{"id":289,"date":"2024-11-20T22:53:23","date_gmt":"2024-11-20T22:53:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=289"},"modified":"2024-11-22T04:08:07","modified_gmt":"2024-11-22T04:08:07","slug":"elrin-daun-and-the-grumbsy-gang-chapter-16","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/?p=289","title":{"rendered":"Elrin Daun and the Grumbsy Gang – Chapter 16: HIM"},"content":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Having spent nearly two weeks at the town of Heather\u2019s keep we decided it was finally time to return to Grumbsy. Most of our business was done the first day when we sold the weapons and the Osirion steel we found in Crypt. Though several of my compatriots had their own little side projects during our stay.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish was learning how to smith better. Roan was doing some shady stuff with Gimble in his office that I don\u2019t think I ever learned about. Zorthos also spent much of his time studying various magical weapons. The rest of us did what we normally did around town. I sparred with anyone I could find, with varying success. Played a lot of music at the Braided Beard. And drank there as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

On our final day at Heather’s Keep I spent much of my evening talking to the new friends I\u2019d made. All of my compatriots seemed to be having a great time as well, until I noticed Vergusson looking just a little bit distraught talking with Premy, a gossipy server at the Braided Beard. It was quite loud in the tavern but I was confident I heard them talking about Verg\u2019s father before I sat down in the stool next to him to hear them more clearly.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe married a Reija?\u201d The half-orc shivered. \u201cDisgusting. Blood elves are the worst elves.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhose fucking a blood elf?\u201d I interjected like I was invited. \u201cYour dad?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGods no,\u201d Verg shook his head. \u201cShe married my uncle.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d I believed I had connected all the dots. \u201cYeah we\u2019ll take her out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> Syrielle was suddenly standing next to me. \u201cNo one fucks with Verg.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan quickly declared, \u201cHe\u2019s our special boy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri, was holding a massive ax that would have put any weapon the half-orc himself had ever held to shame, \u201cYou want me to cut a bitch?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were all shocked and Syrielle was the first to ask, \u201cNydorri when the fuck did you get a war ax?\u201d The wood elf herself looked at the weapon with confusion.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat’s not one of ours,\u201d Gimble happened to be drinking next to Roan.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When we didn\u2019t get an answer Syrielle turned back to the original topic. \u201cWho are we agreeing to kill?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSome Reija bitch that\u2019s banging Verg\u2019s uncle,\u201d I patted the still shivering half-orc on the shoulder. \u201cAnd since he\u2019s a bad guy, she\u2019s a bad guy, it all adds up to us taking her head.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNaturally,\u201d The Tellir nodded. \u201cSo she\u2019s here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo,\u201d Premy was incredibly worried. \u201cPlease don\u2019t fight people here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re heroes buddy,\u201d I assured him. \u201cOur mission is to slay the most wicked things that walk this Earth and keep fine establishments like this safe.\u201d At that point I overheard Glish talking shit to a few dwarves in the corner, he threatened to murder each of them in a unique but uncreative way. \u201cWe may have some things to work on.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI hear you\u2019re picking fights with war chiefs,\u201d Premy snarled. \u201cAnd probably the deadliest Orc in Kayos. For all we know he’s the greatest warrior on the whole continent.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI wouldn\u2019t say that yet\u201d Gimble shook his head, \u201cNot him. No, but I agree. These people have a lot of work to do before they go picking fights with Reija Queens and Orc Chiefs. And what better way to upgrade then here and now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re right,\u201d I hopped to my feet realizing I only had one day to do business with the greatest weapon crafters in all the land. \u201cI have all this gold, I can afford to spoil myself with some nice armor and tools of war.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cYou already know a blacksmith,\u201d Glish whined. I didn\u2019t even respond.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I marched straight into The Gift Shop. It was a massive room nearly the same size as Grumbsy\u2019s entire marketplace. From wall to wall weapons and armor were on display. Shelves upon shelves of swords, axes and more.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a hill dwarf sitting at a desk not looking up at me. \u201cHello Mr. Dwarf. I am Elrin Daun of Gladland, the fighting writer and I am told this is where one is to come for weapons and armor.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The hill dwarf smiled back, \u201cYes. My name is Kronu. What exactly are you looking for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat doesn\u2019t help me\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cDon\u2019t you guy\u2019s have like magic stuff?\u201d I shrugged. \u201cI don\u2019t even know how to ask?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHuh\u2026\u201d He didn\u2019t know what to say. \u201cI guess. We got like, every kind of weapon so just say what you want and I\u2019ll bust out the magic stuff and talk prices. Armor, we got full plate, chain-mail, and an assortment of leather padded options.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell I hear Osirion steel chainmail feels like cloth on the skin,\u201d I inquired.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOf course,\u201d Kronu walked towards the back door of his shop. \u201cOur cheapest Osirion steel armor will net you about 4000 gold.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI have three gold\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was a chuckle behind me. \u201cWhat happened to \u2018<\/span>I have all this gold\u2019?<\/span><\/i>\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cShut the fuck up Yarrick. Nobody even knows who you are.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

By the end of the haggling process I ended up with a new rapier enchanted with just a bit of fairy dust. It was twice the price of a standard rapier, but was vastly more durable. It also had the potential to cut ghosts and possibly be used to counter certain magical abilities. Though he explained those tasks were rather skill based and didn\u2019t explain the skills at all.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After that, I upgraded my leather padding to include mystical properties to protect me against the majority of projectiles. He said it isn\u2019t always consistent, which is why the price was so cheap, but it should stop damn near every arrow and spear coming at my stomach, chest or shoulders.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Swords, axes and other melee weapons would treat it like regular leather armor.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When the transaction was done it was time to head back to Grumbsy. I asked around for horses until Gimble walked over to me and ended my requests. \u201cLet me give you all a ride home.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cLike a piggy back ride?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The old hill dwarf guided us to the base of the mountain he called home. There we found a large metal carriage, with a very similar object we saw on the boat they took us out on. An engine it was called.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

All of us were able to sit in the back and then off we went. Faster than any carriage or horse I\u2019d ever seen. What was once a 4 week walk, turned into a three day drive. I frequently stuck my head out the window and let the air hit my face. So did everybody else, particularly Vergusson who liked to hold his mouth open when he did it and let his tongue wag in the wind.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

When we arrived back in Grumbsy, I insisted I be the one to stick my head out the passenger seat window and wave to the people on my way in expecting them to be excited to see us. But they couldn\u2019t care less when I rolled up. Except for a town guard named Frank. Though he didn\u2019t wave back he just frantically ran into the Titan\u2019s Trap.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The second I stepped out of the vehicle Trant was in my face. \u201cThey need you in Nayberton immediately,\u201d His finger was waving in a circle, \u201cSorry, hi how you? How was your trip? You get Laid? People are gonna be dying, I think, unless you guys go to Nayberton now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Gimble was more than happy to be of just a bit more assistance. The car turned a day’s walk into barely more time than an evening show. Warriors from all around had gathered at Nayberton in anticipation of combat. Some of them hopped to their feet when they saw us coming. One of them screamed \u201cThat must be them!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNo it\u2019s not,\u201d Javier shouted as he came sprinting over to us. \u201cThose are Trants friends.\u201d The mayor, who I\u2019d met only briefly, looked at us with a bit of worry, \u201cWait Trant still likes me right? I don\u2019t know a lot of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAll that bastard told me was I\u2019m here to help the people of Nayberton,\u201d I hopped down on the dirt in the middle of the street we just invited ourselves onto. \u201cHappy to not fight the other help if that\u2019s okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The mayor chuckled, \u201cOf course,\u201d He waved us along. \u201cPlease come with me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The barkeep led us inside his establishment where there was a man and a woman sitting at a table. \u201cEveryone, this is Tanner and Malory Core. The founders of Nayberton. They\u2019re the ones with the problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

They both inspected us. Tanner chirped. \u201cYou look like an interesting bunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cWe\u2019re a hell of a lot more than just interesting,\u201d I declared. \u201cI, Elrin Duan of Gladland, the fighting writer, stand here with the greatest warriors in Kayos. With us on your side your safety is more than assured.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cGreatest warriors?\u201d Tanner\u2019s curiosity had risen. \u201cTrant\u2019s mentioned folk like you a few times. And the funny little song boy that hangs out with them.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cUhm\u2026\u201d Malory complained, \u201cYou and Trant never tell me anything.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell then allow me my dear,\u201d I shouted. \u201cStanding to my left, is the Sensei Supreme, Syrielle Hano. The Mistress of Merciful Mayhem. Don\u2019t say anything too naughty though, or you\u2019ll receive a lot more mayhem than mercy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle nodded and mouthed, <\/span>It\u2019s true.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cTo my right, is the prettiest orc in all the land. Vergusson, the prince of Kayos itself. If you\u2019re ever wondering what he\u2019s thinking. He\u2019ll tell you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI like turtles.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Continuing to my right I announced, \u201cAnd over here is Blondos,\u201d I hadn\u2019t ever thought about what to say about Blondos. Everything was aimed at Zorthos. \u201cThe mystical destroyer of all things evil. With the flames of Hades in the hands of Justice, peace is soon to follow everywhere he goes.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He snapped some flames from his fingers without disturbing his glamor.<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> Back to my left, \u201cAnd those two over there are Roan and Yarrick. I\u2019d tell you more but they\u2019d rather I didn\u2019t.\u201d Both of them crossed their arms and went sort of back to back. Which should have been hard at their height but for some reason Yarrick was standing on a chair. I\u2019m glad Roan didn\u2019t need more said about him. For a second I thought he’d whine I didn’t hype him up more, but he sort of loved the mystique angle I took.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHere we have the lady of the leaf. Nydorri the Bear Vine.\u201d A name I hadn\u2019t checked with her yet, but she genuinely did not give a shit. \u201cFall for her at your own risk. Harm the forest and the critters around us for certain annihilation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Several of the men fawned over her. Myself included.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Pretending as if I had forgotten, I said, \u201cOh and that\u2019s Glish.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cBest for last,\u201d The hafflin pumped his fist.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Bastard won this round.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay,\u201d Tanner nodded, \u201cSo we are definitely confident you are good at talking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHoney,\u201d Malory complained. \u201cThey look pretty dangerous and they\u2019re here to help.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cRight,\u201d Tanner nodded. \u201cSorry I\u2019m a little on edge with everything going on. It\u2019s been a stressful few years running things around here and now some old debts from Eurome have come back to haunt us.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cKing Thraine,\u201d Malory shuddered at the thought of the ruthless Lord of Bulgram.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cHe sent a messenger not long ago.\u201d Tanner put his arm around his wife. \u201cTold us Nayberton and the mines around belonged to Bulgram. Last I checked, the throne did have any claim to the land of Kayos. And as far as we knew, they weren\u2019t much interested in the wild lands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve been keeping things pretty safe,\u201d I told him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan snickered next to me, \u201cI\u2019d say we\u2019re pretty fucking dangerous.\u201d Everyone agreed with him more than me. Including me.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Javier put his hand on my shoulder, \u201cWe came to Kayos to escape their grasp. All of us. If they wish to trade with our resources, then they must learn to play by our rules as well. But if they want a problem\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a smile I finished his thought for him, \u201cThen they got a fucking problem.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> Delighted, he shook my hand, \u201cWelcome to the coalition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Just then, an elf man stepped into the door. Nydorri waved, \u201cHey Zet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s up Nyd?\u201d Neither of them looked at each other. Zet just walked forward to Tanner and Malorie. \u201cWe just got word. Someone\u2019s coming. One person. We weren\u2019t able to get anything else, but we know that it\u2019s just one.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cWho?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t know,\u201d Zet shrugged as if he didn\u2019t have enough information about the festival happening this evening.\u00a0 \u201cOur friends who know things aren\u2019t that friendly. All they could tell us was that Thraine was only sending a single assassin. One. Tonight.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s all they\u2019d say,\u201d Javier looked very confused. \u201cThat seems like sketchy specific information to have without having more information.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThey wouldn\u2019t misinform me,\u201d Zet explained. \u201cThey just don\u2019t tell you anything for free. Information comes at a cost. So they never really give straight answers to anything unless you earn it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri grinned, \u201cHis friends are always like that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zet pointed at her, \u201cShe\u2019s the worst.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> I almost added, <\/span>it\u2019s true<\/span><\/i>, but I chose a wiser path of silence.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cAlright,\u201d Tanner stood to his feet. \u201cWe can\u2019t let Bulgram take any land in Kayos.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOh, we\u2019re just going right into it?\u201d I looked around to see who was ready for a speech.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWe all came here for a dream, to be the greatest warrior, the sexiest whore, the silliest bard and the dumbest elf,\u201d He spoke with great confidence and yet everyone was pretty confused exactly who was who at certain points and nobody was happy about it. \u201cBut if the throne comes stomping in with their shit, well I\u2019ll be fucking damned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nobody was hyped, so I sarcastically pointed out, \u201cYou\u2019re great at this\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

He was clearly aware of my skill set, \u201cWould you mind?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe king wants to bring his <\/span>Order <\/span><\/i>here to Kayos,\u201d I turned away from him as I spoke, locking eyes with all the warriors around us. \u201cI walked amongst the <\/span>Ordered<\/span><\/i>. Through the blood and the shit of the poor and the forgotten. Rotting like animals while kings and queens grew fat on thrones.\u201d There was like thirty people inside at that point and every fucking one of them was shaking with excitement. It wasn’t in my head, everyone told me about it later.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThe civilized are those who walk together,\u201d I screamed and everyone was a bit confused but <\/span>hoorahed <\/span><\/i>anyways. \u201cThe enslaved are those who walk below the weak. Within the <\/span>Order.<\/span><\/i> The enslaved accept their position. The civilized accept their savagery! They embrace Kayos!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

People outside came running inside very worried due to all of the yelling. Which is bad because we should have scouts outside, but I was in the zone so I couldn\u2019t stop and remind anyone. And I might have been the only one who noticed, everyone else was pretty locked into my monologue.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cSo you can tell that tiny dicked king, to keep his fucking order,\u201d I pointed in what I immediately realized was the wrong direction but couldn\u2019t back down, \u201cBecause we\u2019re perfectly civilized with these bloody savages.\u201d I held my hands up to my own friends, specifically Vergusson who was smashing his fists together while drooling quite a bit.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

After my speech was over, and everyone was ready for blood, nobody congratulated me on a job well done. They just sent me outside to patrol the perimeter. I walked around on the Northside of town. Looking out into the woods. Knowing full well, that with people like Yarrick out there, I will absolutely have no chance of catching this dude. Which means there\u2019s a very good chance I\u2019m about to literally just die. Just like that. Out of nowhere. One minute I might just be thinking about something important and the next minute\u2026<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Still, I did my job.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

It was a calm warm night, without a single passenger. Until of course I spotted a very peculiar figure walking down the road towards us. The faint sound of whistling echoed in my ears. Despite showing absolutely no signs of threatening behavior, I could just see that this was the assassin we were waiting for. It was the eyes that gave it away. Even from a distance.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stranger was walking down the road. Not sneaking, just walking up, whistling all the way until he was close enough to say. \u201cWell hello there,\u201d The traveler, who I could now see was an elf, stopped abruptly to wave with closed eyes. \u201cI\u2019m told this is Nayberton\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt is in fact,\u201d I replied. \u201cGenerally one of the safer towns in Kayos. As long as you don\u2019t try to bang anyone\u2019s wives and sometimes the wives don\u2019t tell you their a wife it\u2019s a whole thing. But tonight we may have a bit of a bigger problem I\u2019m afraid. A couple of nice folks are in trouble. An assassin is after them and we\u2019re all on high alert.\u201d My eyes never looked away from the stranger for a second.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m told those folks are very nice,\u201d The traveler bowed to me. \u201cBut unfortunately, gold is quite nicer. I\u2019m afraid I am He,\u201d There was heavy emphasis on the letter H, \u201cThe assassin you are waiting for. It is my duty as a proper warrior to advise you to step out of my way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

There was no way I was going to attack this elf alone. But I couldn\u2019t act scared just yet, \u201cAnd I would advise you to get running before I call for help. Perhaps I\u2019m not the scariest man you\u2019ll meet, but I know an orc and a pretty little young thing that\u2019ll slice you and dice you quicker than I can come up with a clever threat.\u201d Despite using other people to threaten him, I held a demeanor that suggested I alone could tackle armies.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I received a face of great perplexion. \u201cWhat? You\u2019re gonna call for help. Do you not believe in yourself?\u201d The assassin took a step towards me. \u201cThis is unacceptable. You can\u2019t go into battle if you do not believe you can win every single time. We\u2019re going to fight. Right here, right now. And you\u2019re going to prove to yourself who you really are!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2026 Huh\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Wagging a finger with a stern voice my inevitable opponent explained, \u201cIf you don\u2019t try to kill me, I promise I will kill you. So pull that sword out. And I may show mercy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I ripped the rapier from the sheath. I wanted to shout for help, but it felt safer not to. My foe feinted a punch and I lunged with an attack. I swung several times, before I was kicked in the gut toppling me over.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Standing over me, arms crossed,\u00a0 the stranger said \u201cI\u2019d love to have more fun. But I am on the clock. You understand?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cExcuse me,\u201d Syrielle shouted as she slowly walked towards us. \u201cWould you mind explaining to me what is going on here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m the assassin,\u201d The assassin waved excitedly. \u201cWould you like to fight?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She shrugged, \u201cSure.\u201d Her opponent was unarmed, so she wasn\u2019t going to draw her sword either. I like that she wasn\u2019t necessarily blood thirsty. It was the fighting she liked, killing was just a consequence of her favorite activity.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

With a faint then a jab, she threw a spinning kick, the elf easily grabbed her leg, then spun her around, throwing her down the road. She rolled along before regaining her footing nearly 40 meters away.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

More of our allies came running over to us. Vergusson taking the lead keeping his ax on his back. The half-orc was flipped over immediately, then put into a chokehold. Before he went unconscious the elf let him go, shoved him to his back, and stuck a foot on the barbarian\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

About 10 warriors stood around preparing to attack. \u201cI don\u2019t know why these two didn\u2019t use their weapons.\u201d The stranger looked over to me with confusion as if we were friends, \u201cWhy didn\u2019t they try to kill me? Isn\u2019t that your job? Kill the assassin hired to murder Tanner and Malory Core. That\u2019s the assignment is it not?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t know how to respond.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cOkay well,\u201d The lone warrior smirked as the warriors all circled around. \u201cIf nobody tries to kill me I\u2019ll start killing kids or something and maybe even do stuff that\u2019s even worse if I can think of it,\u201d Looking back to me for approval the assassin asked. \u201cYou think that’ll work?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I lunged at him with my sword, knowing damn well what was going to happen. I was on my ass in a second, and the children of Nayberton were one step closer to not being slaughtered. I believed what the elf was saying. I really really did.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos threw a flaming spear that was snagged straight from the air. The devilman charged with an ax and a sword, as Syrielle leapt from her crash site, katana out. Roan was lighting a torch to his right thumb as everyone else had their own projectiles out.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Nydorri knelt down manipulating the weeds around the assassin\u2019s feet, but they couldn\u2019t hold such a fast and powerful fighter. Zorthos was right there to intercept when the assassin hopped out of the way, but the devil man was quickly hip tossed into a house before the elf man landed back on the ground.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle\u2019s blade missed, and she took an elbow to the gut. She didn\u2019t fall to the ground like me, but she was in a lot of pain. Vergusson\u2019s ax came towards the assassin\u2019s head, but the strength of the warrior was enough to grab the large weapon with one hand. Verg took a front kick to the chest sending him somersaulting backwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Roan was firing stones once everyone was clear, but they were all dodged. The sailor was on the ground a moment later. The flame was out, and the thumb was broken. Our other nameless allies attacked from all directions. A whirlwind of kung fu kicks sent them all hurdling every which way.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

In the midst of holding Beardorri by the throat with one arm the elf\u2019s free hand reached behind him and intercepted a long blue rod with a gold silver tip that was bursting with electricity that was coming straight for his back.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Yarrick\u2019s eyes filled with horror as his magical weapon was stopped in its tracks.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he received a kick to the face sending him hurtling backwards breaking his grip on his weapon.. The magical spear that Yarrick apparently didn\u2019t sell to the dwarves was then tossed out into the woods. The elf shook his hand out and gaze at his steaming palm with a laugh.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then he finally casually tossed the unconscious Nydorri, who\u2019d transformed back into an elf, on the ground next to him.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Zorthos blasted his red beam, but it was easily dodged. He blasted a bunch more, but the assassin just playfully danced. Syrielle and Vergusson attacked in unison. Roan managed to hop to his feet and join the frey as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Glish was right in there too, swinging at the feet trying to keep our foe off balance. So I jumped in as well, genuinely honestly believing we had it this time. I saw a couple of arrows fly through. And a vine came whipping over everyone\u2019s head like a whip. Nydorri was snapping her attacks in between the rest of ours.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

And once we were all finally attacking, was when the warrior finally smiled.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

First, Glish was thrown at Yarrick. The stealthy archer was hanging upside down from a tree branch holding a bow, and the collision was very loud. Then the assassin dove towards Nydorri, throwing a split kick to knock Syrille and Vergusson away as he went. Nydorri tried to react in time but was choked out again, faster than before.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I lunged in but was back handed, and I don\u2019t care what everyone else was going through, it fucking hurt. Smoke suddenly covered the battle, but the mysterious warrior leapt right out of the fog. Zorthos quickly formed, but only to be punched in the face immediately. Syrielle, Verg and Roan were back in the fight. So was I, but he kicked me so hard in the stomach I thought I was going to die.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Blood was pouring from my mouth. My ribs were definitely broken. He was bored with me at that point. From the sound of things everyone else was as beaten as I was. Roan landed abruptly on the ground in front of me. Glish came hurtling once more, this time smashing the sailor in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Both were grumbling in agony afterwards.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

We were all broken, bloodied, bruised and beaten. I was one of the few who was still conscious at the end. \u201cGood job everyone,\u201d The lone mercenary who whipped all our ass declared like a proud father. \u201cYou all did your very best. Every one of you tried your absolute damndest to kill me and none of you held a thing back. You fought to the exciting conclusion. The children of this town are safe from my petty wrath. You have my word.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI look dead?\u201d A very stupid girl shoved her katana into the ground and used it to drive her whole body up. \u201cBecause I don\u2019t feel dead.\u201d She was trembling, but if she was facing off with anyone else, I\u2019d still be pretty terrified for whoever they were.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The stranger showed nothing but delight.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Then a low grumble alerted us she wasn\u2019t alone. Verg was using his weapon as a very similar stabilizing point as her. \u201cIf she\u2019s going\u2026 I\u2019m going.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The assassin figured their friendship out that very instant. \u201cYou two are adorable. And I very truly mean that. The flames of Kayos are alive and well in your hearts. Without greatness like the two of you, there can never be legends like myself. So thank you for being so great.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy pleasure,\u201d She spat blood on the ground in front of her.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

As Vergusson dragged himself forward, the assassin looked him up and down, \u201cYou look familiar. Give Me a second. I can get it\u2026 DoomRock. You\u2019re with the DoomRock clan.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI was\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n


\n<\/span> \u201cOut here\u2026\u201d The greatest warrior I ever laid eyes on admired the prettiest orc in all the land. \u201cYou\u2019re clearly half human as well. Vergusson. That\u2019s you. I knew your father quite well. A fun spar. Not nearly fun enough to kill\u2026\u201d With a quick snap of the fingers the fierce fighter switched his tone to a far hungrier one, \u201cNow you\u2019re uncle on the other hand. That orc interests Me. One day perhaps.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Vergusson spat blood at the mention of his uncle, creating a smile from his enemy. \u201cYes,\u201d Chills ran down the spines of everyone as the ass kicker said any words. \u201cYou might be an ant to him now, but there\u2019s many powerful orcs that would love to impress him with your head. And I\u2019d hate to stand in the way of such incredible battles to come. You have much to fight for. Why waste your life on me?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI just wanna kick your ass.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Even through the smirk the assassin seemed a bit sad at the orc. \u201cI love bravery, but the poor decisions will be your downfall before greatness can be achieved. And as I said, without greatness, legends will never be born.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know what that means,\u201d Verg said before he lunged. Syrielle jumped right before him. Her sword was caught in the palm of the warrior\u2019s hand while Verg\u2019s ax was kicked away. The assassin\u2019s free hand gripped the half-orc\u2019s neck, choking him unconscious like he did the bear.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Syrielle tried to attack but was kicked in the chest sending her rolling through the dirt again. When she leapt back in, Vergusson and the sword were both tossed away. The hand that grabbed the sword was bloody, but it still gripped around her neck.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cNow you are one I do not recognize at all\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWell that\u2019s just rude,\u201d She choked out the reply.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure there\u2019s a purpose out there for you as well. A fighter such as yourself. So much greatness in you there is. There are so many questions to ask about you. So many answers many would want to know. And yet, you throw all those questions away to reaffirm the answer you already have. My only question is why?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cMy friend already told you,\u201d Her knee slammed square to the jaw, releasing the grip on her neck, \u201cI just wanna kick your ass,\u201d then she threw an upper cut which was dodged. The she was punched in the face.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

She stumbled but kept herself upright just fine. When she threw another futile punch, she was thrown through a window nearby. I didn\u2019t hear her move after that.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The assassin promptly spun around and walked on into the tavern.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

I don\u2019t know why I rose to my feet and walked towards him. I heard the screams inside, saw a few people come hurtling out of the windows. And I knew there was nothing I could do. But, still, my body moved forward. Even though the children were safe, I still moved.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Soon I heard the screams of Tanner and Malory. Bloodcurdling howls, pleading for mercy, until suddenly they went silent. They all went silent. Just as I reached the door, the assassin exited the building with that same smile I saw when he came walking down the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been fun My friend,\u201d A hand extended to shake mine.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cWho are you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\u201cThat\u2019s a very complicated question My dear,\u201d The stranger looked off down the road deep into the forest searching for an answer. \u201cOn the one hand, I am nobody. Just a stranger with no name. But also, I am Him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Previous Chapter<\/a> : Next Chapter<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Previous Chapter : Next Chapter   Having spent nearly two weeks at the town of Heather\u2019s keep we decided it was finally time to return to Grumbsy. Most of our business was done the first day when we sold the weapons and the Osirion steel we found in Crypt. Though several of my compatriots had […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-289","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=289"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":313,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/289\/revisions\/313"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=289"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=289"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deficientlyattentive.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=289"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}