Killing Monsters Page 5

  Hiroki laughed and replied merrily, “It was merely a duel for a headband. I’ve still got some way to go before I reach Yoshihiro’s level.”

  Astaroth gave Hiroki an acknowledging nod as the two continued enjoying their sweet bowls of fruit whilst being warmed by the campfire.

  The fruit was perfect and sweet, which blended well with the oats, Hiroki smiled as the sweet tastes teased his taste buds and seemed to revitalise him.

  Astaroth continued the conversation. “I’m proud of you, Hiroki. You seemed to have achieved something most humans can’t! You have mixed your fierceness and combat skills with a heart and innocence. I never thought you’d beat Yoshihiro, and yet, there you fought, standing toe to toe with him and cutting him! I feel we may need your skills and heart for times ahead.”

  Hiroki patted his friend on the shoulder. “You were a good teacher, too. You taught me how to control my anger and use it. In a world of violence and monsters, it was your calming nature that kept me sane.”

  When Hiroki was a child, his village was ransacked by an evil warlord and his parents were murdered. The War Hogs passed by only to find Hiroki laying atop of his dead parents near an old well. Yoshihiro took him in and trained him; however, when the combat became too tough and he was beaten, bruised, and ached, Astaroth would always be there to heal him.

  Astaroth taught Hiroki how to read and write and even how to speak the gargoyles’ native language of Gargolic.

  Over many years Astaroth also taught the young Hiroki how to brush and care for horses, how to tie his Kimono, how to read maps, how to sail small boats, and also information about the other beings of Dragons Continent, such as dwarves, elves, woodlanders, vampires, and many more.

  “So, what now Astaroth? Are you coming to meet the warlord Darius tomorrow?”

  “No!” Astaroth confirmed. “Yoshihiro has been my friend for many years. I originally came to Centre Plate from the Eastern Plate, as I could sense the war in the East would intensify. My tribe and its leader refused to join me, so I left them and ventured to these lands, a gargoyle alone in a foreign land.”

  “And then you met Yoshihiro?”

  “Yes, a fateful encounter indeed.” Astaroth stared into the fire reminiscently and continued to speak. “When I first met Yoshihiro, he was just building the War Hogs and he seemed to be drawn to me, he’d never seen a gargoyle before and demanded a duel against me, no doubt wanting to test his strength; however, we never got that chance. A vile piece of human scum and his followers ambushed us, they were rivals of Yoshihiro’s.”

  “You fought them off?”

  “Yes, between the two of us, we butchered all of them. We turned the ground red and decorated the area with limbs and chunks of flesh, it was a beautiful victory. He asked me to join him, sensing I was lonely . . . I refused, I wanted peace, not violence.”

  “So, what changed? What made you join him?”

  Hiroki was fully engaged in this conversation. He had wanted to know for some time how these two complete opposite personalities became close friends; he encouraged Astaroth to continue the story, Astaroth did.

  “Though I refused his offer, Yoshihiro allowed me to travel with him and his warriors to the nearest town. I was grateful and followed them. On our travels we approached a slavers' encampment, and in a large cage were two young girls, no older than eight and a boy who must have been around five.”

  Hiroki’s passion took over. “Fucking slavers! I fucking hate them! I wish I could slaughter them all!”

  “Yes, they are most distasteful. They had a number of warriors with them too, and the leader asked Yoshihiro if he wanted to purchase one of the girls to keep his bed warm!”

  Yoshihiro was a proud warrior who pushed himself to his limits in combat to be the best. The fierce swordsman believed real power was forged on battlefields and the strong could rule with their swords. He despised slavery and the exploitation of children and the weak.

  “What did Yoshihiro do?”

  Astaroth continued, “Yoshihiro did what he was born to do. He slaughtered the slavers and freed the girls and boys. It turned out they had been stolen from the village we were due to pass through.”

  “Glad to fucking hear that. That’s justice, swordsman justice!”

  “We took them back to their families. I saw for the first time Yoshihiro smile as the parents and villagers embraced him. The parents cried tears of joy and hugged Yoshihiro tightly. He looked happy and proud of his achievement, and for the first time I sensed that there was more to this soulless swordsman than I first imagined. I joined him, as I had no friends and knew nobody here, and he intrigued me. I wanted to see him grow and achieve his goals. Maybe a bloodthirsty warrior may be able to bring justice into this world.”

  A silence had surrounded the campfire. Both Hiroki and Astaroth were smiling, smiles of admiration for their leader who was indeed a complex character, a character that could be a cold killer and yet display affection at any given time. Maybe it was these traits that made Yoshihiro the mysterious phenomenon he was.

  The story still didn’t explain why Astaroth refused to meet the warlord in the coming morning. Hiroki asked again respectfully. “So why are you not meeting Darius tomorrow?”

  For the first time, a look of seriousness was displayed on Astaroth’s face. “Because it’s a waste of time, and there is a bigger threat that needs to be met head-on.”

  “The eastern royal families?”

  “Correct. The two families have been at war for many years, and when a winner emerges, no doubt they will then look to invade our lands. It’s only a matter of time.”

  Hiroki had heard horrid tales of the vicious kings of the East. His tone turned sombre. “The evil King Marius and his grand dragon, black, and King Zolom and his grand dragon, Yama? Between the two of them, they have slaughtered thousands, and they both control armies of over two hundred thousand!”

  “Correct.”

  “Are they really as evil as the rumours say?”

  Astaroth turned and spoke with an underlining look of fear. “Why do you think I left my tribe in the East?”

  Hiroki knew of Astaroth’s sadness and resentment regarding his decision to leave his tribe and home, but the gargoyle had never explained what happened to his tribe. “Have you see your family and tribe recently?”

  “No . . . they're all dead!”

  An awkward silence swept the campfire. Hiroki could now sense Astaroth’s sadness as the gargoyle gazed into the campfire with eyes of sadness and rage.

  “I’m sorry, I didn’t know.”

  “It’s fine. It was my fault. I was a coward and left them.”

  “No, you’re one of the bravest warriors I know. What happened?”

  “The two royal families were rabid and out of control. Nobody was safe, and this great eastern war began to engulf the entire Eastern Plate and my tribe's sacred grounds. Everyone had to pick a side and fight, and those that did not were slaughtered.”

  “I heard tales of entire villages being wiped out for refusing to fight, where children would be spared and forced to join the armies or work as slaves.”

  Astaroth gazed up into the night sky. The stars were shining bright, and seemed to ease the gargoyle’s pain as he told Hiroki of the fate that befell his tribe. “I pleaded with the leader of my tribe and my family to leave, but they refused. ‘We will never abandon our sacred grounds,’ boasted my mother! I saw what they could not . . . annihilation.”

  “You’re not a coward, Astaroth.”

  “Days after I left, as I was preparing to venture into the Centre Plate, a traveller told me of an attack on a gargoyle tribe. I flew back as quickly as I could, but I was too late. My entire village had been slaughtered. My parents’ bodies were piled up among the other members of my tribe like they were vermin . . . they even killed the children.”

  “Your brother?”

  “Never found him. I remained there for days, burying my parents and all my tribe members. King Mari
us had charged on them and demanded their allegiance, but they must have refused, and death was inevitable.”

  “You can’t blame yourself for this Astaroth.”

  “If I had stayed . . . I could have saved them; I could have fought. I was the strongest warrior of our tribe. Even if I could have offered my services . . . I’m sure Marius would have let them live.”

  “You left shortly after?”

  “Yes, as a disgraced coward. My fellow gargoyles chose to fight and die as free people rather than live as slaves, whilst I chose to run away. I must now live with that. Indeed, this is what makes me a cursed bastard, a truly fitting title and a burden I must bear. I, Ragrim, Jadar, and the other commanders, we all have our flaws and curses, that’s why we branded ourselves with that name.”

  “You're one of the bravest warriors I know. You have nothing to be ashamed of. I won’t tolerate such talk,” declared Hiroki.

  Astaroth smiled; Hiroki’s kind words warmed the gargoyle's heart.

  Hiroki knew that if the East invaded, the Centre Plate did not have the numbers to match them, and humans, dwarves, elves, and hunters had a hatred for each other that could not be put to one side, not even to unite and defend their lands.

  Astaroth rose from his chair. “Bellethiel and I have decided to venture east, and we’re leaving tomorrow. I will go and tell Yoshihiro of our departure now. You may want to speak with Bellethiel before he leaves; I know how close you are.”

  Astaroth saw the visible shock of this revelation on Hiroki’s face; he was never good at hiding his feelings.

  What will sensei say about this? Hiroki thought. Two of his most loyal commanders leaving him before a new conquest is announced! And what about me? I’ve known Astaroth my whole life . . . he’s been there for me so many times, and Bellethiel is one of my best friends.

  Astaroth embraced Hiroki, and Hiroki’s body seemed to disappear within the gargoyle’s huge frame. “Bellethiel and I only seek to spy and gather information on the East; we must ascertain the threat in more detail. We will come back as quickly as we can.”

  Still shocked by this revelation, Hiroki left Astaroth, who was no doubt about to make his way to Yoshihiro. I still can’t believe they're going east. I hope this doesn’t cause a rift.

  Over the years, Hiroki had seen Yoshihiro squabble and argue with all his commanders; however, there was a mutual respect there. This was different, as nobody had ever left before. Hiroki made his way to Bellethiel’s tent. No doubt his friend, the master scout and tracker, was preparing for his new journey east.

  Chapter 6:

  Bellethiel Evergreen

  Hiroki began to make his way to Bellethiel’s tent with urgency, still in shock, he began recounting Astaroth’s words and the more he went over them, the more their proposed spying mission in the East scared him.

  Hiroki knew that just the task of making it to the border and crossing into the East was dangerous enough, firstly they would be targeted by cutthroats and bandits, then the was the problem of them being members of the War Hogs as people are smart and would know a gargoyle and a woodlander traveling together could no doubt be the famed scout Bellethiel and the combat master Astaroth, it was also a guarantee there would be bounties on their heads. Reports of vampire sightings throughout Centre Plate had increased, though these horrific monster’s numbers are low, sightings of them had started to increase greatly despite their numbers being culled back in the year 195. Traversing east was a bad idea, however if they did make it there, they would be in the middle of a warzone.

  Currently the evil king of the North side of Eastern Plate, King Marius is locked into a barbaric war for total dominance of the Eastern Plate against an equally wicked and evil King Zolom of the Southern side of Eastern Plate. Many lives have been lost in the East throughout the last twenty-five years of war and Hiroki could not see how they would be able to sneak around freely with the entire Eastern Plate suspicious, wary and out for blood.

  Hiroki could not help but fear for his friends, he began thinking the scouting mission is a waste of time, even if they make it to the East they would need to live in the shadows, gather intel and return in one piece. This was an impossible task. There must be more to it! In fact, Hiroki felt positive, they would not just take off so carelessly unless they had proof of impending danger, maybe Bellethiel would reveal more information.

  Bellethiel was twenty-seven, slightly older than Hiroki, though when Yoshihiro had rescued Hiroki it was Bellethiel who became his first friend, Angelika had not joined the War Hogs by this time. Hiroki never forgot that feeling of vulnerability when he was a weak six-year-old child laying atop of his dead parents, and though he was lucky to have been taken in by Yoshihiro, Bellethiel’s friendship also meant a lot.

  Bellethiel, being a woodlander, had wonderous abilities, he could heal and tame injured animals and wild beasts as well as talk to them. Bellethiel was small, nimble, and stood at five feet tall, he was a great archer and dagger expert who excelled in close quarters combat due to his hand speed and quick feet.

  The two young recruits became friends quickly and grew up on the battlefield alongside each other. Unlike most woodlanders, Bellethiel did not want to limit his life by remaining in the great forest which was the homeland of the woodlanders and named ‘The Forest of Deep Green’ He left his homeland to seek adventure much to the dismay of the king and queen of the woodlanders. Throughout history, Bellethiel’s race, the woodlanders have faced much persecution, racial discrimination and have even been forced from their own lands. Bellethiel, sickened by the racial hatred he and his people have endured, left their seclusive and fortified forest to investigate the lands for himself and live a free life without fear and remaining hidden.

  Bellethiel told Hiroki that Yoshihiro spotted him hunting in the forest one day and was mesmerised by him. Yoshihiro had never seen a woodlander before and was impressed by Bellethiel’s archery skills. Yoshihiro paid Bellethiel in rubies and gems for private archery lessons and also mass archery tutorage for his War Hog warriors as he foresaw that at certain times in combat, picking off the enemies from afar with arrows was more sensible than hand to hand combat. Yoshihiro had mastered the sword but was no archer and being the true warrior he was, he wanted to learn to wield the bow and arrow and offered Bellethiel a position in his ranks, though Bellethiel was very young. Yoshihiro warned Bellethiel of the dangers of traveling the world as a woodlander and warned him of the horrors he would face. Woodlanders had always remained in their forest, only opting to leave when necessary as when female woodlanders leave the forest, they are hunted down, raped and used as sex slaves due to their natural beauty by evil warlords and kings, female woodlander slaves are status symbols and accessories amongst sick and perverse warlords, whilst male woodlanders that are captured are used to control beasts and forced to serve their captors.

  The gifts the woodlanders possess are highly sought after and have put them in high demand amongst those who have evil intentions, Bellethiel knew of this, though it didn’t stop him from braving the world on his own, he did however decide to join the War Hogs and spent many years training them in the art of archery and tracking. Bellethiel, though young, became quickly well respected and loved and over the years he expertly taught members of the War Hogs how to wield bow and arrow and also worked with Ragrim when designing and crafting the perfect bows.

  Hiroki had finally made it to Bellethiel’s tent, there was an oak bird perch set up outside for his trusted friend, the great forest owl Zeke, and the smell of burning incense loomed around the tent as woodlanders also excelled in herbal remedies and botany. The smell consisted of ginger, mints, and apple, which was a powerful smell that attacked the senses and was perfect to relax with during the evenings. Bellethiel had given Hiroki, Yoshihiro, and the other commanders many lessons in field botany and bush craft and thanks to this tutorage, Hiroki knew which plants could be harvested for their healing properties.

  The tent had multiple woodlander c
harms and totems on parade, and some depicted the great forest dragon, Freya. These charms were made of wood and twigs as the woodlanders had many superstitions and believed nature to be the true ruler of the lands. Hiroki gathered his thoughts Please listen to me Bellethiel, I don’t want to lose you on a suicide mission. Me, you, and Angelika have grown up together . . . don’t leave us!

  Upon entering Bellethiel’s tent, the woodlander was busy making potions, though he sensed the presence of his friend. “What are you creeping round for? You’re a master swordsman now, you should be enjoying yourself with the many whores who are working tonight!” joked Bellethiel.

  “Crow has probably fucked them all already!” The two long-time friends laughed hysterically; they were probably right.

  The forest owl was perched near the entrance and was feasting on a dead rodent it had recently hunted. Zeke the forest owl had beautiful orange eyes, dark feathers with shades white streaking through in perfect lines and razor-sharp talons. Zeke’s beak was large and tore through the flesh of the dead rodent with ease.

  The tent internally was well kept and clean with more totems, timber carved statues and woodlander artefacts on display. The tent itself was larger than most as the extra space was needed when caring for animals and botany endeavours. Towards the back end of the tent, an old oak tree stump served as a seat to the oakwood table in front, which had multiple forestry ingredients, potions, concoctions, and books of old woodlander herbal remedies. Hiroki smiled and had always thought it seemed more like the lair of an evil witch rather than a peaceful woodlander.

  Bellethiel turned to Hiroki and smiled, a smile that Hiroki could tell hid pending sad news. “I was coming to find you brother, we need to talk.”

  “I know, I’ve spoken to Astaroth,” replied Hiroki, unable to disguise his sadness.