1 comments/ 5117 views/ 8 favorites Jax Brightsteel: Sword for Hire By: schreckdog 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. Jax Brightsteel: Sword for Hire Ch. 02 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; no place is ever safe. 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. Coin may not do just that, but it sure as the seven hells’ 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. However my girl that is always on 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; along with my lady. Tucked under my shirt, right on my lower back was my dagger. Slow-witted brawlers never see my mistress sliding out, till she's had her drink. Then there’s my twin knife in each boot; bow and quiver on my back for those silent long shots. Finally, a few throwing knives clipped on my belt. Just for kicks, I guess you can say I come prepared. My compelling adventure takes me north, towards Wintervale. 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, her skin was sprinkled with dirt, splotches of dried blood on her cheeks, her white blonde hair, full of leaves and debris and yet none of that phased her appearance. Her ripe body, ample and tight in the right places as any man could want; there is something about her that appeals me. "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 got to eat. "What!" She exclaims. Both anger and despair upon her beautiful face. "Fine!" Her soft features turn hard. "After, you help drive them out. Then I’ll pay you." I offer her my hand, 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!" Then spits at my feet, right then and there i knew I was starting to like her. 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 could get a word in, "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 gentlemanly 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? Are there any orcs with them? She tells me what she was able to remember; something was better than going into the unknown. "Here." I hand her one of my knives. Looking at it for a moment, she takes it with a unsteady 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. “Just a moment ago you desperately ran out of the woods. It's ok to stay, really. You'll be safe here." I put my hands on her shoulders to reassure her; instead I caused her to flinch away from my touch, I hastily moved my hands away. "Yes. I'll be fine. I'll just show you the way and stay back. I'll flee if necessary. Besides, you'll have to protect me if you want your payment." 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, tells me 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 when she able to hit the first with the shovel, taking the goblin by surprise. However its teeth smashed by the impact and purple blood spurting out its mouth. Yet the second one, managed to grab her. Scratching her with its 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 she ran which was when she ran into him. I’m expensive help; nevertheless you get what you pay for. I aim to please my customers and I never once had an unsatisfied customer; except that one time when one of the king’s soldiers asked me to murder the king, but that’s was another story for another time. Getting back to the matter at hand; goblins are small, vile creatures. About the height of a man's waist, with black claws, yellow pointy teeth, skin a pale shade of green and big wide yellow demonic eyes. That species are not known for their intelligence, but their alliance with orcs they were deadly. It's the orcs that are the real threat; they were as tall if not taller than a fully grown meal, their kind also possessed dark green skin, yellow eyes and bottom jaws that protrude out because of their tusks. Approaching 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. Jax Brightsteel: Sword for Hire Ch. 03 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 were 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.