A Dwarf's Tale: Will of a Silver Coin

I drifted in and out of sleep. The story that Kosser told me had left me on edge. I could not explain why. Was it because of unfinished business for so long? Was it because it happened here in this area? Or was it because this family is somehow involved? Kosser said he kept a promise about not revealing the continuation of his tale. And, there was the question of Talma. I have seen her forlorn looks. I have seen this family over protective of Steve. Twelve years ago. If Steve was connected, that would put him still as a baby. Vampires on the loose fifty years ago and then something occurring twelve years ago that rekindled this tale. It has been several hours since Kosser and I bade each other a good night. I opened my left eye. The darkness in the window was starting to fade. Morning would be here soon. Well, I’m not going to get any more sleep. I might as well start up coffee.

I went to the kitchen, and fetched the two kettles. Filling both with water and putting them on the hotplates, I measured out the coffee and tea necessary and popped them both into paper mesh nets. Putting them into the kettles, I sat down, groggy from the previous day and night. Cloverdale. That is the name of this area. Mages were abound here at one point. Even though I had no talent of the arcane arts, I always was interested in them. Also, the historical factor, mixed with the old man living a few minutes away, made the whole situation curious. The aromas of the coffee and tea, started to wake me from my grogginess. Valley of the Dead. Huge fortress. But those areas were far to the east, if I got my bearing right from the tale. Fifty years ago. There still may be residents in Stalvinport who remember these series of events. The next time we visit, I will have to make some inquiries. For now, I decided to keep Kosser’s story telling last night to myself.

“Good morning Tor.”

“Good morning Calvin. Sleep well?”

Calvin stretched and nodded. His slight limp was a little bit more pronounced this morning. No doubt from yesterday’s activities, and quite possibly, from last night’s. I knew better than to ask.

“Coffee’s almost done Calvin.”

Again, he nodded. “Good thing too. Have some work to do in the barn. Gotta make sure the animals are all secured.”

“I have a question. For Griff, do you mind if I modify the second floor? I want to build her a ramp, and an egress point that has large straps covering the doorway. I am thinking she is going to take the corner of the barn to keep her eggs there. But she will still need to hunt.”

“I think it is a good idea Tor. Sure, I’ll help you when I’m done in the barn.”

Nodding to Calvin, I also thought about Griff. Three eggs. Kosser said that was unheard of. Also, that arrow shaft that was near the base of her wing. Sure, it has healed. But where did she get it? Who shot at her?

Calvin got two large mugs, poured coffee into them, and handed me one. I sugared the coffee and started to drink. All of these questions and mysteries will have to wait. I have immediate tasks at hand. Calvin opened the front door a bit. He shook his head. Nearly six inches of snow had fallen from last night. Not a big deal, but there will have to be some clearing of the snow. “Been a long while since this much snow had fallen on the solstice.”

“Maybe it will melt once the sun comes out?”

He looked up at the sky. “Still with clouds. I don’t think the sun is coming out any time soon. Plus, I smell more snow coming. Early winter snowstorms looming.”

“Well, it is a good thing we have Kosser and Steve then. These forever fires are quite useful. Also, no smoke to have wisp into the air.”

Calvin nodded. “And, the animals will be fairly warm in the barn too.”

I finished my coffee. Putting on my boots, coat, and cloak, I went to the door. Going outside, I reached for the shovel and started making a path to the barn. After a few minutes, I reached the door to the barn and went inside. I was greeted by a throaty coo and a gentle head butt from Griff, I scratched her head for a minute and then moved so she could go outside. Seeing the snow, she started prancing about in it. I guess she likes the stuff. She expanded her wings and took off in the still somewhat darkened sky. I went over to the far corner of the barn. The eggs were nestled in the hay. I put my hand on one of the eggs. It was quite warm to the touch. Chuckling to myself, I went upstairs and looked to the task before me.

The upstairs is where the hay for the animals is kept. It was quite secure from the outside elements. The trick will be to keep it that way and still build the opening for Griff. I went to the wall that the eggs were in underneath. Using a lantern, I drew up the rough size of the opening needed on the wall, and in the floor for the ramp. Once that was done, I went down stairs and got the necessary tools: saw, hammer nails, leather straps, and, lumber.

After several hours, I had the opening of the floor made and a right angle ramp constructed. I jumped up and down on the ramp, making sure it was secure. Several more hours, and I had the opening cut in wall and had the leather straps secured. The leather straps, would keep the elements out of the barn, while Griff would have the ability to enter and leave the barn. An idea came to me. I took more lumber and set to work. Several hours later, I also had a ten by ten foot structure built. This, was necessary so that Griff could take off and land. It also prevented a larger opening to be constructed. I looked at my work, and was satisfied. One thing that was not satisfied, is the grumbling in my stomach. I hadn’t noticed while I was working. But now that I completed my task at hand, my stomach decided to rebel against me. “I hope that Talma has something good cooking, I seemed to have gotten lost in my design.”

I went downstairs, and willing my stomach to quiet down, I waited for Griff. Fortunately, she returned only a few minutes of my going downstairs, She head butted my body gently in greeting. I stroked her feathers, and motioned her to follow. She did. She was going to her nest of eggs, where I gently pulled her aside. She looked at me. “I built something for you Griff. Come.” It took her a minute, but she did. I led her to the ramp and started walking up to the second floor. She followed, her claws allowing her to climb the wooden ramp. When she got upstairs, I led her to the leather straps. Again, she followed. We emerged on to the platform. “See, now you can come and go as you please. I’m sorry you were inside all night.” She took a minute. I could almost see her brain puzzling this together. She flapped her wings a couple of times, put them against her body, and nuzzled my body. She understood! And she was grateful. “Now, it is also your job as warden. You protect your eggs, but you protect this land and this farm.”

She pranced around on the platform, squawked once, and headed back inside. Yeah, she had the right idea. As the light was starting to fade, tonight was even colder than last night. And, my stomach rebelled again. Well best to go back into the house. It did feel like it was going to snow again.

I entered the house, and greeted everyone. They all greeted me back, and supper was being laid out. Taking my seat at the table, it was a fine large pork roast with breads and vegetables. I wasn’t shy this time; I filled my plate to the brim.

“Tor, I got caught up with several things. Do you still need help? It is going to be a mighty cold night.”

“Thanks Calvin, but all is done and ready. Griff really fancies it too.”

Talma sat down. “It will be very nice having an additional guard there at the barns. Perfect pest control, so kids, don’t go to the barn at night.” She winked at us.

“Mom!” they all said in unison.

I looked around. “Kosser went back home?”

“Yes Tor. I took Master Kosser back early this afternoon. He slept til almost noon. Usually Master Kosser is up in the early morning.”

“Well Steve, this is what happens when you have a warm home, good cooking, and feeling of security. He was just relaxing a bit.” No need to tell Steve or anyone else that we were talking late into the night and into the early morning. We all ate the hearty supper. After supper and all tableware was cleared and cleaned, we sat in the common room. We all played some games. There was a game called “Guess what I’m thinking” and we all played card games. When Stella was dealing cards, there came an excited knock at the door. Looking at each other, I got up with Calvin and went to the door to open it. Upon opening, there was an older man about fifty there, with some nasty wounds upon his body, his clothing soaked with blood.

“Help me. My wife and daughter. They came. Attacked us.” And he collapsed. Talma and Stella got up quickly and carried the man into my room. Setting him on the opposite bed, they started their healing administrations upon him.

“I’m gonna go out there and see what happened.”

“Not alone you are not. Just a moment Calvin.”

I got my armor on and took my bastard sword and bow. Calvin did the same thing with his armor and broad sword. Using lanterns, we backtracked the bloodstained tracks. They led to the road. From here, we could see his tracks from the western direction. Also with his tracks, were many humanoid tracks leading heading west, and then east. A wagon track with oxen was also present.

“Orc raiding party. Heading east. Looks like about fifteen sets orc tracks. Maybe several more on the wagon. Hard to tell.”

Heading east. The same direction where the army of goblins and hobgoblins got myself and my brethren.

“Best I go tell Talma we are heading out there.”

“No we’re not. I’m going.”

Calvin looked at me. “I’m going with you.”

“No you are not Calvin. Those tracks are going east, but the question is how far. For all we know, they could be circling the area. You will need to go back to the house and defend it should they return or others appear. I’ll go after this band. Also, if I am gone for too long, you will know where I went. You can also get reinforcements from Stalvinport if I am not back by dawn’s time. I will take a horse and follow them. You know this is the best tactical stance to take right?”

“Yeah, but I don’t like it.”

“Neither do I. But we cannot leave a woman and a girl to the vices of orcs.”

Calvin nodded and we walked back to the farm. I took a small horse, a young filly not even two years old yet, saddled her up, affixed the lantern to the saddle with a pole, and walked her to the front.

“I said morning. Best give me a day. Who knows how far they have gotten. But I do have an idea. There is that tunnel a couple miles away. I may be lucky and find them there. I will reconnoiter. If I find they are many hours away, I will come back and inform you.

Calvin nodded. I took the filly and trotted down to the road following the tracks. It seems the tracks continue east. “They couldn’t of made this easy could they?” I continued to follow the tracks. After a couple of hours, they veer to the south. I was thankful for the snow; it made tracking them much easier. But as I thought earlier, this night, is a very cold night, colder than last night. I am glad I had my armor on me along with the helmet. It protected me well enough from the elements. But I had to take care with the filly. I had to keep her moving, but not exhaust her.

Another hour of tracking, and I could hear faint sounds in the distance. I stopped the filly, and trotted her off to the side. I tied her to a branch of a tree and put two blankets on her from the saddle bags. I took the lantern, and extinguished it. The sounds I heard was about a half mile ahead. I did not want to give away my presence. Sword in hand, I slowly advanced to the noises.

The armor gave me a good opportunity to get quite close. Within one hundred yards, I saw the situation before me. It was indeed an orc raiding party. They had rough hides set up as crude tents, and several fires going. The ox was already killed and crudely butchered. There were two tents that were significantly larger than the others in the middle. I am assuming that one or both were the tent of the leaders and where their captives were kept. The fact that I did not see either of the women bodies encouraged me to believe they are captives. The tents and the fires were in an open field covered with snow. I could not advance further without risk of detection. I continued to lay in the snow and observe, hoping for an opportunity to present itself.

From the larger tent on the right side emerged another orc. Scratch that, not an orc. A half breed dressed in fine furs with a wicked looking two handed mace strapped to its back. That told me a lot right there. Half orcs, while usually smaller and weaker, are cannon fodder for orcs. The orcs, value strength in their leaders. This half breed, must be stronger than the normal orc. He went around the camp, grunts and other guttural sounds coming from the half breed. The orcs responded in kind. I did not know what was being discussed, since I did not know any orcish tongue. Instead, I continued to lie in wait. Several of the orcs got very heated, and suddenly, came to blows against one another. Orcs are militant and disciplined to a point, but their tempers are short, very quick to anger. A plan started to form. I must wait until the majority go to sleep. Once the sentries are the only ones awake, then, I can act.

Several hours later, there were two sentries left awake. They were fletching arrows. This played well with my plan. Taking one of my arrows, I snapped off the tip. I moved slowly to the side until both sentries were in my line of sight. I took my bow, and aimed with extreme care at the far sentry. My target, was his helmet that he wore. I let loose the string, and the arrow squarely hit the far sentry in the back of the head. The sentry reeled from the impact, wheeled around, and marched towards the sentry nearer to me. He yelled at the closer sentry, shoving him backwards. The nearer sentry, quick to anger, got up and shoved the sentry I hit in the head. They both started to come to blows. The camp woke up, as the other orcs heard the commotion. The half breed came out of his tent, barking at the two brawling. They suddenly stopped, stood up, and faced the half breed. Another set of barking and grunts. These two sentries were then ordered to go back to their tents. Another sentry was awoken by the half breed, more barking and grunts. The sentry that was replacing the two groaned, but took his position for duty. I could not of asked for a better situation.

I waited some time so the camp could settle down and fall back to sleep. During that time, I inched ever so slowly towards the lone sentry. The sentry then surprised me. He left his position, and started slowly walking the perimeter of the camp. I reconsidered my plan. I was going to aim an arrow into his throat. I was gambling that his death would be swift, severing his spine with a bit of luck. However, this new development could work to my advantage. I waited until the sentry was at the farther end of the camp in his perimeter walk. Slowly, I advanced, staying extremely low to the ground. Each time he would get nearer, I would stop, scarcely breathing. Only when he moved to the far end, would I continue my advance. An eternity went by, and I got to the edge of the wagon. The orcs kept the wagon at one point of their perimeter. I went quietly under the wagon, watching and waiting for the orc sentry to come to the wagon. There was only one opportunity for success. I must not miss my mark. As the sentry came by the wagon, he stopped right in front of where I was hiding. Did he discover me? A foul odor permeated the air. The damn orc expelled gas from his behind. I had to stop any breathing to not gag at the noxious odor. He grunted, and started walking again. While holding my breath, I quickly got up from my hidden position, came up behind the orc, grabbed his head, and twisted his neck. I caught his limp body, and set him very quietly to the ground. Finally, I exhaled again. The orc could at least be happy he made me very ill to my stomach before going to the afterlife.

I crept my way to the closest tent. Entering inside, I took a dagger from my belt. The orc did not have any of his armor on. And the orc continued to sleep as my blade entered his windpipe. I leapt on his body to keep it from moving. Very quickly, life faded from the orc underneath me. Two down, eighteen left to go.

It took painstaking patience, but I quietly killed the orc raiding party. Only the half breed was left. With this knowledge, I stood before the tent that the half breed came from. “Wake up. Come out you bastard.”

The half breed was startled, but got up quickly. He whipped out a short sword and barked orders. No one of course responded. He barked again. No one came. I smiled a bit. “You are alone. Now, you have a choice. You can release the women you took, and allowed to live, or refuse, please refuse, and I’ll take your life here and now. Your choice half breed.”

He gave one yell. I heard movement. Snapping my head back, was a huge orc. The second tent. Damn it all. I should of checked that tent before coming to this one. I turned back to the half breed. He had a grin on his face. “Father.”

Of course. The second in command. I backed away slowly, not allowing either to get behind me. One of these days, I’ll learn to follow through on my actions. I do not know whether it was my impatience, or my arrogance thinking that didn’t allow me to check out the other large tent before confronting this half breed. As I looked to both of them, I hoped I would survive this to learn from my mistakes.

“You killed my orcs dwarf. Why you here?”

“You nearly killed a man, and took his wife and daughter. I’m here to collect them and bring them back.”

“Alone? My son Kruk and I, Bargot, can kill you.”

“Think you can orc? I took out your whole raiding party. What makes you think both of you will fare better?”

“I general. I kill towns by self. I do not need army. Son and I all I need.”

This could be true. I quickly evaluated the position. Male orcs are not ‘family oriented’. In fact, most orcs kill off their half breed progeny, or, they are in low ranks. The fact that his son is his second in command, and the other orcs listened to the half breed perfectly, tells me this is no ordinary duo.

“I’ll give you the chance I told your son. You can allow us to leave, and you both keep your lives. Or, refuse, and I will send you both to your afterlife.”

Bargot laughed. An orc laugh, is a disgusting thing. It was of pure malice and with no regard for safety. In response to my offer, he went back to his tent, and pulled out a serrated two handed sword. His son, no longer with short sword in hand, pulled out his two handed mace. When they held the weapons, there was a red glow that came from both. Great, magical weapons. One to cleave me in two, and the other, to brain what was left of me. I was not in an envious position at all. I hoped to survive this so I can learn from my mistakes. In response to their weapons, I gripped my bastard sword tighter. I waited for the attack.

I didn’t have long to wait. The orc general took a mighty overhead swing which I parried. He had a very strong attack; our weapons clashing caused my teeth to rattle a bit. No sooner did I parry his attack, his son took a side swiping swing at me. I took the edge of my blade, wedged it in the spikes of his mace, and twirled him around in the momentum of his attack swing. I stuck my leg out, tripping him as he spun around. I gathered myself up, turned around, and noticed that wicked serrated blade heading towards my chest. I turned my blade and into an upward angle, deflecting that two handed sword upwards. I kicked at the orc, but he dodged backwards. Suddenly I felt a boot at my back. The half breed kicked me. I rolled with the kick, moving downwards and tumbled forward. Drawing myself up, I spun around, bastard sword in front of me.

They moved standing next to each other. They spoke to each other, employing a tactic no doubt. I waited for their attack. The son moved behind his father. The older orc advanced forth slowly. I get it. He would swing, and then, his son would do a sneak attack, possibly a dagger or that short sword, impaling me. If I retreated, I still would not know which direction the sneak attack would come from. If I advanced, there would be some pre-arranged signal telling his son which direction to strike. If I would stand still, his blade being longer, he would draw my blade away from my body, and then, the son would attack. Left or right? That was the question. I didn’t know the answer, so, I determined to change the question.

I allowed the older orc to get within eight feet of me. Suddenly, I pointed my blade down to the ground, and pole vaulted forward. I kicked out with my right leg, and aimed right at the orc’s face. I was rewarded with two things: No weapon piercing my body, and an extreme howl of pain. I landed back on my feet, and assessed the results.

The older orc fell backward, his son was pinned under him. The orc general was coughing and spluttering. I had broken his nose. He was rolling, holding his face with his hands. The half breed son, was gripping his ribs. I caused the wind to be knocked out of him. I rushed forward, and kicked him in the ribs. My foot connecting, and feeling bones yield. I stood in stance.

“I’m…gonna..kill…you…dbarf.” I think my kick in his face improved his speech. Bargot, started to swing with wild abandon. He was now sloppy. A half dozen swings, a half dozen openings. Did he really lose his savvy? Something tells me, he is faking it. I put both him and his son in my line of sight. Now I saw it. The son had gotten to his knees and was about to release darts in my direction. I put the bastard sword in my left hand, rolled to the right, grabbed my dagger, and threw it at the half breed. The dagger landed where I wanted it, deep in his right shoulder. The son howled in pain, dropping the darts. I shifted my bastard sword back to both hands. I measured the orc general. He stopped his wild swings, and took measured stance against me. He figured it out-I would not be fooled. The real fight now begins.

He jabbed at me with his sword. I parried the blow. He took another jab at me. I parried that attack too. He spun around. I expected a long sideward swing. However, his left hand shot out of the spin. A dagger sailed in my direction. I barely twisted out of the way, the dagger imbedding itself in my right arm. Pain shot straight up and down my arm. This orc general was good, very good. Suddenly, my right hand was losing its grip on my blade. My right arm starting to go limp. Poison. My left hand continued to grip my bastard sword. I looked towards the orc general. A sneer came across his blood ridden face. My position now is a very dangerous one. I cannot wield my bastard sword properly. If he takes to swinging, I could not block the blows very effectively. I circled backwards, keeping the orc general at a distance. Hopefully, this orc is out of daggers. Wait. Daggers, son had darts. Thieves? Warrior thieves? I may be able to use this to my advantage.

“Nice job general. Good tactics too.”

“Good enoubh to git you dbarf.”

“Yes, I agree. However, you are hurt, your son is hurt. Even if you kill me, what would prevent another to killing you both? Or, a nasty predator?”

That caused him to think a moment. I pushed forward. “You are in enemy territory. Your soldiers are dead. It is only you and your son. Your son has at least several broken ribs and a bad dagger wound. Even if you got away, your son will be a liability. How will you get yourselves out of this situation general? By now, Stalvinport has been alerted. Mounted riders will be here before too long. I wasn’t the only one who found the hurt man general. The captain of Stalvinport was with me. And believe me, your tracks are easy to follow.”

The orc general was thinking. He stopped his attacks on me. I could see the gears of thought turning upon his face. I pressed on. “What are you going to do general? Even if you get away, your son is a liability now isn’t he? General, what do you do with a liability now?”

He looked back at his son. The half breed was laying there moaning and groaning in pure pain. The general looked back at me. “I will kill you, then, I take my son away.”

“How are you going to do that general? You are going to carry your son? You are going to put yourself in a vulnerable position? Sure, come forward and kill me. But if you do that, I may just make you lame before you put the killing blow. And then, how will you both get out of here?.” The numbing in my arm was rapidly disappearing. Another minute, I should have some function back in my right hand and arm.” You should reconsider general.”

The orc continued to think, then, he smiled. “You, tryin conbuse. You, tryin to make me fraid so I run and you libe. It almost worked. But now, I kill you dbarf.”

Well, I had to try to play for time. My right arm was still not functional yet. I held up my bastard sword in front of me. The orc general was measuring me up. He will go for a large swing, or impaling me. The swing came, and I dodge to my left. Another swing came, and I dodged to my right. The sword attacks at me came at me as a series of measured swings. His eyes never wavered from my body. I have been calculating. I have been manipulating. Now, purely, it is time to do something foolish. It is either that, or, risk losing my life.

The orc performed an overhead swing. I rushed forward, slamming my body into the orc. We both tumbled to the ground, both of us dropping our blades. We then tumbled and rolled around. My left fist found his face. He howled in pain again. Where his nose was broken before, it is now shattered. I held him with my left hand, as my knee went into his ribs. I kept knee kicking in the ribs. My left hand went to the general’s side, as I spied a dagger. I took the dagger out, and buried it into the heart of the orc. He screamed, my body on top of his, his arms and legs flailing wildly for a few seconds. Then, he was inert. The general was dead. I rolled off of the general, and got up. His half breed son, was trying to get to his feet. I kicked his legs from under him. He landed hard, screamed hard because of the pain in his ribs. I took the general’s sword, aimed the point right at his throat, and pushed. The two handed sword went into his neck, and severed his spine. His body went limp, his screams died. Both father and son, their bodies lain on the snow, dead.

I walked over to my bastard sword, and sheathed it with difficulty. I finally pulled the dagger out of my arm. When I did, the feeling and the movement of my arm returned. Pain was still there, but at least my arm could function. Finally, I moved to the other large tent and looked inside.

Both mother and daughter were there, naked, and unconscious. Their bodies were violated. I found blankets and covered them both. I walked back to where I had the filly tied. Fortunately, the filly was alive, and more than willing to start moving. I untied her, and walked her back to the orc camp. Moving her backwards and taking off her saddle, I hooked the wagon to the filly. Checking in on the women, I saw they were still unconscious. I couldn’t blame either of them at all. Their lives have been saved, but it is going to take better people than me to put their lives back in order. I moved the women to inside of the wagon. I covered them with more blankets. I knew they smelled, but, warmed was needed. Checking the camp, I took anything that was not orcish and put the items also in the wagon. Then, I investigated the orcs quickly. Except for the general and his half breed son, there was nothing of value. I took their money, and attached the two handed sword and the two handed mace to the side of the wagon. Going up on the wagon and taking the reins, I urged the filly to go into a slow trot. Normally, I would care about the bodies. In this case, I do not care what happens to the orcs.

Hours later, the familiar mountains came back to view. I knew it wouldn’t be long now. I stopped the young filly and checked on the women again. They both were still breathing, and except for the violations of the orc or orcs, they were unharmed. Perhaps it was best that they remained unconscious. The best thing I could do now, was to make it back to the farm house and have their family re-united. Talma and Stella would be of more help at this point than I. I guessed that we still were an hour away from the house. I sat back into the chair of the wagon, took the reins, and started the filly to continue on.

The welcoming sight of the farm was before me. The sky just started to lighten. Parking the wagon at the door and tying the filly’s reins to the bar outside, I quietly entered the house. Calvin and Talma were in the common room sitting, awaiting me.

“Tor!” Talma rushed at me, hugging me. I returned her hug. She noticed my arm. “You are hurt!”

“Talma, it is nothing. There are two women outside in the wagon unconscious. They will require your gentle touch. My wound is nothing. Trust me on this. How is the man? Will he live?”

“Touch and go right now Tor, touch and go. He lost a lot of blood and had wicked wounds.”

Calvin came up to my shoulder and clasped it. “Glad you are back Tor. Come on, let’s get the women out.”

I nodded. “They are covered with blankets. They are naked. They were violated by orcs.”

Talma’s face was grim. She understood why I said they needed attending. To be violated, I would imagine, is nothing to sneeze at. To be violated by orcs, had to be five times worse than anything imagined. Talma grabbed blankets. Calvin took off the smelly orc blankets and gathered up the mother. Talma covered them with one of the blankets. I gathered up the daughter, and likewise, Talma covered her up in my arms. We led them into the house, and set them in chairs. Talma went into Stella’s room, and in a moment, both women came out. Stella hugged me quickly, and then helped her mother. I went outside, and unhooked the filly from the wagon. This is the work now of healers. I had precious little to do now. Might as well take care of the farm. I put the filly back in her coral, the other horses coming over neighing and smelling the filly. I took off the armor and put the armor and my bastard sword near Griff. Griff cooed, but also flared her nostrils. Heh, she didn’t much care for orc scent either. I cannot same I blame her. I mucked out the stalls and started cleaning. Morning was soon upon us. I also have to admit. I do not do well in these type of environments. In a few minutes, David and Steve joined me in the barn. We all hugged quickly, without saying a word. We all put forth the chores of the barn. We had the easier work to do. Talma, Stella, and even Calvin, had the more difficult tasks. I got to thinking about it. I think I would of rather faced one hundred orcs than what was to come.

And almost on cue, the screaming of a woman was heard from the house. The absolute despair, hysterics, was enough to shake one to the core. After a couple of minutes, her screams quieted down. A few minutes later, we heard another woman’s scream. This time, it was absolute wailing. I was going to assume this was their daughter now recovering. I had to stop working. I looked to Steve and David. They were shaken too.

“I know orcs are bad, but how can they have done that?” David had a look of pure disbelief.

Putting a hand on his shoulder, “Remember that sound well David. And remember what you are about to undertake in Stalvinport. That, is your motivation. That, is the reason why I train all of you. To prevent things like this, to save situations like this, and to avenge situations like this. You too Steve. I am sorry you are much younger than your brother to witness this. But, you both asked me a while back why do I fight? Why do I carry on when I do not know who or what I am?” I pointed back to the house. “That is a great example why. I do not envy your sister or your parents. They have the harder job in helping to put the pieces of their souls, their lives, back in order. And, the blood on my hands from the orcs, where normally I do not like blood on my hands, is small compensation for that.”

David and Steve took it all in. The inhuman wails of the women. “That could have been dad and mom, along with Stella.” Full realization was hitting David. I nodded and shoulder hugged both of the boys.

“And if that ever happened to them, or to either of you, there is no corner safe from me. I will gladly give my life.”

Steve looked at me, and hugged me. “I..don’t even want to think about this for mom and sis. Tor, promise me you will always look after mom and dad? Soon, it will be only them at this farm.”

I chuckled. “Steve, whoever attacks your parents, I feel already sorry for them. But, if it makes you feel better, yes, you have my word.”

David also hugged me, but his legs were wobbly. Where Steve was slighter of build, it seems he was more emotionally secure. I think David just had a huge wake up call. “Tor, I swear to you. No one, will ever go through that again if I can help it.”

“I can believe it David.”

“So, what happens now?”

“Well, the best thing for we three to do, is finish the chores here, and by then, hopefully we can enter the house. I don’t know about you two, but I’m exhausted.”

“We couldn’t sleep either. Mom told us to go to bed, but we could only lay there.”

I nodded. “Too much excitement.”

They both looked at me. “No Tor, we were worried sick about you.”

I was touched. These two young men, no sense calling them boys anymore after this morning, were worried about me. I knew I had their affection. Seems like I affected them more than just friendship. “Thank you both. Now, let’s get the farm done. If I can’t have sleep, at least I’ll need food and coffee soon.”

They nodded, and we set about our chores. We finished a short time later and morning was fully upon us. All three of us entered the house. Calvin was alone in the kitchen. He too, was shaken. Possibly the same thoughts. It could have been him wounded. It could have been Talma and Stella taken. He turned to us and gave a small smile. He nodded to the direction of my room. “They are in there. They recovered a bit. I figured I would get some coffee and food going. Then, might as well take care of the barn.”

“We already did Dad. Tor’s idea. We were lost as to what to do, so we figured we would help this way.” David went over and got himself some coffee.

“Thank you all. Seems like I’m slackin.”

Steve looked at his father. “No dad, I don’t think any of us could go through what you did.”

Calvin looked at his son, at all of us, thought for a second, and sat heavily on a chair. “It was rough. Talma’s going to have one hell of a headache. When the mother came around, she thought Talma was an orc at first. She walloped her but good. I had to restrain her. She then heard human voices, and that’s when the crying came. The daughter, just cried. I guess their bodies just shut down because of all of the trauma. After some time, the mother asked about her husband. Talma took her to the room, and they hadn’t come out yet. Their names, are Jason, his wife Janice, and their daughter Pauline. Talma still says a lot of Jason’s condition is still touch and go. For her to say that, he is in real rough shape.”

While Calvin was talking, I took coffee. This time, I took an ale mug’s worth. I needed it badly. I took off my shirt and examined my bicep. The dagger wound was already dry, the edges of the wound already crackling. I felt none of the effects of the poison. Only a dull ache in my muscle remained. I drank down the coffee like I was downing ale. The warmth of the sweetened bitter liquid filled my gullet. Setting the mug down, I slumped back into the chair.

“You ok Tor?”

“Yeah. I just needed that.”

Calvin nodded at me. “I can understand. Now, want to inform us on what you found?”

“Precious little to tell really. I followed the tracks for hours. They went east and then south. Came upon the orc camp. I took out the orcs, and then, fought an orc general and his half breed second in command son. Finished them off, recovered the women, putting them in the wagon, took everything of value, and left them to rot. Came back here. And the rest you know.”

“Looks like I didn’t have to get the cavalry to call to get you.”

“No, but you almost had to. The father son combo was potent.”

The door to my room opened. All four women came out. Janice and Pauline, their faces still very tear stained, turned their attention to me. They stood there for a moment, walked slowly to me, and both women hugged me. “Thank you Tor.” That’s all that was said. That’s all that needed to be said. I hugged them both back.