129 Chapter 129 (And Info on where I've been and more)

First off let me apologize for being absent. I've been very busy and stressed and when I did have a week off and go on vacation I just wanted to take the time to relax, tan, and get drunk. I worry that until midway through next month, I'll stay busy but after chapters will return to being frequent and maybe even more than before. Thanks for sticking with me. 

"Are you sure?" 

"Yes, I would recognize those ugly mugs anywhere. Orcs and goblins have a very putrid and recognizable stink." 

"Interesting to say the least. A decent sized fighting force with both humans and forest folk. And it was flying what banner?"

"It's on the hit list. A small kingdom called the Iron Rose Kingdom. Seems like those back in Kokar have a fight to pick with every nearby kingdom."

"More money for you and I. Anyways it's strange that this force has orcs and goblins mixing with knights. Something is off here."

"Are we still going to attack?"

"It's what we're being paid to do. And chances are this group had something to do with the battlefield we saw yesterday?"

"Really?! Are you sure we shouldn't go get help from that company of Kokarian soldiers? If this was the group then we could be up for quite a fight."

"And let them find an excuse to short-change us? Not happening. Don't worry we know what direction they'll be heading. Let's set up a little surprise."

"Yes, captain! Iron Fang Company move out!" 

"You feel that?" asked Kellog.

"Yes I'm afraid so," responded Kane.

"What is it?" asked Fukyo.

"There are many eyes on us," said Kane. "Seems like battle is imminent." 

"I sense fear but also determination. They definitely arent bandits," said Kellog. 

"Kokar?" asked Fukyo.

"Probably," replied Kane. 

The group may have had many soldiers but the path they walked was narrow so it only fit rows of seven. This meant if there was an attack they could not use their manpower to it's full potential. They also walked between many trees and small hills which made anyone ambushing them have the high ground advantage. 

"Stop!" commanded Kane.

"Fukyo pass a message down. Get the troops prepared for an attack. Set their sights toward the forest. We are probably already surrounded. Quickly now!" 

"Yes, Your Highness!" 

"Kellog gather some of your orcs. We will continue going ahe..."

"So you could tell we were here. That is impressive indeed. Guess we can come out of hiding." 

Kane was interrupted by a man with grizzled hair and several large scars covering his lips. He wore rusted plate armor and had a giant glaive in his hand. With him came many soldiers out of the trees, armed with an assortment of weapons but mostly wearing gambesons and brigandine armor. The group seemed unkept and looked like bandits yet gave Kane a sense of caution. Seems like they were stronger than they looked. And they did have the advantage. Kane looked around and saw they had surrounded his entire force and had troop placement, using the high ground to their advantage and trees as cover. His men on the other hand were trapped on the path with only cover being their shields or comrades. 

"And you are? You don't look to be a part of the Kingdom of Kokar but I can tell you have ill intentions toward my men and I." 

Kane placed one hand on his dagger and the other on his sword. 

"Very keen observation. You must be the king of the Iron Rose Kingdom. I am a simple mercenary trying to make a living for me and my men. And to do that I must kill you. Nothing personal. Business is business I'm afraid." 

"So you were hired by the Kingdom of Kokar?"

"Indeed. Seems like you made quite the enemy."

"I'll give you the chance to walk away now. If not I was end your businesses right here and now," said Kane, eyes full of fiery determination. 

"Although these brigands don't look like much we are an A-rank mercenary company and as I'm sure noticed, we have the high ground! Your men are under are feet and I have confidence in slaughtering all of them." 

As the mercenary said this even more mercenaries came out of hiding. These particular warriors had crossbows. Things were not looking good for Kane. 

"Any suggestions Kellog?"

"Attack swiftly and kill their leader? Besides that I recommend showing them the meaning of backing us into a corner." 

"Good idea, get ready to charge. We won't let them fill us with bolts. Charge. They have an advantage but if we risk switching to the offensive we may lose troops but we would be able to win the battle. Luckily your orcs specialize in these situations."

"Well if you are done talking with your rather strange friend, I think it's high time we finish this," said the mercenary captain. 

"Then we agree," responded Kane with a smile.

Before anyone could react Kane ran toward the captain, blades raised, a face that showed bloodlust plastered on his face. 

"Haha, you think you can kill me like this! Men...fire!" 

The military captain ordered the crossbowmen to shoot Kane but right then Kane disappeared. 

"Huh?" "What?" 

Barely giving anyone the chance to react Kane reappeared behind the mercenary captain, just inches away.

"He's a battle master!"

"Argh!"

Kane didn't wait, he stabbed out toward the captain with the intent to kill. 

"Not so fast!"

The soldier next to the captain used his mace and swung at Kane with intense and fearsome speed. Kane sensed it. He was also a battle master. And a strong one at that.

"Shit!" whispered Kane.

"Close Your Highness but this is why he is my second in command. Now let's get this part started. 

"Charge! Kill these greenies and the rest of the king's men! My dear Leo, I trust you can handle the king?"

"I'll bring you his head, sir!"

"Good. Seems his men are heading toward us. Guess they don't want to be stuck on the defensive. I'll go kill them. Finish him up quickly and join me."

And so the battle began. Kane and Leo, the Iron Fangs battle master locked blades. Kellog and Fukyo led the charge against the rest of the mercenaries. Screams filled the forest, scaring many a creature into hiding.