A Dwarf's Tale: Will of a Silver Coin

We walked in the western tunnel. It did seem to go for miles. True to Drask’s word, we encountered nothing and there were no other intersections in this tunnel. It did dip and rise a lot, with many twists and turns, but in all, it was decent going. We did rest several times because of Kosser, but he never complained. I didn’t want to put any undue exertion on him. Hours later, we came to the exit of the tunnel. It was nearly dark. We decided to make camp here. We stayed fairly close together, but I took the exit of the tunnel as point and Torid stayed near the back. We kept the others between us. Kosser pulled out a small metal box with a flat top and a rather large pot. Inside the box, were several gems. I recognized his forever fires now, and thought this to be an excellent idea. Warm food, warmth in the coming night, were all good ideas. Kosser seemed to be pulling out vegetable after vegetable and started making a stew. Of course, I would prefer something with meat, but hey, I wasn’t doing the cooking. Vegetable stew with breads is fine by me.

“I’m surprised we made it out there alive. I had my doubts.” Woodard was shifting around a bit. “I truly thought we were dead when we exited the portal.”

“Me too guys. I didn’t want to be used as a pin cushion! And that library. Wow, a lot of information there. I hated the place, but loved the library.”

“What new information were you able to find out Tyna?”

“Well, mainly how the Great War got started. It was male ego basically. The ruler of Alifax was hell bent on destroying the ruler of Cloverdale and vice versa. Two archmagi, battling for who is better. Stupid war. Too many lives lost and too much destruction to nature. And for what? To see who had a bigger staff?”

I chuckled at Tyna’s joke. “There was also some cult following five hundred years ago too. I couldn’t find much on it. But there was a priesthood too in Alifax. That’s probably how the portals got made. I couldn’t recognize who this cult worshipped. I know of so many different faiths from so many beings. But this one, escaped me.”

“Tyna, you know, that makes sense. Fifty years ago, when I chased after the vampires, several looked like they were part of a priesthood. An unholy priesthood yes, but part of one nonetheless.”

“Don’t know about cult, but had fun smashing dead things. Too bad vampire not there. Wanted to smash him too.”

“True Torid. Since we disrupted the ’Leader’s plans so much, I expect that he will act irrationally. We must not assume he will keep the same timetable. When he finds out, the attack will be sped up. Speed will be of the essence.” With that, Kosser brought out some bowls and spoons, and ladled stew for all of us.”

“I agree Kosser. But we are on foot. It will take us a week perhaps more to get back. It is possible that the horde army will be in our way in getting back. I would say to find a town nearby and see if we can purchase horses. I do not know if that is possible. These forces have had this land under dominion for a while. There may not be any horses to buy, or anyone alive to sell horses to us.”

Woodard’s words were very pragmatic. I looked out of the exit of the tunnel. Fields and trees painted the landscape before us. There was no road heading west, but it was easy to see that this was a route that the horde army used. Because of so many, the ground was trampled upon over and over again. We needed information.

“Tyna, do you think you could communicate with the local birds here? See if they know anything?”

“I can try. Right now, owls would be out at night. They do not fly far, but they might know something.”

I nodded. We all ate, thinking about what to do. We could cover four miles per hour and a forced march for twelve hours or so. Roughly that would be about fifty miles a day. Five days time, that would mean we were two hundred and fifty miles away. We could do it faster if it was just Torid and myself. We could shave off a day. But Kosser, Woodard, and Tyna are not conditioned for that type of travel. It was a quandary to be sure. We all finished our stews and Tyna went off flying in search for owls.

“I am sorry for slowing us down. These old bones are not what they use to be.”

“Nonsense Kosser. Without you, for that matter, without each of us pulling together and sharing our skills, chances are none of us would be alive right now with a satisfied belly of your vegetable stew. It is a problem yes, but compared to what we have faced so far, it is a minor one.” I held up his goblet in gesture. “Something will come up. We just have to keep our eyes open, our wits sharp, and our hearts open for opportunity.”

A few minutes later, Tyna came back. “Guys, this is strange. There are no animals of any kind around. Not even insects.”

“How can that be?”

“I don’t know. But I’m telling you guys, there is no animal life out there.”

“Could it be we are still too close to Alifax? There was no life in Alifax.”

“Possible. Or, it could be something else.”

Torid burped. “Like what?”

“A danger equal if not more than the hordes of Alifax.”

“Such as?”

“Could be a number of things: powerful undead, dragons. Or simply, the ’Leader’s army and his vampire puppets could be that voracious. Vampires, if they cannot find suitable blood, will go after animals and insects.”

“So, are we safe here?” Tyna sat down against the tunnel wall looking scared.”

“We are safer here than going out there at night. Whatever the cause, we have to be on our guard.”

I nodded. “Ok, I’ll take first watch. Torid, I’ll wake you up hours later.”

“Ok, sounds good.” He already was stretching out and using his bags as pillows. Kosser pulled out another metal box, a bigger one, and put it over the smaller one. He then willed it to be warmer. Smart mage. We have warmth in this tunnel and not giving off any light. That is fine by me. My night sight is quite good in these type of circumstances. Also, I noticed that the sky had a thick cloud cover to them. Another aspect we didn’t count on: weather. That could really delay us further. The night, gave me a good chance to think.

If there was a way to have Woodard and Kosser Tyna sized, we could carry them with ease. That would be one way to make better time. I looked to the tunnel exit. I suddenly smelled snow. Going closer to the tunnel mouth, it indeed was starting to snow. The flakes grew in number, and the air got a bit colder. A blizzard was about to descend. Great. It was something to behold of with the serenity. Right now, it is a bane. This will further delay us. I remember seeing trees quite close by. We could make a crude sled for all of us to be on. Problem is, what would draw that sled? Any way you look at it, we are in need of mounts.

Time passed, and the blizzard grew in strength. The wind started to howl through the tunnel mouth. As I was sitting there thinking and brooding, somewhere ahead of me, there was a shriek, followed by a thud. I grabbed my axe and peered into the blizzard. Visibility was very limited. I waited for about a minute. I didn’t see anything approach. Against good judgment, I went out into the blizzard, towards the directions I heard the shriek and thud. It did sound to be quite a distance away. My body adjusted to the cold as I trudged forward into the snow. After a couple of minutes, I thought I saw a dim outline. Walking towards it, I saw it was quite large. From end to end, it was about thirteen to fifteen feet long. Getting closer, I could see it was some type of dragon. I could see both wings broken haphazardly. I also saw something protruding from the dragon’s body. It was a harpoon of some kind that pierced its chest. Also, the snow on the ground changed consistency. I reached down and scooped up a little bit. Bringing it to my nose, it smelled with some sort of blood. I put my ear to its chest. It still breathed, and I detected a very faint heartbeat. I lifted its head. “Can you hear me?” The dragon did not respond. I went to one of its claws. Gauging it, I slipped off my silver ring and put the ring on one of its claws. Ripping off some cloth, I securely tied it over the ring on its claw. The harpoon, was wedged inside of the scales. There was no way I was going to let a dragon out to die and freeze in this blizzard. I hefted its neck over my right shoulder and drew it up til the chest of the dragon was centered on my back. Gods, this dragon was heavy. Turning around, I retraced my steps slowly. I could barely move with this beast on my back. It took me several times longer to get back to where I could see the tunnel mouth. When I got to the entrance, I yelled. A few seconds later, everyone else came up. Torid helped me bring the dragon inside of the tunnel. We set him as gently as we could inside. Kosser lighted his staff and we all got to see the dragon.

The scales were blue gray. Both of its wings were indeed broken. It was indeed a harpoon that was in its chest. Woodard suddenly started performing a prayer. “Wait!”

“Why?”

“Time to get that harpoon out first. Be ready Woodard. Torid, I am going to need help with this thing.”

Torid nodded, his large hands with my own on the harpoon. “On the count of three. One. Two. Three.” We pulled the harpoon out. This caused to beast to awaken and shriek in pain. At the same time, Woodard completed his prayer and laid his hands on the beast. The dragon sighed, and then, was out again. I put my ear again to its chest. The heartbeat was there and so was breathing. But it was faint. To be sure, with the dragon in here, there wasn’t much room in the width of the tunnel.

“Tor, what happened?” Woodard asked of me while performing another prayer.

“Simple. I was seeing the blizzard outside, lost in thought, and then a shriek and thud occurred. I went out into the blizzard, saw the dragon, and carried it back here with a harpoon in its chest. The rest you know.”

“Tor, this not harpoon. This not metal. This spear. I know spear. Verbeeg spear.”

“Really now. A verbeeg spear. There was a verbeeg commander at the horde army at Sigur. Maybe we are near a camp of a verbeeg. Or maybe there is a lair nearby.”

“Or maybe there is a hunting party, and it may be here at any moment.”

“Right. Torid, grab your weapon. We both will sit at the tunnel mouth. If there is a hunting party, I want to know about it.”

“Verbeeg powerful warriors.”

“I know Torid, but so are we.”

“Yes, we are.” He had his sword and mace next to him sitting at the tunnel mouth.

About two minutes later, there were torches we could see. We could also hear. “Beast this way. Come slaves.” We could see five torches. We then could see five huge shapes shambling towards us. “Torid, stay here, and make sure none of them get in here.” He nodded to me. When they got within fifty feet, I broke the silence. “Halt. Who are you?”

“Who are you? These lands are mine. You are trespassing.”

“How do we know these are your lands? You could be robbers for all we know.”

“You are right. You don’t know. But what I do know, is that the blood of the dragon I hunt, is in your direction. It is simple. Give me the dragon, and I may consider sparing your lives.”

I could see them now. Four ogres and a verbeeg. You know, it is times like this I wish I had my bow with me. I didn’t think I would need it. Now, I am sorely missing my bow. Oh well, time to do this the old fashioned way. I stepped out of the tunnel. I got within twenty feet of them. They looked at me. “Dwarf, you would be smart to hand over the dragon.”

“I have another offer. Turn around, leave, forget about the dragon and me, and you will live to hunt another day.”

He thought for a moment, as did his ogre slaves. He guffawed loudly. “Dwarf, you have courage. I like that. But we are five and you are but one.”

“When you faced five thousand and you kill over half and live to tell the day, five vs one doesn’t seem like bad odds to me.”

Again a pause, and now more laughter. “The dwarf talks a good game.”

“At Sigur Fortress, I showed them my game.”

Now, there was real silence. “Sigur Fortress? The troops said that it was a demon that attacked them, killed so many.”

“So I have been upgraded to a demon. I accept that. Now, I am cold and tired. Your answer: do you wish to leave, or do you wish to die?” I was trying to gauge them, and perhaps bluff my way out of combat. Four ogres and a giant verbeeg is nothing to sneeze at. Their strength would be extremely formidable. Suddenly, their torches went out one by one. They were now in the dark. I wasn’t concerned however, as my night sight kicked it. I suspect that Kosser or Tyna had a hand in this. “Last chance. Leave or die. Know one other thing: I am not alone. And I do not mean the dragon.”

I waited there, seeing what they will do. “I ought to kill you. Come light, we still may. Come. Let us depart.” After a few seconds, there were no longer any huge shadowy forms in front of me. I turned and headed back to the tunnel mouth. I shook off as much of the snow as I could. “For now, they are gone. They will be back. Perhaps with reinforcements.”

“Then, it would be wise to leave this place as soon as we can.”

“Yes, but with this dragon being well.”

“Tor, we have a war with the horde to get to.”

“We are not going anywhere right now. It is still night time, and there is a blizzard in full rage outside. Plus, we cannot leave this dragon to the plight waiting for them. I won’t have it.”

“Tor, I can do much, but its wings are broken.”

“I know. And that is why I going into the woods. I will bring back saplings to make splints.”

“Tor, it will take weeks for the dragon to heal.”

“No, it will take less than a day. Count on it.”

“What? Now Tor, you are being silly.”

“Ask Kosser how silly I am. Check the claw with the cloth tied around.”

I went back out in the blizzard, towards the direction where I saw the woods. Some minutes later, I reached the trees. Taking my axe, I chopped up some saplings and stout branches. Satisfied, I gathered these up and retraced my steps back to the tunnel exit. I set down the wood and looked to the dragon. The left wing was broken only in one place, while the right wing was broken in three places. I took out rope, and measured the lengths needed.

“Tor, why didn’t you say you had a magic ring like that and that you put it on the dragon?”

“Why? Call it a secret. We had no idea what we were walking into in this venture. If everyone knew about the ring, and one of us were captured, could have been made to talk. And then, to be used in torture for giving up the ring. In short, I was doing it to protect each of you. Also, if someone was about to die, this will prevent death. What would of happened if it was Woodard? Kinda hard to heal when the healer is so badly hurt if not dead. But right now, this dragon needs us.”

“All, Tor is Tor. Why he do what he do? Because he is Tor. That is good enough for me. Now, Tor, how can I help dragon?”

“Torid, I do not know how the dragon will react. Hold the dragon against the tunnel wall as I set the left wing.”

“Ok, I hold dragon. Er, I try to hold dragon.”

I took some rope and wrapped it around its mouth. “Ok everyone, move back into the tunnel. Torid, are you ready?”

He nodded. I took the dragon’s wing, and put the wing back in place. The dragon shrieked and struggled. Torid did manage to hold the dragon in place. I worked quickly with the splint. I slipped the splint over the wing and pulled on the central rope. The splint was secured. I went to the dragon’s head and help it in my hands. “If you can understand me, I know it hurts. We are trying to help you, not hurt you. Nod if you can understand me.” I looked at the dragon’s eyes. It looked back at me for a moment, and slowly nodded. “Good. Your left wing was broken in one place. Your right wing will hurt more-it has been broken in three places. If we succeed though, you should be mended in a matter of hours, maybe a day, rather than weeks or months. Are you ready?”

The dragon nodded again, and I motioned Torid away from the dragon. It shift itself to the opposite wall, exposing the right wing. Damn, it was near mangled. I took the outer most wing, gauging my hands. “Ready?” It nodded. I snapped that part of the wing in place. It dug its claws into the stone. It actually dug claws into stone? Damn! “Ok, that’s the first part. Second part. Ready?” It nodded again, and this time, the dragon shrieked again. I allowed the dragon a few moments to recover. “Ok, this is going hurt like hell. Probably like the left one-it is almost exactly in the same place. Let me know when you are ready.” The dragon nodded, and then spoke softly, “Go.” I moved and set the wing. It screamed, its body quivering, the claws were completely in the stone floor. I maneuvered the sling and pulled on the central rope. The right wing was secure. “Ok, I got the sling on. You should be able to fold your wings, just not much else right now. Oh, and nice to see you can talk.” I moved to its face and untied the rope.

“Yes. I can talk. Where am I? Who are you?”

“I am Tor. That’s Torid, Kosser, Woodard, and Tyna.”

“Thank you. Water?”

I took out the goblet, and Torid took out one of the two very large goblets. It took a minute, but it was filled with water. Torid put the large goblet near the dragon’s head. It drank nearly all of it before lifting its head. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome. What is your name?”

“Bremis. I was flying with my parents when we got into this snowstorm. It became rough, and I lost sight of my parents. I tried to search for them, as they are probably looking for me. I flew down into these mountains, when a large ugly giant threw something at me. My chest hurt real bad. I tried flying away, but I couldn’t. I landed on the ground. I could hear you come to me. I felt you carry me. I heard you talk to that giant. But I couldn’t move. Thank you for saving my life. But now, I want to find my parents.”

“Bremis, the snowstorm is still raging out there. Here, you are warm, you are surrounded by good people. You need to heal. We will help you try to find your parents when the storm stops and it becomes light out. Ok?”

“Ok Tor.”

“Bremis, how long ago did you hatch?”

“I am nine weeks old.”

“Tor, this is amazing. A hatchling silver dragon. And one so intelligent! I have only seen dragons twice before in my life, but never up close.”

“You, are a magic caster Kosser? Maybe you can help me find my parents?”

“Sure Bremis. I can try.”

“Thank you. What is this about a horde army?”

Tyna fluttered down. “It’s a long story Bremis.”

“Well, it seems that I have time. Plus, I am hungry. Is there anything to eat?”

Kosser started up another stew for the dragon. Me, I was tired. I walked over to Torid. “Torid, can you keep watch? I need to get some sleep.”

“Sure Tor. Tyna gonna do story time. I do both: keep watch and listen to story.”

“But, you know the story, well, most of it.”

“Sure, but it fun.”

I chuckled. The ogrish rock has been destroyed. Out, came out the diamond Torid. I made my way back into the tunnel, took off my pack, and used it as a pillow. I fell asleep listening to Tyna’s storytelling. My mind replayed some of her story telling as that is what kind of dreams I had. Hard to believe only twenty four hours went by since we set out to destroy the portals. My body, since I put the silver ring on the dragon, was exhausted more than I figured.

I woke hours later. Everyone, except for Torid, fell back asleep. I gathered myself up, and went to Torid. It was still dark outside, and the storm was still raging. “Thanks Torid. You get some more sleep ok?”

“Tor, I want to ask you a question.”

“Ok, sure. What is it?”

“Do you think a woman will ever love me?”

This was an odd question. “I do not know too much about humans, but dwarves always believe there is a forge for every hammer. That means, each male dwarf is a hammer, and each female dwarf is the forge. The forge, is what keeps the metal hot so the hammer can craft and create. I am sure Torid. Why do you ask?”

“There is a girl that Mom teaches. She pretty. She friendly. I do not know if she would accept a guy like me.”

I put my hand on Torid’s shoulder. “Torid, you have change oh so much and all for the better. I said this before, and I say it again. I am proud to call you a friend. If she does not want you, then, she is not worthy of you.”

“But I ugly.”

“Torid, you are not. True, you are not the most handsome guy in the world. Neither am I. But neither you nor I are ugly. You want to know why?”

“Why Tor?”

I put my hand over his heart. “This is what counts Tor. Beauty, is like strength and power. It is not measured on what is on the outside, but what is on the inside. And now Torid, your inside, is quite honorable, shiny, beautiful. So, if this girl cannot see that of you, then, she is not worthy of you. Do you understand?”

“I think so. Before, when I do bad, girls scared of me. But now, I’m scared of girls. Is that strange?”

“Heh, Torid, that is probably the most good and normal thing you have said ever.”

“You scared of girls too?”

“Torid, I do not even know my name. Right now, I want my memory back. For all I know, I could be married in gods know where.”

“Oh I see. You could have forge already and don’t want to risk breaking forge.”

“Exactly.”

“Tor, when you remember, don’t forget about us.”

“I promise I will never forget each of you when my memory returns. Now, go to sleep Torid.”

“Ok.”

He moved back deeper into the tunnel. I kept my axe at the ready in case those ogres and their verbeeg master came back. I looked to the sleeping group. Thirteen days left. Thirteen days and I looked upon the motley group. I thought about the dwarves back at the farm. And most of all, I thought about the Randoss family. How did I, become their guardian? ‘Because you gave your word.’ Oh great. As if I didn’t need anything else to complicate matters, there goes that voice in my head again. ‘Yes, it’s me. I’m like a bad copper piece. I always turn up.’

‘So, why won’t you reveal yourself to me.’

‘Because I am you.’

‘Ok, so who am I, we, err.’

‘You will know in time.’

‘I want to know now. This is maddening. I don’t want to remember and figure out I am some rampaging killer or a cold heartless ass.’

‘You, we, are nothing like that.’

‘So you say, but I have to take your word for it.’

‘No, you can take our word for it.’

‘Why can’t we remember?’

‘It isn’t time yet.’

‘When will it be time?’

‘Soon.’

“Tor?”

The dragon Bremis had crept up and seated himself next to me. “Oh, sorry. Yes Bremis?”

The baby dragon put his head on my lap. “Thank you. For everything.”

“You are welcome young one. You are welcome.” I scratched his head. “No offense, but have to ask. You are a boy dragon right?”

“Yes I am Tor.”

“Ok, whew. I don’t know dragons very well.”

“That’s ok.”

“So, how come you were flying with your parents out here?”

“They found me. See, I was stupid. I was impatient. I want to see the world. So, I changed form and started to wander about. It was fun. I got to meet many people. But then, someone knocked me over the head. I was tied and I was blindfolded. I was in a wagon and travelled for days. I was keeping my form the way I was: a small human boy. I needed to get the right opportunity to escape. Finally, the wagon came to a stop. The blindfold was taken off and I could see. And I didn’t like what I saw. There was a person all in black, a magical type of black too. I was thrown into a group with other young human boys and girls. They took us to a dark building. I heard whispers, and I saw the children come under spell. I looked about scared. The dark person looked at me and pointed at me. The dark person tried the spell again. I felt it, but it didn’t work on me. The dark person touched me. I was scared. It was like death! I panicked and changed back to my dragon form. I flew out of there fast. I didn’t know what else to do!”

“Well, I got away, but then, I wandered. I didn’t know where I was or where home was. I wanted to go home. So, I hid in a small valley. I cried each night. I was so lonely. All I wanted to do was to go home. Earlier today, when I was sleeping, I heard my father and mother. I jumped out of the tree I was sleeping in, but then, I froze. I thought they were going to be so mad at me. But they were not mad at me. They were very worried, but they were not mad. I asked where my brothers and sisters are. They told me that my grandfather was watching over them. I hugged my parents, promising I will never leave again until they tell me I am ready. Then, we flew up and headed for home. Well, we came upon the blizzard. The storm was really strong. I was blown backwards. When I recovered, I couldn’t see my mother or father. I called to them. I thought I heard them, when I flew to the faint voice. It wasn’t them. I don’t know what it was. Maybe it was the wind. I do not know. Later, I thought I heard them again. I flew down. But it wasn’t my parents. It was that giant. He threw a spear at me-the rest you know.”

“It was lucky you survived that fall Bremis.”

“Yes. I thought I was going to die. I don’t want to feel that way again.”

“So, your parents should be in the area somewhere.”

“I think so yes.”

“Brothers and sisters? How many?”

“Four brothers and three sisters.”

“And your grandfather?”

“He is an old and wise dragon. He always would tell me tales of his adventures.”

It was starting to turn lighter outside. It was still snowing hard, but at least, we could see the snowfall and the outline of the woods nearby.

“We’ll see if we can get you back to your parents. We also have to travel.”

“Yes, Tyna told me everything. There was some I didn’t understand too well. But wow Tor. And you risked it all to save me?”

I scratched his head again. “Everyone deserves a second chance Bremis. How are your wings?”

“I can move them better, but they still hurt.”

“Give it time Bremis. You will healed soon enough.”

“Dwarf! I have come back! Give me the dragon!”

I was startled a bit. The verbeeg did come back. But, couldn’t quite see them. The voices were still far off. But I could hear them. I stood up and woke everyone. “The verbeeg is back. Bremis, come back further into the tunnel. Torid, behind me. Protect them.”

I yelled out. “Do you want the dwarf demon’s wrath verbeeg?”

“Haha! I do not care how much of a demon you are.” A minute went by, and I could see multiple shapes forming. It was lighter now. They stopped about one hundred feet from the tunnel mouth. There were a lot more now. I could make out about twenty verbeeg and forty ogres. Son of a bitch!

“Oh I see. You felt outmatched and you needed to even the odds.”

“Funny dwarf. This is your last chance. Surrender dragon, or die.”

“Now, you know I can’t do that.”

“Have it your way. Ogres, attack them!”

The ogres started coming forward. All of a sudden, Torid came up beside me. “Cowards! Ogre friends, I ogre. You no need to listen to them.”

The ogres stopped, they were surprised.

“Why you listen? You many more than they. They ordering you to die. Do you get dragon, or do they?”

Torid actually caused the ogres to stop. They seemed to be thinking.

“What are you doing! Stop standing around, and attack them!”

“See brothers. Verbeeg ordering attack so that you die and they live and get dragon. You gonna put up with that. They cowards. They not have strength of ogre blood. They scared. Ogres not scared. Ogres no slaves to anyone.”

“First ogre that kills them, will eat all day and night!”

The words processes in their brains. They were close enough I could see their ugly faces turn into grinning ones. They started to come forward slowly. Out of nowhere, a spear sped towards us. The spear hit Torid right in the chest. He looked at his chest, then, looked at me. He then fell backwards.

“Torid! Woodard, help Torid back!”

I sprang forward and brandished the axe. I was angry beyond all measure. I charged the ogres. I didn’t care anymore. I hit the first one and swiped my axe around. My blade cut into ogre flesh multiple times. I rolled to the left and brought up my two handed axe to the ogre in front of me, slicing upwards. He was cut from groin to chest. I then jumped back and ran to the right. I swiped with my axe, cutting the knees of a couple more ogres.

“Surround the dwarf! Kill him!”

They did exactly that. The ogres made a circle and swung at me with their clubs. I dodged most of them, the club blows landing on their fellows. One of the blows got me at my left shoulder from behind. My shoulder erupted into pain, but I didn’t care. Torid was struck down, after he tried to show them not to listen to the verbeeg. In my mind, their lives were forfeit. “You all will die!” I continued to swing and roll, slice and dodge. Ogres were falling on the ground either dying or losing limbs. So far, sixteen ogres have fallen. And I wasn’t done yet.

Jumping onto an ogre, I clambered his large body and gripped his back. His fellows tried to swing at me with their clubs, but hit the ogre whose back I was on. I leapt off of the ogre and went forward. I swung around in a circle, my axe cutting either limbs or clubs. There was much rage, as the count went up. I lost track at this point. I just kept swinging, but the while, I was maneuvering myself back to the tunnel mouth. An ogre foot kicked me in the side. I ignored the pain and the ribs, as I continued to swing and attack.

Ogre bodies were piling up around me. I was getting less and less room. Of course, there were now fewer ogres. I screamed “Die!” As I screamed, I split open two more ogres and decapitated a third. With that scream, almost all of the remaining ogres turned around and started to run away. The snow was no longer white, but crimson. One of the few remaining ogres, threw away his broken club, and punched me in the face. I reeled backwards, recovered, and leapt bringing the axe downwards in an overhand swing. The blade hit right in the middle of his head, and split his skull to his neck. Wrenching my axe free, I screamed at the ogres again. The few remaining ones couldn’t take it anymore. They started running away as well. I climbed outside of the bodies laying dying or maimed around me. “Now, who threw that spear? Because, you are guaranteed to die now!” I advanced towards the. My worg armor, once white, was now nearly crimson. I screamed again, and headed towards the verbeeg. There were six in side by side formation. I advanced towards them. They suddenly dropped and six more verbeeg threw their spears at me. Several pierced my body. I yanked these out, and ran towards the verbeeg. The spear wounds also burned like the devil. Probably poison. I didn’t care. Duck and shoot tactic huh? I charged. There were six more about ready to loosen their spears. When they fired, I rolled. Each one of the spears missed me. I rolled up and did another circle swing. Two of the center verbeeg had their heads then missing. Since they ducked, they were at perfect height. The other verbeeg scrambled and got up. I continued to charge forward, swinging my axe in every direction. Verbeeg screams now could be heard. Four of them brandished spears like halberds. One swing of my axe, and they now held shortened sticks.

“Run! He is a demon!” The verbeeg started to run away. All except one verbeeg. This was the original. I could also tell now he was the chief. I saw he was missing one of his spears. “You! You let loose that spear! You will die!” I rushed forward. But this verbeeg was quite skilled. Because of my wounds and the snow, he tripped me easily. I felt a spear enter the same side where I was kicked. More burning. I grabbed the spear, yanked it out of me. I shifted the spear in my left hand, and swung the axe around with my right. My blade neatly severed his left arm. He let go of his spear, and was gripping his shoulder. “I told you, you will die. And I always make good on my word!” I swung the axe around, taking his head off of his body. His face had the look of pure horror, the last vestiges of life he was able to do. I gripped its hair, and threw it as hard as I could. It hit one of the verbeeg fleeing in the back of its head. It threw him to the ground. He turned and looked also in horror as the head of his chief lay before him. He got up and ran even faster, screaming loudly.

I finished off the surviving ogres. None were then left alive. Amazing enough, the snow storm quickly tapered and stopped. I staggered back to the tunnel mouth. “How is Torid?”

“He will live. Oh my! Tor!”

I fell against the left wall. My shoulder was on fire, my body bleeding from the spear, several of my ribs were broken. Suddenly, the area near the tunnel went black. Damn it! Did they come back? I turned and raised my axe with my left hand. I staggered back outside. No, it wasn’t verbeeg or ogres. They were huge, two of them. I was getting ready to go into a fighting stance when I heard, “Mother! Father!” Bremis ran out of the tunnel mouth. The two dragons landed, and waited for their son with open arms, err wings, err, whatever. They saw he couldn’t fly so they came down to him, carefully cradling their son.

“Ah, so those are your parents. Sir, ma’am, nice to meet you.”

I felt faint. The blood loss. The poison. Should of known. I felt cold. Then, I felt nothing.