Chapter 15 - Blair’s Arc ( Special )

[ Hey, I am back with vengeance, so if you are weak and can't handle graphical violence go away...you have been warned~ ]

Blair casually waited at a table, slowly sipping tea from an ale mug. It wasn’t the first he visited that place, but the preposterous idea of using an ale mug to serve tea kept surprising him.

He took a look around scanning the ordinary looking wooden room that wouldn’t feel out of place if it was a main room of an inn, though there were some slight differences. First off there were the customers in the room, each of them had a kind of martial air about themselves and a sizable arsenal of arms to match it. Secondly, almost no one, at least no one on the second floor was drinking alcohol. Instead, there was a wide array of refreshments available, including exotic and expensive ones like tea or coffee... -' Though they are still served in ale mugs... '

Blair sighed and took another sip. Same as others, he was waiting for a new commission and the second floor of a Mercenary Guild was quite prestigious. Blair's gaze traveled to the opposite side of the table, where a tattooed giant was sitting and drinking earnestly, Blair reminisced about their recent meeting...

Blair was still astonished by the things that he had learned from Oliver during their talk in a warehouse. Finding out that he had been fooled by some assassin’s apprentice wounded his pride a bit, but after hearing about some of the things that were happening around him he didn't mind it that much.

-’ This was seriously evil, sending some clueless adventurer on a suicidal investigation cos they can’t die... and promising only a barest hint of recognition because adventurers think its normal. I wonder if game developers realized that their advanced NPCs, with their almost unlimited freedom, could be flawed in a way as they would try to exploit players as soon as they learned about players attachment to the questing system. ‘ Blair mused and was grateful that there were NPCs which did not participate in the conspiracy…

-’ Hm...or rather they knew I would be a valuable asset once they cut my willingness to work with the Captain of the Guard, making me indebted to them in the process. ‘ Blair sighed as he realized that everyone had an agenda…

-’ Just like in real life, some people just want to eat, while others want to make a fortune...using others backs as stepping stones. Anyway its best that I hide that I am an adventurer from now on. ‘ He looked around again.

Baleg,a pseudo viking warrior with whom Blair fought in a warehouse earlier, was probably the only person in the room who was drinking alcohol. Blair shook his head, as he remembered how the giant just took his full force swing that was augmented with a ridiculous skill and laughed it off after he stopped pretending that he was taken out.

-’ He should be fine, he is one of the regulars. Not to mention that the ale is watered down. ‘, Blair shrugged and tried to ignore concerns regarding his new teammate, they joined forces after the warehouse incident when Baleg offered to partner up with Blair.

-’ Heh, being called a decent warrior for an adventurer...I still am unsure whether I should be pissed off or honored by that remark... ‘ Blair’s musings were interrupted by a powerful blow to his shoulder and he was barely able to keep himself from falling to the floor.

-” Ha, work’s coming Blair. I thought I am going to sprout leaves and become a tree from all the water…” Baleg rose up and his towering figure moved in the direction of the stairs.

Blair saw one of the clerks motioning them upstairs, where rooms for private dealings were located.

Soon Blair and Baleg entered a plain wooden room, which could be considered bare, as apart from a simple wooden table and few chairs there was nothing noteworthy inside. Baleg closed the door and moved to take a seat at the table. Blair followed suit while taking a good look at a stranger that wanted to hire them.

A man in his early forties was square faced had deep set eyes and an aquiline nose. His hair was long and grey, slicked to the back and held there by a clasp. He was wearing teal doublet over a silk shirt and had a ruff around his neck.

Stranger made a welcoming gesture and, without pause, began the introductions:

-” Greetings warriors. I am Francis Bolton and I am in need of bodyguards… “

-” Hmh, are you sure you asked for the right candidates? I mean, guys at the ground floor are much cheaper and proficient enough to run a bodyguard job… “, Baleg asked directly. Blair couldn’t help but be astounded by the big man who was crude, direct and simple, but by no means stupid. He had to admit that it was actually quite the opposite.

Francis didn’t seem offended and interjected Baleg's speach as a giant made a slight pause:

-” ...and meat shields. I am well aware of that, unfortunately my predicament requires professional intervention and I would rather pay that outrageous fee to you, rather than to the brigands. “ Francis seemed angered, but it was evident that the object of his vexation was not here.

-” Understood, could you explain the details? “, Baleg leaned forward and dropped casual manner. -" I take it this more of beat 'em up kind of deal? "

-” One of my precious parcels was stolen from the Courier’s Coach during brigand's ambush. Since it was really important to me I had it locked in a magical strongbox and I am glad that I did. Brigands sent me a ransom request and wish to exchange it for a substantial amount of money. I really need my parcel back and I can have only two attendants with me during the exchange. Can you do it? “, Francis looked at Baleg anxiously.

-” This seems like a reasonable request, so lets talk details. What can you tell me about brigands, exchange and compensation? “, Baleg’s direct attitude radiated professionalism and confidence, that seemed to put their prospective client at ease, though it was at odds with his bearish look.

-” I know little about the brigands, but I believe there is around a score of them. Exchange will take place in the woods, so it's likely that their true objective is to bait me into an ambush. As to the compensation, if exchange succeeds I will pay you ten golds. If it fails, but I get the item back, I am inclined to pay you a full sum of fifty golds. That’s assuming brigands don’t steal it and I am unhurt. “ Francis calmly outlined details of his request.

Blair sucked his breath upon hearing those words. This was his first serious commision at a Mercenary Guild, but just the lower sum dwarfed his earlier earnings by an order of magnitude.

-’ That’s ridiculous amount of money! Is this normal for everyone on the second floor? I will need to ask Baleg later. ‘ Blair thought in shock.

Baleg laughed and said loudly:

-” Hah, if you put into a contract ‘bruised but unhurt’ you got yourself a deal! What's your say Blair? “

Blair quickly muttered his approval in shock.

-” I am glad that we have come to terms gentlemen. “ Francis risen from his seat and extended his hand.

-” Call me Baleg, and this lad is Blair. Don’t let his sneaky appearance mislead you.. “ Baleg shook Francis’s hand.

Blair risen, riled by the words.

-” Who are you calling sneaky? If you continue to insult my honor I will gladly settle it out in a duel! “ Blair exclaimed while giving Baleg a threatening look.

-” There you have it. Anyway, lets settle this officially, I will get the clerk. “ Baleg abruptly changed the subject and left, leaving Blair to exchange an awkward handshake with Francis.

-’ One of those days he will say one thing too much... ‘ Blair thought, but couldn’t stay angry at Baleg.

Soon a guild representative arrived and wrote a contract in three copies, one for each party and one for a guild archives to prevent forgery. After official signing, the representative and Francis left, so Blair and Baleg started preparations for the escapade.

[Two Days Later...]

Blair, Baleg and Francis assembled before the Mercenary Guild. Preparations were over and each of them had a horse ready.

Baleg was wearing long and thick wolf skin cloak, with actual wolf head serving for a helmet. Blair couldn’t help, but notice that the cloak was hanging strangely. As he asked about it, it turned out that it was reinforced with mail swathing.

-” This thing must weigh a ton! “ Blair exclaimed while looking at Baleg with astonished expression, also the giant didn’t look impeded in any way by the weight of the cloak.

-” Maybe, but it will keep any sneaky bastard from stabbing me in the back or shooting an arrow up my ass. “ Baleg responded crudely, but it was evident that he took a great pride in his cloak.

Baleg was also wearing a thick leather graves and forearm protectors, both reinforced with thick metal plates. Heavy metal gauntlets protected his hands or rather, turned them into potential mangling implements.

On his left arm the giant was hauling a big and oval wicker shield, while for a weapon he had chosen an unusual morning star. It was more like a really long metal baton that was almost five and a half feet long. It was elongated and ended with a small metal ball that had five large and sharp spikes - each in every direction with fifth one at the tip. It also had a leather loop at the handle to prevent disarmament in heated combat.

-’ Hmm, I haven’t expected something this...practical in a fantasy themed world. ‘ Blair thought, while he mused how well the weapon matched with Baleg’s height, fighting style and armor.

Blair settled for his usual attire and estoc.

-’ I wish I had a different sword, estoc is really good in the city, but I am more used to tournament long swords. Also, in combat with several opponents a normal sword would be better. Pity that all the swords that are available in the shops are heavier and bulkier than the ones I am used to. Well if we do this well I will be able to afford ‘that’ sword. ‘ Blair mused as he recalled a fine, slim blade that he had seen at weapon master’s workshop, but had no hope of getting enough money to buy it before.

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They exchanged greetings and without further delay mounted their horses before departing.

Three hour ride to the appointed spot was uneventful and riders relaxed during that time. Baleg even started chanting some hymn in his strange language. When asked he explained that it was a battle song about some barbarian hero that could break chains with his sheer might and slaughtered everyone left and right, with quite a bit of focus on the gory details it seemed.

Eventually, they reached the woods and dismounted. Horses were tied to an underbrush, to prevent them from getting in the way. Afterwards the warriors followed Francis into the woods. After thirty minutes of brisk walk they reached the clearing and there were humans waiting for their arrival.

Blair and Baleg followed Francis as he walked to the middle of the clearing. Glade was around 15 meter wide and there were about eighteen brigands positioned around it. Handful of them bearing bows.

Before them there was a bandit clad in dark studded leather, he looked like the leader. This notion was only reinforced as he spoke:

-” Nice of you to accept our terms, though the look of your guard seems quite excessive “, gaze of the leader was focused on Baleg’s impressive form.

-” So I should have brought two courtesans as my retinue, so you could have good time while you rob me raw? “, Francis said in condescending voice.

Leader gave him a measuring look and responded:

-” Hmm, that certainly would have been nice of you. Anyway where’s money? “.

-” Show me the chest first. How should I know you even got it still? “, Francis responded vehemently.

Leader sighed and rolled his eyes, but gave a signal. Soon two thugs went and returned with small metal chest.

-” There you have it, nice and new. Now the money! “, Leader said threateningly.

Francis fished a purse from under his doublet and opened it showing big glinting pieces of platinum.

Leader’s eyes lighted with greed as he exclaimed:

-” Ok, boys take them. Whatever it is we want everything! “.

At those words Francis did as he was told earlier and dropped to the ground, while Baleg rushed to stand over him. Blair wasted no time either as he charged at nearest brigand.

As Blair neared, his opponent extended his blade to stop his charge. Without slowing Blair assumed Rushing Boar stance, with his sword just above the earth and his body almost laying on it - kept up only by the momentum. In a quick motion he lunged his blade upward, skewering the brigand before he could react.

Then Blair made almost dance like pirouette to free his blade and used the motion to suddenly slit the throat of approaching brigand. As brigand expired in the fountain of blood, Blair was already on his next target, quick lunge brought interception of his opponent, but brigand was nowhere good enough. Slight turn of the wrist caused the tip of a Blair’s blade to curve under enemys guard and nestle neatly into his heart.

Blair took a turning step back to free his sword and was almost too slow to block enemy’s overhead blow to his back. His interception, parallel to his back, took the brunt of the attack, but the blade was forced against him.

Blair was glad for his leather tunic which was now cut instead of his flesh when he forcefully bull rushed at his enemy, swords still locked against Blair’s back.

Enemy was not well versed in combat and before he knew he had his face smashed by the pommel of Blair’s sword. The brigand dropped instantly.

Barely in time, Blair made half turn and another blade slid against his stomach, instead of skewering him. Blair grabbed enemy’s sword hand with his left hand and casually moved his blade from below to pierce enemy’s gut.

Last opponent seeing that Blair’s blade is blocked tried to hit him with powerful overhead slash. Blair calmly looked as the blade came at him, letting go of his estoc he grabbed the sword that was being dropped by his previous opponent’s weakening hand.

-’ Geez, is this slow motion movie or something? Any of the guys from Sweden I fought in recent tournament would have already finished me off and bowed to the applause thrice ‘, He thought as he bent his knees to get a bit more time to raise his blade.

Swords met with a clang and Blair started to push at his opponents blade. As soon as he met resistance he suddenly went soft on his sword letting enemy’s blade slide next to him, while pommel of his sword went nicely into position. Three savage blows turned enemy’s face bloody and broken,  most of his teeth decimated.

-” Thirty years too early for such plain attack to work “, Blair said as he decapitated his opponent. He looked around as another two, hesitant, brigands closed in and the one he stunned earlier was wobbly getting up...

Meanwhile...

Bandits tried to rush Baleg, first one that gotten within seven feet was assaulted with savage swing. Brigand set his blade in the way of an attack coming for his head, but he was unable to stop the momentum - his blade gave way and metal spike buried into his temple.

As other brigands ran closer, Baleg freed his weapon with powerful move, ripping large hole in the enemys head. Brigand that came close was stopped by wicker shield and metal shaft hit him across his shoulder sending him to his knees and breaking the collarbone.

Two arrows buried harmlessly in the thick wolfskin cloak, while third bounced off the shield.

Baleg brandished his morning star, in whizzing circular motion. Motion which was only accentuated by casually meeting kneeling thugs head, causing it to explode in fountain of gore, brain matter and bone.

Suicidal brigand saw this as his chance and tried to rush the giant from behind, others reacted to that too and tried to attack from the front at the same time.

The giant turned.

Wicker wall met thugs rushing from the front, while the one in the back was swung at. He vainly tried to turn the blow, which could not be dodged. Brigands sword was swept like it was not there and metal head buried itself deeply in his chest - smashing the ribs and the organs alike….

But Baleg did not stop, he yanked his bloody weapon leaving morbid hole behind. His weapon moved to the brigand which tried to get him from his right side. Brigand had only enough time to drop to the ground as deadly metal whized over him. Brigand’s companions still standing in front of Baleg had enough forewarning to drop back. Just in time, as metal weapon made a wicked whoosh in front of their faces, at insane reach, painting them with horror and leftover gore of their companions.

Meanwhile few more arrows buried themselves in the invincible giant. Baleg’s shield moved and intercepted brigand that was circling from his left, smashing most of his teeth in one blow and prostrating him on the ground.

Baleg’s weapon continued its rampage, making casual circle over giant’s head, and then  smashing first brigand that was trying to stand up in the back of his head. Second one soon followed and last remaining brigands looked around desperately…

And saw only carnage, their companions decimated while they were busy with the giant.

Archers were already running into the woods, while Leader looked at the chest laying next to him. Then his gaze met Blair’s and  he started running into the woods, rightfully assuming that this was the only way to survive.

Blair and Baleg quickly moped out surviving brigands, at least those whom still haven’t ran away yet…

The sun slowly moved on the sky as small silhouettes cleared the glade and then made their way back to the city. It was a nice day in the summer, only occasional cloud moving across the sky. It seems that no one paid any attention to brigands demise…

[ Meanwhile in the City ]

The scarecrows had a really bad day, some young lad was vehemently smacking living daylights out of them. Actually it was just another day when scarecrows had such problems.

Forest did not stop, urged ahead by his idol - Gerhard The Instructor. He was doing his best to beat better, faster, stronger…

An ordeal that changed slightly with time - sometimes he had to strike in a sequence, sometime marks were placed and he had to strike only them and eventually he had to strike marks in sequence.

But he did not waver, he only worked stronger. He knew that he needs to work hard to get better, he knew that with time he will be stronger and he was sure that there will be time when he will be able to have his own story…

..But that’s a story for another time… or never, not everyone is born a hero…

...Ah, and he was running errands to pay for his food…

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Hey~, Author’s here~

I wanted to make this a surprise bonus chapter, but I decided that I will release it as chapter 15 since it seems like good time. Don’t worry Almisha will be back in chapter 16 :)

Let me know how you liked today’s chapter, I would welcome your opinion very much.

[ Don’t worry they will like it ]

[ -” Why? How can you tell? “ ]

[ Cos its Violence obviously! ]

[ -” Hm, I am not sure.. “ ]

[ But you liked the gore! ]

[ -” That I did, but they are humans you know? They are weak and compassionate! “ ]

[ Ok, ok have it your way… *sigh* *muttering* Maybe its for the better that Author thinks that… ]

[ *loud whisper* Ok, readers, say nice things to the Author and I will get you more gore in the future. I am sure your bloodthirsty kind will dig right in~ ]

Cheers,

Mea, The Bloody Overlord [ -” Ops, that ones troublesome better to go for… “ ]

Mea, The Bloodied Overlord

EDIT: [ Everyone, Overlord saw that there's a contest incoming - Wizards in Wonderland. . . and guess what, Author just went on and accepted the challenge! Damn, Almisha's chapter 16 will probably be delayed *cry* ]

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 16 - The Flaming

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