Date: Wed, 5 Jun 2002 12:56:32 -0700 (PDT)
From: c z <cezmail1@yahoo.com>
Subject: Battered Barbarian- Chapter 7

Chapter 7

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 Skip, Coal Black, Odhreg, Bob from CO,
Michael H, Zustara, Karla, Draco, Charlie G,Jayel,  and
Aaron from Seattle.  Thanks for the kind words and
encouragement. Always nice to hear from you all. : )

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 7

The sleep was a very restful one, and what dreams there
were either fleeting or pleasant. The presence of Zax in
his arms made Zert forget his own losses, and his
protectiveness and love for this youth crept even deeper in
his heart. The songs of the songbirds greeting the rising
sun helped to bring Zert awake, and his stirring caused Zax
to come to a semi consciousness of his own. Zert took in
the bed and the sounds coming through the window, and he
knew immediately that he was in a safe enclosure. He smiled
as he felt Zax twist to face him. He cranked open an eye
and saw a smiling boy beaming at him. Zax leaned in and
kissed Zert lightly on his cheek and giggled. " I gotta get
up to pee. You coming to or want to join me freshen up? "

Zert smiled at the youth. " Good morning to you too
sunshine. Yeah, I think I will relieve the old bladder as
well. Get your robe and we can hit the jacks and some fresh
water to wash down. If Ulf and Yokus are still sleeping, we
can slap their butts to get them up and ready. Lots to do
and supplies to buy. "

Zax was reaching to hand Zert his robe when Zert heard
movement from the other bed. A muffled voice called out,
half way a moan, " We're awake. You are like a stomping
bull with your whisper's Zert. You two go take care of
business and Ulf and I will wake up all the way. Now go,
your making me regret waking up. "

Zert chuckled at this and shook his head. Pulling the robe
around him and tying it off, he and Zax left to hit the
outhouse and draw a fresh bucket of water to wash their
faces and wet down the grime and sweat from their sleep.
Coming down the stairs, they saw just a few patrons as
Dason and one servant cooked breakfasts and showed leaving
guests off.

Dason looked up and arched an eyebrow, asking if there was
anything he could do. Zert just shook his head and with
that Dason was back to the pan of eggs he was frying. Zert
and Zax came back feeling refreshed and climbed back to the
room to dress and to gather the two brothers together. They
found the two already washed, from the pan and picture in
the room.

" So you are indeed awake. I was sure I was going to have
to have Zax blast you from your covers. " Zert smiled as he
made his comment.

Ulf , still not fully awake, just grunted, but Yokus just
giggled and smiled as he tightened his leathers. Zert and
Zax pulled off their robes and began to dress and don their
own gear.

As they dressed they all started to talk on what they
wanted to accomplish here. Ulf knew the carter and horse
breeder in the village and offered to go see if there were
any mounts to be had. Yokus offered to look up the
storekeeper for fresh clothes and additional food and
supplies, including a cooking pot and spices to flavor any
fresh food they might find. He also wanted to get some more
arrows to add to the ones he already had, along with some
stock and feathers for any new ones he might make. Zert
would be going to talk with the magistrate and tell all he
could to the militia, so that they could be prepared and
reports could be sent my courier to Port Nayr and the
surrounding countryside.

 Zax wanted to come with Zert, but in the end was willing
to go with Yokus. He also wanted a chance to talk with the
herbalist, who was reported to have some skills with
spells, about the items he had from the mage, as well as
possibly getting some potions. Zert's minor healing ability
was needed and useful, but if some potions could be had,
then having some additional healing in an emergency would
be a Gods sending.

Soon enough , clothed, armored, and with weapons girded or
stashed away, they all trooped down to get their morning
meals. Dason nodded to the two brothers and then walked
over, his servant now doing the cooking. " What can I get
you gents this morn? "

" What specials do you have? " Zert inquired.

" Well I got some fresh tarts Mista made, as well as some
mutton and porridge that is fresh. I gots eggs and bread,
oats and cinnamon, as well as milk chilled. If you want
some of the left overs from last night, I will let you have
them at a discount. If you want, I do have some squab that
has yet to be cleaned. It will take a while a while, but I
can have them ready for you if you like. "

After some consultation., Zert decided on bread, cheese,
and a scramble of eggs and mutton. Zax wanted some sharp
cheese, bread, honey, and  tarts.  Ulf decided on porridge
and several tarts, and Yokus wanted to decided on leftover
chicken, tarts, and cheese. The boys wanted water and milk,
and Zert decided to have some warm cider and milk.

Soon the meal was brought to them and Zert paid for the
meal with a silver extra for a quantity. Dason was still
curt towards Zert, but was friendly with the brothers and
Zax. Zert overlooked this, recognizing he would not get
much better from the innkeeper. The food was very tasty and
filling, and soon enough they all were sliding their chairs
back to pat their stomachs and groan from the filling meal.
Much better then rations. Zert then gathered them all up
back to the room to pass out money to the boys, for their
own purchases and whatever goodies they might wish to
indulge on.

Zert separated out the monies he had, of his own and the
accumulated stash from the three battles. he had never
really looked it over and now taking it all in, saw that he
had a small fortune in gems and jewels, as well as  several
platinum, gold and silver. He pushed the gems and jewelry
aside for now, feeling they would be used for getting the
three boys set up in Port Nayr and easy to carry and
utilize for barter or trade.

Doing a quick count, from the bundle from his own pouch and
the pouches from his pack, Zert was able to see that he had
several hundred gold and silver, as well as a good number
of platinum. He handed all the platinum to Ulf , as the
horses would be the major purchase, that is if there were
any to be had. The gold he gave to Yokus and Zax, and said
if any needed more, to meet him back at the tavern for
lunch. Ulf nodded and tucked away the platinum, which
numbered a little over a 100. Yokus and Zax split the gold
and smiled as they left. Zert did a quick look over in the
room and them closed and locked it to be on his own way.

Getting directions to the magistrate from Dason, Zert went
down the road and took the side path at the proper turnoff.
He arrived to a small manor with a stable and barn to one
side, a couple of silos on another, and a plot for a garden
in the back. He saw some folks working about, and none
seemed to have seen him or pay him any attention as he got
closer. arriving closer to the door, he saw it open and a
large robust woman stepping out with some rugs on one arm,
a carpet beater in the other. She startled back when she
saw the large warrior in front of her.

" Eh,,, what Can I do for yer you Master? " She seemed wary
due to Zert's heritage and the weaponry hanging from his
belt and back.

" I am here to see the Magistrate,  Master Florin I believe
is his name."

" What might be yer own name and what business do you have
with his Lordship? " She seemed to have recovered from her
wariness enough to bristle at Zert.

" I am Zert of Clan Braggin, and I believe Tavernkeeper
Dason has already sent a message about myself and what has
brought me to your village. I wanted to consult with his
Lordship and coordinate messages that may be sent. Seeing
as your Master is also the captain of the militia and all,
that is only fitting, no? "

The matron nodded and stepped aside. " Come on in then and
I will see if his Lordship is willing to talk with yew.
Over their in the parlor and mind you do not mark up my
chairs with yer ironmongery. "

Zert nodded and once in the parlor, the chatelaine gave him
one more serious look and left him. Zert could hear other
muffled voices in the house, some banging pots to the side
where he thought the kitchen was, and some chopping wood
from the back. He looked around the room, seeing some well
made pottery on the shelves, as well as a large painting of
a man in well made clothing in a room with be from the
manor. The man looked to be in his 50's, in good health and
fine features. There was a large hound at his feet and a
cat sitting on a table to the side.

Zert was taking in the painting when he heard footsteps
behind him. Zert turned to see the man from the painting,
dressed in hunting leathers and worn boots stepping into
the room. The man had whitish Grey hair, large brown eyes,
and a face devoid of any scars or markings. He stood about
six feet tall and his frame suggested he weighed an average
amount.

The man smiled at Zert. " Greetings Zert of Clan Braggin, I
am Magistrate Florin. Matild told me of your arrival and I
am glad to have a chance to talk with you. I had some
intial messages sent off, but with you here, I can make
some much more detailed reports. Can I offer you anything
at this time sir? "

Zert shook his head. " No thanks your Lordship. I have just
broken my fast and am quite content. That is indeed the
reason I came here, so you can have all your men ready
should the Orcs or the Gorians press here on their warpath
or in pursuit of me and the charges I have. We are in the
process of getting mounts and new supplies. I want to move
out no later then tomorrow, as I wish arrive to Port Nayr
as soon as possible. "

Florin nodded. " Perfectly understandable and lets get to
what we need to cover. Let me summon my scribe and with him
taking notes, we can concentrate on all that you can share
with us, your opinions on numbers, and possible routes they
may take. I believe Dason said you had seen a map? Do you
still have it ? " When the scribe was summoned, Zert and
Florin started to flesh out all that Zert had learned and
guessed. The magistrate was an ex soldier and well informed
on battle plans and formations. His questions were
informative and well placed. After about an hour of in
depth talk, they broke. Zert refreshed himself with a
tankard of good ale and bid Florin goodbye. Zert wanted to
get back to see how well the boys had made out, as well as
to enjoy lunch with his charges.

Getting back he saw Zax and Yokus sitting down drinking and
talking. They looked up as Zert strode in, Zax's eyes
brightening as he gazed at his Hero and Protector. He
smiled as he stood up and gave Zert hug. " Hi Zert. You
gotta see the stuff we got. " Zert held up a finger to slow
Zax down before the boy bubbled over with his words, and
gave him a hug back. He smiled at Yokus as he and Zax sat
down. " Well I am glad that you seem to have had a
successful time at the shops. Have you seen your brother
Yokus? "

Yokus shook his head. " We just got here a minute ago
ourselves. I stashed the supplies in the room. I found some
great stock for making some arrows, as well as a change of
clothes for myself and Zax. used but serviceable, as well
as a pair of boots to replace the ones that Zax was having
to use. Cooking gear and sundries in a packet, as well as a
skinning knife to replace the one I had. My old one was ok,
but the new one will hold an edge much better. "

Zax stepped in with his own report then. " We then went to
see Master Azog, and wow, he sure had some nice stuff. He
retired here awhile ago from the city and has a nice
selection of magery and potions from his old shop. I wanted
to get a spell or two, but his prices were high. He did
have 2 potions of curatives that I snapped up, as we can
use them. He was also willing to look over the ring and the
dagger, but wanted 400 gold for that, and we did not have
enough time. That and it would take a full day. Not sure if
your willing to wait. " Zax looked at Zert questionably.

Zert shook his head. " No. I want to be on our way today if
we can. Good you got the potions, and we can see if we can
get your items looked at once we get to Port Nayr. Lets
hope that Ulf was able to get some mounts, or at least some
mules to haul our gear,. We have the Kazyk Hills to get
over before we arrive to the city. "

The door opened then and looking over, they saw Ulf
stepping in and closing the door. He smiled to them and
went to Dason and made some sort of order. The tavernkeeper
nodded and waved his hand for Ulf to sit down. The boy
nodded back and stepped on over to where his companions
awaited.

" Hello Brother, Zert, Zax. Just ordered some ale and fresh
stew and bread. Hope you all don't mind. " He sat down and
patted his brother on the shoulder. " So how did you do
Yokus? "

" Pretty good. Old Ko had some wonderful black elm stock
for me, as well as red tail eagle feathers. I also got some
decent camp gear, and some tents. Just in case we get
caught in the rain without shelter. How about you? What did
you get? "

Ulf smiles and was about to reply when Dason arrived with 4
tankards and a picture of ale. " Stew in a few minutes.
Enjoy lads. " Again he seemed to ignore or bypass Zert.
Zert sighed, knowing nothing he could do would change this
man's mind. "

He turned to Ulf as he poured for all the group and took a
sip. " So Ulf, you were about to tell us? " Ulf smiled and
sipped his own ale. He put it down and took a breath,

" Well there was not as much as we might have hoped. A
caravan a week ago bought replacements for some animals
that they had lost in an attack, and the stabler had not a
chance to replenish. No horses that would suit us, being
drafters, but he had  a pair of well built mules that we
can use. I was able to get them and tack for a decent price
and they are being shoed now. They will be ready by the
time we are done here, if you wanted to leave. Oh here,
this is what is left. " He handed Zert the pouch with the
platinum under the table, so as not to be totally obvious
about it. " I also picked up some candies and wine. "

Zert tucked away the pouch, which was still substantial and
their stew and honey bread arrived. They all dug into the
stew, which was delicious, and went to the room to get all
their packs and supplies. Zert did most of the carrying,
seeing he was the oldest and strongest. Getting back down,
he dropped some of the stuff to the floor to settle the
bill with Dason, not tipping any extra. He nodded to one of
the servants who had been nice to him and the group made
their way to the blacksmith where the mules awaited.

The mules were indeed fine animals, stout and in good
health. Freshly combed and shoed, they were already in
their pack saddles and tack. Zert and Ulf began the stowing
of their gear between the two mules, both mares, making
sure the loads were equal on both sides to prevent uneven
wear and tear. The loads finished and tied away, the four
men repacked their own packs and put them on. Zert asked
that Zax and Ulf to care and lead the mules while he and
Yokus would be on the watch and lead off. Yokus with his
woodlore and outdoor skills, Zert with his battle hardened
experience. It was well after noon, but they still had
about 3 hours of good daylight to push on.

Setting off on the path that would lead them to the main
road into Port Nayr, the were able to make good time. They
passed some other farm houses and paths lead off towards
other hamlets and villages. A few of the people nodded or
greeted them, others ignored the group as they continued
their work and chores. Towards the time they were going to
look for shelter for the night, they passed a courier
heading towards Goshen. He was dressed in the royal colors
of green on blue and his cloak was swirled behind him as he
rode in a good canter. He ignored Zert's greeting and was
soon past them.

" I will assume he might be from the garrison ahead of us.
I will hope that the militia and the royal squadrons will
help to reinforce the area. It would be a shame to see
Goshen fall to the Gorian Orcs and their minions. Dason
aside, Master Florin was decent to me, as well as some of
the others. My heritage does not easily endear me to
strangers I know, and those that can look beyond it I
value. "

Zax felt for Zert and the scorn and the ignorance of
others. If only they knew the honor and the strength that
Zert carried inside him, and the warmth that he had
extended to Zax in his hour of need. He stepped a few paces
till he was alongside Zert and taking his spear in the hand
with the lead, used his now empty right hand to grip Zert's
side. " I care for you Zert and any who can not see that
are idiots. "

Zert was moved by this and looked down at his young special
friend. He saw true tenderness and possibly even love in
the boy's eyes. He bent down and kissed Zax on the top of
his head. " Thanks my friend. That was kind of you. " He
smiled and they continued on.

They were coming to the top of a hill the road had lead
them to and turned to look from where they had come from.
The farmlands and woods spread out over the plain and
valley and the sight caused them to pause and appreciate
the glory that Gods had made. Then something caught Zert's
eye. Something that made his heart grip up.

There in the far distance, where Goshen might be, was a
haze of smoke trails and clouds. Something large had to be
the cause for that amount of smoke and Zert feared the
worse. The Orcs had chased the group to Goshen, or taken it
on their warpath. Whatever the reason, there was no turning
back. He only hoped that the militia and the townspeople
had been fully prepared and been successful in beating off
the attack. If not, the raiders would soon be after the
group, and with just four of them, three barely youths, it
did not look good. The four of them were long in gazing at
the sight of the distant battle, all thinking of the people
they had just been with that day. The sun was setting
before they turned away, seeking camp and rest. It might be
the last they might ever have.

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

So ends Chapter 7. 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