Date: Mon, 13 May 2002 04:26:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: c z <cezmail1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Battered Barbarian and His Boy- Chapter 3

Disclaimer- Standard Nifty and I will just add, if you
don't want to read it or can get busted if caught, don't.
Easy enough done and I am not responsible if you screw up.
The story is mine, and I am going to insist on its
copyright. So hereby Battered Barbarian and his Boy is now
copyrighted  ( C ) by cezmail, my pseudonym on the net. Ask
permission to post it elsewhere and I will most likely
grant it, but doing so without is a violation of my
copyright. Thanks for understanding.

This is all complete fiction. NONE of it is true. It has
elements of fantasy violence ( explicit at times ),
relations between a boy and a man, and sexual themes. If
this is illegal for you to read or not to your tastes,
DON'T READ! Otherwise, please look on down and if you have
an opinion, let me know. I am more then willing to listen
and reply.

This is a new turn of events for me, my first all complete
fiction. It is based on a roleplaying character of mine,
and with that, I move ahead with this new story.

Thanks for all those who liked the first and second
chapters.You  made me feel I was able to convey this well
and have fun while I was at it. I appreciate all the kind
folks who have come across my story and read it. Thanks for
all the emails and support. I am still with it and will
hope to keep writing when I can. May not always write as
often, but I am still here folks.

Dedication- I would like to pass along a special hello and
thanks to Adam_Ant for your emails and dedication to
keeping up with new chapters. Know your down at the moment
my friend and will hope all the support I and the others in
the board have helped some.

To all others, as before, feel free to email me with any
comments. I gladly answer any and all. You can email me at
cezmail1@yahoo.com,

Chapter 3

Zax flashed Zert small smile and stepped away to get his
gear. His body now strengthened from the prayer that Zert
had infused on him moved more limber and even lithe.
Getting his pack on his shoulders and strapping on the belt
with his pouches and knife he only had to take up the spear
to continue on. Once done, he gave Zert a glimpse and they
were both off for the day's journey.

Zert led the way, all of his senses trying to search out
any ambushes or enemy that could endanger them. No words
were spoken, as both the Half Orc and the Human strode on
making as much time and distance as they could. They kept
their minds clear of all what awaited them at the end of
the sojourn. For now, just getting through the day was
enough.

The morning went by quickly and with brief rests about
every hour, they were not too tired. Zert felt his stomach
rumble and his brain crying for some rest from his lack of
a full nights rest, he found them a spot to take their mid
day meal and stretch out. It was a sheltered pool with
trees in three sides and some ripples that signified fish.
Zert had no fishing gear on him, so quickly dismissed
getting some fresh meals from the water. Zax dropped his
back as Zert signaled the break and sat down, his preteen
muscles crying out for rest and relief.

They pulled some ration packs, not trying to light a fire,
and refreshed their waterskins after they drained them to
refresh their thirst. Zert then saw that Zax was still
moving slowly, and thinking quickly what he might be able
to do, spoke up. " Lad, I see you moving gingerly there.
Nows if you wish, I can rub your body down to make you feel
better, but if so, you will need to strip off your tunic
and drawers. I can massage out the aches, but you have to
try to contain any moans as I rub you down. You game for
that young Zax? "

Zax, used to massages from servants and his own bodyguard
nodded. " I would like that much Hero Zert. "

Before Zax could even start to strip, Zert reached out with
his scarred and callused hand. " Nay lad, put a stop to
that now. I am but Zert, former corporal and now free
mercenary, I am no Hero, though I much honored you think
so. I be a servant of Holy Rawndalla, dedicated to her
service as well as my blade. Call me Zert and we can be in
good graces. I am not one from the bard's trolling tongue
or some mate from the tales of wonder. "

Zax heard this, but was unmoved. He smiled a small grin." I
still feel you are a True Hero Zert, but I will not gain
say you. In my heart you have earned that title, but I will
respect your wishes. Your are worthy of more, but I will
wait for my Father or Lord Cousin to bestow your rewards. "
He then pulled off his tunic and unlaced his breeches,
laying them on his pack. He lay down on the soft grass and
being among the shadows of the trees, closed his eyes.

Zert saw that though the bruises on Zax's body had faded,
the rest of his skin was not marked severely. The body of
the youth had not had to face the hard work or endure the
lash as Zert had. Seem to speek of his noble and well to do
birth and clan. The frame of the boy was slender, but with
muscles attached to show he was no weakling. The lad had
kept up with Zert's pace on the two days they had been
together, and though sore now, seemed to show he would be
right behind him for the end of the journey.

Zert saw the beauty in Zax, and even could admit he found
it attractive, but he was the boy's rescuer and he steeled
himself to keep this professional. He had accepted a job, a
verbal contract, and he was not about to abuse the
circumstances. He knelt down and begun to move his hands,
as softly as he could to get the kinks and aches from the
young one's body. He applied pressure at the base of the
shoulders and back, and then lightly stroked up the spine.
Shivers shook Zax and the young lordling bit his lips not
to groan too much. After about 20 minutes with the meals
settled, Zert stopped and leaned back.

He stretched out his arms and rotated them and then tapped
Zax on the head. " Ok Lad, were done. Get yourself together
so we can press on. If the Gods grace us, we might be close
to a hamlet or a farm to get a hot meal and shelter for the
night,. If not, well we look for as best a camp as we can.
"

Zax nodded and dressed quickly, but smiled as he did so. "
Thanks Corporal  Zert, you really worked me good there. I
feel much better. Maybe I can return the favor tonight, if
you wish?" The last was said shyly, but Zax kept his eyes
on Zert's.

Zert nodded. " Mayhap you can. I will see what the night
brings but till then we move on. "

They walked on and after about 2 hours while taking a small
rest, a sound came out. It was a distant horn call, one
that set Zert on edge. Orc horns, a war call at that. He
quickly looked to try to place where the sound came, and as
a return blow of another horn, he felt it was to the north.
The two horns had sounded faint, so no immediate battle was
seen. It did remind Zert of what was out there and who
awaited them if they were caught. He was ready for battle,
but with Zax in his charge, he would have to skirt
confrontations as much as possible. Gods he  wished he had
a squad of men to back him up and be able to face off a
patrol.

They waited a bit more, top see if any more calls were
sounded, but as no more blows of the horns were heard, they
continued on. The orcs would be on the move and woe any
isolated farms encountering an Orc Patrol. They would only
end up a fresh meal if out numbered and if captured, even
worse. Orcs on the warpath would leave little of worth, and
would despoil anything they could not use or take.The
Broken Hand was among the worst of the northern tribes.

Zert and Zax moved even more cautiously, trying to be as
stealth as a hulking warrior could be. They came across no
farms or even cart paths, but close to dusk Zax made out a
pleasant surprise. Seeing something Zert had missed, he
grunted to signal Zert.

Zert turned and Zax pointed to a shadow against the near
hill on the right. He motioned with his captured spear. "
There Zert. " He said softly. Zert peered and still cold
not make out what the boy was seeing.

Zax chuckled and motioned again. " There, in the shadow.
There is a cave. Maybe we can make use of it, if it is
empty. "

Zert paused, weighing the chances of finding it to be safe,
but the night promised to be could, and it would be nice to
be sheltered from the wind and chill." Ok lad, we can
approach closer. When I tell you to wait, you WAIT. I will
explore it myself, to ward off any enemies or game. Promise
me you will stay until I call you. I can not easily watch
you and be on the lookout for danger. Will you do as I say?
"

Zax did not like this, but he was beholden to this strange
man. " Aye, I shall. Hurry as much as you can Zert. I want
nice fire and bed. "

Zert patted the boy on the head and gripped his sword and
shield. He moved slowly to the cave, looking at the
entrance for any movements. As he got even closer, he
peered even closer to the top and sides, looking for traps
or ambushes, but saw nothing. Brush had helped to add to
the shadows, and they were the cause of why Zert had not
seen the cave at first. Getting to its opening, he looked
at the ground and dirt for any recent tracks. Some small
creatures, but nothing like a bear, lynx or worse showed
itself there. Still on edge, he walked in, his eyes
flickered slightly as the lens dropped into place so he
could see into the darkness.

The cave was about 7 feet tall and close to 5 across. Zert
bowed his head a little to make sure it would clear the
ceiling. The cave was of natural stone, never seemingly
worked and went in about 5 feet before opening up more
Getting clear of the entrance, Zert made out that the
opening inclined down slightly and the cave proper was a
rough half moon. It was about 8 yards across and 5 deep.
Another smaller opening revealed an alcove with some dead
brush and a nest of grass. It did not seem to have the
smell of any recent animals or humanoids. Zert stepped a
little closer to the nest sword out and on the ready.

As he got close enough, Zert could make out that the grass
was woven in a manner to make it a good nest. but it was
old and parts were now unraveling. Someone or something had
made this thing, but They were either long gone or not
doing any upkeep. Zert saw to the side then a pile of dried
dung, and by the look of it, possibly bear. He examined the
nest and saw many wilted and brittle feathers, long and
dark. His skin shivered as he thought what had made this
place and the depositor of the dung. Owlbear!!

Zert had fought those ferocious beasts before and still had
a scar where one of the creatures had raked his leg. He
could possibly have handled one, but he was happy to pass
that battle by. He finished the rest of the scout and saw
some old bones and even a collection of rotted cloth. He
could not tell who the bones may have belonged to, but the
cloth looked like something a peasant might use.

Nothing or worth or value was among these piles and with
the examination done, Zert walked back outside. Looking to
where Zax was hidden, he motioned with his hand. summoning
the boy to come on in. Soon Zax arrived and he gave Zert a
warm smile. " Sp we have shelter Master Zert? "


" Yas, that  we do lad. An old cave of an owlbear, but long
gone from what I can tell. Good thing to, or we might have
ended up food to the beast. Drop your pack here and help me
gather some wood for a fire. You will not be able to see
into the darkness of the deeper part of the cave, and you
will get no light from the moon in these shadows. I do not
want to use a torch here, so a fire will have to do. "

Zax nodded and putting his pack down and resting the spear
on the side of the cave went to gather fallen wood. Zert
first got some stones to make a fire ring and then joined
him. Both of them got three armfuls and with Zax waiting at
the entrance, Zert put some of the wood into the ring and
got out his tinderbox. It took a few tries but soon enough
he had a fire going.

The two of them laid out their bedrolls and Zert heated up
some food. Refreshed with a hot meal and water, Zax lay
down and looked at Zert. " Will you tell me your
beginnings? Where do you come from and what brought you to
this place? "

Zert sitting so he could watch the entrance, but still give
Zax a look in the eyes sighed a little and stretched out
his legs. " It is a long story I will try to keep brief. As
you can see, I am a Half Orc. My Mother was Alaina of Clan
Braggin, and she was captured as she and an escort traveled
on a mission of trade to a neighboring city. My Mother and
her kin come from the March of Mazdac, and Clan Braggin are
among the best warriors and merchants of the Margrave. "

" Well my mother and a few females that lived through the
attack were enslaved and taken in chains to Goria. There
she was made to give pleasure to any and all that were
shown to her. Among them was the man who was to be my
father, curse his name and soul. His name was Bandark, the
chief of Master Husk's guards. He raped my mother viciously
and it was only by the grace of Rawndalla, who my mother
was a priestess of, that she lived. The end result was I
was born months later. My mother kept we warded from
potential eaters, and saw to it that I was accepted by the
slave master. "

"My life for my first few years not that harsh, but at the
age of 8 I  was taken to begin training as a pit fighter.
Fighting for the pleasure of my enslaver and to please his
guests. I had a good teacher, a friend of my Mother and a
man with a good heart. Calium saw to it I had the best of
training he could give me. Combined with what teachings my
mother had been able to install in me of Rawndalla and her
ways, I was able to stay alive and not too badly damaged. "

" It was rough lad, and I suffered from many a beating and
whipping. I was pitted against smaller beasts and captured
kobolds and goblins. Sometimes to the death, sometimes not.
All where I got my scars as you can see. "

" At the age of 13 I was inflicted with a strange plague
that ran through the slave quarters, I and my mother lived,
but poor Calium and nearly 25 out of a 100 never recovered
and died. Husk was away in the service of Kalen Dahl and
when he returned he was furious his castellan had not
called in the healers sooner. Even a blooded fighter such
as myself had to turn away and shudder what was done to
that man. It is enough to say he died tortured and mindless
from the torture. Bandark was made the right hand man of
Husk now and I vowed in time to kill that bastard. He may
have given me life from the rape of my mother, but he was a
vicious beast with a black heart, He and his orcish
contingent of guards were an example that I would erase
from the good Earth. "

"That is why I am sensitive to being called an orc. I am as
human in my heart and soul Zax. I am sworn to kill every
last orc I can, to put a stop of their evil ways. I swore
this by Rawndalla and I will not be forsaking that vow. "

" The next 3 years saw me fighting even more battles and I
came close to death more then once. Then I got a chance
while putting on a show during a high dinner for Husk's new
guests. A rival attacked during the dinner and during the
confusion, I downed the hobgoblin I was fighting against
and joined in the fray. I saw Bandark trying to lead his
master away, but he was held up by the attackers. I came
upon him from the rear and with no warning or mercy, as he
deserved none, I split his worthless head in twain, though
I shattered my blade in it. Husk screamed and ducked away,
but I chased after him. The attackers left me alone to go
after others, not realizing at the time that Husk was their
prime target. "

" Going through many a passage-way and door, I finally
caught up to Husk as he was about to escape out a bolt
hole. He turned as I broke through the door that he had
hoped to stop me and pulled his sword. All I had was a
dagger and a length of chain I had gathered up during the
chase. In short, after taking some deep cuts, I was able to
wrap the chain around the sword and pull it from the
fricker slaver's hand and gutted him with my dagger. "

" With Husk dead and fires breaking out from the attack, I
saw a chance for freedom and escape. I took Husk's money
and jewelry, as well as his sword. That sword is now the
one I wield, Nimlas is her name.I do not know her maker,
but she is a strong blade and has served me well. I then
went to find my mother and free as many of the slaved as I
might.  I had to fight off some other guards and even some
of the attackers, but I finally made it to where my
mother's quarters were. "

" That was the saddest experience for me, for in the room,
flames starting to spread to the ceiling was the body of my
mother. One of the attackers had broken her and raped her,
but she had somehow been able to grasp a sconce of a torch
and brain him.He died still in my mother, and she seemingly
died at the same time. With tears in my eyes lad, I tried
to get her free. But a new wave of attackers stopped me and
during the battle I was carried away,. I broke from the
fighting, but the fires were enough now that I had no hope
to get to my mother. "

" So I ran away, crying, and in time I made my way out of
Husk's old lands and into your own land. I signed up with
the Golden Company, then in service with a Chessentan
trader and I served with my fellow mercenaries and under
Captain Vorn for the next 5 years till the company was
destroyed in battle with the Broken Hand. I killed a clan
chief, but was severely wounded. I woke up to see that I
seemed to be the sole survivor of the Company, though some
were unaccounted for. I do not know if they live or not,
but as I journeyed to Port Nayr, I rescued you. Now that
brings me to the end of my tale."

Zax eyes were wide from the telling of Zert's past, and his
eyes had watered hearing the terrible ordeal that Zert had
to face, So unlike his own upbringing. He was not a
pampered parasite of a noble, but he had never had to face
even a tenth of what his rescuer had.

" Thanks for telling me Zert. I promise, I will never call
you an Orc again and I am ...sniffle... Thanks for rescuing
me and being here. " Tears now ran down the face of Zax and
Zert quickly grabbed the boy to him. Zax now gave in to his
pent-up fears and the memories of his own capture and
wailed into the breast of his friend. Zert just held him,
rocking him slightly and rubbing his back. In time the
shuddering ended and the sounds of the crying stopped. Zert
pulled back a little and saw that Zax had fallen asleep.
The boy had cried himself into slumber.

Zert laid him down and rubbing his head softly put the
blankets over the sleeping lad. " Your welcome my little
Lordling. Dream sweetly , for I will protect you. Durgon
and Rawndalla watch over your dreams, and keep away the
fears. " He then took a gamble and gave Zax a gentle kiss
to his head. " I will be here when you wake Young Zax. "

Zert stayed sitting there till the fire died.

------------------------------------------------------------

Ok here is the end of Chapter 3.  Had some nice comments
from fans.  Keep them coming and I will see if this is to
continue.  I will say here and now I am committed to the
story. had some replies from other authors whose stores I
drew a little inspiration from. Really helped to boost my
ego. I am also proud to say that am now officially calling
myself an author. : )

Check out my other story- Monterey Delights at
/nifty/gay/young-friends/monterey-delights/

Praise me, flame me, or just tell me where I may improve or
screwed up. I am more then willing to reply and we can see
what the future holds. Email me at cezmail1@yahoo.com.

Thanks

Charlie