It was clear to Aaron after training with the spear that he’s a natural. wiping the sweat before it froze it still was cold even though it’s been a month since the three of them left the city together and it’s still not much warmer I guess I overestimated the difference
“nicely done” William said
“Soon I will teach you more advanced forms” leaning on his celestial iron spear, how did he get it? after a month I still didn’t come up with anything
“I don’t like this day routine I can’t see very far” Omari said parched on a oak tree the brown landscape looked gloomy with only a small village up ahead was the only form of life on the hilly planes besides the herds of behemoths behind them
“looks like more snow” Aaron remarked
“of course it is we should find shelter in that village over there”
“I agree” William said Omari took off flying ahead of them as they rode to the village. As it began to snow
“It's happening so fast!” Aaron screamed over the wind and snow
“Let's find an inn and wait it out” we quickly found out there was no inn, the wind died down a little and sent moas to a nearby stable
“Now what?” “Just follow me” he knocked on a round house more roof then wall “do you know them?”
“no” the door opened to a young man with a blonde beard and a young woman with blond hair
“we are travelers and in need of aid can we stay here till this storm passes” he moved out of the way and hurried them in
“Of course you can,” the woman said. It was a humble home with little light so he instantly held a ball of skylight to light up the place in blue light as they gasped. William turned to face Aaron so fast with a wry expression
“magic!” they said said in unison
“a godling” the man with a blonde beard said
“yes”
“we thought only lord Falkner and lady Nyssa were the only godling's in the whole kingdom” she said
“There is another but first can I relax? we have a long journey and thank you for your hospitality” William said
“this way” she said happily showing them their bed
“Thank you” Aaron said sitting down on their bed as they went to start the fire place “do you think Omari will be alright?” Aaron whispered
“he should” William said sounding wry
“you should not have flaunt your power so”
“I did by instinct and I will use it as I will” frustrated why should I listen to him he hasn't use magic in over twenty years laying back and listening to the wind howling outside shaking the roof a little there were scratching at the the and their host opened the door and Omari walked in covered in snow “thank you for your hospitality my name is Omari” walked over to the lit fireplace “so godling you have some unusual friends” “my name is Aaron and yes I do”
“right” she said “so Aaron if I may you don’t look like a lord of any kind why?” a puzzled expression on her face
“I’m a farmer” Aaron admitted a little embarrassed of being a godling and a serf “oh were candle makers sorry I’ve never met a godling since the gods abandon us” she said so casually, do they really think that the gods abandon us? she looked Aaron up and down
“hey brother I don’t think we told them are names”
“You're right we did not, I'm Elric“ Elric said coming over and sitting next to the moon owl
“and I’m Elly “Elly said, “if you're brother and sister, where are your parents?” William said near the fire
“they died a few years ago and we took care of each other since” Elric said “you look a little old to still live together
“yes we get that a lot but we can’t afford another house and neither of us have found the right person yet….but look at me yammering about are lives you must be hungry I’ll fix you some dinner do you want anything Omari?”
“No” Omari said flatly she got up and went to the kitchen to fix dinner. As she was making dinner William Elric and Omari talked around the fireplace about kingdom matters like the monsters and how we were all getting separated and news wasn't getting around as fast
“any news from the southern kingdoms?” William asked
“the news has been nothing for years there hasn't been trade there in over a decade”
“That long?” sounding astonished “all who venture there haven't returned and before that news is they all left” “a whole kingdom?” Omari asked
“two kingdoms, the one neighboring it has gone silent as well as if they disappeared. I'm surprised you haven't heard about” sounding dumbfounded
“could it be trolls and goblins?” Aaron said shocked at the news
“no if so they would have sent pleas for help” Omari said
“Dragons?”
“with no refugees no” Elric said
“No monster I know of could have done this to make two entire kingdoms” William said
“why would they just leave everything behind?” No one had an answer to that question. Elly came over and put the stew on the hook in the fireplace. William looked troubled by the news as Aaron. How could two whole kingdoms disappear for a decade
“What about disease?” Aaron pouted out
“it’s the best expansion I know about” William said
“maybe but with one hundred percent of people dead I’ve never heard about and what about diseases pass over I’ve never heard of one lasting over a decade and if one did why hadn't spread here by the wildlife it doesn't add up” Omari pointed out “we could be here talking for hours of what could have happened but it does no good” Elric said
“agreed let’s discuss less dark matters” William agreed
“but did you hear lord Falkner and lady Nyssa ran away or were kidnapped?” Elly asked remembering that man at Cromerth
“I’ve seen him at Cromerth” Aaron said slowly. They had a look of shock on their expressions
“Why was he at Cromerth?” they asked at once “I only met him for a moment” Aaron admitted, does he know what we know he hasted to be after the power why else would he leave his castle? Did his father send him a map too? Aaron thought
“do you think it has something to do with princess Lily?” Elly said perplexed “probably” Williams said
“Is dinner ready?” Elric asked
“no not yet” Elly said rolling her eyes after a few more tries Elly gave up and checked the pot over the fireplace
“it still makes no sense for lord Falkner and lady Nyssa to just leave” Elric said shaking his head
“it’s a mystery” Aaron said soon dinner was served stew with potatoes, peas carrots and lambchop chunks it was so good it’s been weeks since we had a hot meal after they ate except for Omari all that after he said goodnight to their hosts and went to bed to William and Elly and Omari talking.
In the morning Aaron awoke to something poking him in the gut to find Omari watching him “you should get up” then hopped away to the fireplace. after getting washed up and getting his change of clothes.
I like Elly and Elric. I could tell them about my mission and bring them with us. Can they fight monsters? It might not work William soon woke up
“morning” he yawned
“morning” William replied yawning Elly and Elric were still sleeping on the floor
“do you think we can take them with us I like them” Aaron whispered “no we can’t I like them too but were we are going the less people who know the better we don’t want competition”
“Besides we can’t trust them with this kind of power” Omari said turning his head almost all the way around to look at Aaron
“What about Lord Falkner are we supposed to believe that he just left his castle and left without a word to anyone he must know. I don't know how but he must. We can use them. We need more people. There's safety in numbers. And besides you agreed to let Omari join us”
“that’s different and I didn't let him join he can fly so we can’t out run him as for Falkner I don’t know how but I won’t leave that possibility off the table” William whispered back
“And a good thing I did” Omari said
“now lets get are stuff and leave” that tone of voice said I’m done talking about this
“Fine,” Aaron muttered even though he disagreed. I guess I’m outvoted but I also want them to get killed but then again I could protect them sure I failed that one night but that won’t happen again I’m more experienced with the spear and my powers
“no I’ll ask”
“Why are you being difficult?” heat in his voice
“don’t forget you swore to obey me!” Aaron whispered as to not wake them up
“That was a foolish thing to do” Omari said “don’t you start I’m leaving with or without you”
“fine let’s go” gritting his teeth they were still asleep as they left there hosts without saying goodbye
putting his cloak on and pulled up the hood it’s getting cold at least he found the stable and Aaron went over to Daisy stroking her head while William payed the owner a short plump woman with brown hair then were off on the road not a half a mile away from town Omari flew over and landed on a nearby boulder “I need to hunt I’ll be back Omari said “if you seek wisdom speak now or wait”
“no” Omari said
Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.
Then he took off flying south
“So how did we not know two kingdoms who we share a border with disappear?”
“I knew trade died over a decade ago but I never imagined this let’s talk about happy things” William said trotting along the main road meeting no travelers I wonder what Jessica is doing right now is she helping mother with the garden this spring she will need the help or I could it’s so hard wrap my head around becoming a god
“Do you like Omari?” William said pulling me out of my thoughts “ya he seems fine why?”
“I just don’t trust him a whole lot that's all” or he’s making sense and you can’t control me as easily. Aaron watched Omari flying in circles over a small village. taking a small dirt road to get to it the brown round houses were speed out so only one house within ten feet with few exceptions and no one was seen living only a few stray dogs Omari landed on a roof nearby
“trolls or goblins must have taken them away” Omari said casually
“so close to town why doesn’t the town know about it?” Aaron cried
“We must warm them” William said tugging on his rains to turn his moa around. Goblins and trolls they are probably going to eat the villagers kicking Daisy to a gallop back to town once inside the gates
“get your town watch your knights and your local lord. I need to speak to them” William called some people paid him no mind but others went to do as he asked at a run. They waited as the head of the town watch, five knights on their moas and their lady rode towards them. She had on a light red riding dress the skirts were split to the upper thigh for more ease of movement it exposed some chest and shoulders if she was cold she didn't show. her long dark brown hair slightly curled and tied with blue ribbon
“What is the meaning of this?”
“the other village with no palisade” pointing to the direction of where they came from
“Monsters have taken the villagers recently but I believe we can save them if we are swift and warn the farmers!” William said the captain of the town watch hurried to get men to warn the local farmers the lady looked shocked
“I knew they should have built a palsied” she muttered turning to her knights “arm every able body man with sword or spear or even pitchfork and gather them here” they hurried to do as there lady asked dismounting to pull out his spear from the pack moa looking at mount
If it wasn't for this we could be at its base in a week or two or three but who would I be if I let the villagers die
“Do you think we will save them?”
“possible not but we will make sure they can’t hurt anyone again pulse we have Omari to scout for us”
“You and Omari are going to find them then meet us back here where we will come up with a plan” William said
“I’m on it” kicking Daisy into a gallop to the village riding alone with monsters nearby set him on edge. I am son of the king of the gods. I can handle goblins but that didn't reassure him much as he galloped into the deserted village dismounting to check for tracks since Omari was nowhere in sight there were some human sized ones. goblins no doubt and some huge ones trolls. trolls are known for teaming up with goblins to take villages growing up with stories about trolls big, fat, and ten feet tall. He’s been told that they can pick up and throw a moa and with a thick hide. It's safer to bring ten men to take on one or one godling. I have now idea if I can take one on. Following the tracks there was a large group here just west of the village running up the slope seeing footprints. They are definitely in this direction. More big footprints in the snow. There must be five or six of them and who knows how many goblins
Omari came flying towards me landing on a oak tree branch with such force the branches shook
“what are you doing?”
“following the footprints” Aaron replied
“William could have guessed I was to do the scouting, sending you out here was a poor decision” he’s right what I’m I doing following his every wish I should listen to Omari more often
“Did you find them?”
“Yes, about six miles to the northwest about three hundred and most are Alive but for how long I have no idea how much time they have and five hundred goblins with maybe six? Seven? trolls”
“Great” what a mess this day turned into. I'll eat lunch though never fight monsters on an empty stomach. eating dried meat, cheese and hard bread, same old same old It’s not nearly as good as the stew last night thinking about leaving my new friends behind upon returning to town. as the gates shut behind me a crowd had gathered. villagers mostly farmers and craftsmen with spears, pitchforks and small round wooden shields gathered around Lady…she never told them her name was garbed in mail in the back issuing orders on her moa, a large one with pale tan feathers almost yellow. she look grim at the three hundred or so men and a few women Elric could be seen at the back of the line with a light cloak shivering with a short spear and small shield riding up to him
“What's the plan?” startled Elric, turning to look up at him.
“When our scout returns he’s going to tell us where we are then going to set an ambush to hopefully gain victory. Have you ever been in a battle?”
“Once up north with the king and lord Falkner” his eyes grew wide
“I’ve never had to fight many monsters before” wait scout? that could be me
“I know where the enemy is, should I tell your lady?” rubbing his chin
“I think that would be wise yes” he began to shout to make way for the scout and Aaron rode towards the front of the crowd watch the men and women watched him as he made his way to there lady who locked eyes with Aaron with a curious expression
“my Lady the enemy is about six miles north west” Aaron said
“William said you were fast but I had no idea you were that fast” she exclaimed
“What are we waiting for? night is not that far away” her bodyguards looked at Aaron funny as if he challenged her
“we need to wait as we gather more men” she replied “how many?”
“three hundred hostages and five hundred goblins maybe seven trolls” Aaron replied she didn't like the sound of that looking at the crowd I could die easily what if I slipped out with Omari and let William deal with this restoring the gods is more important than this but what god would I be if I don’t try there is always retreating but if I get injured it will make it more difficult
“Can we move?” Elric asked
“oh yes let’s get to the back so there aren't so many eyes on me” Aaron said still troubled what to do they ended up sitting near the gate as men talked in the crowd with spears or swords at their hips all had shields and most had gambeson armor
“So godling can you use magic to help?” Elric asked hopeful
“I can” he seemed relieved that
William rode in with about a hundred more men. That was around four hundred, we were outnumbered and they have trolls. This is going to be a hard battle. Maybe I can slip out and continue the journey but deep down I know I can't. I won’t leave Elric to his fate. I should not even though he was terrified gritting his teeth
“So when do we leave?” Aaron asked
“shortly” Elric answered as William rode by to there Lady by his side was a miner lord in a rich coat, a long white beard and a bald head with a mountain of a man in mail lance ready a few of the men in the front Aaron noticed that they had better armor and weapons that feeling of unease returned as he watch as men and women armed themselves for battle
“Where are the other lords?” Aaron asked
“further south and north” Elric said a short man was walking towards them, on a second look it was a woman clad in a gambeson tonic and a short spear in both hands it was Elly! Looking scared to death
“What are you doing here Elly?” Aaron asked
“I’m taller than most women and so here I am” her voice broke a little as she spoke “we need everyone we can get” Elric said
“Will it help If I told you my experiences?” Aaron asked, they both nodded so he told them about how the men of the north and how he charged with their king riding a mastodon which they marveled and saw the king then rescued lord Falkner from being killed. When he finished they were somewhat comforted about the whole ordeal.
a horn sounded and everyone began to march four hundred strong with Aaron in the lead as Elly and Elric behind the knights and lord and lady William rode beside him “so I’m the scout?” “You can levitate so yes” William replied a little offended that William just thrusted it on him without asking. I'll worry about it later. Omari could be seen flying overhead making sure no doubt that they aren't the ones getting ambushed.
the hilly terrain won’t make be good for setting a trap but there were a fair amount of trees in the distance but a forest by any means by the time we reach the village all conversation was cut like a knife passing by the silent houses nothing could be seen but soon left it behind a reminder of what they were fighting for
“you are going to take on the trolls” William announced quietly
“what?” Aaron said with alarm
“you're the only one with magic so we need that on the trolls” makes sense but fear formed in his belly. Maybe the stories were exaggerated but that did little to reassure him. Why couldn't it be just goblins or satyrs like last time? Sure they were scary but at least they weren’t as tall as a man on a moa. wishing wouldn’t get me anywhere. focus when they were about a mile away from their camp. Aaron dismounted
“Now take about fifty men with you and lure them to us” William said he just nodded, taking with him fifty men and marching spear in hand. walking past oak and pine trees keeping low to the ground as much as possible so as not to get spotted by the monsters soon they went slower to not get spotted.
“Are we really going to run a whole mile?” one of the men asked, looking at Aaron
“I’m sure they will set the trap closer but they needed some time” Aaron assured. I hope, how long did they come up with this plan anyway? They had hours. A little farther they could see smoke so they headed carefully but tried to hurry as much as possible because the sun began to set. They took a little rest to recuperate well, everyone except Aaron anyway. just breath in and out just breath Aaron thought trying to muster courage before getting everyone up and moving again the soft sound of boots on the snow suddenly sounding loud
“I’m going alone to scout so there isn’t any surprises” Aaron announced hearing no response only seeing the scared faces of the men made him gulp then heading to source of the smoke crawling the last few feet over a large hill goblins could be seen green skinned men and women with big noses. three hundred of the villagers were tied up in the middle of a clearing a few were roasting over the fires witch made his blood boil then he noticed the trolls ten feet tall humanoids with greenish black scales and a mouth with sharp fangs some of the women trolls didn’t bother to cover very well there seemed to be over a dozen of the beasts. crawling back to the men
“alright follow my lead” they slowly walked up the hill then charged yelling and waving their spears which seemed to confuse the monsters for a moment then with howls of rage they charged up the hill. which in tern they ran as fast as they could back down the hill with some of the men calling insults Aaron levitated down the hill ten feet off the ground
“this way!” Aaron called hovering straight back the way they came with most of the monsters in hot pursuit. They started throwing rocks or stone tipped spears as they ran witch killed or tripped some of the men witch of the ones left behind were killed there cries of pain were almost deafening making Aaron almost turn around to save them but he knew they were as good as dead. There was nothing I could do for them now
Then men and women sprang from the trees on either side of them attacking them on either side everyone turned back and charged them head on as a dozen knights charged from behind. unleashing skylight on any troll he could see and goblins who got too close arrows started zipping past him and he fell to the ground. I guess a hoovering man is too easy a target, remembering when the thieves shot him. The battle seemed to be going well as far as Aaron could tell
until a troll ran up the front and with a huge club swatted the front line seeing no one else who could take him on Aaron charged. throwing skylight but he blocked with his free forearm howling in pain thrusting at his soft belly it went in cleanly ducking his counter attack before seeing the world lunch as Aaron was hit in the chest with a meaty fist. laying in the snow dazed. knowing he was going to die here the troll walked towards Aaron with a grin where is spear? trying to rise but only succeeding in rising to his knees.
Then as if out of nowhere Elly and Elric charted the beast with war cries and blood tipped spears stabbing him in the thigh and and armpit with a swing of his club he crushed Elric’s head then grabbed Elly and squeezed breaking her neck. faster than what should be possible. with grim determination Aaron rose up a little dizzy and threw skylight in his face when he covered his face with both hands as he blocked Aaron picked up Elric’s fallen spear and lunged for his throat watching with grim satisfaction as the spear head sunk into his windpipe hanging it free as blood gushed out soon the troll bleed to death.
looking at the ruined bodies of the nice people who took them in without thought sickened him. just like that they were dead, all their hopes and dreams gone. the battle raged on taking up Elly’s spear no longer cared about his safety the goblins fell before him skylight burned them then stabbing them while they were vulnerable soon the battle was won as the last goblin died or fled in every direction cheers went up at the victory
But Aaron felt numb, letting her spear fall to the ground. Almost everyone including Aaron left to untie the villagers leaving the dead in the snow. Night had fallen when did that happened? Almost two hundred dead by the look of things In the middle of the militia walking shoulder to shoulder in a daze until they reached the fire. gasps could be heard at the fate of some of the villagers. People ran to untie the shivering survivors, some of whom were dead on the ground for later. unsheathing his hunting knife cutting the ropes of a middle aged woman. She cried and thanked him which improved his mood a little. Once everyone was freed some had to be carried for their lack of shoes. leaving with the refugees nearly eighty of them the rest were dead and over three hundred must have died in the battle all he could think about as they hiked back to town where are the kings knights does he not know or care what goes on in his kingdom could his arm be so weak and why would the gods make such creatures? No answer could be found to my questions poor Elly and her brother Elric you won’t be forgotten I vow it as he passed through the gate.