Marges’ revelation as Allysa and I were about to continue our journey to Everwind has us stunned. She knew the entire time about Allysa’s parents. We are in no position to leave just yet. Marge has some explaining do. So we all sit back down and begin to talk.

Allysa has an infinite amount of questions floating around inside her beautiful head. The first one she asks has been gnawing at her like a itch you can’t reach. “You knew my mother?” And then they wouldn’t stop. “What was she like? Why do I have different elemental powers than she did? Why didn’t my father ever tell me?”

Marge is full of smiles as Allysa berages her with questions. “One question at a time deary. First the last one. I believe he waited to see if you ever developed or not. And yes, I did know your mother well. We both trained with the monk mages in the Shadow Mountains and we fought along side each other during the Goblin Wars. Your mother was a beauty like you and a great mage.” We both listen with captivation as Marge goes on with her answers.

“So after the war your parents wanted to get away from fighting to start a family in peace. My family has been here for generations so I helped them find their place. When your mother fell ill, she asked me to stay close in case you ever developed elemental talents. As to your different powers, it just happens that way sometimes. Which brings us here. Why do you have Ogresbane Jax?”

I look at Allysa to see how I should answer. She urges me to tell her the truth. “Well, I came across Allysa by chance on my way up north. She was attacked by goblins and was looking for help. I rushed to help and killed the orc and the goblins that were searching inside her house for what at the time I didn’t know. Then, I stayed till her father came back and we well, we kept busy for a few days. When James arrived and we explained what happened he didn’t seem surprised at all. That’s when he told us about the sword and her mother. He gave me the sword and told me to protect his daughter. He stayed behind to give us some time to get Allysa to the mages. Now, here we are.”

Marge listened intently to my story with a stern look upon her years and battles worn face. “So he’s staying to fight one last battle.” She has a steely look in her eyes. “I must go, but first I leave you with something.”

Allysa asks the yearning question before I can. “Wait! Where are you going? You haven’t even told me about my mother’s staff yet and there’s so much more to ask. Don’t leave us Marge please. If you’re a mage then you can teach me right?”

Marge smiles at us both with a grandmotherly smile and puts her hand on Allysa’s shoulder. “Dear, I wish I could, but I can’t. I must help your father one last time for your mother. I was never a teacher. However, the staff is made from one of the oldest trees by the best mage craftsmen. It’s stronger than steel and light as can be. It was always your mothers wish for you to use it.”

Allysa holds onto her mothers staff with a fondness that wasn’t there before. “You two can have my place now. I won’t be needing it anymore. It isn’t much, but it’ll be here for you on your return. Sorry I can’t be of much help, but I feel giving you two some extra time with one last battle is best.”

We all stand up and give our final farewells. We thank Marge for her help. She gathers up her battle gear, one last stand against the goblin horde. She gives us each a hug and tells us to rest up tonight in our new home. We’ll start our journey to the Shadow Mountains in the morning. Our new home. What a thought. On her way out, Marge tells us she has a helpful surprise in the chest in our new bedroom. with a wink she says “Now go christen your new home you too love birds. I seen that look on your parents faces too. I’m old, but not blind. Tomorrow is a new journey for us all. Farewell and good battle to you both.” And with a final wave 0f her hand she turns and travels the way back to Allysa’s and I guess now my fathers home. A heroes ending and our beginning.

Allysa and I hold one another and look at our new home and our new future. We both go into the bedroom to have a look inside the chest and the bed. “Christen first then look? After all that was her wish.” She shakes her head, but her arms wrap around me as we fall exhausted from everything we just learned into the bed. kissing leads to sexual play in our new home for the first time.

When we finish our love making, we rush the chest at the foot of the bed dying to find out what’s inside. Together we open it slowly. To our astonishment we find a box of coins that will be much needed on our long journey, but that doesn’t compare to what’s underneath. A book! I know boring right? Not this time though. It has runes all over it. Allysa opens it carefully as it looks old.

She closes it fast with an excited gasp. The cover reads “The three elements and their practical training methods” written by Sylvia Oakheart.

Continuing on our journey down the road taking us further north towards the city of Everwind where we seek out work. We will need some place to stay awhile to build up enough coin to travel east to the Shadow Mountains so Allysa can receive real training to control her elemental powers.

Further away from where we had that mishap with those unsavory bandits we run into an old woman tending unsuccessfully to her flock. So naturally Allysa feels the need to help out every single poor soul along the way. Seemingly forgetting that we are running away from the orcs and goblins.

“Jax, I’m going to help her out. The poor old woman. She must be all alone.”

I sigh in resignation. “Quickly dear, remember what where we’re supposed to be going. Training. Oh! And I almost forgot, goblins and orcs will soon be looking for this! Silly me.” I laugh sarcastically as I pat Ogresbane on my back. It feels so damn good.

She has that defiant look in those piercingly blue eyes. “Of course I do! I can’t just let her struggle. What kind of sell… mage I guess I am, would leave her?”

I laugh at that one. “The usual kind.” She storms off and I follow. We startle the old woman.

“Oh! I’m sorry! I didn’t see you two coming. You scared this poor old woman.” She smiles at the two of us as we approach her.

“My name is Allysa Oakheart and this is Jax Brightsteel. We didn’t mean to scare you. It’s just that I saw you struggling and I.. we thought we could help.” She elbows me in the ribs. “Isn’t that right Jax?”

“What? Oh, Yes, Yes that’s right. My lovely lady and I would gladly help for.. ” Allysa pinches my behind as I jump and yelp.

“For your gratitude of course.” Allysa speaks as she glares at me.
“Oh my! I couldn’t ask that. Please let me at least invite you two love birds in for something to eat. I would enjoy your company. It’s been lonely since my husband Vincent passed.” The old woman seems happy to have us.

“Where’s my manners.” She pats me on the arm. “My name is Marge. Now, when you’re done I’ll be inside cooking up something special. All I need is the sheep put back in the pen. Thank you so very much. Ooh! I’m so happy to have company.” I get a kiss on the cheek. “Such a lovely young man you are.” She looks at Allysa. “You better keep an eye on all the ladies with this one.”

The old woman walks into her quaint little place with a flower garden that has seen better days and the house itself is a bit run down. “Come on lady killer. We’ve work to do.” Allysa grabs me by my arm. “Do you charm every woman you meet Jax?”

“What? I can help the ladies love my irresistible good looks.” She shakes her head.

“Well they can look but no girl better try to take this.” I feel a tight grip on my lady killer. “Or else.” She squeezes harder.

In a high pitched voice I squeal “point well felt.” As she let’s go smiling in satisfaction I clear my throat. “Now let’s just get this over with, shall we? After you sheep mage.” I bow gracefully.

“Ha ha! Very funny Jax. Watch my sheep herding prowess in action and be amazed you city dweller.”
She doesn’t take long at all getting the sheep rounded up. I must admit I was impressed.

“I must admit Allysa, I was impressed. Mainly by your fine behind. I do believe it is very incredible.” We walk towards the old woman’s place.

“Jax! Please. You’ll get me all… You know.” She playfully smacks my chest.

“Yes I do know. That is the point.” As I grab her near me. Kissing her head. I smell her sweet essence. Longing for her again.

“Your point Jax is what I grabbed earlier. The only sword you think with.” She gently pants it. That needy look on her face.

“Well, you seemed to like my way of thinking once or twice I recall.”

“Always Jax.” She kisses me softly. “But that’s for later. Let’s go see Marge before I can’t help myself with you.”

“After m’lady.” I give her behind a good smack. Allysa startled, moves to the door giving me that dirty look as the old woman opens it before she could knock.

“Come in you two, come in. Please have a seat at the table and I’ll serve you in just a moment.” She’s full of smiles. The inside is in as much need of repairs as the outside. Poor old lady I think.

Marge makes us a stew that smells unremarkable, but I’m starving. We eat our stew in silence. Afterwards, Allysa begins a conversation with the old woman.

“Marge, do you have and sons or daughters?”

“No, it was just me and Vincent. We never could have children. Mother of us all never blessed us in that way.” She stares off in memory.

Before Allysa could ask another question Marge said “I get by all the same though. Well, usually at least. I’m not as young as I used to be. So, where are such a cute couple off to?”

I answer first. “To Everwind. To take some time to ourselves. You know sight seeing, adventure. The usual fun, young couple things.”

“Everwind isn’t the usual place for a couple, but times change I suppose.” She sighs. “Did you say your name was Oakheart?”

“Yes it is why?” Allysa asks quizzically.

“Along time ago I knew your parents. Lovely couple they were. Sorry for your loss dear. Your mother was a special person. How’s your father doing?”

We both look surprised at that revelation. “You knew my parents?”

“Yes, seems a life time ago. I don’t get out much any more. I’d visit ,but these old bones don’t move like they used to.”

Allysa doesn’t speak for a moment. “Father is…well.” she lies. Not knowing really if he’s still alive or not.

“Well, that’s good to hear.” She smiles. “It’s getting late. I have a guest room you can stay in for the night if you’d like. And my ears don’t hear as well anymore so you two can, well you know. I maybe
old, but I was young once and in love.” She gives the both of us a gentle touch on our hands.

I give her offer a thought, but say “we must be going. Our adventure awaits us right Allysa?”

I see she has questions about her parents, but we don’t have time. “Yes, I guess you’re right Jax.” She reluctantly concedes.

“Well, I thought you might say that. If you must, you must, but before you go Allysa I have a question.” Allysa waits in anticipation. “Did you ever learn how to use your mother’s staff?”

Baffled by Marges question we freeze. “Well, ” I say “it looks like we have some time after all. Don’t we honey?”

Yes, we do Jax and Marge and I have some talking to do.” She’s intrigued even more than I am until Marge said this.

“Oh, and Jax, don’t loose Ogresbane. Protect it and It’ll protect you.”

On the forest floor with my new wife Allysa, making passionate love. We’re so distracted that I didn’t hear the bandits creeping up on us unawares with my pants down, literally.

“Well, well,well. What do we have us here?” Said the bandit. He’s one of three. He’s a hodge podge of mismatched leather armor he stole. His teeth are a sick shade of yellow. Skin weather beaten. Black filthy hair is all knotted and tangled, pulled back and tied. He looks middle age and his build is average as is his height.

I quickly untie our knot and look at my bag in his filthy hands. Allysa is clearly afraid. I whispered for her to remain calm. She tries to cover herself with her hands. I cannot reach my weapons now. Need to buy some time, maybe lure him in and take em back.

The other two bandits standing there with smiles on their faces. Ones tall and lean. About as old as the first with similar attire as well. He looks as weather worn and filthy as his friend. He’s missing a few teeth I can see with that grin. What teeth he has are discolored and pointed. His hair is blonde and cropped short, but dirty as a puddle of mud.

The last bandit looks no older than Allysa. Brown hair and eyes. His clothes are of the kind a farmer wears. He has no armor or weapons as his companions. He looks cleaner also and afraid it seems.

“Seems to me that we got ourselves a couples of love birds here.” The second bandit spit on the ground after he spoke. “And some nice weapons we can take.”

“Oh, we will take what we want.” The shorter bandit with his dirk in his hand walks towards us. He puts the knife to my throat. Grabs my hair. “If you cooperate, you’ll walk away with your lives.”

“Allysa do what you need to do.” I urge her and pay with a punch in my mouth. I can taste the coppery blood in my mouth as I spit it on the ground.

“Leave my husband alone!” Allysa commands the bandits and is met with laughter.

“Your husband is it, eh, pretty little bird.” The tall one pushes her back on the ground. “Boy! Hold her while I have my way with the birdie.” The youngest bandit does as he’s told.

Allysa screams no as she’s held down.”you’ll be sorry if you touch my wife.” And I’m hit yet again.

“Shut up you and I won’t slit your throat.” His dirk pressed on my throat.” Just watch a bit as we fuck your whore.”

I’m helpless. “Allysa! Do it!” I’m hit once more. My jaw is sore. My lips busted. Blood runs down my chin.

“Do what little bird?” The tall one laughs as he pulls down his trousers. “What can you do? Maybe you can sing us a song about who’s seed made you with child.”

“I said leave my husband alone!” I see that fire in her ice blue eyes. The young boy let’s her go quickly shaking his hands and screaming. He was holding her hands down. They’re now red, burnt and full of blisters. He writhes in pain on the ground.

“Why did ya let er go boy?” Before he realizes why, he experiences it. She grabs him by his balls and squeezes.

“Cause I’m a fire mage!” She cooks his balls. Terror covers the bandits face. As she let’s go, his sack is blackened. He screams in pain I cannot imagine. Allysa stands up tall. Walking with a confidence I’ve not seen before. So graceful, naked, beautiful and stunning. She approaches the bandit who’s now shaking in fear.

“Stay away witch! I’ll kill him I will!” He’s scared and shaking. A fireball sits in her hand.

“Never!” Allysa screams. I feel heat brushing my face. Rolling away from the fire and away from danger. That was too close. The bandit bursts into flames. Screaming on the ground for a few agonizing moments before his life ends.

His flesh melted off and his muscles are cooked through till it’s charred. His eyes melted out of their sockets. Hair all but gone. The putrid smell lingers in the air.

Allysa lifts me up with such power and ease and asks “Jax are you OK? I thought I was going to lose you. I was so scared.” She kisses my bloodied lips. Her hands holding my face. She’s so sweet to touch.

“Me!” I exclaim. “I was worried about you my love. Are you OK? I thought… ”

“I was scared at first, but the power built up inside me and I knew they’d never touch me. I didn’t want them to hurt you.” Allysa is amazing.

“Bitch! I’ll kill you!” The tall one on the ground still, cursed at Allysa. I walked up to him, grabbed his knife and leaned in so only he could hear me.

“The lady tried to warn you, but… I’ll take what I want from you. Your life.” I slice his neck. Crimson life pours out onto the ground. He clings to his throat, gasping. I watch as he dies. “That’s for touching my wife.” His eyes bulge and stare into the sky, lifeless.

Allysa approaches the last bandit. He’s frantic and babbling.”Please, please, please, please don’t… Kill me. I was only doing what I was told. I’m just a farmer.” She’s so gorgeous how she sways her hips. She long stopped caring about her nakedness.

“Remove your clothes.” She commands him. The bandit stares in disbelief, but as she snapped her fingers he couldn’t do it fast enough. He stands, tears and fear in his eyes as he covers himself up.

Allysa removes his hands, holds his manhood in her palm. “Listen good.” He shakes his head quickly. “You go back to your farm and work the land, find a good wife, raise a family and protect them.” She looks down at him and adds “little boy.”

Frantically he thanks her as she let’s go. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. Mother of us all I swear to you I will.” He wets the ground in fear as Allysa yells run! I’ve never seen anyone run so fast naked before. Well, I did that one time when I had to sneak out of the blacksmiths daughters window.

She laughs and takes me by the hand. Walks me to my pack and pulls out one of my manhood covers. “Allysa! What’re you doing?” She then proceeds to take me behind some bushes out of sight of the fight.

“Jax, I feel so full of energy and passion and I feel hot!” She pushes me to the ground on my back. Allysa straddles my chest, fondling me till I’m hard and slips the cover on. I can’t resist her beauty. She’s changed.

“You took my innocence only a few days ago and made me yours. Just a while ago you tied the knot making us one. So now it’s my turn. I’m going to make you mine Jax!” She’s so full of passion. Her flesh burning hot.

I don’t know what has got into her, but as she pins my arms down and slides all the way down on me I moan and I can’t or don’t want to stop her. She stares at me, lifting up and slams down on me so hard I gasp. She screams and growls so primal.

Her hair is wet with sweat and in her face. Allysa doesn’t stop looking into my eyes as she takes me. Lifting up and coming back down harder each time, my body arches and I moan with her.

Her love is so full of rage and I soon shoot my seed. Allysa smiles as she knows I finish. Kissing me softly, she whispers “Oh, Jax, I’m so tired and.. and… dizzy. I need to… ” before her words come out she lays her head on me. Her breasts pressed on me make me want more. She’s asleep. The fire takes it’s toll on her and apparently makes her wild in bed or in this case the hard ground.

I don’t want to move with me still inside her. Allysa is so lovely and I love her so much, but I need to lay her down gently, putting her clothes and mine back on. I can smell the cooked pungent odor of the burnt bandit. Her power is astounding and dangerous. We need to get her training.

I stand watch as Allysa sleeps. Finally, she wakens, calls for me. I kneel down and kiss her forehead. “My love. How do you feel?”

“Better.” She pulls me in for a kiss. “Jax, I don’t know what happened to me, but I’m sorry if I…” She blushes with her head down.

I lift her chin up. “Allysa, you’ve changed. I can see it, but I love you and there’s nothing you need to be sorry for. I’m sorry I let this happen at all.” Her eyes are so clear and I cannot stop looking deep into her soul. “As for the rough love… I loved it!”

Allysa wraps her arms around me, kissing me everywhere her sweet red lips can touch. “Jax, I love you! It’s not your fault. Besides, we make a great pair of fighters and well,” she grabs between my legs and holds it tight. “Lovers.”

“Oh, Allysa! As much as I want you and I’m sure you can tell with it in your hands and all, but I think it best we move from here.” Saying no to love making was hard as I am. I’ve never said no except that one time with my friends mother when she fell into to lake, removed her clothes and brought me in with her. Awkward, since my friend was not far away.

“Yes, Jax. You’re right, but you better make it up to me later. I have this burning passion inside me and I need a release. I don’t know what you’ve done to me my sir, but I like it.”

“Good God Allysa! I can’t keep up with you. You’re insatiable m’lady.” Let’s hurry away from here and find us some shelter before dark.”

With the corpses at our back, we leave a bloody trail behind us. Allysa looks at her destruction. A sad look in her eyes. She holds me tight. “I’m sorry Jax. Sorry I almost hurt you. Sorry I killed them. I’m just sorry. I need training to control my powers. But I’m not sorry about my love for you or the way we did it. Jax, I love you and I’m glad we met, glad you love me back. Now and always.”

As we walk holding each other, I kiss her head. “Allysa, I love you even more if that’s possible. Especially when you’re naked. The way you handled yourself back there was…. Hot. It made me want you so much. That fiery passion you wield is so attractive.” I smack her backside and she in turn grabs me hard where it counts.

“Jax, you are so bad. And you’re Jax hardsteel again. Mmmm! You think I’m insatiable. You’re the one who’s rock hard.”

“That’s cause you’re so damn gorgeous!” I throw her behind some bushes. This time I take control and make sure my weapons are near as are my wits. We didn’t get very far, but damnit anyhow.

We make hot love once again. This time I mount her. Controlling her how I want. She loves it. When I finish again and she finishes many times, we finally head down the road. On our way to adventure and probably more love making. “Allysa I hope you had enough. Cause I need a rest from you. ” I laugh.

She gives me a squeeze and a smile. Smiling “for now my love. Later is a totally different matter.” We kiss and go hand in hand down the road to further adventures.

I just met Allysa’s father for the first time. He’s intimidating to say the least. We hold each others hands as we walk inside the house. Allysa’s hand not her father’s. That would be awkward!

As we sit down at the table Allysa begins telling her father everything that happened. Well, except the part of our adventures in the bedroom, the kitchen, the front room, the porch, both front and back if you know what I mean, and other places and things too dirty to mention. She also described her elemental power, which he didn’t seem surprised about.

“Well” he says after Allysa finishes her tale. “I was wondering if you would develop powers. That makes this all the more important.” His gaze falling upon both of us.

“What exactly do you mean father?” Allysa asks quizzically. I was wondering much the same thing myself. She grips my hand tightly.

He let’s out a long sigh. Looks us both over. Shakes his head. “This isn’t how I wanted to do this, but…” we look at each other then at him. “Well, I suppose this is as good a time as any.” This is going to be a good one. I can sense it.

“Before I start this, Jax I have something important to ask you?” Uh Oh I think to myself. “Do you love my daughter?” Before I can answer he interrupts.” It’s important. Before you answer you better think about it.”

I pause. Allysa is staring at me with trepidation. Her father with a stare that could kill. “Yes. Yes I do. Why do you ask at a time like this though?” Her grip loosens on my hands. Allysa has that smile I love so much. Her father just stares. Like he can see through me.

“You’ll understand soon enough.” Then he begins his story and what a shocker it is.

“Allysa, it’s time I tell you about your mother and I. Jax, some of this you probably have heard.” What?!? I think to myself. Why would I know any of this?

Then as he says his name it hits me. Holy mother of us all! No way! “My name is James Oakheart. Your mother was, God rest her soul, Sylvia Oakheart. You know she went to the afterlife when you were young, but we never told you who we were before.”

Allysa is still unaware of it all. I do know this part. “We were a pair of sell swords before we had you. We quit to raise our family here. Unfortunately, Sylvia caught the dark plague. So I raised you up by myself with your mother’s spirit to help guide me. I buried her and planted that tree to mark and honour her. She was a great mage Allysa. We made a such a great pair.”

I can see the loving memories well up in his eyes and see Allysa yearn to remember her mother. “Mother was a mage? You both were sell swords? Why not tell me about this before? ” I see the hurt and rage building up inside her. That fiery look in her ice blue eyes.

James hangs his head. Looks back up. “You know Allysa, you have your mother’s eyes.” That calms her a bit. “I never told because… Well… Because I didn’t want that life for you. We wanted to protect our daughter. Raise her up in nature and even have your mother teach you about being a mage. When Sylvia left this existence, I stayed here. Our land. To protect you from this. I failed you and I’m sorry.”

Allysa’s eyes have questions beyond count brewing in them. “What powers did mother have?”

“Why, what else Allysa, the element of earth. That’s why we live here. But, that’s not the whole story my love.”

“But why do I have different powers father? ” she questions.

“That I don’t know sweetheart. But, let me tell you what we did together. Why they came. What they’re looking for.” This is it. This is what I know. I can’t believe it. It’s all true. Every story I ever heard.

“Your mother and I fought in the goblin wars. Jax, I bet you heard this once or twice. It was us who killed the ogre king. After the battle every sell sword and bard started telling tales of us. We couldn’t go anywhere without someone knowing about it. It became trouble. ”

Allysa has never heard the tales of her parents adventures. I have heard them all. Every great triumph and the legend is my lovers father. I’m shocked. Stunned and awed. Kinda like that time in the back of that church when the daughter of the man of cloth showed me what was under her cloths at night on a dare.

“Why trouble?” I ask astounded.

“Jax, let me tell you something real important. When every sell sword in a bar knows you’re some kinda hero, well, every drunk wants to prove himself against you. That’s why we moved here. Disappeared from the world. You see Jax, when you live by the sword, you eventually die by it.”

That hits me hard. I can’t do this. I can’t take her with me. I’ll only get her hurt or killed. Allysa asks what she still doesn’t understand. “But what does this have to do with the goblins coming here? What were they looking for?” I know the answer.

“Ogresbane! My sword. The sword that can cut through an ogre. That’s why we disappeared. To hide you from all this. I hoped it would just become legend. Forgotten except as a story. Not real. But now… Jax. ” my heart freezes.

“Jax, I need you take it and my daughter away from here.” He goes and retrieves the sword of legend hidden underneath the floor in his room. Hands it to me. I can’t even bring myself to touch it.

“No father! You must come with us. We’ll go hide somewhere else. Anywhere. Jax, tell him.” I can’t, I see it in his eyes. He’s not coming. He’s staying here to fight.

“Jax, tell him! Please!” Tears come down her face. “Father you must come with us. I can’t lose you too.” He hands Allysa the stick I was teaching her with.

“Allysa, you must go with Jax. He’ll protect you. Take this staff. It was your mother’s. Go now and seek the council of the mages in the shadow mountains across the sea. They’ll teach you your powers as they taught your mother. Tell them who your mother was. They’ll take you in.”

Allysa is pleading James to go, but to no avail. “Allysa my daughter. I love you. ” he kisses her forehead. With Ogresbane in my hand I feel powerful. Unworthy really. “Jax, protect her.” he tells me with his hands on my shoulders. “Tell no one of that sword. You must pack and go soon before dark falls.”

I help her pack up. Soon we go to leave with tears in our eyes. Allysa is torn. She wants adventure, but not this way. With one last plea to her father and a rejected offer we leave. James kisses his daughter one last time. Gives me a hard hand shake.

“I have a gift for the both of you before you go.” He pulls out a silk rope. “It was ours when we tied the knot. When you two are ready I want you to use it. Jax, you have my blessing. I wish it were under happier circumstances, but… Keep my daughter safe.”

“Father please! You don’t need to stay.” She cries.

“Yes I do. I need to protect you one last time. Give you both some valuable distance . This is your mothers resting place. I’ll not let them defile it. It’s our home and it’s been too long since I seen your mother. It’s about time I joined her Allysa. They want Ogresbane, they will die trying. Remember that I love you and your mother and know that I’ll be with her soon enough Allysa.” He kisses her again. The final time. “Now go. I need to prepare one last time. A warriors last stand. Don’t mourn me Allysa.” As he turns I see that look in his eyes. Battle nears. “Sylvia, my love, I’ll join you soon.”

I half drag Allysa away. Our journey begins, however relunctantly. She holds onto me tight as we walk. I try to comfort her. Tell her he’s the hero of the goblin wars and that he’ll be OK, but I know as she does that he’ll die before he let’s them get to us.

We walk and walk in silence. Then she asks me “Jax, how long before… Before… You know, before they come back?” Her heart sinks.

“I don’t know Allysa, but I do know this. Your parents are heroes. He’ll survive longer than anyone I know of. I’m sure he’ll send the lot of em to the seven hells.”

“But do you think he’ll live? Maybe we can go back again. See him alive.” She knows in her heart. No matter how many he kills they won’t stop till they get what they came for.

“We can never go back Allysa. This is the life he tried to keep you from. Adventure has it’s bad times my love. I will keep my promise though to keep you safe. No matter what.”

“No matter what better not be your life too Jax. Promise me we’ll get through this and build a place of our own and raise a family one day.” She rests her head on my shoulder.

“I promise Allysa.” I stop. Look into her eyes. Grab her hand in mine. The sun starting it’s decent. The sky a multitude of colors. The trees still. Nobody but us in the woods.

Bringing out the silk I tie our hands together. Kiss her lips as she starts to cry. “With this knot I tie, Allysa, we are now one. I will protect m’lady. Now and always.”

Allysa cries and kisses me again. “Jax, I will love you. Now and always.”

Removing the knot to take off our clothes, we stand naked alone in the woods. Tie our hands together once more and consumate our love on the forest floor as one for the first time.

Allysa feels so soft in my arms. I want her. I need her even, but can I make her happy?

She seems to think I can. Her hands lift off my shirt. Her soft voice speaks “take me Jax. Take my innocence. Make me yours. Forever.” Her fingers rub my chest. Her deep blue eyes entrap my soul. Her lips kiss mine. I’m hers now. “Teach me how to make love.”

Her fingers trace down my body and into my trousers. “Mmmm! Jax, you should be called hardsteel!” She giggles at her own joke. She’s so cute. I’m definitely hers now.

She helps undress my lower body. We both stand naked. This is it. “Allysa, if we do this there’s no turning back.”

“I don’t want to go back. Ever. I want you Jax. I want this. I want… I want… ” she’s giggling now. Staring down at the floor blushing.

“What’s so funny. I’m not that small really. Am I?” I lift up her chin. She’s a pretty shade of pink. All smiles and giggles.

“Oh no Jax. You’re… You’re…more than I expected. It’s just… It’s just… I overhead these two ladies once and I always wanted to try it.” She can’t stop blushing or giggling. “I’m sorry. I’m so nervous.”

I try to calm her down “it’s OK Allysa. You can tell me.”

I can tell she’s nervous. Looking up at me. Our arms holding each other close. So close I can feel her warmth.

“She said she pleased a man with her mouth and that when he finished he tasted like the sea. Then, he did the same to her and afterwards they made love and that it was amazing. I dreamed about that a long time Jax. I want that experience. I want you to be my first and last. I want to please you. I want to taste your sea sir.”
Her long speech was full of passion.

I love that about her. “Whoa whoa whoa. First of all I’m no sir.”

Allysa smacks my chest. “You’re my sir and I your lady.” She gets on her knees. Looking up at me with intensity burning bright in her blue eyes. “I want to please you sir.”

How could I say no. “Well, Allysa who’s supposed to be the teacher here huh?” Her smile is beautiful as a goddess. My goddess. “I am a gentleman after all. Ladies first.”

So intense. Her mouth caresses my “hardsteel” as she put it. It doesn’t take very long before she tastes my sea. It brings me down on my knees. She gags at first, but doesn’t quit and finishes it all. Licking her lips afterwards.

On my back now, Allysa crawls on me and smiles that perfect smile and says “was it good Jax? Did I do it right?”

“Did you do it right? Am I on my back now? Allysa you.. were..incredible. You sure I’m your first?” That gets me a smack on my chest.

I hurt her feelings I can see it on her face. “I’m sorry Allysa. I believe you. I was only joking. Please. Allow me to please m’lady.” She stands up. Her beauty knows no bounds.

“OK sir. You may please me, but only if you do not jest at my innocence. And Jax, before you do it. What… What.. am I going feel. I mean I’ve never… You know… I’m not sure… I’m nervous. I wanted to please you first, but this… This is different.” I’m on my knees. I lick her sweetness. She screams loudly and flinches, grabbing my head instinctively.

I tell m’lady this. “Allysa, just relax. You’ll know what to expect what the time… Comes let’s just say.” I smile before devouring her innocence whole. I want to please her as she pleased me. I want to give her what she desires.

I eat Allysa a long, intense filled time. She tastes so sweet. Her moans are so raw. I’m so turned on by her. Then, for the first time, the time comes sort to speak. Her body tenses up. I can taste it. She screams so primal. So lovely. She’s shaking. Her hands are burning. Ouch! “Hot!”

“Yes Jax! You’re so hot!”

“No I mean your hands Allysa! You’re burning me!”

She jumps back. “Oh Jax I’m so sorry. Did I hurt you? I didn’t mean to.” She’s starting to cry.

I try to console her. “It’s Ok. Only a few burnt hairs is all. I’ll be fine. Come her and let me finish what I started.” I stand up and wipe her tears away.

“I don’t want to hurt you again. I can’t.” Hurt is on her face. So intense.

“You won’t. I trust you Allysa. Please. I want you. Let me finish my lessons that m’lady asked for.” That makes her smile.

“You sure?” I hold her close. “Well, besides burning you, that sir, was simply… Oh mother of us all! It was more than I dreamed of. So.. so..powerful… So intense. Jax, you’re a great teacher. You’re tongue can do wonderful things down there. I hope you don’t mind I use my father’s shaver without him knowing to keep myself clean as I see you trim yourself as well sir. Your lady is very impressed with your long sword. I certainly hope our other lessons will be this great.”

“Allysa, you taste so sweet and yes I love it clean. I kiss her on her soft lips. Holding her face in my hands. Her arms on my neck. My tongue finds hers and plays around. She follows my lead. As our lips part she exclaims “WOW! That I liked sir. More. Give me more Jax! I want to feel you deep inside me please.”

First, I grab something from my pack. I follow her to her bedroom. I lay her down gently. Watching her chest heave up and down. I kiss each breast. Sucking each nipple. “Oh Jax! Yes! It feels so good. I thought they were for milk not.. not.. this. Don’t stop!” My fingers find their way inside her. Looking for her spot. “Wow! I never expected this intensity. Please Jax, please give me more.”

My fingers work her spot. I stop sucking her breasts to tell her this “I’m going to try this out. I here I can make you shoot fluid if I do this right.” Her hands push my face back on her breasts.

“I think you’re doing it right!” She screams. My fingers work her over. Her body arcs. Hands not letting me stop sucking her nipples. I feel it happening. She knows it too. She’s so tense as she moans and screams. Her other hand clenching her bedding tightly. Then, I make it happen. Fluid pours out as she shakes and screams, sweating from the intense passion of the moment. Letting go of my head and the now disintigrated bedding she pants.

“Jax, WOW! Just WOW! What’ll happen when you go inside me?” She’s gasping for breath. “I want to find out so bad. Now! Jax take me. Finish off my innocence. I’m yours sir.

I put something on first. “First m’lady I must put on my armor.”

“I thought you didn’t wear armor Jax?”

“You’re right, however this armor protects me having a little Jax later. At least for now.” I put on this cover I got from a shopkeeper back in summers kiss. He said it’ll stop me from having little ones. So I bought a few. Hey! You never know right?

“Well sir, let’s find out. The hardsteel way.”

“Hardsteel is it? Well, don’t let the ladies here that one.”

“If they get any ideas about taking away my man they’ll find out what a elemental made can do.”

“They can look, but they’ll never have my heart. It’s yours now Allysa. Forever, right m’lady?”

“Always Jax, always. And you better protect mine as well sir.” I mount her. My trophy. My goddess amongst goddesses. My lover. M’lady.

As I enter Allysa for the first time I here her gasp. I whispered in her ear “Allysa I’ll always protect you. Now and forever.”

We make love for what seems like all night. Laying in bed together. Kissing and holding her after I finish. She tells me “Jax, I hope you have more of those covers cause I want more. I have more learning to do.” She smiles at me.

“Mother of us all! I created a monster! Allysa give me a moment to catch my breath. You’re insatiable m’lady. I’m but a mere man not a love god.”

She rolls on top of me and kisses me, grabbing my manhood. “Jax, you sir are my love god, but I’ll let you rest… For now.” She gives me that smirk. “Tomorrow I want you to teach me to fight and of course some more of this.”

As I wake I smell breakfast cooking. I walk out and see a naked Allysa cooking. “Oh goodness!”

“Oh! Good morning my love! You like breakfast? Or maybe some other kind of breakfast?”

“Yes and Yes! I could eat… Hmm! Let’s see.”

“It better be me Jax or else!” She waives her finger at me.

Let’s just say the next two days were intense both in bed and in training her to defend herself. She asked to use a stick they use to heard in animals instead of a sword. The stick is strong yet bendable. It makes for a hard hit.

On the third day as promised her father shows up. Here we go. Allysa greets her father with a hug outside during our training.

“Father! I’m so glad to see you. I have something to tell you.”

Her father stares at me and at the farm, sees the outcome of the battle. I see his eyes are full of intelligence. “Allysa, what happened here?”

“Goblins father. They were looking for something. I don’t know what, but Jax here saved me.” She hugs me. He gives me a long hard analyzing stare.

“Jax is it? I guess I owe you thanks for saving my girl, but I see that look in both your eyes. I see she repaid you. Don’t speak. I know I couldn’t keep her locked up forever. Well, what’s done is done.” He sighs. “Jax, don’t hurt her or else.”

“No sir. I won’t.” I hold her tight.

“Good. Now come inside. Time is short or else this would be a much longer conversation. I know what they’re looking for. That look you both have for each other. Love. I know that look. It’s the same Allysa’s mother and I had.” He sighs a longing sigh. “You’ll both need it after you here this.”

I can smell the food Allysa is cooking outside the door. I can’t wait for a good old home cooked meal. Oh, and I can almost smell my payday. It smells like coinage.

Upon opening the door my senses are overwhelmed. First, the aroma of dinner hits my nose and is making my mouth water. The second sensory overload is Allysa wearing nothing but my shirt which is making other parts of me water.

Her long legs seem to go on forever. The bottom of my shirt meets her thighs, leaving just enough left to imagination. By the way, if you could see my imagination, you may blush.

“Jax, I hope you enjoy dinner. It’s the best I could do on short notice and…well…with all that happened.”

“Right about now Allysa, I could eat…well, just about anything.” My eyes are locked with hers. My heart is racing. I want her for dessert, but I couldn’t take advantage of her like this. Not after what she’s been through today.

I see her blush as I catch myself staring and fail trying to advert my eyes from her innocent beauty. Allysa is visibly nervous about something and I can tell she has something to say.

“Jax…I… Umm…well, you see…” She is fumbling for the right words. “I.. I mean we…hmm, how do I put this? Well… Wedonthaveanythingtopayyouwith.”

Oh, explicative, explicative, explicative! Great! No coin! “Excuse me?” I know what she said, even though it was said at the speed of dwarf grabbing dropped gold. If you have not witnessed that event, trust me, it’s fast. “You what?!?!?!”

With her head held down.”We don’t have any coin to pay you with. I’m sorry.” I don’t know how to respond for once. Well, there was that one time with a shopkeeper, some guards and a question about a missing and very expensive item that I may or may not have had in my possession.

Her other offer was, let’s just say.. unexpected. “The only thing I can give you is…is…myself.” My shirt hits the floor along with my jaw. Allysa is a goddess. Her body may be full of cuts and bruises, but she is perfect.

My mouth says a phrase I thought I would never utter again. Especially after that one time with the kings daughter, cuffs, rope and the kings guard. “Put your clothes back on.”

Those words hurt me as well as her. “Am I…am I not pretty enough.” Tears well in her eyes. “I thought.. well….I thought… Since I can’t pay you with coin… You would.. I mean.. I’ve never done this… And…” She’s shaking. Upset and hurt. Today has been rough on her.

I bend down to put my shirt back on her. Taking in every inch of her body that every part of me is agonizing for. “Yes.Yes you are very beautiful.” I wipe away her tears and lift up her chin. “It’s not you at all. It’s just that I can’t take advantage of you like this. I maybe a sell sword, but I’m not like most.”

Those lips are so close. I can smell her sweet essence. I want to kiss her and take my payment and her innocence along with it. But, I’m no good for her. I’m always on the road facing danger. That’s no place for her. I’m just a sell sword. She deserves better than the likes of me.

She feels so good in my arms that it hurts to let go. She apologizes,”I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done this. I don’t know what I was thinking.” quickly gathering her composure and letting go of me. “Umm… Let’s just eat then. I hope you like it. And…and.. please, please don’t leave me tonight.” The tears start up again. “I know I can’t pay you, but I can feed you and give you a place to stay till father gets back.” She flinches as I try to reach to wipe her tears away.

How can I say no? “Yes, Yes of course. I’ll keep watch just in case. After all it’s what I do best. Protecting pretty girls that is.” She smiles at that. Wipes away her own tears.

Dinner is uneventful. A few short conversations. My mind is elsewhere. Mainly on her. She insists on cleaning up. Won’t let me help. I tell her to go lay down and get some sleep while I stay out in the front room keeping watch.

A bit of time passes with nothing more that the sounds of bugs outside. I sit and ponder the days events. I’m an idiot. I had what I wanted and I didn’t take it. I place a few traps outside the door and windows to make noises to alert me just in case.

Getting back from placing the traps outside I walk into one. One I can’t or don’t want to escape. Allysa is waiting for me. “I can’t sleep and I’ve been thinking about everything that’s happened to me. The goblins, the fire coming out of my hands…and you… you fighting and killing… and..and..mainly you.”

My shirt falls off her lithe body again. This time I don’t want to pick it back up. “Jax, I’m glad you didn’t take my offer earlier. You’re a better man than I thought and I want you.” She is shaking a little, blushing, glowing even. “I want to give myself to you. It’s not payment, but… I want to do this. Please… Take me Jax.”

She wraps her arms around me. I close my eyes. Kiss her on her head. “Jax, you’re not talking for once.” I’m stunned into silence. Like that time with the farmer’s daughter and that cattle prod. “I know what I want and I want you to take me. Take me with you when you leave. Take me on adventures. Teach me to fight and teach me in bed.”

My mind is blank. I want her, but can I give her a good life? A life she deserves. “Jax, take me now or I’ll have to show off my Pyro skills.” That smile on her face as she speaks melts my heart.

I don’t know if this is right or wrong, but damnit anyway. I want her. I want to be with her. I want to give her what she wants and deserves. But, I don’t know if I can.

Walking through the trees to a farm to stop an unknown amount of goblins and or orcs from destroying the place ; who are there  for some unknown reason; trying to do who knows what; for a girl who’s name I don’t even know; for payment that I’m not sure I’ll even get. Seems like a good plan.

I left what’s her name back a bit to stay out of trouble. Don’t need her getting killed before I get paid. That was rude of me not asking her name earlier. Mental note added: Get the name of the pretty girl.

As I clear the tree line I see a lone orc standing outside a large log house with smoke rising from one of two chimney stacks out in the clearing. The house is intact except for a few broken windows and the front door that has been hacked away by axes. The orc is commanding what looks like at least half a dozen goblins, pointing in different directions in which they can reap their destruction of the farm. They look as if they’re searching of something, but what can be of such importance out in the middle of nowhere?

The log house is surrounded by multiple fenced in pens for different kinds of animals that the goblins have slaughtered. The stench of death from the livestock is heavy and nauseating. Also, I see in the distance a large cloud of smoke coming from burning crops.

I left my knapsack back with her so I freedom of movement. Best bet is to take out the orc first before the goblins inside the house and the surrounding farm notice me.

Drawing my bow as quiet as possible, I aim for the side of his unprotected dark green neck. His head is covered with a thick metal helmet that covers both his nose and down the back of his neck. His torso is protected by thick leather and chain mail, while his legs bear thick leather and metal plating with black leather boots.

My arrow leaves my bow with a thwip sound. I watch it miss the target low, right into his shoulder. It pierced his chainmail enough to hurt him. Looking down, purple blood oozing from the wound, the orc grabs the arrow, pulls it out with a ferocious yell. Yup, he’s pissed off! Here he comes charging me, pulling out that curved blade, growling at me. Yellowed tusks protrude from the bottom of his mouth. So much for the element of surprise.

Quickly I draw another arrow and let loose before he tries to kill me. It penetrates his armor once more in the right side of his chest. It didn’t even slow down his rage. Man, did I make him mad. Dropping my bow so I can pull out my girl. By that I mean my trusty sword. Yes, I call my sword a girl. I also pull out her dancing partner; the double bladed axe. Together we dance the dance of death.

“Let me axe you a question!” The charging orc apparently doesn’t appreciate a good pun. I figured as much when he tried to slice off my head. Ducking his curved blade by the closest of margins, I felt the air move my hair from that powerful swing. I know I need a haircut, but no thanks. I axe him that question anyway as I hack the back of his unprotected knee. With a howl of pain I send him crashing down onto the ground.

Before the orc has a chance to get back up my lady does what she does best. She finds where his armor connects and slides between ribs. Purple blood oozes from his open wound. Shock erases his rage as he turns to look up at me, neck exposed for my axe. Purple gore splatters me from the headless body.

You know purple gore doesn’t taste as good as it sounds. Here comes two goblins out of the log house. They’re not armored like their orc commander, but in numbers they’re just as dangerous.

Short as a ten year old boy they stand. The goblins have a sickly green skin, dark eyes, black greasy hair on their heads, strong, sinewy muscles, sharp pointy yellowed teeth and claws.

Wearing only animal skin around their waists and long daggers to protect themselves they see their decapitated commander and then me. Here they come, yelling a blood curdling battle cry.

“Goblins on the menu tonight honey!” I scream at them to calm myself. They don’t enjoy my jests either. Tough crowd. The first goblin lunges after me with his dagger. I side step him and plant my axe into his skull. Bone fragments and brain matter explode outward as I pull out my axe.

The second goblin turns to me and charges. I hold out my sword pointing at the on coming goblin, impaling him on my sword in his throat. “Nothing to say now, huh?” Reaching out to stab me with his last breath I kick the goblin off my sword. Purple goblin blood stains my clothes, weapons and the ground.

Behind me I hear screams. Oh no! The remaining goblins must have found her. I turn around and run to where I left her. Panic envelopes my mind. I curse myself for not protecting her and I still don’t even know her name. When I arrive I can’t believe my eyes.

Two goblins have her on the ground, biting and clawing, dress torn apart, exposing her breasts and all I can think is how gorgeous she is. That and THERE’S FIRE COMING OUT OF HER HANDS! Are you kidding me? WOW! Is she hot! Both goblins are burnt to a crisp before they even knew what hit them.

Two more come out of the woods behind me and I cut them down as easily as the others. No more goblins should remain.

I run to her side. “Are you OK?” I can see she’s in shock, but relatively unharmed except for some dirt and a few scratches, that if left unchecked can become infected. I rush to grab my bag for medical supplies.

She says nothing at first, just stares at her hands and at the fried goblins. She doesn’t even notice her nakedness let alone me. I Lift her up along with my bag and carry her back towards her farm. I stare at her beautiful blue eyes and blonde hair. Her face is cut and bleeding and she’s still more beautiful than any other girl I know.

I know this cause her breasts are bare and I find myself staring into her eyes. Not that her breasts aren’t beautiful. On the contrary, they are quite plump with pretty pink hard nipples. I’m not sure if it’s from the heat of battle or her stunning beauty, but I find myself rather aroused.

The last time I carried a pretty, half naked girl into a house… well, let’s just say I had to use my long sword to fight my way out.

Kicking in what remained of the door, I spot a table to lay her on. She comes to and tries to cover herself up. “Honey, there’s no modesty in battle. I need to clean your wounds. Trust me, I’m a professional.” The last time I said trust me a queen slapped me after kissing me. That’s another story for another time. Her cheeks redden with embarrassment, but she lays back down and allows me to tend to her wounds.

“Where are my manners? My names Jax Brightsteel at your service.” I bow before her and I see her start to relax as I begin to clean her wounds. I take off the remaining tattered dress. My heart is racing. Her beauty is astounding. I check for any major wounds and find none. Just scratches. They’ll heal in time. I’ve picked up a healers trick or two over the years.

After cleaning her scratches I hear her sweet voice. “Allysa Oakheart.”

“Well Allysa, did you know you’re a pyromancer?”

“A pyromancer?!?” She seems shocked as much as I am by it.

“Yes, an elemental mage.” I explain.

“No! It just happened. I was scared and angry. And, and… It just… Happened.” Her body shakes as she tells me.

“OK. You’ll heal up just fine in a few weeks. Nothing major. Just make sure you keep them clean. Watch for infection.” I take out some of my clothes for her to wear and turn around as she dresses. I’ll never wash her smell off of them.

“You don’t need to turn around. Not after you already seen me naked, but thanks anyways.”
As she finishes dressing she continues ” Thanks for the clothes. I’ll give them back when I find something to wear.”

“Don’t worry. Just sit down for awhile. You just had a traumatic experience. Your first battle and all. If you need to talk about it… ” We look at each other for a moment before speaking.

“Yes. Please. Sit with me.” So we sit in silence for a moment before she continues “I’m not sure how I feel right now. I just… How do you deal with it? I mean the killing and all. I watched you kill them while making jests at them.” I think of how to answer it.

“We all deal with it in our own ways.” It’s the only answer I can think of. “You’ll be fine. You did what you had to do.” She stares at the floor. “Can you make fire like that again?” I ask what we both want to know.

“I’m… I’m not sure. I’m not sure I want to. I felt weak afterwards. It’s hard to explain. I felt…powerful at the time, but after I saw what I did I felt… I’m not sure. I just took a life. No, two lives. Just like that. With a thought. I know I had to do it, but it still feels terrible.” She explains it while staring at her hands as if they would just catch fire.

“Good. You don’t want to feel great about taking a life. It doesn’t get any easier. I’ll stay here and keep watch incase others come back. I’ll start by cleaning up my mess outside. You going to be OK?” I ask.

“Yes. I think so. My father will be back
from trading in the city in three days. So, if you can stay… I’ll cook for you and you can sleep in the guest bed.”

Of course I’ll sleep in a house with a beautiful girl. “Yes, I think I can stay and help out.”

A kiss on my cheek and my heart melts. I’ve been around town before, but there’s something special about her other than the fact she can shoot flames out of her hands. How Awesome is that?

After my brain works again “Allysa, do you know what they where looking for?”
“I’m not sure. Father doesn’t have anything special and mother has been in the after life since I was a child. No. It’s just us.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I lost my parents during the goblin wars.”

“I’m sorry as well.” She sighs.

I go outside to clean up and scout for traces of any more goblins and orcs. Nothing yet. Good. It’ll give Allysa some time to heal and recuperate.

After burning the bodies in a pit, darkness begins to settle in and nothing from any more goblins or orcs. Hopefully, that’s that. Allysa made some dinner. It smells delicious. I haven’t had a home cooked meal since I can’t remember.

I’m carrying all of my belongings on my back. Not light at all, but not really heavy either. I always make sure I can pack up and go quickly. You never know when you need to run.

Summers Kiss at my back. Leaving such a beautiful port is such a shame really. However, coin is coin. No coin, no life. Know coin, know life. Money can’t buy happiness, so said by a rich man. It may not, but it sure as the seven hell’s does help.

I’ve had to sell some of my procured items from a previous job to get by, but I’ll never sell my tools of the trade sort to speak. I don’t wear armor as others do. I trust my tools to do their jobs.

My girl by my side protects me. The lightest and strongest sword I could steal. Yeah, I stole her. That fat oaf didn’t know how to treat her properly, so I took her for my own. Poor rich lord never knew what happened. But, that’s a story for another time.

I also have my double sided battle axe. Short enough to use in close quarters. Nice to use in concert with my lady. A dagger sideways on my lower back under my shirt. Dumb bar room brawlers never see my mistress sliding out till she’s had her drink. A knife in each boot. Bow and quiver on my back for those silent long shots. Finally, a few throwing knives in my belt. Just for kicks.

I guess you can say I come prepared. I also have my knapsack rolled up with cooking materials, clothes, other essentials and also it rolls out for sleeping in God’s great country.

My adventure is taking me north towards Wintervale for some much needed work. Someone along this road is bound to need my skills… I hope.

All was quiet on the winding dirt road under the shade of the old trees. That was until a woman, and I might add a very attractive one at that, comes running out of the woods.

Dress tattered and torn. Skin dirty, body as tight and ample in the right places as any man could want, showing in places.Traces of blood showing here and there. Hair, white blonde, full of leaves and debris. I know, I know, doesn’t sound like a pretty picture, but something about her has drawn me to her other than a pretty woman in distress.

“Please! I need help! Goblins are attacking my farm!” She screams at me. Pleading for my help with panic in her eyes. Her eyes, blue as ice held me captive.

Goblins?!?!? This far south? The rumors are true then. But why? At that moment my sell sword brain takes over. “I can help, but it’ll cost you.” I know, not very gentleman like, but as I said, a man’s gotta eat.

“What!” She exclaims. Both anger and despair upon her beautiful face. “Fine!” Her soft features turn hard. “After you help drive them out. That’s when you’ll get your dirty money.” I try to lift her up , but am met with refusal as she slaps my hand away. Standing up as elegant as any lady, she then curses me, “Damn sell swords!” And spits at my feet. I like her already.

I feel guilty, “Sorry my lady, but I’m in desperate need of coin. Nothing personal.” Her gaze narrows at me and her fists clench. If looks could kill. I quickly add before she does try to kill me, “Point me in the right direction and I’ll dispatch your unwanted guests with the expediency of a true professional.” I give her my best gentlrmanly bow. She brushes it off and points me in the direction of her farm. She’s shaking from fear and the loss of adrenaline along with some blood.

I ask her the usual questions before I leave. How many? Are they armed? Any orcs with them? She tells me all she can remember which is better than no info at all.

“Here.” I hand her one of my knives. Looking at it for a moment, she takes it with a shakey hand. “Stay here and I’ll be back soon.”

“No!” Her exclamation surprises me. “It’s my father’s farm. I should go with you.” Resolve replaces her fear. Her body language abruptly changes from scared to resolute in her need to defend what’s hers.

“Are you certain?” I ask. “I mean you were only moments before running out of the woods frantically. It’s ok to stay really. You’ll be safe here.” I put my hands on her shoulders to reassure her and she flinches at my touch and I let go.

“Yes. I’ll be fine. I’ll just show you the way and stay back. I’ll flee if need be. Besides, you’ll protect me if you want your pay.” With her mind made up she leads the way. I smile as I watch her behind sway back into the woods. She’s something else alright.

She tells me her story along the way. Telling me that she was tending the farm when a band of goblins rushed her. Wits and some luck saved her life. Two goblins tried to capture her and she hit the first with the shovel she had in her hands and took the goblin by surprise. It’s teeth smashed by the impact, purple blood spurting out it’s mouth. The second however, managed to grab her. Scratching her with it’s black filthy claws. Fighting for her life she freed herself by kicking him where the sun don’t shine before the others caught up to her.Running for her life, never looking back, that’s when she found me.

Expensive help, but you get what you pay for. I aim to please my customers and I never found a woman I said no to yet. Well, there was that time in that inn with that wench and the whore and the kings soldiers, but that’s another story.

Getting back to the matter at hand. Goblins are small, vile creatures. About the height of a man’s waist, with black claws and yellow pointy teeth. Skin a pale shade of green and big, yellow eyes. Not very smart, but with an orc leader they’re deadly.

It’s the orcs that are the real threat. As tall if not taller than any man with larger muscles. Dark green skin, yellow eyes and their bottom jaw protrudes out a little to show the two tusks. Hunters and blacksmiths by trade. They live in nomadic tribes. Some are sell swords for the ogres and goblins. No different than humans really. Just trying to survive by any means necessary.

Closer to the farm I ask her to wait while I do my work. Funny, I never asked her name. No time for that now. There’s work to be done.

Here I am once again broke. The port of Summers Kiss is a beautiful place, but not for a sell sword in times of peace. Don’t get me wrong, peace is great, but I am in desperate need of a job.

Summers Kiss is a bustling city on the west coast of the kingdom of Aereon. Full of merchant ships coming in with goods from all over the world. Silks from the far east across the ocean, furs from the northern cities of Wintervale where the orcs dwell in the mountains and fine jewelry from the southern lands made by the Dwarven craftsman.

The city is full of others like myself, all looking for work, either from merchants needing their wares protected or on the ships as hired hands. Of course, some find work as thieves or pirates.

Unfortunately, there’s just not much work for me when times are good. No fighting amongst the kingdoms. Just normal people doing normal things and I’m not the normal type.

I make my living selling protection to others or procuring things for a price. I’m not really a thief, a soldier, a pirate or a brawler. Just a mixture of the lot.

I have no family to speak of. Parents died during the goblin wars when I was just old enough to take care of myself. Been on my own ever since. Traveling from town to town looking for work to survive. Never settling down anywhere.

There’s tales from the docks and the pubs that the goblins are venturing further south from the mountains they dwell in. The orcs there have been at peace with us since the goblin wars. Trading their furs and armor with us. Lately though, something is amiss.

The northern lands are full of mountains. The orcs, goblins, ogres, trolls and other foul creatures lurk there. They fight amongst themselves, but never outside of their own lands.

Allow me to explain The Goblin Wars. It all started when an orgre who claimed to be king, began gathering up an army of goblins up to fight against the southern kingdoms to take more land and against the perceived injustice. The orcs wanted nothing to do with it. At least most didn’t. Their tribes split up over which side was right and that’s when the fighting started.

The ogre king along with the goblins and some of the orcs started marching south. Goblins pillaged every town they came across. They raped the women first in front of the men before slicing their throats. Killing every man, woman and child and burning down what they didn’t take. It was savage brutal warfare.

The war didn’t last but a few months. The creatures of the northern lands aren’t strategists. They usually fight one another to gain control of tribes, not plan an all out war. So, order began to fall apart amongst the different tribes. They fought amongst themselves over who took what trophies of war. That was the beginning of their end.

The ogre king himself was a rare creature amongst his kind. Wise, smart, cunning and brutal. He wanted to gather all his might against the humans. He wanted as much of our lands as possible.

Fortunately, a hero rose along with his reported mage wife, against the ogre king and killed him in what would be the final battle of the war. The ogre king killed scores of men before he met his match. It was a battle for the ages. The unknown swordsman struck blow after bloody blow. His mage wife peppered his flesh with jagged rocks and slowed his movements with the earth grabbing hold of him. The ogre was enraged at his inability to strike down his foes. He lunged at the mage with his bare hands to crush her only to miss, leaving his neck exposed long enough for his head to be removed from it by the swordsman.

The unknown swordsman and mage who managed to rid the world of the most vile ogre king are said to have disappeared after the battle. Nobody has seen them since. His sword was well known and rightfully christened OGRESBANE. A legend of a sword. It’s said to have been magical. Rumors of it exist well after the heroes disappeared.
The heroes of the war, nobody knows much of them. She was an elemental mage. A rare gift for sure. Able to command the earth itself to fight for her. The greatest sell swords ever along with the greatest mage. Legends. They didn’t fight for any king or kingdom, so their isn’t any written documentation on either of them. They just showed up out of no where to help in the battle and thus slew the ogre. Nothing could cut through the hide of that ogre. Until OGRESBANE that is.

The ogres army immediately fell apart upon his death. Some fled back to the mountains, but most where killed or taken prisoner.

We still trade with the orcs that didn’t participate in the war and some even work and live in our cities. Outcasts for the most part really. They’re great hunters and blacksmiths, but most folk distrust them. Me, I don’t really care one way or the other. I’m just a sell sword trying to get by.

Going to travel north where the action and hopefully the coin is.