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This story was written without any major edits.  So... if it seems a bit unpolished... well, it is.

Enjoy, though!", "writing": "\"Ye'll pay with yer arse, ye will!'' Reed smeared blood from the corner of his mouth with his wrist. With a growl, he threw down his flagon of mead and staggered into a brawling stance.\n\nHis offending opponent laughed heartily. \"Yer about ta wet yerself, ya boar's arse! Too pissed ta stand off agin one, let alone three enemies.'' He held his arms to the sides, as he was supported on either side by his brothers, both brawlers. \"Stan' down, Reed Lacross.''\n\n\"I don' know the meanin' of the word, ya piss headed whoreson,'' Reed said, glaring with his good eye. The dimly lit tavern he decided to spend his last few coins in was almost quiet, as its patrons watched the altercation. His was a muscular build, covered in burns, hard won scars, and sturdy but ripped clothing. The problem was not Reed, not this time. It was the Tamlin brothers that were at fault, and the sucker punch from Butch was enough to tip Reed over the edge. It was time to teach these boys a lesson.\n\nWith a sudden enraged roar, he charged the center brother. The first blow landed swiftly in Butch's gut, who was then tossed bodily into his brother Cory, sending them both crashing into a wooden table. The third brother, Able, grappled Reed from about his sides in hopes to overpower him. Reed quickly handled the unwelcomed attachment by slamming Able backwards into one of the tavern's support beams. Dust showered down upon the fighters as the beams shook the floor above.\n\n\"Ya cannae win this, Reed!'' Butch roared, as he and Cory rushed at Reed with their fists cocked and ready to fire.\n\nInstinct quickly took over for Reed, having been in countless brawls before. The alcohol in his system only encouraged him more into battle. He kicked one of the tavern chairs at Cory, then dodged a punch from Butch, which landed on Able's shoulder. The chair came into his hands, and he immediately broke it over Butch's back, which put him straight on the ground. Cory reached out to grab Reed, but his hand was twisted around, and he was hurled right into poor Able, smashing the third brother against the groaning support beam.\n\nThe patrons watching the fight gave the brawlers their space, while covering their mugs from the cascades of dust falling from the ceiling.\n\nCory turned around and lifted his fists again to face Reed, only to find his opponent holding broken legs from the chair as a pair of clubs. He held his hands up with a chuckle. \"Now, now, Reed, we was just havin' a bit o' fun, yeah? No need ta lose yer top over a bit o' manly fun.''\n\nReed paused for a moment, processing Cory's words. It almost seemed like the scarred veteran mercenary was ready to put down the clubs, when he suddenly let out another cry of anger. He hurled himself at Cory with a great bodily tackle, which put both of the combatants through the hefty support beam of the tavern. The loud crack and the shower of splinters brought Reed to the grim realization of just what was about to happen.\n\nIn the following cloud of smoke and dust, and the rain of wood and stucco, the brawlers and many of the patrons in the tavern were buried by the second floor, room three.\n\n\n\n\"... hereby charged with destruction of tradesman property and public violence. Do you have anything to say for yourselves?''\n\nReed stood as the fourth in a short chain of shackled individuals. Him and the Tamlin brothers, all in the same boat before the magistrate. Today was not a good day. \"They started it,'' he protested.\n\n\"Sure, blame us ya big jessie,'' Butch spat out in response.\n\n\"Silence!'' The magistrate sat back in his wooden chair, rubbing his temple with his fingers. For the moment that followed, the only sounds that could be heard was a distant groan, and the clattering of guardsmen on patrol.\n\nThe magistrate shuffled some papers around. \"The property damage must be repaid. Since there are four of you, you must pay an equal share each.''\n\n\"Tha's not fair! He broke the tavern,'' Cory protested, bobbing his head towards Reed.\n\n\"You filthy whoreson!'' Reed shouted, making motions towards Cory that were only held back by the guards.\n\nThe magistrate rolled his eyes and held up his hand. \"No doubt with the help of your bodies. I don't care. I understand that you three are likely to get the funds through your family's forge. Perhaps your government debts will make you think twice about picking fights.'' He pulled the quill from his inkwell and started to write down the order of repayment. \"Somehow, I doubt it.''\n\nReed watched for a moment, then laughed. \"Joke's on ye, then. I'm skint.'' He grinned, the burns on his face wrinkling as he stared at the magistrate with his good eye, quite proud of himself.\n\nThe magistrate took out another parchment and shook his head. \"No such luck, Lacross. You are registered as a mercenary, and as it just so happens, I can subpoena your services as a means to render justice. I can then collect any potential bounty in order to repay the crimes you have committed.''\n\nAs the magistrate wrote out the next order, Reed sneered, having lost his proud moment. \"Speak plainly, ya poof.''\n\nThe magistrate seemed unaffected by the insult, having heard plenty in his time. \"To make up for your crimes, you will go and slay a monster for me. If you refuse, you will be branded an outlaw. Is that plainly enough?''\n\n\"Aye... I guess.'' Reed holds his shackled arms out to the guard. \"I'll need me effects.''\n\n\"Do take mister Lacross to the tavern, and give him a shovel.'' With a smirk, the magistrate handed his order off to the guard lieutenant. \"I'm sending him after Oza'dia.'' The two shared a knowing glance, then turned to Reed with a pair of grim smirks.\n\nAs Reed dug out portions of the collapsed tavern in order to get to his equipment, the guard lieutenant started to read off the order and the paired information. \"Oza'dia is a crazed witch who lives in the forest, and feeds off of the essence of masculine men. In fact, it's said that the more masculine you are, the more likely you'll meet your fate at her hands along the South Hampton Roadway.'' He looked over Reed, who was beading with sweat and covered in dust from the labor. He'd retrieved one of his packs and part of his armor, but still hadn't found his sword.\n\nThe guard looked back at the paper. \"Your order is to find and slay Oza'dia within the following four nights. Failure to report back to the magistrate after this time will brand you an outlaw, and wanted across the four allied kingdoms.'' Reed paused for a moment to mockingly mouth the bit about being branded an outlaw. It was not his first time in this situation... unfortunately. \"You are to be afforded one provision, usable to eliminate Oza'dia and destroy any reincarnation magicks she may have upon herself. One anti-magic blade, which must be returned when you report back.''\n\nReed stopped and turned to the guard. \"How'sat?'' He squinted at the guard for a moment, leaning on the shovel. \"Anti-magic?''\n\n\"Yes, anti-magic.'' The guard produced a seax, bound in a half scabbard. Along the steel blade were shallow fullers running in seemingly random directions. In its hilt was a shining magenta crystal of many facets. \"You know, a weapon that stops magical flow.''\n\n\"How's it do that?'' Reed huffed. \"Izzit also magic?'' He stared at the blade warily, not wanting to experience the discomfort brought on by his allergy to magic.\n\n\"How should I know?'' The guard tossed the weapon to Reed, who instinctively caught it by the scabbard. \"I just know you gotta use that to kill the witch.''\n\nReed tossed the weapon off to the side next to his sack. \"Oh do I, ya hog nosed nob? Normal blades don't kill witches, do they?''\n\nThe guard sneered and clenched his fist. \"I'll have you know my family is common blood!''\n\n\"Ah, but ya still talk like dey do.'' Reed pulled up his nose with a finger and made a pig squealing noise. \"Uweeeeee~!''\n\n\"Fine, if you think you know so much more about witches and magic than the magistrate, then don't use it!'' The guard rolled up the order in a huff and tucked it under his arm. Then, after a quick glance, he gave Reed the two finger salute. \"I `ope ya get boiled alive, ya slag!''\n\n\"Oi, ya gutless whoreson!'' Reed shoved his shovel into the dirt, knocking the rubble loose. As the stirred cloud of dust settle among the rubble, he saw the handle of his sword sticking out of the pile. \"Ah, ya beauty!'' He pulled it free from the fallen stucco and wooden framing it had integrated with, and held it aloft. This two-handed blade had seen him through many battles, beheaded many a monstrous foe, and only needed a little maintenance. Lost for a moment in the reunion, he pulled the blade from the wrap scabbard he kept it in, and looked at himself in the shining reflection of the blade. He wiped some of the dust and soot from his face, noting that his golden war paint was still marking him. He patted back his naturally brown, but usually blood stained hair, which was short, and kept in a tight knot at the back.\n\n\"Oza'dia? Wait'll she gets a load o' me,'' he said to his reflection. \"I'll welcome `er to the show long enough ta lop her `ead off.'' He carefully returned his blade to its scabbard, and went about to digging out the rest of his armor, which was in close proximity to where his sword was buried.\n\n\n\nEvening soon came, the most active time for Reed to hunt monsters. Most predatory monsters preferred the darkness, since it made it easier to separate prey from those who could defend them. This Oza'dia must be no different. He was wary about the anti-magic blade, not trusting that it wasn't actually magic. However, keeping it at his side did not cause him to itch, or have a reactionary rash, so maybe there was something to it.\n\nThe stars were hidden by the overcast evening. It smelled a little like rain was on the way, and aside from the quiet din of the town, there wasn't much noise. As Reed ventured closer to the South Hampton Roadway, he saw signs at its entrance, warning of monsters. At least, he was pretty sure that's what they were conveying, but he didn't take the time to stop and read them or anything. Reading took a long time, after all, and some scrolls would take Reed much longer than others.\n\nThe roadway itself appeared to be in some disuse. It had branches and leaves littering its well-trodden soil. Some parts of the path had shrubs coming to life out of its dirt. As Reed ventured inwards, he'd find ancient trees that had been felled from time or storms, and when one blocked the path he would simply climb over it.\n\nAs the darkness crept in, Reed resorted to lighting a torch. He didn't like having to do it, but there were no celestial bodies to shine on the night with these clouds, and the winds were starting to pick up.\n\nHe came upon an old camp site set up just off the road. It had a fire circle, a few moss-laden logs for seating, and a wood chopping area decorated with sections of old dry pellets. Reed found this all to be very inviting, and the perfect lure for the monster. If he stayed here, surely she would make her presence known to him... if she were indeed still around in this section of woods.\n\nSetting up around the firepit, he set a piece of wood up on the chopping block, and with the old woodsman's axe, he set to splitting the wood. His chopping motions became more and more exaggerated as he swung the axe, grunting with each forceful movement. The sound of the splitting wood echoed through the night as no other sounds moved to interrupt it.\n\nEventually, with some sweat upon his brow, he tossed a few pieces of the split wood into the pit, and stuffed his torch in underneath them. As the flames danced to life, he stood behind a moss-covered log, resting one boot up on it. Pulling out his wineskin, he uncorked it with his thumb, and leaned on his knee, watching the lively fire he built with his own calloused hands. After a few hefty swigs, he let out a fairly healthy belch, and followed it up by wiping his mouth with his forearm.\n\nHe was either unaware of the eyes that watched him from the darkness, or he didn't care. Planning his motions carefully would've been out of the question, so it was clear that Reed was just being himself, down to the casual scratching of his ass.\n\nHe flinched and shook his head. Something was making him feel a bit dizzy, and he was sure it wasn't the small amount of drink he had. The world around him seemed to melt into the darkness of the woods, and he was barely able to keep himself upright, as both boots planted into the dirt. His hand instinctually reached for the hilt of his sword as the forest came to life with skittering creatures in the dark.\n\n\"Mmm... you're resilient, I'll give you that,'' a sultry feminine voice was carried on the wind. It was hard to determine the direction it came from. \"Most men would be at their knees by now... but not you.''\n\nReed could feel his body trying to betray his mind, betray his instincts to fight. It wanted to fall before her, despite what he told it. \"I'm... better...'' Reed groaned as he concentrated on his sword hand, watching massive spiders close in around him. \"them... big Jessies!'' He growled as his arm broke the curse and whipped out his long sword, sweeping at the forest floor, and cleaving two of the large beasts in half.\n\nA cry of anguish cut the darkness, as the spiders gave Reed a wider berth. Parting the way before him, a woman with long white hair came into view from the darkness. As she left the inky shadows, her full height became something to behold, as she was carried forward by a massive arachnid lower half. \"My children! You bastard.''\n\n\"Oza'dia I guess,'' Reed spat through clenched teeth. \"Dey forgot ta mention ye was queen of the spiders.'' He held the two handed sword upright now, preparing himself to handle his foe.\n\nShe sneered and snapped a hand out towards him, and with a bright flash of green energy, Reed was contorted into a hunched forward position. He groaned in pain from the magic's assault on his body as he tried to resist it. \"You will pay for what you did to my children! You will pay with your masculinity. Then, as you lay drained and wrapped up, you will become the first meal for my new children.''\n\nShe moved closer. Her supple, naked body only mildly covered by her long white hair. Her pale human skin standing out in contrast from her black spider body. Her eyes glittered with the powerful magic she conjured. \"I will make you my man. With such strength, we should make some powerful children.''\n\nHer fingers caressed Reed's neck as she had him stand under her power. He mustered, \"don't touch me!'' through his clenched teeth.\n\n\"Ah, ah, ah... we mustn't be difficult.'' She cooed as she ran her fingers across his face. \"Look at all that you've endured.'' Delicately, she danced her fingers along his burnt flesh and deformed ear. \"You must have had such a painful life.'' Leaning in, she grazed his lips with hers. \"Let me take that pain away from you.''\n\nReed's body was on fire with pain. His allergy to the magic she was using was only intensifying the lock she had him under. He took a labored breath and growled. \"Go die in a pig's ditch ya filthy bitch.''\n\nShe blinked, and tilted her head. \"You still resist somehow. Oh, what strong children we will make.'' She pressed herself against him, cradling his head with her chest and hand. \"Just relax then, and I'll do the rest.'' Her spider legs worked quickly, stripping him of his armor and pulling it off of him piece by piece.\n\nThe quick process made Reed grunt, and get tugged side to side from the sudden motion. Even being pressed between a pair of fleshy and semi-warm breasts wasn't going to placate him. He had to figure a way out of this. He realized there was only one area he wasn't feeling the pain of magic from, and it was an area at his hip.\n\nShe finally slid her body down his, and ran her fingers along his back. \"Ahh, I shall enjoy this essence. Your soul is strong, and so it must be delicious.'' Her hand circled around his waist, and then slowly down to his crotch. There, she paused, and her concentration waned. \"That's... impossible!''\n\nReed felt some of his strength come back, and that was enough! He quickly grabbed the handle of the special seax and thrust it swiftly into the witch's side. He felt the immediate release of her magic, as she let out a heavy gasp.\n\n\"You're... no man!'' She gasped for air, as her eyes and hair slowly started to fade from their unnatural colors.\n\nHe twisted the knife with a sneer, feeling her satisfying blood spray on his arm. \"Yer no witch!'' He shoved her and the knife back, as her spider body shrank into a pair of legs as she collapsed back into the forest floor.\n\nThere was an unnatural outcry coming from the giant spiders as they saw her dying there, and Reed immediately went for his sword as he saw them start to swarm at him.\n\nThe first few that came within swinging distance were cut down with ease, but as they came it was clear that there were too many. Those that made it past the blade were on Reed's unprotected body, biting and tearing at him, as he stumbled around tearing them off.\n\nSpiking one of the spiders at a group, he made a path with his blade and went to the fire pit, which was still in full lick. With reckless abandon, he kicked the fire pit, scattering embers and burning logs in an arc. He then put that to his side as he swung in large sweeping motions at the coming horde of spiders.\n\nThere was nowhere to go, and he fought like a maddened beast. Covered in spiders, he still swung his sword in wide arcs, and littered the ground with arachnid guts. He roared and shouted obscenities at the children, crying bloody murder with each opportunity.\n\nAfter being bitten in every likely location, it seemed like the spiders lost interest, or lost too many of their own numbers. Skittering back into the forest, and leaving Reed to swing around in circles at nothing but the darkness. One heavy swing left him slipping on blood and falling forward on the gore-laden ground. After a second, when he realized he wasn't being swarmed anymore, he rolled onto his back, and just started laughing.\n\nUntil, of course, he passed out from the doses of spider venom in his veins.\n\n\n\nReed woke up to the sound of birdsong, and the light of the sun shining through the trees... and the need to piss. He got up with a groan, covering his eyes and stumbling to his feet. Beside him, covered in a sticky red mess of gore, was the dead body of a naked woman. Her appearance had changed since the night before, but through bleary vision Reed could see the handle of the anti-magic blade sticking out of her gut. \"Bitch witch fuck. Deserve nothin' less.''\n\n\n\nThe magistrate's office was quiet in the mornings. It was usually a good time for signing documents, reviewing cases, and counting revenues earned. The magistrate had his desk neat and tidy, with his inkwell and quill set just so. He had a pouch of coins he was counting carefully, leaning forward and mouthing each number as he counted.\n\nSuddenly, his door flew open, and no sooner had he leaned back in his seat did a severed head get dropped on top of an order of execution. Reed threw the anti-magic blade down beside the head and declared, \"Oza'dia the spider bitch witch. Take that, ya whoreson poof!''\n\nThe magistrate looked the severed head over and sighed. \"I think I will. Good job, Reed, you're cleared of payment.'' He chuckled, and leaned to the side to pull out a parchment. \"I didn't think you'd make it, but I'm not disappointed.''\n\n\"Hey,'' Reed sneered, \"ya dinnae take a bet against me, didja?''\n\n\"No, no,'' the magistrate shook his head. \"Though... if you're interested, I do have more work for you. If you're interested in actually making a surplus of coin.''\n\n\"Yeah.'' Reed poked at one of the swollen spider bites and watched pus come out. He had definitely looked better, but at least it was hard to look much worse. \"When me swellin' goes down.''\n\nThe magistrate nodded. \"I'll be here when that time comes.''", "writing_bbcode_parsed": ""Ye'll pay with yer arse, ye will!''  Reed smeared blood from the corner of his mouth with his wrist.  With a growl, he threw down his flagon of mead and staggered into a brawling stance.

His offending opponent laughed heartily.  "Yer about ta wet yerself, ya boar's arse!  Too pissed ta stand off agin one, let alone three enemies.''  He held his arms to the sides, as he was supported on either side by his brothers, both brawlers.  "Stan' down, Reed Lacross.''

"I don' know the meanin' of the word, ya piss headed whoreson,'' Reed said, glaring with his good eye.  The dimly lit tavern he decided to spend his last few coins in was almost quiet, as its patrons watched the altercation.  His was a muscular build, covered in burns, hard won scars, and sturdy but ripped clothing.  The problem was not Reed, not this time.  It was the Tamlin brothers that were at fault, and the sucker punch from Butch was enough to tip Reed over the edge.  It was time to teach these boys a lesson.

With a sudden enraged roar, he charged the center brother.  The first blow landed swiftly in Butch's gut, who was then tossed bodily into his brother Cory, sending them both crashing into a wooden table.  The third brother, Able, grappled Reed from about his sides in hopes to overpower him.  Reed quickly handled the unwelcomed attachment by slamming Able backwards into one of the tavern's support beams.  Dust showered down upon the fighters as the beams shook the floor above.

"Ya cannae win this, Reed!''  Butch roared, as he and Cory rushed at Reed with their fists cocked and ready to fire.

Instinct quickly took over for Reed, having been in countless brawls before.  The alcohol in his system only encouraged him more into battle.  He kicked one of the tavern chairs at Cory, then dodged a punch from Butch, which landed on Able's shoulder.  The chair came into his hands, and he immediately broke it over Butch's back, which put him straight on the ground.  Cory reached out to grab Reed, but his hand was twisted around, and he was hurled right into poor Able, smashing the third brother against the groaning support beam.

The patrons watching the fight gave the brawlers their space, while covering their mugs from the cascades of dust falling from the ceiling.

Cory turned around and lifted his fists again to face Reed, only to find his opponent holding broken legs from the chair as a pair of clubs.  He held his hands up with a chuckle.  "Now, now, Reed, we was just havin' a bit o' fun, yeah?  No need ta lose yer top over a bit o' manly fun.''

Reed paused for a moment, processing Cory's words.  It almost seemed like the scarred veteran mercenary was ready to put down the clubs, when he suddenly let out another cry of anger.  He hurled himself at Cory with a great bodily tackle, which put both of the combatants through the hefty support beam of the tavern.  The loud crack and the shower of splinters brought Reed to the grim realization of just what was about to happen.

In the following cloud of smoke and dust, and the rain of wood and stucco, the brawlers and many of the patrons in the tavern were buried by the second floor, room three.



"... hereby charged with destruction of tradesman property and public violence.  Do you have anything to say for yourselves?''

Reed stood as the fourth in a short chain of shackled individuals.  Him and the Tamlin brothers, all in the same boat before the magistrate.  Today was not a good day.  "They started it,'' he protested.

"Sure, blame us ya big jessie,'' Butch spat out in response.

"Silence!''  The magistrate sat back in his wooden chair, rubbing his temple with his fingers.  For the moment that followed, the only sounds that could be heard was a distant groan, and the clattering of guardsmen on patrol.

The magistrate shuffled some papers around.  "The property damage must be repaid.  Since there are four of you, you must pay an equal share each.''

"Tha's not fair!  He broke the tavern,'' Cory protested, bobbing his head towards Reed.

"You filthy whoreson!''  Reed shouted, making motions towards Cory that were only held back by the guards.

The magistrate rolled his eyes and held up his hand.  "No doubt with the help of your bodies.  I don't care.  I understand that you three are likely to get the funds through your family's forge.  Perhaps your government debts will make you think twice about picking fights.''  He pulled the quill from his inkwell and started to write down the order of repayment.  "Somehow, I doubt it.''

Reed watched for a moment, then laughed.  "Joke's on ye, then.  I'm skint.''  He grinned, the burns on his face wrinkling as he stared at the magistrate with his good eye, quite proud of himself.

The magistrate took out another parchment and shook his head.  "No such luck, Lacross.  You are registered as a mercenary, and as it just so happens, I can subpoena your services as a means to render justice.  I can then collect any potential bounty in order to repay the crimes you have committed.''

As the magistrate wrote out the next order, Reed sneered, having lost his proud moment.  "Speak plainly, ya poof.''

The magistrate seemed unaffected by the insult, having heard plenty in his time.  "To make up for your crimes, you will go and slay a monster for me.  If you refuse, you will be branded an outlaw.  Is that plainly enough?''

"Aye... I guess.''  Reed holds his shackled arms out to the guard.  "I'll need me effects.''

"Do take mister Lacross to the tavern, and give him a shovel.''  With a smirk, the magistrate handed his order off to the guard lieutenant.  "I'm sending him after Oza'dia.''  The two shared a knowing glance, then turned to Reed with a pair of grim smirks.

As Reed dug out portions of the collapsed tavern in order to get to his equipment, the guard lieutenant started to read off the order and the paired information.  "Oza'dia is a crazed witch who lives in the forest, and feeds off of the essence of masculine men.  In fact, it's said that the more masculine you are, the more likely you'll meet your fate at her hands along the South Hampton Roadway.''  He looked over Reed, who was beading with sweat and covered in dust from the labor.  He'd retrieved one of his packs and part of his armor, but still hadn't found his sword.

The guard looked back at the paper.  "Your order is to find and slay Oza'dia within the following four nights.  Failure to report back to the magistrate after this time will brand you an outlaw, and wanted across the four allied kingdoms.''  Reed paused for a moment to mockingly mouth the bit about being branded an outlaw.  It was not his first time in this situation... unfortunately.  "You are to be afforded one provision, usable to eliminate Oza'dia and destroy any reincarnation magicks she may have upon herself.  One anti-magic blade, which must be returned when you report back.''

Reed stopped and turned to the guard.  "How'sat?''  He squinted at the guard for a moment, leaning on the shovel.  "Anti-magic?''

"Yes, anti-magic.''  The guard produced a seax, bound in a half scabbard.  Along the steel blade were shallow fullers running in seemingly random directions.  In its hilt was a shining magenta crystal of many facets.  "You know, a weapon that stops magical flow.''

"How's it do that?''  Reed huffed.  "Izzit also magic?''  He stared at the blade warily, not wanting to experience the discomfort brought on by his allergy to magic.

"How should I know?''  The guard tossed the weapon to Reed, who instinctively caught it by the scabbard.  "I just know you gotta use that to kill the witch.''

Reed tossed the weapon off to the side next to his sack.  "Oh do I, ya hog nosed nob?  Normal blades don't kill witches, do they?''

The guard sneered and clenched his fist.  "I'll have you know my family is common blood!''

"Ah, but ya still talk like dey do.''  Reed pulled up his nose with a finger and made a pig squealing noise.  "Uweeeeee~!''

"Fine, if you think you know so much more about witches and magic than the magistrate, then don't use it!''  The guard rolled up the order in a huff and tucked it under his arm.  Then, after a quick glance, he gave Reed the two finger salute.  "I `ope ya get boiled alive, ya slag!''

"Oi, ya gutless whoreson!''  Reed shoved his shovel into the dirt, knocking the rubble loose.  As the stirred cloud of dust settle among the rubble, he saw the handle of his sword sticking out of the pile.  "Ah, ya beauty!''  He pulled it free from the fallen stucco and wooden framing it had integrated with, and held it aloft.  This two-handed blade had seen him through many battles, beheaded many a monstrous foe, and only needed a little maintenance.  Lost for a moment in the reunion, he pulled the blade from the wrap scabbard he kept it in, and looked at himself in the shining reflection of the blade.  He wiped some of the dust and soot from his face, noting that his golden war paint was still marking him.  He patted back his naturally brown, but usually blood stained hair, which was short, and kept in a tight knot at the back.

"Oza'dia?  Wait'll she gets a load o' me,'' he said to his reflection.  "I'll welcome `er to the show long enough ta lop her `ead off.''  He carefully returned his blade to its scabbard, and went about to digging out the rest of his armor, which was in close proximity to where his sword was buried.



Evening soon came, the most active time for Reed to hunt monsters.  Most predatory monsters preferred the darkness, since it made it easier to separate prey from those who could defend them.  This Oza'dia must be no different.  He was wary about the anti-magic blade, not trusting that it wasn't actually magic.  However, keeping it at his side did not cause him to itch, or have a reactionary rash, so maybe there was something to it.

The stars were hidden by the overcast evening.  It smelled a little like rain was on the way, and aside from the quiet din of the town, there wasn't much noise.  As Reed ventured closer to the South Hampton Roadway, he saw signs at its entrance, warning of monsters.  At least, he was pretty sure that's what they were conveying, but he didn't take the time to stop and read them or anything.  Reading took a long time, after all, and some scrolls would take Reed much longer than others.

The roadway itself appeared to be in some disuse.  It had branches and leaves littering its well-trodden soil.  Some parts of the path had shrubs coming to life out of its dirt.  As Reed ventured inwards, he'd find ancient trees that had been felled from time or storms, and when one blocked the path he would simply climb over it.

As the darkness crept in, Reed resorted to lighting a torch.  He didn't like having to do it, but there were no celestial bodies to shine on the night with these clouds, and the winds were starting to pick up.

He came upon an old camp site set up just off the road.  It had a fire circle, a few moss-laden logs for seating, and a wood chopping area decorated with sections of old dry pellets.  Reed found this all to be very inviting, and the perfect lure for the monster.  If he stayed here, surely she would make her presence known to him... if she were indeed still around in this section of woods.

Setting up around the firepit, he set a piece of wood up on the chopping block, and with the old woodsman's axe, he set to splitting the wood.  His chopping motions became more and more exaggerated as he swung the axe, grunting with each forceful movement.  The sound of the splitting wood echoed through the night as no other sounds moved to interrupt it.

Eventually, with some sweat upon his brow, he tossed a few pieces of the split wood into the pit, and stuffed his torch in underneath them.  As the flames danced to life, he stood behind a moss-covered log, resting one boot up on it.  Pulling out his wineskin, he uncorked it with his thumb, and leaned on his knee, watching the lively fire he built with his own calloused hands.  After a few hefty swigs, he let out a fairly healthy belch, and followed it up by wiping his mouth with his forearm.

He was either unaware of the eyes that watched him from the darkness, or he didn't care.  Planning his motions carefully would've been out of the question, so it was clear that Reed was just being himself, down to the casual scratching of his ass.

He flinched and shook his head.  Something was making him feel a bit dizzy, and he was sure it wasn't the small amount of drink he had.  The world around him seemed to melt into the darkness of the woods, and he was barely able to keep himself upright, as both boots planted into the dirt.  His hand instinctually reached for the hilt of his sword as the forest came to life with skittering creatures in the dark.

"Mmm... you're resilient, I'll give you that,'' a sultry feminine voice was carried on the wind.  It was hard to determine the direction it came from.  "Most men would be at their knees by now... but not you.''

Reed could feel his body trying to betray his mind, betray his instincts to fight.  It wanted to fall before her, despite what he told it.  "I'm... better...''  Reed groaned as he concentrated on his sword hand, watching massive spiders close in around him.  "them... big Jessies!''  He growled as his arm broke the curse and whipped out his long sword, sweeping at the forest floor, and cleaving two of the large beasts in half.

A cry of anguish cut the darkness, as the spiders gave Reed a wider berth.  Parting the way before him, a woman with long white hair came into view from the darkness.  As she left the inky shadows, her full height became something to behold, as she was carried forward by a massive arachnid lower half.  "My children!  You bastard.''

"Oza'dia I guess,'' Reed spat through clenched teeth.  "Dey forgot ta mention ye was queen of the spiders.''  He held the two handed sword upright now, preparing himself to handle his foe.

She sneered and snapped a hand out towards him, and with a bright flash of green energy, Reed was contorted into a hunched forward position.  He groaned in pain from the magic's assault on his body as he tried to resist it.  "You will pay for what you did to my children!  You will pay with your masculinity.  Then, as you lay drained and wrapped up, you will become the first meal for my new children.''

She moved closer.  Her supple, naked body only mildly covered by her long white hair.  Her pale human skin standing out in contrast from her black spider body.  Her eyes glittered with the powerful magic she conjured.  "I will make you my man.  With such strength, we should make some powerful children.''

Her fingers caressed Reed's neck as she had him stand under her power.  He mustered, "don't touch me!'' through his clenched teeth.

"Ah, ah, ah... we mustn't be difficult.''  She cooed as she ran her fingers across his face.  "Look at all that you've endured.''  Delicately, she danced her fingers along his burnt flesh and deformed ear.  "You must have had such a painful life.''  Leaning in, she grazed his lips with hers.  "Let me take that pain away from you.''

Reed's body was on fire with pain.  His allergy to the magic she was using was only intensifying the lock she had him under.  He took a labored breath and growled.  "Go die in a pig's ditch ya filthy bitch.''

She blinked, and tilted her head.  "You still resist somehow.  Oh, what strong children we will make.''  She pressed herself against him, cradling his head with her chest and hand.  "Just relax then, and I'll do the rest.''  Her spider legs worked quickly, stripping him of his armor and pulling it off of him piece by piece.

The quick process made Reed grunt, and get tugged side to side from the sudden motion.  Even being pressed between a pair of fleshy and semi-warm breasts wasn't going to placate him.  He had to figure a way out of this.  He realized there was only one area he wasn't feeling the pain of magic from, and it was an area at his hip.

She finally slid her body down his, and ran her fingers along his back.  "Ahh, I shall enjoy this essence.  Your soul is strong, and so it must be delicious.''  Her hand circled around his waist, and then slowly down to his crotch.  There, she paused, and her concentration waned.  "That's... impossible!''

Reed felt some of his strength come back, and that was enough!  He quickly grabbed the handle of the special seax and thrust it swiftly into the witch's side.  He felt the immediate release of her magic, as she let out a heavy gasp.

"You're... no man!''  She gasped for air, as her eyes and hair slowly started to fade from their unnatural colors.

He twisted the knife with a sneer, feeling her satisfying blood spray on his arm.  "Yer no witch!''  He shoved her and the knife back, as her spider body shrank into a pair of legs as she collapsed back into the forest floor.

There was an unnatural outcry coming from the giant spiders as they saw her dying there, and Reed immediately went for his sword as he saw them start to swarm at him.

The first few that came within swinging distance were cut down with ease, but as they came it was clear that there were too many.  Those that made it past the blade were on Reed's unprotected body, biting and tearing at him, as he stumbled around tearing them off.

Spiking one of the spiders at a group, he made a path with his blade and went to the fire pit, which was still in full lick.  With reckless abandon, he kicked the fire pit, scattering embers and burning logs in an arc.  He then put that to his side as he swung in large sweeping motions at the coming horde of spiders.

There was nowhere to go, and he fought like a maddened beast.  Covered in spiders, he still swung his sword in wide arcs, and littered the ground with arachnid guts.  He roared and shouted obscenities at the children, crying bloody murder with each opportunity.

After being bitten in every likely location, it seemed like the spiders lost interest, or lost too many of their own numbers.  Skittering back into the forest, and leaving Reed to swing around in circles at nothing but the darkness.  One heavy swing left him slipping on blood and falling forward on the gore-laden ground.  After a second, when he realized he wasn't being swarmed anymore, he rolled onto his back, and just started laughing.

Until, of course, he passed out from the doses of spider venom in his veins.



Reed woke up to the sound of birdsong, and the light of the sun shining through the trees... and the need to piss.  He got up with a groan, covering his eyes and stumbling to his feet.  Beside him, covered in a sticky red mess of gore, was the dead body of a naked woman.  Her appearance had changed since the night before, but through bleary vision Reed could see the handle of the anti-magic blade sticking out of her gut.  "Bitch witch fuck.  Deserve nothin' less.''



The magistrate's office was quiet in the mornings.  It was usually a good time for signing documents, reviewing cases, and counting revenues earned.  The magistrate had his desk neat and tidy, with his inkwell and quill set just so.  He had a pouch of coins he was counting carefully, leaning forward and mouthing each number as he counted.

Suddenly, his door flew open, and no sooner had he leaned back in his seat did a severed head get dropped on top of an order of execution.  Reed threw the anti-magic blade down beside the head and declared, "Oza'dia the spider bitch witch.  Take that, ya whoreson poof!''

The magistrate looked the severed head over and sighed.  "I think I will.  Good job, Reed, you're cleared of payment.''  He chuckled, and leaned to the side to pull out a parchment.  "I didn't think you'd make it, but I'm not disappointed.''

"Hey,'' Reed sneered, "ya dinnae take a bet against me, didja?''

"No, no,'' the magistrate shook his head.  "Though... if you're interested, I do have more work for you.  If you're interested in actually making a surplus of coin.''

"Yeah.''  Reed poked at one of the swollen spider bites and watched pus come out.  He had definitely looked better, but at least it was hard to look much worse.  "When me swellin' goes down.''

The magistrate nodded.  "I'll be here when that time comes.''", "pools_count": 0, "title": "Reed Lacross vs Magestrate", "deleted": "f", "public": "t", "mimetype": "application/msword", "pagecount": "1", "rating_id": "2", "rating_name": "Adult", "ratings": [ { "content_tag_id": "5", "name": "Strong Violence", "description": "Strong violence, blood, serious injury or death", "rating_id": "2" } ], "submission_type_id": "12", "type_name": "Writing - Document", "guest_block": "t", "friends_only": "f", "comments_count": "2", "views": "42" }