FanStory.com - Campfire Fantasy by T.A. Walk

FanStory.com
"Campfire Fantasy"

Prologue
A Chance Meeting

By T.A. Walk

Orin Shieldbearer instantly regretted following the intruder into the forest. He did not get a close enough look to identify a specific race, but he knew the intruder was an Elf.

“Come out ye wiry bugger!” Orin called into the darkness. “Fight me like a Dwarf!”

After a few moments, a melodic voice answered, “I do not wish to fight, good Dwarf.”

“Aye, ye do, Elf!” Orin said; he spat as though the word sullied his mouth. “Why else would ye be in me camp after dark?”

“I am starving, good Dwarf. I truly only wished for food and a quick, eventless exit.”

“Bah! ‘Tis easy enough for ye ta just ask! Thief! Come out and fight!”

The Elf stepped out into the pale moonlight. A long black robe and hood kept the Elf’s features shadowed from the Dwarf. Orin set his feet and gripped his hand axe as he brought his shield up before him. The Elf responded by extending its arms before it, showing its empty hands in a gesture of peace.

“Throw yer hood back, Elf!” Orin commanded as he spat. “Let me see what ye are, Elf!”

Again, the Dwarf spat, and the Elf tilted its head curiously. “Why must you spit when you utter that word? Is it so blasphemous to your people? After all these years? Can your people not heal from old wounds.”

“Aye, we heal fine, dinna ye worry. We don’t forget too easy! What yer kin did to mine...”

“Good Dwarf, I am Vortex Varian,” the Elf stated as he drew back his hood. “I did not do these things, but this is why I chose thievery over diplomacy.”

“I am Orin Shieldbearer. So, what profession have ye ‘sides thief? Diplomat? Just as bad.”

“No, Orin. I am a Ranger. I was tracking a deer until a bear took the haul for itself. I was counting on that for food. It has been several days now.”

“Bah! What do ye intend for me? Are we to sit and sup’ together as friends?”

“If you’ll let me, I’ll gladly sit with you, good Dwarf. Alas, I fear our friendship over your fire would be up to you. I can offer an interesting tale should you be interested to listen.”

Orin scoffed and huffed and lowered his guard. “I ain’t no easy mark so dinna go thinkin’ it,” Orin grumbled. “Aye, you can come and sup’ Elf.”

Reflexively, Orin spat on the ground. Vortex’s gaze hung heavy over him, and his bearded cheeks flushed red with embarrassment.

“It is understood, Orin. I shall allow no offense. Do not be embarrassed by your upbringing. We can no more change that than we can change the hands of time for any loss.”

Offset by the Elf’s demeanor, the Dwarf simply grumbled under his breath to seem irritable. Most Dwarves and Elves fought upon contact. Orin did not want to let his guard down, but he also did not want to engage in a frivolous battle. Vortex seemed quite formidable. While Dwarves always considered a good fight a good time, Orin had a destination and a deadline.

“Come then, Elf,” Orin growled. As the word passed his lips he turned to spit on the ground. Orin hesitated, and began again, “Come then, Vortex. Sit and eat and talk. I’ve a destination to reach and I’m early departin’ from camp. Best ye dinna try anythin’ foolish!”

“My word is my bond, good Dwarf. I appreciate the respect you’ve chosen to show me. Regardless of our meeting, I am no petty thief, and wish you no ill will. I give you my word.”

“Bah! The word of an Elf!” Orin consciously stopped himself from spitting again. “I’ll trust ye so far as I can throw ye, which is farther than ye’d think! But it’s a short rope yer danglin’ on.”

“Understood, good Dwarf.”

“And stop yer good this and that! Me names Orin, so say it.” Orin turned and pointed toward the fire. “Come on.”

Vortex gracefully closed the distance between the pair and stood at Orin’s side. “Maybe we would both be comfortable walking side by side, Orin?”

Orin grumbled and took the first step. Had he been fifty years younger, his fiery temper would have driven him to fight. The years had blessed him with the experience and knowledge that all we see is not necessarily as it seemed. Kindness can be found in hate and hate within kindness.

The two odd acquaintances secretly took pleasure in the thought of a companion as they awkwardly walked to the fire. Although neither trusted the other completely, this had been a great start.

***

The pair sat on furs from Orin’s supplies opposite each other next to the fire. Although winter had yet to fully arrive, both were grateful for the warmth. Orin leaned forward and gripped the wooden ladle in the stew pot. It hung above the fire from a tripod of sticks Orin had collected earlier. He took care not to spill any as he filled two bowls equally.

“This is it,” Orin said, passing the bowl around the campfire. “Yer eatin’ half me supper! So, tell me a tale ye ornery bugger, and maybe we won’t finish how we started!” he laughed heartily at himself.

“Indeed, I shall, Orin,” Vortex replied after allowing the Dwarf a moment to catch his breath. “I’ll tell you of an Elf of rather mysterious origins. An Elf found and raised by Humans.”

“Bah! Elves and Humans?” Orin interrupted, still fighting the muscle reflex taught to him since birth. “I regret me choice already! Tell it already! Aye, tell it quick and be done!”

“As I was saying, this Elf had been raised by Humans. Human warriors hired to help a tiny village not far from here. A black mage had taken residence nearby, and death and pestilence surrounded his keep. Several villagers conspired to send a messenger in search of heroes.”

Author Notes Something new I've been messing with to get the old writer's block knocked loose!

Turned into a little flash fiction compilation. So far so good, I hope you enjoy.

Be sure to follow-up with the next chapter!!

More to come soon!

Image found on Pinterest and edited by T.A. Walk

Chapter 1
The Necromancer

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Dwarven fighter Orin Shieldbearer and Elven ranger Vortex Varian meet unconventionally in a dark forest. One on a trek alone, the other alone and starving, the pair choose conversation over battle. While wary, the travelers find solace in company.

Ulric the Paladin swung his battle axe high above his head and swung it downward into the ornate wooden door. Again, it glanced off as though he were chipping at solid rock.

“I cannot penetrate the door!” the Paladin shouted to his comrades. “I believe a spell is holding it closed!”

He turned to look behind him at his comrades, fighting to allow him access to the door. They were being overwhelmed by the undead. Each skeleton they cut down merely rose again. The skeletons were weak, but their weapons were deadly. Regardless, his friends would eventually fall from exhaustion.

A brilliant flash drew his attention left. Valerie was fighting furiously, dagger parrying blows as she prepared to cast again. Behind her, a skeleton raised its sword for a killing blow. The Paladin watched in horror as the sword arced down.

“Snap out of it, Ulric!” shouted Serene as she let loose an arrow.

The arrow sped across the courtyard and knocked the skull off Valerie’s attacker. Its body fell to her right, blade missing Valerie by mere inches.

Ulric rushed into the courtyard, slamming into skeletons as he pushed forward. His heavy armor protected him from all but the most precise attacks. Another flash followed by a shower of bones told Ulric Valerie was still fighting. The majority of the undead turned toward him, merely attacking the easiest target.

“Serene! Give me a way up that wall!” screamed Yagami as she parried and dodged through the courtyard.

One after another Serene imbedded arrows into the stone wall of the wizard’s keep. Yagami used each arrow as makeshift handholds to climb the sheer wall. After the last arrow sank into place, Serene leapt down from her perch into the fray.

As she fell from the large oak branch, she latched her bow onto her chest harness and slung it behind her. Serene rolled low under the blade of one skeleton as she landed and leapt one as she came back up. She unsheathed her knives and spun away from an incoming attack. Several skeletons turned toward her, focusing on new prey.

Yagami slid into a window high above the courtyard. It was one of only two windows in the entire keep. Whatever the necromancer was doing here, he meant for it to stay secret. Without her ninjutsu training or a ladder, Yagami would not have gotten in.

The small room was a simple bedchamber. It was furnished with a bed, an armoire, and a small writing desk. Yagami moved without making a sound as she closed the distance to the stairs. The railing at the top of the stairs was a series of wooden posts with a banister laid over top. Yagami spied down into the wizard’s spacious laboratory.

The tall wizard was a Drow Elf, evident by his obsidian black skin and long, silver hair. He stood in the center of the room, book in one hand, focused on a direction out of her sightline. In his right hand, extended out behind him toward the door, he held a large glowing emerald. The glow emanated out from the emerald to the door in a shimmering band of light.

So, the emerald is keeping the big fellow out, Yagami thought as she sprang into action. Without a sound she leapt over the railing and landed in the center of the staircase. She crouched low and crept down the last few stairs. The necromancer was alone in the chamber. Carefully, she slid a shuriken from a small pouch on her belt.

With perfect precision she simultaneously threw the shuriken and screamed as loud as she could, “Now, Ulric! Now!” The magical gem fell from the necromancers’ wounded hand severing its hold on the door. Lightning skittered across the room as the wizard lost focus and turned toward Yagami’s scream.

“Intruder!” the Drow screamed, fear tainting his voice. “You have no idea what you’ve interrupted!”

The necromancer dropped the book and focused his attention back out of Yagami’s sight. Ulric smashed through the door sending splintered shrapnel across the room. Yagami dropped flat against the staircase, but several large splinters of wood slid deep into the Drow’s back.

Ulric stopped upon entry and stood wide-eyed staring at the swirling vortex before the wizard. Yagami stepped off the stairs and into the open chamber as the necromancer fell to one knee. The miniature tornado-like vortex spun like a top within a symbol carved into the floor.

The necromancer continued to chant until finally the vortex subsided. The Drow fell forward as he succumbed to his wounds. In the center of the circular symbol on the floor, an infant Elf lay silently staring up at Yagami and Ulric. Its silvery Drow hair stood out in defiance of its pale, radiant skin.

“Whoa!” Valerie exclaimed, breaking the silence and startling the others.

Serene made her way to the necromancer’s body and confirmed he was dead. She had already assumed her confirmation when all the undead fell silent once more. With the battle over, she needed to find answers for the townsfolk. More importantly, they needed more information about the odd baby.

A folded letter hanging from the Drows’ pocket caught her attention. Serene unfolded it and read aloud.

“To whom it may concern. If you are reading this letter, I have either failed or died for my success. My only wish was to return our son to the living and heal my true love’s broken heart. Although she did not make it this far, my hope is that he did.

“Please pass on my apologies to the nearby village, along with the gold in the cellar. The reader of this letter shall forever bear any injury that befalls my son. Protect him and raise him well.”

As the last word was read the parchment burst into flames searing a magic symbol into Serene’s palm. For a few moments, Ulric, Valerie, and Yagami eyed Serene curiously. Then the quartet just stared at the baby.

Author Notes I hope you enjoy! Thank you for reading.

Chapter 2
Dwarves For Dinner

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Chapter 1: The Necromancer

Ulric the Paladin, Serene the Ranger, Valerie the Mage, and Yagami the Ninja are hired to assist a town with a frightening problem. A necromancer has moved in and begun killing their lands. However, there’s a twist!

Evening found the adventurers miles from their previous engagement. Their supply stocks, coffers, and hearts were full. The necromancer had proved himself a worthy opponent. The villagers had proved themselves grateful employers.

As the sun fell behind the trees on the horizon, the party entered a clearing in the sparse, withering forest. A grouping of a dozen small wooden buildings surrounded a large central structure. The large sign out front of the main building identified it as a bar and inn.

“Good a place as any, I reckon,” Ulric said to the group.

“A warm shower and a bed would be wonderful,” Valerie answered.

“We do have a new contract. Maybe not a bad idea,” Serene added.

“What about the baby?” Yagami asked.

“Baby sleeps with me, I guess,” Serene replied. “Let’s go.”

The quintet began the walk to the inn, grateful for a reprieve. Small groups wandered in from other directions as they crossed the distance. A few pairs getting out of the dark and one party of five.

“Anyone up for an ale before we grab our rooms?” Ulric asked.

Unanimously, everyone agreed. The idea of a relaxing drink hurried everyone’s pace. The inn was a large wooden cabin. Its wood was worn and weathered, and ivy and moss crept their way over its surface. Candlelight flickered warmly through the yellow glass of the bar’s windows on the bottom floor. Most of the small windows above were dark.

A sickly-sweet stench hung in the air inside the bar. An Orc of immense proportions sat at a table in the corner chewing and sucking on a bone. Three guests were at the bar and a handful of others sat at tables far from the Orc. Everyone seemed to be uncomfortable and tensely watching over their shoulders.

Of the four groups they noticed walking in, two entered the bar long enough to turn and leave. The quartet silently exchanged looks. After several dirty looks and a few shoulder shrugs, Yagami seated herself at the bar. Following her lead, everyone else joined her.

“More!” the obese Orc barked. “Bring more now!”

A goblin scurried out of the kitchen with a serving dish almost his size. A huge chunk of meat wobbled on it, saved only by the bone protruding from it.

“Is… that a…” Serene mumbled barely audible.

“A thigh?” Valerie answered.

A Gnome at the bar leaned close to Ulric who was sitting at the right end of their party. “The Orc killed our benefactors. There is a very small Dwarven platinum mine here. Or was?” The Gnome hiccupped, belched, and continued, “The Orc has a pendant that charmed the Dwarves. He slaughtered them all!”

The Gnome clasped his hands over his mouth and stared in the Orc’s direction.

“Did I hear that right, Ulric,” Valerie asked, leaning in close on Ulric’s left side.

The Gnome continued, whispering softly, “When he was done, he made Udragg the Goblin cook them up!”

This time the Orc heard the Gnome’s crackling, terrified outburst. The Orc shoved Udragg hard enough to send him and the dish rolling across the room. Slowly and clumsily the fat Orc worked to pop itself free of the small nook it had squeezed into.

The four heroes stood up from their barstools and turned to face the Orc before he could even get out of his booth. When he finally got up, most of his mass hung in large flaps from his body. He took a few steps, and the Orc’s fat flopped and jiggled. Both of his bottom tusks were worn, and one was broken in half.

“No business of yours,” the disgusting creature grunted. The Orc licked snot from his upper lip and continued, “Go now! Ghukral The Colossal commands!”

“Colossal does indeed cover it,” Yagami snickered.

“Oi!” the piggish Orc shouted.

From what the group could tell the Orc had become angry and intended to fight. His utter obesity made it impossible to tell. He took a lumbering step forward as he worked the pendant free of his tattered shirt.

“Now you’ll pay!” Ghukral shouted, laughing maniacally. The tiny stone in the simple amulet shimmered brightly as he continued with a smug tone, “Remove your weapons, slaves.”

Valerie and Yagami simultaneously unsheathed their most readily accessible weapons. Serene brought her bow around from her back, and Ulric drew his battleaxe from his.

“Now come to me, stupid knight! Ghukral The Colossal needs an axe!”

Ulric walked to Ghukral and stood before him as if he were in a daze.

“Now give it!” Ghukral shouted, reaching out with his thick arms as best he could.

Ulric slowly lifted the axe before him. As Ghukral reached for it, sausage-like fingers wiggling greedily, Ulric deftly let it drop. The shocked Orc’s face twisted as his eyes bulged wide.

“What? How?” Ghukral screeched.

“Stone for Dwarves, dummy,” came Udragg’s defiant reply from the safety of the floor behind the bar.

The horror, shame, fear, and anguish the Orc felt was conveyed entirely by his expression as Ulric let the axe’s weight swing it low, left, and around behind him. Ulric continued the arc upward and let the axe’s momentum carry his strike.

The Orc screamed in agony as Ulric’s axe cleaved its way from his left shoulder blade to his lower right torso.

“Dinner not your business,” he mumbled as his fat mass settled to the floor in death.

Ulric released his axe, which had become wedged inside the Orc. He turned to his friends and smiled. Udragg laughed uncontrollably behind the bar, some patrons clapped and whistled.

“Still having ale?” Serene asked.

The friends laughed together for a moment. Udragg filled four mugs and placed them on the bar.

“Drinks are on the house!” he shouted!

“Hip, hip, hooray!” the crowd cheered.

“Drinks on the house,” Ulric whispered through a big, toothy grin.

Author Notes I hope you enjoy my work!! Thanks for stopping by!!

Chapter 3
An Unsavory Encounter

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Chapter 1: The Necromancer

Chapter 2: Dwarves For Dinner

Ulric the Paladin, Serene the Ranger, Valerie the Mage, and Yagami the Ninja arrive at an inn and bar for a welcomed night of rest. Interrupted and once again rising to the need of others, they must face a gruesome foe to avenge the fallen.

It had been three days since they stayed overnight at the inn. The quartet was elated to see a covered wagon stopped along the dirt road ahead of them as they crested a large hill.

“Think they have food?” Ulric the Paladin asked.

“Is that all you ever think of?” Valerie retorted.

“He likes ale, too,” Serene said as she adjusted the straps of the baby carrier she carried on her back.

“Think they have ale?” Ulric replied with a grin on his face.

The small Elf baby cooed from Serene’s back as if in response to Ulric’s question. He was a quiet baby, content to ride along comfortably in his makeshift carrier. Although the small town around the inn was in crisis, they took pity on the adventurers and supplied some basic supplies for the baby. A dish carrying basket from the bar combined with some cloth and padding offered a simple solution for travel.

Sunlight blinded them as the morning sun rose above the horizon. They moved up and down subtly rolling hills as they moved closer to the wagon. The quartet moved toward the side of the road as they climbed the last small hill. With no knowledge of who or what may be lurking nearby, they thought it best to stay cautious.

Several Kenku patrolled around the wagon and a small clearing on the side of the road. An old Dwarf with long, gray dreadlocks tended a fire. Another Kenku was digging through a large chest. Two Kenku stood firm at the rear of the wagon like guards, taloned hands on their short swords’ hilts.

The Kenku were a bird-like race averaging about four and a half feet tall. They were most commonly skilled rangers or thieves due to their keen eyes and innate ability to move without sound. They often worked as criminals or assassins for hire. Wingless and therefore flightless, shame caused ancient Kenku to wear tattered robes to cover their feathered heads and bodies. Over generations this had become a cultural standard.

The Dwarf’s presence both surprised and confused the observers. Adorned in jeweled necklaces, rings, and hair accessories, he looked like a pompous merchant. However, his graceful movements told the adventurers that an experienced fighter hid underneath that exterior. Dwarves did not typically associate with Kenku, so the adventurers assumed the odds of trouble were high.

“Why don’t we walk right up? If we need to, we could just move right along,” Valerie whispered.

“I think we need to sneak in and get more information. Like what’s with the wagon and guards for example,” Ulric retorted.

“I can’t get closer with this on my back,” added Serene, pointing to the carrier strapped onto her.

“I could, but I agree with Valerie,” Yagami said. “We may gain an advantage by sneaking around, but we do not know they are enemies. Walking up gives us options even though we lose the surprise.”

Together they moved back toward the road’s center and the wagon. The two guards saw the adventurers first. A shrill whistle sounded as they both drew their short swords from their scabbards. The three patrolling Kenku quickly shifted direction, each making their way to the wagon. The Dwarf and the Kenku helping him just turned in the direction of the newcomers and stared.

“Hello, travellers,” Ulric shouted, waving to the clearly agitated group.

“Oh, aye! Ye lot bringin’ dat for sellin’?” the old Dwarf asked, pointing to the baby.

“Slavers…” Ulric mumbled, lowering and shaking his head. “Nice Yagami.”

“Now we know.” Yagami whispered back. “Ready?”

Everyone prepared to draw their weapons and move. The wagon provided excellent cover, so timing was everything. Tension was high, and the slavers had identified the party as uninvited guests. Within seconds, the adventurer’s lack of response prompted the slavers to act.

Two Kenku let arrows loose from the cover of the wagon. One buried its tip in the upper left of the baby’s carrier while the other bounced harmlessly off Ulric’s armor. Both Kenku moved after firing, taking cover further right and left. The third patroller fired an arrow at Ulric, in a feeble attempt at distraction.

Ulric reached over his shoulder and grabbed his axe as he advanced toward the wagon. Yagami crouched behind and followed along, readying her kama in her left hand and her kusarigama in her right. Serene was on the branch of a large spruce in seconds, prepping an arrow while the baby giggled behind her.

Valerie fired several energy blasts from her hands, dropping the Dwarf’s assistant Kenku dead. Next, she cast a personal shield so she could act as bait. All three Kenku patrollers fired arrows at Valerie, ensuring Yagami’s safe advance across the battlefield. The Kenku furthest left was impaled by Serene’s arrow just after he released his.

Yagami deftly scaled Ulric’s back and leapt at the two wagon guards. Her kama dug deep into the head of the right guard. Simultaneously she launched her kusarigama at the patroller behind the wagon. The Kenku’s shocked expression changed to one of smug indignation as Yagami’s blade missed wide right. While Yagami dodged the second guard, she yanked hard on the kusarigama’s chain, killing him from behind.

Ulric’s axe cleaved the second guard down with ease as the Kenku missed an attack on Yagami.

“Everyone is down!” Valerie shouted. “Where is the Dwarf?”

The group looked around the area. Even Serene, from her lofty vantage point could see no trace.

“I suppose we should look in the wagon, right?” Ulric shouted.

The party gathered back together at the rear of the wagon.

“Can you hear us in there?” Serene called.

Valerie melted the lock from the wagon door. They stood ready for a moment, unsure of what might be inside. Ulric opened the door hesitantly, preparing for an attack. The wagon was full of young Drow children, cowered together away from the door.

“Now what?” Valerie asked.

Author Notes Thank you for reading!

Chapter 4
Rude Awakening

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Chapter 1: The Necromancer

Chapter 2: Dwarves For Dinner

Chapter 3: An Unsavory Encounter

Ulric the Paladin, Serene the Ranger, Valerie the Mage, and Yagami the Ninja hope to barter when they come across a wagon along a dirt road. Unfortunately, the thugs tending the wagon aren’t inclined to host guests.

“Yer a fine storyteller, Elf, but I aim to rest,” Orin said, interrupting Vortex. “Do ye plan to sleep, too?”

“I do, Orin, if you’ll allow me some comfort by the fire with you,” Vortex answered. “I’ll lay my weapons out where you can see them if it makes you more comfortable.”

“Aye, it does, but keep ‘em close. We mighta avoided a fight, but some things in these woods won’t allow us the choice. I aim to trust ye, Vortex. Me schedule’s important, don’t be a regret.”

“Thank you, Orin. For both your hospitality and your respect. You don’t have to worry about me through the night, good Dwarf. I have pledged it so.”

With that the unconventional pair spread their furs out and made themselves comfortable. The awkward silence drown out the other sounds of the forest. Neither knew what the next day might hold, but each was oddly satisfied with the outcome of this day.

“Night, ye durned Elf.”

“Goodnight, good Dwarf.”

***

Vortex shook Orin’s shoulder until he finally stirred from his slumber. Immediately the Dwarf attempted to push upward, but Vortex’s strength surprisingly held him firm. The Elf held a finger against his mouth to signal Orin to stay silent. From this proximity, Orin could see hints of silver in Vortex’s hair closest to his scalp. The auburn hair was a costume color to hide who he really was.

Vortex slowly moved his index finger away from his mouth and extended his arm out to point into the darkness. Orin squinted his eyes and focused. He jerked his head back and opened his eyes wide as he caught movement in the foliage.

“What?” Orin whispered as he carefully worked his body free of the fur covering him.

“Wolves,” Vortex replied quietly.

Vortex held one hand in front of him with his fingers and thumb extended before adding the other hand in the same manner. He followed this by dropping his hands and shrugging his shoulders. Orin reached out for his hand axe while Vortex slowly drew a dagger from a sheath on his belt.

Suddenly, the fight was on. A wolf tackled Vortex backward into the fire. He broke free and deftly slid his blade across the wolf’s lower left side. Meanwhile, Orin shimmied and wiggled along the ground until he felt the handle of his axe.

He gripped it tight and rolled sideways as a wolf pounced at him. He swung the axe high and brought it down as hard as he could. The wolf’s head bounced beside him as the rest of its body fell limp. A pair of young wolves stepped up before him. Orin rose to one knee and scanned the campsite for his shield. Partially covered by a fur blanket, it lay between him and the wolf pair. Orin was startled by the weight of Vortex leaning against his back.

“I have three in sight behind you, Orin.”

“Aye, I got me two o’ them buggers on this side. I’m missin’ me shield!”

“Switch, Orin!”

Vortex pushed his weight to one side, pushing Orin to do the same. As the wolves stood contemplating how to kill their prey, Orin and Vortex rotated as if they were dancing. When the two had successfully turned, Vortex dove forward. He extended his hands out, grabbed the shield, and flipped back up onto his feet.

“Orin!” Vortex shouted.

The shield soared through the air to Orin. The pair of wolves both lunged at Vortex as he turned back to them. Orin caught the edge of his shield in his free hand and used its momentum to bash the skull of one of the trio of wolves before him. The other two used the distraction to advance.

One wolf clamped down onto Orin’s left forearm. His shield fell to the ground as the wolf tugged at his arm. Vortex barely held one wolf’s snapping jaws back as he stabbed at the other with his dagger. Orin swung his axe frantically to keep the second wolf near him at bay as he attempted to yank his arm free.

Vortex drew a pained yelp from a wolf with his blade before dropping it to combat the wolf on top of him. He grabbed another handful of fur and held on with both hands. Orin’s heavy night coat ripped, and he finally pulled his arm free. The tugging wolf fell backward while Orin fumbled toward the other wolf. It simultaneously lunged as he fell. He maneuvered his hand axe in between them.

“Help!” Vortex cried out.

Thankfully, the wolf Vortex stabbed was severely injured and unable to fight. The wolf above him tore at his chest with its front paws as it snapped and pressed its weight downward. Orin collided with the wolf in front of him, splitting its head in two until its weight no longer carried it forward. Orin used the impact to move back toward the wolf that bit him.

His axe came free with a squelching sound and Orin brought it up and over his head. The wolf had dropped the cloth and ran into the forest. With expertise Orin spun and tossed his hand axe lightly. He grabbed the end of the hilt when he caught it and flung it at Vortex’s attacker.
The axe hit the wolf in the top of its front shoulder blade. At the same time, the force of Vortex’s push knocked the wolf to the side where it fell motionless. Orin walked over and offered a hand to Vortex, who gladly accepted the help up.

“Thank ye, Vortex Varian. Ye saved me life tonight!”

“I believe a thanks is owed to you as well, Orin. Thank you.”

“Aye, aye. Ye dinna break yer word, for sure. Ye wanna come along then?”

“I would gladly walk with you, Orin.”

“Go on then. Go back to tellin’ yer durned stories. Ye wanna help pack up me camp.”

“Gladly,” Vortex said, smiling at his new friend.

Author Notes Thank you for reading!! More coming soon!!

Chapter 5
Advance And Retreat!

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Chapter 1: The Necromancer

Chapter 2: Dwarves For Dinner

Chapter 3: An Unsavory Encounter

Chapter 4: Rude Awakening

Dwarven fighter Orin Shieldbearer and Elven ranger Vortex Varian are awoken early in the morning to face off against a feral pack of wolves. They quickly realize they can work together better than either had thought.

“Whoa!” Ulric shouted.

The horses and wagon came to a halt in front of the inn. Yagami climbed out first followed closely by Valerie.

“We’ll be back soon,” Yagami said.

Stepping down from the wagon Serene added, “We’ll be right here,” with a defeated sigh.

“Have fun babysitting,” Valerie said trying to contain a giggle.

Ulric literally growled as the two women passed by. Both Yagami and Valerie laughed. The small city was enchanting. The streets were lined with festive hanging lights and art adorned the sides of the buildings. By all accounts, this city was a haven for artists of all races and varieties.

They walked along, looking at murals and sculptures as they passed. Valerie stopped for a moment to take in a large image painted on the side of a warehouse. An Orc War Chief and a Human Paladin stood shoulder to shoulder and the text within the image read; Remember the war! Together we can rebuild!

“Come on, Val,” Yagami said softly. “Let’s get to the meeting spot. We can talk later.”

A tear fell down Valerie’s cheek and Yagami grasped her hand and lightly squeezed. Valerie looked at her friend and nodded. She pulled free of her friend’s grip, wiped her face, and smiled. I’ll never forget, mom and dad, she thought to herself. She pulled her gaze away, and the pair continued.

They took in the beauty of the varied architecture of the city and the multi-raced denizens of it as they walked. Street merchants and buskers charmed the crowd. An artist on scaffolding painted as he bobbed his head to the rhythm of a pianist along the street. Musical instruments and singers could be heard all around.

There was a populated square at the end of the street. Up ahead, an ogre was drawing an interested crowd as he performed poetry. He stood above the crowd atop a crate in the center of the busy village square. The Ogre’s position and loud, booming voice drew attention from far off visitors.

“Please do not despair, my good friends and neighbors,” the haggard Ogre began. “For storms can’t last forever! And God gave you the strength you need, brothers and sisters!” he shouted with passion, “to survive in any weather!”

The crowd erupted in applause around the Ogre. Cheers of joy and elation in the name of multiple Gods came from all around. Suddenly, the sounds of the crowd were replaced by a loud explosion. Yagami and Valerie felt the heat and shockwave of the blast, but they were unaffected. Smoke and flames distorted their view of the area where the Ogre performed. Bodies lay strewn about the square while screams filled the area.

Valerie grabbed a passerby, screaming above the confusion, “What happened here?”

“Eye of Gruumsh!” the terrified woman cried. “They don’t believe in a united community!”

Valerie released the woman as Orcs flooded into the square. An ominous chant flowed through their ranks. Gruumsh! Gruumsh! Gruumsh was the worshipped deity of destruction and creator of the Orcs. According to the will of Gruumsh, Orcs were meant to defile the world and nothing more.

While the uninjured crowd ran from the square, Valerie and Yagami ran into it. Valerie felled several Orcs with energy bolts, drawing their attention. A massive, one-eyed Orc pointed its sword in her direction. The women could here the city guard shouting and engagements in every direction.

An Orc rushed Valerie, chopping downward with his sword. She dodged right and slid her dagger into his stomach and around his torso. Another attacker was flung several meters by a closely fired energy blast. The huge Orc was charging her way fast, but her attention was drawn by closer assailants.

Yagami flung shuriken until her pouch was empty. She dove low to dodge a crushing blow, landing behind her attacker. As the Orc fumbled, Yagami buried her kama in his back. She flung her kusarigama, slicing the throat of an incoming attacker. With precision she yanked the chain, sending the weapon’s blade into the torso of another. She pulled back, whipping the blade and chain behind her.

Yagami launched the blade into the skull of an attacker at Valerie’s back.

“Kill him!” Valerie screamed, pointing at the one-eyed Orc commander.

Yagami pulled back her kusarigama, deftly catching it in her hand. She wound the chain in preparation and ran towards her target. Dipping and dodging, slashing and stabbing, Yagami made her way to the incoming Orc. A blinding light and several flying bodies indicated Valerie was holding her own. Several energy blasts dropped targets in Yagami’s way, and she found herself before the commander.

The Orc moved fast, slashing downward with his battleaxe. Yagami moved right, but the Orc’s axe was already coming at her again. She parried with her kama and the Orc’s strength knocked her back. She thrust her kusarigama into his stomach as he pressed forward. The Orc continued, knocking Yagami backwards off her feet.

Several arrows dug into the Orc’s back. A city guardsman tackled the Orc, allowing Yagami precious time. The Orc wrestled the guardsman to the ground. Once on top, he smashed the man’s skull with his axe handle. He stood up and a volley of energy blasts knocked him back down.
Yagami’s kusarigama was imbedded in the commander, so she drew her wakizashi. She leapt onto the Orc’s back and stabbed her sword through the Orc’s spine and neck. Immediately, the Orc’s nearby began to grunt loud and repetitively. The sound travelled throughout the square, from Orc to Orc. At once, the Orcs turned and retreated. Defenders gave chase and concerned citizens quickly flooded in to deal with the wounded.

Yagami was startled by Valerie’s hand on her shoulder.

“Even in places of great hope, there is evil,” Yagami whispered.

“But it is our job to keep hope alive, my friend,” Valerie said with a smile. “We helped here. Come,” she said offering her hand. “We still have children to help.”

Author Notes I appreciate you reading! Hope you enjoyed!!

Chapter 6
Surprise Guests

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Chapter 1: The Necromancer

Chapter 2: Dwarves For Dinner

Chapter 3: An Unsavory Encounter

Chapter 4: Rude Awakening

Chapter 5: Advance And Retreat

Valerie the Mage and Yagami the Ninja split from their friends to attend a meeting. Before they can get to their destination, chaos erupts in the town square. Religiously fanatical Orcs assault the square, leaving destruction in their wake. Our heroes take aim on their Commander.

Ulric and Serene paced back and forth in the room. The city alarms had gone off hours ago, and their comrades had not yet returned. City guards patrolled the streets as doctors and mages helped move the wounded. Recently, the streets had emptied and quieted as night fell over the small city.

Their friends should have been back with their contact by now. Ulric and Serene had no idea whether the alarm had anything to do with their allies. The lack of information was slowly driving them mad. The night had been stressful enough with a dozen Drow children and an Elf baby in tow.

“What do we do?” Ulric asked Serene.

“I suppose we just care for the children and wait, my love.”

“I am not a very patient man.”

“That’s okay, I can be patient for us both,” Serene said as she leaned forward to kiss him.

Ulric grabbed her and pulled her close to him. She was like a feather in his strong hands. He lifted her and whirled her around in a circle before pressing his lips against hers.

A barely audible giggle and a gasp distracted the couple. Three little Drow girls leaned against the crack in the barely open bedroom door. More laughter followed as Ulric and Serene watched their three tiny eyes widen before they disappeared back into the bedroom.

“Love you,” Serene said.

“I know,” Ulric responded, and they both laughed, too. “Hey are you hungry? I could walk down to the kitchen?”

“I could eat,” Serene responded. “I’m certain the kids could!”

They both laughed again, “Do they ever stop?”

Serene shook her head back and forth, “Not if they can help it.”

“Be right back,” Ulric said.

He kissed her forehead and then her lips. She smiled as he left the room. Only a few minutes had passed when someone knocked on the door to their room. Serene thought perhaps Ulric forgot something, so she hurried to the door. She opened it with a grin that quickly fell as a club hit her across the side of her head. Barely aware of her surroundings, Serene toppled to the hardwood floor.

***

Serene blinked her eyes. Overwhelming pain in her head forced her to vomit. Slowly, the fog in her mind cleared somewhat, and she could hear voices. Her arms were secured tightly behind her, and the shackles were bound to her neck with rope. The more she pulled down attempting to free her hands, the more she choked herself. Her ankles were bound and chained to a heavy wooden writing desk in the main room. Serene focused on what the intruders were saying in order to determine who they were.

“Hurry up, bind the children and get them moving!” a rough masculine voice commanded.

This was answered by strange sounds Serene could not identify. It sounded almost like a child whimpering mixed with the sound a dog makes when it begs to please its angry master.

“I don’t care to hear you complain! Stupid Kenku! Hurry before the woman’s ally’s return!”

Now I got it! Serene thought. Kenku communicated via sounds and calls mimicked from other things. Like a mockingbird, only much more talented, they copied the things they heard for use in their speech later. They could speak humanoid languages, but only by repeating something in the exact way it was heard.

The voice she heard giving orders must be the Dwarf that escaped them. As if the universe wanted her to know for certain, the Dwarf entered the main room from the bedroom. She could hear the children whimpering and crying out of fear. The Dwarf crossed the room and crouched next to her.

“Hello, hello,” was all he said.

As she glared at him with hatred, his skin and clothing seemed to ripple. Slowly, the Dwarven visage melted away until an almost featureless humanoid creature crouched before her. Serene recognized the doppelganger from old stories. Its bluish-purple skin began to ripple and change colors.

The doppelganger stood and looked down at Serene from her own eyes. She was paralyzed with horror at the sight of her evil twin.

“Kill this, I’m done reading its mind,” the doppelganger said nonchalantly.

The door opened and Ulric backed in pulling a cart full of food. Everyone in the room fell silent, and for a moment no one even breathed. Ulric slammed the door, grabbed a large circular dish full of fruits, and spun around.

“Food for the la…” he started.

Ulric dropped the plate and stared at the twin Serenes.

“I… I…” he stuttered, dumbfounded.

Whistles and chirps drew his attention toward the bedroom.

“Save the children!” Serene screamed.

Ulric turned and moved as he was instructed. A Kenku attempted to slam the door too late, and Ulric slung it across the room as he pushed through.

The doppelganger picked up a dagger from the coffee table.

“Can’t leave you lying about,” the doppelganger whispered to her.

Serene screamed for Ulric. Three Kenku tackled him as he turned to look at her. As he fell backwards, the doppelganger impaled Serene through the heart and sprinted for the window.

Ulric’s muscles tensed and flexed. He cried out in agony as he threw the Kenku off him one by one. He felt the sting of several wounds, but he continued to swing his fists at his enemies. At some point he recognized the food platter in his hands as he beat the life from a Kenku slaver.

When Ulric regained his senses, the Kenku combatants were bloody and lifeless. The oldest Drow girl sat beside Serene. Ulric watched her hands begin to glow over Serene’s wound. The glowing energy seeped into Serene until finally she opened her eyes and looked at him.

Ulric sighed and jumped at the sound of the doorknob. As fast as he could manage, he stood and raised his fists. Yagami and Valerie entered with two elegant looking Drow females.

“What happened in here?” Yagami asked.

Author Notes Thank you all for reading! I appreciate you :)

Chapter 7
Ambushed

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Chapter 1: The Necromancer

Chapter 2: Dwarves For Dinner

Chapter 3: An Unsavory Encounter

Chapter 4: Rude Awakening

Chapter 5: Advance And Retreat

Chapter 6: Surprise Guests

Ulric the Paladin and Serene the Ranger run into trouble at the inn. What should have been an easy, relaxing evening turns into a nightmare. An enemy left behind returns to exact revenge and reclaim its prize.

“Bah! Hold yer tongue a durned minute!” Orin turned and stood on tiptoes to look over his pony at Vortex. “Yer tellin’ me ye seen it?” Orin asked, eyes wide. “Resurrection?”

Vortex returned his gaze easily and smiled, “Orin, my friend, I cannot recall. I am the baby in this story!”

“Ha! I knew it when I seen the silvery wisps in yer hair!” The pair laughed together. “Aye, I never seen it meself. I suppose I dinna really want to, do I?”

“I suppose that is a matter of perspective, my friend.”

They began to walk again. Orin’s pony trotted alongside them, weighed down with supplies. Ow-ow-owoooooooooooooooo. The pony bucked and skittered at the sound. The howling was close.

“Ye dinna think they followed us do ye?” Orin asked, patting the pony’s neck.

“They didn’t act like typical wolves. They seemed frenzied and disoriented.”

“Aye. Magic, ye think?”

Snarling turned the pair’s attention behind them. A gigantic wolf stood upright on its hind legs, drool dripping from its razor-toothed maw.

“Werewolf!” Vortex shouted.

“Aye, that explains it!”

Vortex slid his bow out from underneath his cloak. He disconnected it from his chest harness.

“Fancy toy,” Orin said as he drew his hand axe. “Can ye shoot?”

Three wolves trotted up to the werewolf’s side and stopped. Orin removed his shield from his pony’s saddle. Vortex notched an arrow. Four more wolves came into view in the field to their right.

“How many ye got, Elf?”

Vortex smiled at his friend.

“What is it, ye ornery Elf?”

Vortex drew the bow and let an arrow fly. It impaled one of the three wolves closest to the werewolf. Before the wolf’s body hit the ground, the arrow appeared back in the single arrow quiver attached to Vortex’s bow.

“Just the one, my friend!” Vortex shouted, laughing.

Orin’s mouth hung open like a castle gate. Vortex notched his arrow again, turned, and fired at one of the wolves to their right. The arrow hit its target in mid-run causing the wolf to faceplant and tumble in the field. He heard the thump of Orin’s shield hitting a wolf behind him as he notched his arrow for the third time.

Orin wrestled with the second wolf as the first one shook its head nearby. He had a grip on the scruff behind the wolf’s head, but the way the pair stood against each other, Orin barely avoided its jaws. Orin swung his shield around and bashed the wolf’s head as he let go.

The first wolf had recovered, and it charged at Orin again. This time, Orin got his axe around and split the wolf’s body at the shoulder blade as it leapt. The injured second wolf had been joined by a third. The werewolf was closing in. Another pair of wolves appeared on the path in the direction they were traveling.

“We’re surrounded!” Orin yelled as Vortex fired another volley.

“Kill the werewolf!” Vortex yelled. “Do not let it bite you, Orin!”

“Aye!” Orin answered with a grin.

The last of the three wolves close to them fell to Vortex’s arrow as Orin marched toward the approaching werewolf. The wolf pacing the werewolf began to run. Orin moved his stubby legs faster, running at the wolf. As they closed the distance, Orin swung his axe upward from the ground. The axe blade caught the wolf in the lower jaw as the pair met. Its body fell to Orin’s side and bounced away as he continued forward.

Vortex repeatedly fired his arrow at the encroaching wolves. One by one they fell until the final two were upon him. He deflected one with his bow while he drew his dagger. As he jabbed the dagger into the chest of the second wolf, the sunlight glared off its blade.

Silver, Vortex thought. “Silver, Orin! Silver!” he shouted.

His comrade’s voice reached his ears as the head of his heavy hand axe buried itself deep in the werewolf’s neck. Its body slumped to the ground at Orin’s feet.

“Silver!” Vortex screamed again.

Orin turned to Vortex as he shouted back, “What’d ye say?”

Vortex sliced a wolf from its neck to its stomach as he slid underneath. The leaping wolf’s innards splattered the ground before its body landed.

“Silver, you old, deaf Dwarf! Turn around!”

How could you be so stupid, Orin? Orin thought, already turning back around. The tiny blade’s hilt was in his grasp as the werewolf’s jaws bit down on his arm. It clawed firmly into Orin’s side with one arm while pulling the blade free from its flesh with the other.

Vortex’s arrow surprised Orin as it struck the werewolf in the eye. It howled in pain, releasing Orin and retreating several steps backward. The werewolf howled again when the arrow disappeared. Instantly Vortex moved to notch the arrow again.

Orin drew the tiny ornate dagger from its sheath. It was a gift from a long-lost friend. Not meant for battle, the decorative silver blade was something he carried to remember. He regained his footing as Vortex’s arrow hit the werewolf in the chest.

Orin ran towards the werewolf, tiny dagger at the ready. He squatted low as he met the creature and pressed upward hard with his powerful legs. He wrapped his arms around the werewolf as he tackled it to the ground. The intertwined pair rolled around as Orin stabbed repeatedly.
Vortex stared at Orin when he finally stopped stabbing the motionless body. Orin turned around slowly.

“It bit me,” Orin mumbled before falling into unconsciousness.

Author Notes Grrr!!! Werewolf :)

Chapter 8
Last Resort

By T.A. Walk

Prologue: A Chance Meeting Summary

Chapter 1: The Necromancer

Chapter 2: Dwarves For Dinner

Chapter 3: An Unsavory Encounter

Chapter 4: Rude Awakening

Chapter 5: Advance And Retreat

Chapter 6: Surprise Guests

Chapter 7: Ambushed

Dwarven fighter Orin Shieldbearer and Elven ranger Vortex Varian realize they’ve been followed and surrounded by the wolves they fought earlier. The pair learn the reason behind the pack’s awkward and unusual behavior.

Vortex knocked on the small cottage door. Although Orin mentioned being pressed for time, he had never asked for details about Orin’s journey. With his new companion unconscious, Vortex was at a loss for options.

After a few minutes and no response, Vortex knocked again. The door swung open, and an old woman stood in the doorway staring. After making a brief adjustment to her thick glasses, the woman’s eyes widened in recognition.

“Vortex Varian!” the old woman exclaimed while she grabbed him and held him tightly.

He returned the woman’s embrace, and said, “Hello, Valerie.”

“Are you here to answer my message?”

“I am sorry, Valerie, I am actually here for a friend,” Vortex said motioning toward the pony carrying Orin. Seeing her demeanor change considerably, he asked, “What message do you speak of Valerie?”

“I sent out a call for hunters, Vortex. There is a plague of lycanthropy spreading from here. I need to capture my son so I can cure him. So far, I have found no one who will take the contract without killing him. I thought perhaps your mother had received my letter.”

“Serene has moved on, Valerie. I received no letter,” Vortex said in a somber tone. He took a deep breath before he continued, “My friend and I killed a werewolf along the road several miles south. We… We did not know.”

Valerie sobbed uncontrollably and Vortex held her close.

“Valerie, I came in hopes that you could help my friend. He was bitten by the werewolf that attacked us.”

Valerie pulled away from him and walked into the house. She came back just as quickly holding a necklace with a small glowing pendant.

“When the pendant glows, he is nearby. You didn’t kill Kastor!” Valerie said with joy.

“I am thankful for that, but you mentioned curing him. Can you do that, Valerie?”

“I can. It is a simple spell. The curse is easy enough to break. Can you find Kastor, Vortex Varian?”

“Watch my friend, please. He can be a handful. I’ll be back by morning.”

“An Elf and a Dwarf, huh? You are full of surprises.”

***

Snapping twigs in the dark gave away the werewolf’s position. Vortex waited high in a tree for the right opportunity. Once the beast was in position, a well-placed arrow would draw its attention and bring it to Vortex. If his plan worked, the hidden net trap would capture the werewolf with ease.

Vortex palmed the pendant in his cloak. He pulled it out far enough to see the small stone shining brilliantly. He tucked it away and raised his bow. The werewolf sniffed at the air. It sensed something, but Vortex had stayed downwind of the creature.

“I smell you, Elf!” the werewolf growled.

Even downwind Vortex could not hide from this hunter. If he were found before the werewolf was positioned right, the trap would be worthless. He notched his arrow, aimed several yards ahead of the beast, and fired. The resulting distraction drew the werewolf into the position Vortex hoped for.

The werewolf tore at the foliage at the site of the noise. Vortex notched his arrow again when it appeared and fired at the werewolf. The arrow hit the beast’s chest with a thud, and it turned directly towards Vortex.

“Elf!” the werewolf growled as it leapt forward, charging toward Vortex’s tree perch on all four limbs.

Vortex began packing up his things as the werewolf drew closer. He reattached his bow to his chest harness and began readying himself to climb down. A surprised yelp followed by snarling and growling let him know his prey had been caught.

The beast thrashed and clawed at the net making it difficult for Vortex to get close. It tore a large hole in the net, and half of its body fell free. It dangled there, half-tangled and trapped, snapping and clawing.

As the werewolf spun around, Vortex took advantage. Once out of the beast’s sight he pounced and injected the werewolf with Valerie’s medicine. The werewolf howled and growled until slowly it weakened and fell asleep.

***

“Kastor!” Valerie screamed as Vortex approached her cottage the next morning.

After losing consciousness, Kastor had reverted to his Human form. Vortex bound him and transported him back with Orin’s pony.

“Vortex, I… I have grave news,” Valerie stammered.

“Orin?”

“Yes, Vortex. His people are naturally resistant to magic. It is a Dwarven trait. Orin is more so than most, and I cannot remove his curse by magic.”

“What now?”

“I can see your pain in the shortness of your answers, Vortex. Is he a good friend?”

Vortex pondered silently for a moment. He did not know Orin, but he learned enough about his character when they met. Not many would have made the choice to sit with an enemy.

“He is, Valerie. What can I do to help him?”

“Is he a good man, Vortex? This curse is pure evil. It requires a cure, control, or death. Only the strongest men can conquer it.”

“Is there any other option, Valerie?”

“Legends tell of a bracelet lost in the Forbidden Swamps. The Bracelet of Focus. Perhaps a magical item such as this would give him the strength to control the beast.”

“Will he wake soon?”

“Aye, he will,” Orin said from inside.

Valerie turned her attention to Kastor as Vortex ran to his friend’s side.

“Orin!” Vortex exclaimed when he reached Orin.

“Aye,” Orin replied. “We must go.”

Orin attempted to get up, but Vortex pressed him down with a soft grip on Orin’s shoulder.

“Rest now, my friend. We’ll talk more about this soon.”

Orin scoffed and grumbled but laid down.

“Bah! If I gotta rest, tell me another dang story, ye durned Elf!”

Vortex smiled at his friend, and Orin smiled back.

“You know you seem to be getting comfortable with that word, Orin.”

“Aye,” Orin replied, and silently gestured thank you to his friend.

Author Notes This one threw me a curveball!! As it turns out, in DND, a lycanthropy cure is as simple as a remove curse spell...

Thanks, DND lol!! Either way, now we get to see Vortex's loyalty to a new friend. What would you do for a stranger that accepted you as a peer regardless of the world around you?? Perhaps we could all be a little more Vortex-y!!

One of thousands of stories, poems and books available online at FanStory.com
You've read it - now go back to FanStory.com to comment on each chapter and show your thanks to the author!