Sergun's Mission Page 7

  ‘You’re requested by the Keratha,’ replied Kall.

  ‘Those monsters, don’t take me back to them!’

  ‘They want you dead. We made a bargain to kill you for the return of one of our women. If you hadn’t fought us only you would have to die.’ Kall said.

  ‘They blame me for spreading disease. As if I would do it deliberately!’

  ‘You have slaves with you even now. It’s enough for us to kill you.’ Sergun said as he took his sharp knife with the serrated edge and held it against the man’s fat stomach.’

  ‘It was the Keratha which gave us your name. They’ll find some other scum to trade in lives with them.’

  Thos Eren protested but his bonds were tight. They killed him fast and cut off his head, bagged it and dumped his body in the water. They advised the remaining men to find a new trade or be killed as well. They released the slaves, only two were men and the others were women and girls of various ages. The male slaves were permitted revenge on one of the surviving men. Sergun didn’t ask why. The rescued men he guessed were Raider criminals and they persuaded two of the pretty slave girls to ride with them.

  The rest of the female slaves they gave the option to stay with their slavers or to take horses to Edge City. They told them there was only one party of Raiders they met, and they had killed most of the men. If they wanted safety and jobs in Edge City they were to give General Kall’s name and a code. Apart from two of the Raiders who asked to travel with Kall, the remaining seemed apathetic. One was called Jersa; she was young and pale with wild dark hair down to her midriff. Her face was beautiful with deep brown eyes and blemish free skin. She attracted stares from the Tharne men.

  ‘Why did no Raider want someone as lovely as you for a wife?’ asked Kall.

  ‘They did, but I was unfaithful and so was sold to these renegades. Let me ride with you. I’ll be no trouble, for the right man I’m great fun,’ she said, grinning. ‘I’m much more valuable alive than dead!’

  ‘A tempting offer,’ replied Sergun. ‘We’re however likely to run into more fighting as we travel. Staying with us is not advisable or permitted.’

  ‘Are you a General in the mighty Tharne Army?’ she asked, staring at Kall.

  ‘Yes.’

  ‘He wants to get married to his lover,’ explained Sergun. ‘I thought Raiders considered our army to be a bunch of cowards and dogs.’

  ‘They will say that, won’t they? Hardly going to worship you who have killed so many of them. Forget such talk. We’d love to ride with you and be your women,’ Jersa replied.

  Sergun thought she was beautiful but would settle down to life in a big city like a hunting dog in a temple. She would say whatever she felt would help her to survive the next few days and he didn’t blame her. He laughed inwardly at Kall’s flirting with the woman, but he aimed to stick to their policy and they needed to move fast and have everyone able to fend for themselves.

  He waited for abuse from the two women when they realised they weren’t going to travel with them but instead Jersa smiled and said, ‘it’s your loss. I please my man in ways no city girl or Tharne can do. You’ve missed out on good fun.’

  The young woman who was beside Jersa now spoke. She appeared shy and went red as she talked.

  ‘Sir, if we’re murdered then it’s on your conscience. We’re women and have little influence on our society. Please spare us a few men to escort us to Edge City. Surely you can spare us that, please? We aren’t warriors.’

  ‘What is your name?’ Sergun asked.

  ‘Joluna.’

  Kall and Sergun discussed Joluna’s suggestion and agreed sending them back to Edge City unaccompanied might be dangerous. Reluctantly they agreed the two women could travel with them further east and within two or three days they would be escorted south to Tharne. It should be a safer route.

  ‘Thanks, you’re men of honour,’ Jersa said.

  ‘If we encounter any Raiders or enemy you must stay quiet and not cause offence,’ Sergun said.

  Jersa grinned. ‘Agreed, we’ll be as little trouble as possible. Saving us from them means we owe you.’

  10. Victory

  They took spare horses, the remaining Raider women made furious protests but to no avail. They rode out of sight to burn the bodies of their two men. Their medics performed their disinfecting and stitching. Riding until it became dark, they saw no one else, made their camp and rested. Guards patrolled, they ate a good meal of fresh meat and each man was allowed two swigs of wine except the guards. Sergun told the Captain to ensure the two women slept in their own tent at night and no man entered it or otherwise flirted with them. He wanted no arguments over the women.

  There was a joyous mood in the evening. They fought twice against Raiders and won easy victories. The location of the girl to rescue was known, they knew where the city lay and it wasn’t considered dangerous. They’d found and killed the other man which should enable the release of another Tharne girl who was captured at the same time. There was a feeling that if they were climbing a mountain they had nearly reached the peak and would soon descend with the most difficult part behind them. Sergun hoped it was true.

  The next day, Jersa rode up front with Sergun and Kall. She smiled broadly at the men and said, ‘you saved us and for that, we’re in your debt.’

  ‘No debt is owed, we’re glad to have helped.’ Sergun replied.

  ‘Debt is owed and will be repaid. I’m curious why you’re so far from home. Is there a war?’

  ‘One of our women was kidnapped and we were sent to rescue her.’ Kall explained.

  ‘All of you for one woman? I heard Tharne men were crazy and here is proof!’

  ‘Perhaps we value life more than your people do,’ suggested Sergun.

  ‘Not all life from the evidence spread all over the ground back there, such pretty blood stains.’ She laughed.

  ‘I doubt such men were willing to discuss their handing over of a leader without a loss of bloodshed.’

  ‘They got what they deserved. It’s good to ride with men we can trust and who don’t want to hurt us.’

  Sergun wanted no disruption from the two women but sending them off alone they were sure to end up as prisoners again. The women were good riders and caused no trouble, the shyer girl appeared not to speak to any of the men or Galls.

  Sergun spoke to Grer, ‘will you accompany us to the City of Dreams?’

  ‘We’ll ride alongside you until you’re safe and victorious. My troops are in need of excitement and we enjoyed our brief battle.’

  ‘It’s good to hear. How did you get this far north?’

  ‘We came through Northtown, the troops there were friendly towards us and jealous of us riding this way.’

  In the morning they rode heading to the City of Dreams. None of the party had been there before but all knew of rumours of the place. In four days they would find if they were true. They knew the name of the man who held the girl. They would negotiate for her release if the man was approachable but if he wasn’t they would aim to take her forcibly from him. Sergun looked forward to ending the mission. Grer could stay at his home; he didn’t need to only see him when fighting. He felt safe riding with so many excellent warriors and thought briefly of his wife and son.

  Two days later his thoughts were interrupted as the sun rose to its zenith. The sun was pale and distant. Sergun was as far north as he been before. Grer offered him to visit his hometown of Reith and live among the Galls for a time. Sergun agreed after he returned home first. They saw riders coming in the opposite direction and running parallel a short distance away. Everyone looked and most hoped they would come no closer. It was the enemy group who veered towards them. Through binoculars, Sergun looked and there was a sickness in his stomach. They were not men on horseback but a party of Keratha hunters. His group could not veer away and outrun them since their horses were tired and acting with such fear would encourage the aliens to become hostile. Kall reminded them all of Sergun’s experi
ence; if it came to a fight to attack through the gaps in their armoured bodies and arrows were unlikely to be effective. The command was given for silence. The Keratha slowed as they approached moving in near perfect formation six abreast. Apart from the sound of their hooves on the ground which was like many horses running the aliens were silent. They stopped within ten metres of the party. All of the enemies showed uncovered tail barbs. The horses protested at such an approach but were trained enough to remain controlled.

  Sergun hoped they would ride by. They were warriors and he was in no mood to fight against them. His party outnumbered them, but few men were an equal match for an adult Keratha warrior. It would be a bloody affair to fight and could end in the deaths of many of his side.

  Their leader took a stride forward. It was bigger than the others by a head. ‘We smelt you from back there. Get back to your holes you vermin.’ Their leader stated in rasping standard. ‘You are not Raiders; what are you doing in our lands?’

  ‘I’m General Sergun Arash of Tharne. I was a guest of Spear Thrower and Valiant Champion only a few days ago and we’re on a mission for them.’

  ‘You stink like a coward. Few humans are permitted to our sacred lands. You lie!’

  ‘What’s your name?’ asked Sergun of the leader.

  ‘I am Hunter Number One. We have been hunting whipmen and Raiders but you will be a good addition.’

  ‘Let us be on our way. We’ve no quarrel with you.’

  ‘Let our champion fight yours,’ demanded the Keratha. ‘Or shall we kill you all at the same time?’

  Grer moved his horse forward and stated. ‘I’ll fight your best.’

  Sergun knew Grer had the power and courage to fight the Keratha but he didn’t want to risk seeing his friend killed and took the challenge. He’d watched carefully at the Keratha capital when the two fighters duelled. At home, he practised with his sword most days.

  ‘A Gall dog, I will kill a human pet like you as easy as an insect,’ declared Hunter Number One.

  Grer produced a deep angry growl.

  ‘I will take your tiny balls and ugly head for my trophy.’ The leader said staring at Sergun.

  Hunter Number One towered over Sergun and he guessed the creature felt absolute confidence based on its entire history and its species power and fighting prowess. If he held any advantage it was the Keratha’s arrogance and if it had been hunting for many days it would be less fresh. Sergun’s balls shrunk and his heart rate went up. He took calming breaths and knew he must move as lightly as a jumping deer and as fast as he could. He hadn’t lost many fights in his life. To lose this would end his life.

  Grer and Kall stood close to him as for once his bodyguard was forced to stand well behind and be passive.

  ‘We can fight them all. It would be tough but we’d come out victorious,’ suggested Kall in a whisper.

  ‘Out of the question,’ replied Sergun. ‘We may lose too many and still have to face others before we reached the city and what if we have to fight there as well?’

  ‘These creatures are not like us or your peoples. Be careful and move fast. Do you have a plan?’ Grer asked.

  ‘Of course, let’s see if it works!’ Sergun forced a smile. His happy expression disappeared as he faced the creatures in front. He gave them an impassive expression. The Keratha gathered opposite the humans and stood like a line of horrific black statues. The humans and Galls stood behind Sergun. He thought of the Keratha he once killed, the many men and the thousands of hours of practice since. Some of the men behind him yelled their support as he stepped forward. He grinned but motioned for them to be silent. The watching Keratha said nothing but the clicking sound of their mandibles was audible.

  The top of Sergun’s head came to below where the Keratha’s solid torso ended. It equalled the biggest alien he’d seen. He stood ten metres back with his shield and sword ready and stared at his enemy’s head.

  ‘You’ll meet your mother again in a short while in the afterlife,’ Sergun said, his expression impassive.

  The enemy looked like a macabre black statue.

  ‘I hear she sucks Galls in the afterlife like the slave she was in this life.’

  The Keratha screeched and charged on four legs holding its sword in its left claw and spear in its right. Sergun stood straight with his shield protecting his body. The Keratha struck with its spear first, Sergun pivoted so the spear went behind his back while his opponent’s sword went to take his head off, he ducked and stepped forward slashing against the Keratha’s sword carrying limb. It screeched and pulled back the spear aiming to stab Sergun in his legs. He jumped high and hacked into the Keratha’s unprotected front leg joint and quickly stepped back as his mighty enemy moved cautiously. With great care Sergun watched, knowing a wounded Keratha was just as dangerous as a healthy one. Black fluid leaked onto the floor. Hunter Number One moved in circle patterns which Sergun mimicked. His opponent swiftly moved forward and lunged.

  He dodged slashes from the sword and vicious prods from the spear. Twice his shield was powerfully struck. He tricked his foe with a feign to his left and found enough time to go the other way and strike a massive blow downwards against the creature’s spear-carrying limb. It wasn’t severed though thick dark fluid seeped from the wound while the creature let out a sharp cry of pain and dropped the spear. As alert as the most careful prey, Sergun waited.

  The monster kept its wounded limb hidden and led with the sword. It tricked Sergun striking against his shield and kicked with a back hoof into his shin. Blood flowed from the cut and slowed his response. Thinking him vulnerable the Keratha tried the same tactic. Sergun struck hard against the attacking limb severing it at the joint. The enemy screeched and attacked again. He sidestepped and slashed through the sword-carrying limb. With no weapons to hold the alien stood on its rear heavy limbs and towered even higher. It struck forward and he leapt back. The enemy tried to use its tail and turned sideways moving like a serpent. He moved further back and avoided two attempts to poison him by leaning out of the way, the third he jumped and slashed down hard and the tail barb hung limp. They danced their fatal duel until he spotted his chance and stepped beneath the Keratha stabbing through its armour. He held his shield in case the creature fell onto him but there was time to pull out and step back as the creature collapsed, its strength gone. It was still alive so he plunged with his sword into the gap inside of the creature. It went into up to the hilt and he poked around hearing squelching until satisfied. A foul smell came from the creature. There was silence as the alien ceased all movement, its life extinguished. He cleaned his sword of the black fluid and looked at the remaining creatures who muttered among themselves.

  One stepped forward. ‘Did you really meet Spear Thrower recently?’

  ‘It’s the truth. We’ve been on a mission for Spear Thrower, and have trophies for him. Tell him General Sergun honours his promise.’

  ‘We shall honour.’

  Sergun was passed the remains of their victims. He handed the bags containing the heads to the Keratha.

  The Keratha spoke in its own language to those around it but true to their leader’s word they left, turning their tails to face Sergun and his group and trotted off.

  ‘I’d have killed quicker and more elegantly but it was excellent!’ Grer said chuckling as he danced happily.

  Kall hugged Sergun and congratulated him. ‘That’s two, next time it’s my turn! Amazing to watch, I’ll never forget it!’

  Sergun felt the sweat run down his legs and under his arms. His heart beat like he’d made love for a long time. A medic treated his wound and ensured it was sealed and not infected.

  ‘It’s a good omen. A good start to a day. After facing them I won’t be worried about any dammed slaving Raiders. They trade in women and girls; how tough can they be compared to us?’ Kall stated.

  Grer said. ‘It was a mighty fight Sergun. I wonder if he’ll see his mother in hell?’

  ‘I thought that’s where they all
went anyway.’

  ‘The only good Keratha is a dead one.’

  Sergun grinned. The Keratha probably felt the same way about all humans except for their slaves.

  The rest of the party were in good cheer. Few men were able to defeat such an alien in single combat and to witness it was something to treasure. It inspired and made them proud. The group of men and Galls rode off heading towards one of the fine independent cities of the north; the City of Dreams. It was known for its beauty and strength, and no army had breached its walls. Sergun liked the sound of the city and pictured good food, a clean bed, civilised surroundings, perhaps even Jannesse would be handed over once her identity would be given. With their men and additional Galls, he was confident of success. He hoped the worst encounters were now behind them all.

  Jersa approached Sergun as they rode. She brushed her hair away from her face and grinned at him. ‘That was an amazing fight. Raiders have claimed to have killed Keratha in single combat, but few believe them, now I’ve seen it for real. You’re far more dangerous than you look.’

  ‘With age comes years of experience and knowledge. We’re approaching the point where you’ll go south to Northtown. We’ll send escorts with you.’

  ‘Thank you, we’ll take our chances in Tharne. At least we won’t face slavery there.’

  ‘True, but unless you find a wealthy man you may find it hard work.’

  ‘I’ve fetched water since I was a child. I’ve washed so many clothes and cooked so many meals I could have cleaned and fed a hundred thousand people. In return, one mistake and I’m an outcast. We’ll take our chances in Tharne.’

  ‘I hope you find suitable employment though I doubt you will find many wealthy men in Northtown; it’s mainly a garrison.’

  ‘I’ll find an officer to look after us unless you suggest another way.’

  ‘Finding a wealthy man to care for you would be the only way to avoid work, thieving is not recommended. Prisons in Tharne are better than slavery but perhaps not by much.’

  ‘Not all Raiders are thieves, I have my charms,’ she said running her fingers through her long dark hair.