Date: Sat, 25 May 2002 11:37:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: c z <cezmail1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Battered Barbarian- Chapter 6

Chapter 6

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 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.

Special thanks to Coal Black, Skip, Charlie G, Michael H,
and the good man from the Mountains, Bob in CO.  I would
also like to say a special hi and thanks to Jayel, Chris,
creator of Odhreg, and a fine fellow writer, Zustara.
Thanks my friends for the emails and the friendship. You
keep me smiling and wanting to write.  : )

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.

---Note, I have told some of my regular email fans, but
have decided not to go into heavy sex scenes. I want to
more concentrate on the story and the characters and not
have this be too involved with the descriptions of the sex.
if this causes me to lose some of you as readers, then oh
well and I wish you well in finding other stories. Thanks
all will stay and enjoy the chapter. ----

Chapter 6

Zax was in the arms of his new lover as he came awake. He
recalled the passion that Zert had brought him to that
previous night, the feelings of love and tenderness under
the calloused and rough hands of his Hero. That was how he
thought of this large Half Orc, his Hero. Since Vicores had
died, Zax had thought he might never know the contentment
and the pleasure of a mentor's strength supporting his
growing years. This savior had rescued him and had shown
every sign of protecting him and loving him. Zax was only
more the willing to return the emotions.

He and Vicores had been together for 2 years, brought
together when his father had seen that his only son's joy
of magic showing itself, as well as the aptitude that he
revealed when he was tested. It was logical that Vicores
would be chosen as his teacher and mentor, being his
father's cousin as well as friend. The mage was younger
then his cousin and was a gifted mage who had been trained
by the legendary Vicore. The two of them became lovers soon
after and this bond had helped Zax on those lonely times
when his Father was away.

Zert's own attraction to this youth cuddled up in his arms
went back to his own days in the pits and as a slave, He
had been used by guards and those memories had helped to
shape his hatred of any abuse of youths. Calium had helped
to erase the terror and the pain that Zert had undergone,
and the relationship the old gladiator and Zert shared was
one he treasured. Zert had no sexual feelings for females,
though he had been close to many in his days, including his
beloved Mother. He was into his fellow men, as well as
youths.

Zax was the first one he had connected so closely to. He
felt that he had to protect and support this young lordling
and from the moment he had rescued Zax from those scum
sucking dung eaters, he had felt the bond that had only
grown as they had traveled and talked. Zert did not realize
it now, but his losing his old companions had left an empty
hole in his inner being and Zax had replaced that void with
his smiles, hugs, and love. Zert was never one to turn his
back to those he bonded with, so this was not a fleeting
moment of passion. This was a deeper emotion, one that
could well last a lifetime.

Stretching the kinks left from their cuddled sleep, Zax and
Zert smiled at one another and allowed themselves another
passionate kiss before nature called. Getting up they
observed the two brothers back to front still deep in their
dreams. The mutual love making that the night had brought
on had been appreciated by each pair on observers and there
was no embarrassment for what had occurred. Zert reached
and drew his sword, to scout out the entrance to the hidden
cave, while Zax relieved his bladder in a far corner.

Zert's quick scout showed no new disturbances of the
curtain of vines and he heard no unusual movements. He took
his own turn in gushing his urine and when he was finished
and feeling much more relief, went to wake Yokus and Ulf.
he bent down and with his left hand slightly touched Ulf,
the closer of the two. He did not want to startle the boys
more then he might. They had suffered enough yesterday from
the battle.

The touch got Ulf's attention and he quickly came to
consciousness. His eyes darted open, but seeing it was
Zert, who held a small smile, he did not panic or get up
quickly. He flashed the warrior a smile and turned to wake
his brother. Yokus reacted more at an alert, his woodsman's
nature getting his senses to take in all that they might.
Seeing his brother's smile and feeling Ulf's hand on his
chest, he hugged his brother and rolled on up.

The group decided to have a cold breakfast and to start to
strip as much as they could from the cave. The brothers
would pack away food and bedrolls for themselves, and add
some rope, cloaks, and extra ammunition for the missile
weapons. Zert was about to start his morning prayers when
he recalled the mages items and spellbook. It was time to
share this with Zax.

" Zax my friend, come here lad. "

Zax looked up where he was finishing up rolling his
bedroll. He curiosity showed and he stepped closer to his
Hero. " Yes Zert? "

" I did not say anything yesterday, as we had to travel and
then.. well rest was needed. I found some things that you
might be able to do something with, or use. The mage that
Dirdir killed had this ring, dagger, as well as a book that
I will assume was his spellbook. Maybe you can detect if
any of these have a glow about them and make some heads or
tail of what they might have. I could do it, but I would
rather save my own prayers that Rawndalla might grant me
for healing and utility. "

Zax listened and then nodded. " I lost my own apprentice
book when I was captured and only retain two cantrips, one
to read magical runes and one to detect, so let me look
over the book first, I am surprised it did not shock you,
as many mages use intricate traps and spells to protect
their tombs, or so Vicores said. "

Zert nodded and handed over the package with the items and
went to make his morning prayers to Holy Rawndalla. Once
they were all done, they would make a cairn for Dirdir here
in the cave, and be on their way. Port Nayr called to them,
and he hoped it had not fallen or they were cut off from
the metropolis of the North.

Zax took the book first and upon seeing the symbols of
Black Hand he gasped silently. His eyes darted to Zert,
wondering if the warrior knew what this meant. Though still
very young, Zax had been trained in the history of the
various magical guilds and groups, and of these, the Black
Hand was one of the most dangerous. They were a group of
spellcasters who were allied with slavers, and had many
ties with the Gorians. His heart beat fast as he recalled
some of the stories that Vicores had shared with him, non
of them in any manner pleasant. They were in even deeper
trouble if the Hand's mages and assassins were after him.

Zax pushed this dark thoughts from his mind for now, and
concentrated in recalling the movements of his hands and
the words to invoke his spell. The last syllable uttered,
the tingle of the spell on his fingers, he knew he was
successful one again. He turned the page and started
looking through the spellbook carefully, trying to sense
any traps left on the tome.

Most of the spells were too advanced for him, but the Sleep
spell and the Magical dart would come in handy, as well as
one that allowed the caster to climb like a spider.There
were a total of sixteen spells in this book and for now it
would have to do as Zax's sole means of accession his
talent. Later he could either make a new one, or if he got
home to New Leir, he could have his original apprentice
book, having taken his larger one on his journey to Port
Nayr.

Zax then cast his last spell, to observe the dagger and the
ring. Both glowed, showing that they were enchanted, but
other then that, Zax could not say what they did. The
weapon made Zax uneasy, though that may just have been
because it was from a member of the Black Hand. Regardless,
Zax left it where it was and moved onto the ring. It was
not marked more then a small amount of silver on the golden
band. It looked well kept, with no traces of the blast.
That seemed to show more of the enchantment of the ring
then its own construction.

He took up the ring and ran his fingers around the piece of
jewelry and pondered what it might be. He had heard that
the enchantment might go from some sort of protection, to
increasing  a mage's spells, to possibly holding a magical
creature as a servant. He was tempted to put it on, but
after looking at it closely for any sort of runes or
writing and seeing none, put it down next to the dagger.

He took up the spellbook and started to read the spells
that he wanted to memorize. Zax imprinted a Sleep spell and
a Magical Dart invocation, as well as replenishing his
reading and detecting spells. Lastly he also memorized a
clean spell, so he could get his clothes fresh without
having to wash them.

With Zax and Zert done, and Yokus and Wulf having packed
away as much of the stored food and supplies that the four
men might carry, they all begun to gather rocks for the
internment of Dirdir. Ulf and Zert went outside to gather
more stones as Zax and Yokus concentrated in setting the
stones as close as they could. It took an additional hour,
but at the end, they had finished. Gathering around and
allowing their breath to recover, Zert looked to the two
brothers. " Do you wish me to say a final prayer over your
Father? "

Ulf nodded, his eyes getting wet. Yokus said nothing, just
held his brother and bowed his head. Ulf reached over and
took his brother closer and they hugged one another and
supported each other as Zert began.

" High and Holy Durgon, Lord of Sleep and Death, I ask you
to look upon this good man. This Father, Warrior, and
Honorable person who passed helping to save his sons. He
faced your calling with no flinches, and I pray that he is
enjoying his time in the Arena proving his worth for the
Afterlife. Watch over him Father of Sleep and allow no
nightmares to plague my good companions. Allow the memory
of their Father and brother to be happy ones. "

" Lady Rawndalla, my patron and chosen Goddess, I also call
on you to give strength to these fine young fighters. They
who faced battle with the cursed scum of the Night and rose
to the occasion. Keep their hands strong, their eyes keen,
and their weapons able. We march on into the fray that may
well be sweeping the lands, but if you should favor us, we
will overcome these adversaries. "

" To all the Gathered, keep this cairn free from vermin,
and allow the remains of good Dirdir to be unmolested. I
pray that he is content knowing I will watch over his sons,
and will do what I can to see that they can prosper from
the tragedy that we all encountered last morning. "

" To you I pray and beseech. Long life to all ye of the
Gods of the Gathered. "

Having finished the short invocation of the prayer for
Dirdir, Zert stepped up and gathered all three boys in a
hug, allowing Yokus and Ulf to work out their goodbye tears
to their Da, and to recover from their sorrow. Zax lent his
own hands and support to his two new friends and once all
the tears had been said, their stepped apart.

Gathering weapons, packs, and bedrolls, they marched on
out, erasing as much of their tracks from near the cave as
they could. Yokus took over the lead, having more woodlore
then his brother. They had decided to try to reach Goshen
to get some pack animals or better yet, horses. They did
not know if the village still stood, so would come in on a
back way and avoid the main paths and road.

They made good time that morning and resting for a short
bit, proceeded on. The sky started to darken with clouds
that threatened rain, so they tried to step up their
strides to quicken the pace. They were getting closer and
had not heard or seen any trace of Orcs or raiders when the
weather caught up to them. Thunder boomed and the rain
began to fall, lightly at first but building up. They were
soaked , even with the protection of their cloaks when they
got out from the small woods they had been in. There in
front of them was a small village, a few lights showing
from shuttered windows and smoke rising from chimneys. It
looked like the warbands of the enemy had not gotten this
far, or had by passed it.

Yokus spoke up as they vacated the trees. " There is a
decent tavern , The Spotted Griffin" where we can get some
hot stew and a chance to dry out. Old Dason puts on an act,
but has always been nice to my Da and us brothers. It's
that brick building off to the left. "

Not wanting to waste any more time, they all pushed on
through the now driving rain to get inside as fast as they
could. This would be the first chance Zert and Zax had been
able to have to hear tales of what had been happening since
the day of battle and death that had brought them together.

They finally got to the stout wooden door over which hung a
sign of the sign of a griffin on a side profile, spotted
like a leopard on its stretched out wings and upper body.
Some music was coming from inside, and not stopping any
more then to open the door, filed in. They saw several
persons sitting at the cluster of tables and benches,
drinking and listening to a female half elf singing an old
ballad while two male humans players a lute and a harp to
accompany her voice.

The barkeep, whom Yokus and Ulf recognized as Old Dason,
looked their way. He first saw the two boys and was
starting to smile when Zert's face come into view as the
hood of his cloak slipped off his head. The smile stopped
and a flush of anger came over him. " You can just leave
now Orc Man. I don't want your kind here. Away with you,
before I have the watch my friends throw you out, and with
a good thumping in the bargain. "

Ulf was about to defend Zert, but the warrior pulled him
back. He stepped further into the light and pushed back his
cloak till it just hung from his shoulders. His sword was
showing at  his side, but his hand did not go for it. His
face was red from the anger he was feeling, but this time
he held it in check. His right hand drew forth his holy
symbol and he made his retort. " You have a sharp tongue on
you barkeep and one of these days you may well find it cut
off from someone who will not take your insults lightly. As
you can see here, I am a servant and priest of Rawndalla,
and I am in her service this night. Hush your flapping lips
and listen closely. I have three boys who are cold,
hungry,and tired. They wish hot baths, suppers, and clean
beds to sleep in. I have coin enough for that and more if
you will keep a civil tongue. "

" Yes, I am a Half Orc, though I have only hatred for those
that raped and used my Mother, I am Zert, of Clan Braggin,
and I am a devoted warrior of Our Lady of Battles. I come
in peace and will leave in the same manner, unless you wish
to push things. I bear evil news if any would listen, but
only after we have our meal and a chance to dry out before
those bathes. "

" Do you accept my offer of trade and tales, or do we have
a problem? "

Ulf finally added, "Master Dason, he tells the truth. He
helped to save me and Yokus, and he is honorable. I vouch
for him, so lay your temper aside and allow us in. Please."
Yokus nodded with his brother's words and looked at Dason.
The man was about to add more to his anger towards Zert,=
but this defense of the Half Orc curtailed his words. He
paused and then nodded.

The singing and music had stopped when Dason spoke out, and
all the clientele had turned to look at the strange
grouping of 3 young humans and the tall warrior. Whispers
and muttered words were exchanged, as the 4 companions
moved closer to the bar. Dason turned slightly to the
singer and her friends and with a wave of his hands, they
begun their tune.

Dason turned back to Zert and his voice lowed some, but
still loud enough so each could hear the other. " Ok, you
have the blessing of Dirdir's young ones, but I will have
your tale or friends or no friends of theirs, your out of
here. Now what all do you want and I will give you a price.
"

Zert nodded and got right down to business. Ordering hot
cider, stew, bread, cheese, and tarts for all, baths, two
rooms, and the common breakfast, a price was reached and
Zert handed over the coins, all ones he had captured from
the Orcs. They were taken to a side table against the wall
near the kitchen, being the only one left that would fit
them all. The other people still looked at them
occasionally, but other then a couple of scowls aimed at
Zert and a few nods to Yokus and Ulf, no words were
exchanged.

Soon enough their meal was brought to them and they were
already starting to dry out from the heat of the hearth and
the kitchen. Feeling much better after the hot meal and a
chance to warm up, the music came to an end. The singer and
the musicians stepped down from where they were playing to
drink their wine and enjoy some of the copper that was
passed their way from the hat that had gone around. Zert
had added 2 silver to the pile, as he had not heard any
good tunes since the Company had fallen.

Dason stepped up and in a voice that carried through the
tavern, called to Zert. " Well I have provided your meal
and your rooms have been made ready, When you want, baths
can be had before you go off to sleep. But first, I will
have your tale and what news you have. Share with us and I
will judge if you earned your stay. "

Zert bristled at the tone, but said nothing about this. He
gathered his thoughts and began. He told of how he had been
with the Golden Company and its destruction. Finding young
Zax though he did not share his lineage, and their
encounter with Dirdir. The news of the battle that had cost
Dirdir and his oldest their lives was received with
expressions of compassion for the two surviving sons and
anger that the Orcs had delved this deep intro the Kingdom.
Zert then revealed even more grievous news.

" The Orcs and the Gorians are on the move. This attack is
but one part of a plan that I believe is happening, with
raids and invasion of the Northern Baronies and incursions
that may well come your way and to Port Nayr. Mages and
priests of Goria are with these warbands, and I would not
be at all surprised if even more vile creatures and men
were to be revealed before all is done. "

" I suggest that you have your militia on the standby, and
that all able men have their weapons loose. Dirdir and I,
with the assistance of these lads, fought off close to 20
Orcs, Hell Hounds, and a mage yesterday, but more are
likely to be about. The band that I and the Golden Company
included Goblins, Urok's, Hobgoblins, as well as common
Orcs. I believe we killed off close to 100, though almost
all of us fell that terrible day. Only I live as far as I
know, and so I am here, Warder of Zax and Dirdir's sons. I
gave vow to see them to safety, and I am sorry to say, this
village can not provide it. "

" That is my tale and all I have shared has been the truth.
This I swear to by my Patron Lady. As I said before, I have
the heritage of the hated scum suckers, but I am a Man in
the service of The Gathered, "

No one spoke at first, then isolated conversations started
up between companions. Dason questioned Zert on what he
thought the warbands might include and in what numbers they
might travel in. He then sent one of his servants to the
local Magistrate, who oversaw the militia and ruled as the
agent for the King. Zert excused himself and Zax so
 they could bathe and then go to sleep, as they both were
tired and Zax had already been fighting off his yawns.
Yokus and Ulf decided to join them.

In short order, bathed and in woolen robes Dason had
provided, they 4 men were off to their rooms. No thoughts
of sex was on their minds. Just a wish to cuddle with their
lover and slip off into dreams. Tomorrow they would face
then, now only sleep called on their minds.

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

So ends Chapter 6. More to come with new surprises. No
promises as to when, but soon enough. Like I have said
before, I am committed to the story.  Till next time folks.


Thanks for all the emails and comments folks. I very much
appreciate every last one and I gladly reply. Keep them
coming and I will keep writing. I
will say here and now I am committed to the story. Had some
replies from other authors whose stories I drew a little
inspiration from. Really helped to boost my ego.

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