzied crescendo "You may kill me however my uncle, Jufer still runs free, till the day he dies the Shak-" Jared's sentence was interrupted by the gag that was stuffed unceremoniously into his mouth.

Each of the three men responsible for tying Jared up took up a length of rope, each of the ropes were connected to Jared's bound feet, placing the ropes over their shoulders they turned to their captain Rhangh signalling their readiness to depart with slight nods. The party of seven turned on their heels without a single glance cast towards Destro whom still sat upon a rock by the fire, they started walking whilst dragging the struggling Jared, beginning their short journey back to Shuda.

If any member of the party of seven had caught the look on Destro's face as they left they would of been bewildered and surprised. Currently his face wasn't the serene collected mask that had been present on his face ever since Jared showed up, instead his facade had been discarded revealing his true emotions which were an ugly mixture of surprise, wrath and regret. The moment the name Jufer had been frantically howled by Jared Destro's face had been twisted drastically.

Jufer was Destro's saviour. If it weren't for Jufer gifting him Leo six years ago Destro would just be a memory very few people remembered. However he was still alive and had an irreplaceable companion by his side thanks to Jufers kindness. If Jared truly turned out to be Jufers nephew and Destro had just allowed these men to take him away to a sure death he would never be able to face the man whom he owed his life to, he would never be able to thank him sincerely with a clear conscience.

However if Destro acted rashly and it turned out that the Jufer Jared referred to was not Destro's saviour then Destro would of enraged the largest power in the district, undoubtedly a fatal enemy, all over a youth who had no ties to him whatsoever. Destro's mind was in turmoil however he knew time couldn't be wasted. Decisiveness was a trait he possessed, he decided that just asking Jared directly which Jufer he referred to would solve the issue and if the group wouldn't allow Jared to answer his question then Destro would fight them, even if the Jufer he knew was of no relation to Jared he would of spited the Shakur clan, an action Destro had no qualms doing.

Without moving Destro raised his voice and loudly proclaimed to the departing party "Can you allow me to ask your captive one last question before your on your way?" The sudden out of the blue request from the savage caught Rhangh unawares, however as he turned around to curtly dismiss the barbarians request he hesitated. The savage sat there resting his chin lazily on the Runed blade, dangerously staring neither coldly nor warmly at him.

After a decade in service facing countless tribulations and dangerous situations Rhangh's sense for danger was keener than mosts. That keen sense of danger was what made the older man hesitate in dismissing the savages request. Pondering for a moment he decided to rely on his nose for danger that had kept him alive for this long. With a flick of his hand he motioned for the men to remove the gag from Jared's mouth whilst keeping eye contact with the barbarian. Almost subconsciously Rhangh's hand slid down his side till it rested comfortably upon the pommel of his sword exactly like it would if he was squaring off to a wild predator, both cautiously and slowly. Hesitating slightly one of the three eventually complied after Rhangh broke eye contact with Destro to direct a furiously stern look his way.

As the man was removing the gag from Jared's mouth Jared glared at Destro, no small amount of animosity visible in his eyes, as he saw it Destro could of alerted him to the arrival of the men earlier allowing him time to escape, instead he had aligned himself with the Shakur clan. Destro ignored that obvious hatred for him and asked his question "That uncle of yours that you mentioned, Jufer I think it was, by any chance did he at any time own that bakery and butchers in Shuda?" Surprise flashed across Jared's eyes as he realised this savage knew of his uncle, however his only response was a slight nod of conformation.

Seeing Jared's response Destro sighed heavily. Raising his head to stare at the captain, the man felt a cold chill. "Previously I believe I mentioned a lack of my hinderance in this affair" pausing slightly here Destro turned and cast his gaze across the the other six men before it once again settled on the middle aged captain. The voice that had previously been neither hostile or friendly suddenly grew frostily cold as he spoke once again, each word clearly pronounced "It pains me to retract that statement"

As soon as the word "retract" was said each of the seven men acted. Every single man drew their sickle like blades that glinted in the filtered moonlight and turned to face Destro. The seven pairs of eyes that stared at Destro had changed from the slightly wary and respectful gazes he had drawn before, now they had grown cold, menacing and ruthless. Smiling coldly at the tensed men Destro stood slowly as if their hostility didn't affect him in the slightest. With a steady hand he grasped the Runed blade that had been planted in the sand with the pommel staring heavenwards in his firm right hand. The rasp of the metal being drawn from the sand overshadowed the crackling of the dying fire. Stillness was all that followed the sound. Destro stood there relaxed, his complexion terrifyingly cold and aloof, his sword sat loosely in his palm with its tip pointed towards the ground. The seven men facing him wielded their blades threateningly brandishing them in his direction. It resembled a picture, a lone figure serenely standing by a camp flame facing seven figures whom lurked at the edges of light partially consumed by the shadows.

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A momentary glance was exchanged between two of the leather clad men before they began to move out around the edges of the camp intent on surrounding this lone barbarian who had turned hostile. Following suit the other four leather clad men cautiously fanned out as well creating a semi circle around Destro. The two opposing lead roles in this pantomime remained perfectly motionless, facing each other, trying to feel the other out whilst six other figures slowly edged around the sides of the camp, all the time keeping their honed weapons pointed at Destro's heart. As soon as the six had entirely surrounded Destro stillness descended again. However it lasted for a mere moment this time before the first leather clad man on Destro's left charged with a gallant roar.

Responding to the sudden burst of motion Destro swung his sword through the dwindling fire in front of him flicking the crimson embers straight towards the face of the captain. Deftly Rhangh swayed to the left avoiding most of the embers however the burning debris had spread out midair and some scorching embers still hit him in the face. With a agonised cry he fell to the ground frantically pawing at his eyes trying to get the embers off his face. Continuing the stroke through Destro turned and clashed with the descending swing of the charging opponent, Destros Runed blade that was now wreathed in flames landed heavily on the side of the falling blade knocking it away, utilising the defenceless stance his opponent took he nimbly swung his sword back around and cleaved at the base of the mans neck.

Scarlet blood spurted forth as Destro's blade lodged in the dying mans collarbone. Gurgling, choking and holding his throat the dying man fell face first into the remains of the scattered fire, causing the aroma of burning flesh to waft into existence in the immediate vicinity. The four other leather clad men that had moved just after the first man were all enraged upon seeing their captain blinded and their companions life stolen away so callously. Four flashes of metal pierced towards Destro's midriff from four different angles as each man lunged forward. Excitement and passion awakened within Destro's eyes as four wrathful metal serpents sought after his life.

With a smooth turn Destro presented his cloaked back to two swords whilst facing another two. Extending his blade he deftly parried away one incoming sword from the front whilst positioning himself so the other would slide between his torso and arm below his armpit. As the sword tip was caught in between Destro's armpit the two swords strikes aimed at his back landed.

Desert Dire Wolfs fur was notoriously sturdy and wiry so facing these two ferocious blows most of the force was absorbed by the pelt. The blows were originally life threatening however because of Destro's Wolf skin cloak absorbing some of the force as well as the fact he had been expecting the two attacks and had allowed himself to be thrown forward by the two strikes negating more of the force, the two fatal blows were downgraded into attacks that barely penetrated half an inch into Destro's upper back.

The two blows from behind had pushed Destro forward bringing him into close quarters with the two men in front of him, he could feel the terrified heavy panting of the man who's sword was trapped in Destro's armpit brushing across his hair. Like a separate entity with a will of its own Destro's flaming blade streaked forth and cut the throat of the man who's sword he had parried. The other attacker in front of him who's breath he could feel rustling his hair panicked further seeing his brethren slaughtered and whilst Destro's sword claimed the life of one man his teeth clamped around the throat of the other. With a vicious twist and tug of his head he ripped through the leather and the throat of his attacker.

Fighting and living side by side with nature had taught him nobility was perilous in fights, any means taken to win a battle was a means of saving ones life. Hence he had adopted such savage and barbaric fighting methods, techniques that truly matched the wild aura he emanated.

Pulling their swords out of the back of the barbarian the two assailants hurriedly backed away to join the fifth leather clad man who had held back in the first round of exchanges. Quizzical looks were plastered over the three men's faces as they struggled to ascertain the situation. However their quizzical looks quickly transformed into looks of aghast horror as they saw their two companions crumple to the floor dead, joining the first man who's hair had been ignited by the embers he had fallen on, further strengthening the stench of burning flesh in the vicinity. Crimson blood spurted forth from all three of their throats and the man responsible for their murder tuned to face the three survivors appearing innately demonic.

Destro stood there grimly with his flaming Runed blade in hand whilst scarlet blood dripped slowly from his stained mouth onto his hard chest and the now loose paws of his wolf cloak. All three of the remaining men sucked a breath of horror in as they stared at this blood crazed savage whom had provoked them. The single leather clad man who hadn't exchanged blows with Destro could only stare slack jawed and whisper to himself "monster" as he recalled that previous short frantic exchange.

The entire engagement had lasted for a mere seven seconds and within those seven seconds Destro had blinded Rhangh, slain three of the leather clad men and destroyed any moral the other three grunts had. Had any of the three men not been facing him in battle they would just nod and sigh in approval and praise whilst calling the fourteen year old a true battle prodigy.

Jared lay to the side entirely ignored by everyone watching slack jawed as Destro who he thought had some ability single handily decimated half of the punitive force that had been sent to retrieve him. Inwardly he cheered the savage youth who claimed there ages weren't dissimilar onward praying that through some miracle he really could defeat all of the Shakur clans men. However whilst Destro was busy keeping the group entertained Jared had started to slowly wriggle further down the dune, shamelessly resembling a worm, intent on placing some distance between the fighting parties lest his defenceless self was harmed.

With a maddened roar Rhangh rose off the ground. Angry red burn marks were clear all over the mans face and his left eye was radically deformed, an ember had horrifically blinded the man, gooey liquid seeped down the mans face which was all that was left of his eye. Seeing the captain rise Destro could only sigh to himself and mutter darkly to himself "Where in seven blazes is that dammed mutt"

Fixing his working right eye on Destro the wounded captain let out a feral growl "I'll slowly kill you myself you pestering little fuck" As the words came out of the enraged mans mouth his right forearm began to emit a shining red glow. The red glow grew increasingly brighter until it was far to blinding for anyone to stare at, appearing to plunge the desert back into daytime. Diverting his gaze Destro could only stare at the ground instead of at the sun like figure of the Mastiff Corps member Rhangh. As rapidly as the light came the light receded, only to be exchanged with a spine chilling feral growl.

Slowly raising his gaze from the ground Destro locked gazes with the rabid Rhangh, what met his steadfast gaze caused nervousness and apprehension to sink their sinister claws into Destro's heart. Standing beside the berserk man who was drawing in deep ragged breaths was an equally rabid and berserk great blood red canine. The Mastiff must of been a metre and a half tall, it wasn't to far from seeing eye to eye with Destro. Glinting fangs were on full display as the RedDesert Mastiff throaty growled at Destro, sensing whom its masters enemy was. The bulging pelt of the dog barely contained the rippling muscles that lay underneath, it's eyes were beady and sinister, all that was contained within were bloodthirsty instincts. The thick aura it emanated told Destro this beast was at least a rank two Fiend if not a rank three Fiend.

However what was even more shocking was that the mans right forearm which had born the branded Rune and snarling mastiff tattoo had been transformed. Rhangh's right forearm had taken the form of the Mastiffs lower leg, the branded Rune was also significantly enlarged, whilst the tattoo had disappeared. The only difference was that the four claws of the paw were elongated, each claw bore startling resemblance to a sinister dagger.

Laughing madly Rhangh sneered at Destro "Today I'll allow you to experience dying at the hands of a member of the Mastiff Corps, a fully fledged Fiend Master and his Fiend Beast, savour these fleeting moments well you little shit" Laughing manically the Fiend Master took a single step forward intent on ending Destro's existence.

As his foot landed in the sand a piercingly loud sound rung forth that made the advancing murderous man halt. Hesitation and trepidation appeared in Rhangh's face as the sound echoed across the dunes, compared to the outright terror that surfaced on the the three grunts and Jared's face. The rolling sound was a crazed canines wrathful howl that simply made ones heart palpitate. One could decipher from the howl that the canine was infuriated by the trespassers who so brazenly wandered into its territory, it was a warning howl, a warning that the canine would be seeking the blood of the first fools its fangs caught.

Giggles bubbled up in Destro's throat as the previous slight sense of fear was thoroughly washed away. Looking at the slightly unsettled Fiend Master and his rabid mutt confidence welled up in Destro, his rock in the stormy ocean of life had finally found its way back to him. Flashing a charismatic smile at the disfigured and transformed Rhangh Destro slipped the Dire Wolfs paws apart allowing it to heavily collapse to the floor, freeing his wild chestnut locks that tumbled down his bloodied face "I've had this pelt for a while, truth be told I'm rather attached to it, however I suppose it's time I accept that I need a new one" confusion cut through the bloodlust in Rhangh's eyes for a single second before it was buried by rage again. Pausing before glancing at the RedDesert Mastiff Destro continued with a rather suave smile, contrasting strongly with his unrefined aura, Destro savoured each syllable as they rolled off his tongue "I always thought that I'd look majestic in red"