Chapter 4

Waking up to a woman straddling you is usually the dream for most men. I would be included in that group, but when it's the goddess who has you by the balls and is glaring at you with murderous intent, you begin to wish for eternal loneliness. I stared into her eyes for a moment before I attempted by my best smile.

"Alfina, hey. How are you?", I said nervously.

She rolls her eyes at me, "You want to know how I am? I'm no more better than yesterday because instead of moving forward with our deal, you decided to follow a little half elf around.

I was flabbergasted by Alfina. She was acting like a spoiled child mixed with a clingy girlfriend.

"What was I to do? You were the one who dropped me from the sky. Xela simply helped me get to Koth alive, so the question would be 'where were you'.", I said this time my eyes meeting hers, refusing to break contact.

I refused to be scolded for making a decision to live and learn. Xela was my only hope for survival at the time, so Alfina was going to have to live with that fact. She took in a deep breath and pinched the bridge of her nose, and I could see a tick working in her jaw. This was probably going to be my last day alive.

"I knew I was making a mistake when I picked you, but no matter.", she slid off of me and stood up the thin white fabric that she called clothing falling loosely around her, "I will give you four days to kill, Barkiel. If he is not dead within that time I will kill the elf."

I made motion to protest, but she held up a hand.

"Do I make myself clear.", she glared at me again this time her eyes turning pitch black.

I gulped before I answered with a trembling voice, "Y-yes."

"Yes what?", she questioned.

"Yes my goddess.", I said averting my gaze.

She moved to sit back down and one of her soft hands touched my cheek pushing my to look up at her.

"Good. Now I have two gifts for you.", she waved her hand in the space between us.

A map and a sword materialized in the air. Both came to land on my lap, and I sat up to look. The map was a depiction of the entirety of Lorna. Also on this map we're seve strange symbols, one of which was close by and the other within the walls of Koth. I looked at them with confusion, but I had a hunch as to their meaning.

"This map is a very special map created by my father. It allowed him to keep track of my siblings and myself at all times. I am now passing it on to you to aid you on your quest.", she paused as the picked up the sword and unsheathed it, "This sword is my mother's. It was forged from the horn of Tyrus, God of the dead. One cut from this blade, and you will die. Your soul forever trapped."

I looked over the swirling black and purple blade as it came down to meet a hilt darker than night. At the end of the hilt and guard were small black skulls, while there was some symbols etched with the handle. I looked back to Alfina.

"Why would you entrust this sword to me?", I asked.

"Because it will give you what you need to slay my siblings.", she responded.

I furrowed my brow, "So you don't think my power is enough?"

She sighed again, "I trust you can do anything you put your mind too, my champion. This sword is merely an insurance for me."

I nodded as I took the sword from her placing it back in its sheath. At this time Alfina stood and waved her hand opening a portal.

I reached out for her hand to stop her before she passed through, "You're leaving already?"

She turned and took my hand in both of hers, "I am always with you Aric, but I can not be seen with you. If you ever need me just call my name when you're alone. Now go my champion, and conquer the gods."

With that she stepped through the portal and it closed. Simultaneously there was knock on my door. I walked over and opened the door to find Xela dressed in the same outfit as the day before. The only difference was this time she had a leather chest piece on, and a long white coat. As soon as she looked at me she covered her eyes and turned her head away.

"Can you have some decency?", she asked as she turned around.

Not understanding her reaction I looked down at myself. I was completely naked. Everything was out there for the world to see, and Alfina and Xela were the first to see. I slammed the door shut, and quickly dressed myself in yesterday's outfit because I didn't wear it that long. I then folded up the map and shoved it in my pocket before grabbing the sword. I looked at it unsure of whether or not I should bring the thing. On one hand it would be very helpful in any situation. On the other it would raise questions.

Deciding it was best not to take it, I lifted up the mattress and placed the god tier weapon underneath. Making sure nothing else seemed out of place, I went over and reopened the door. Xela was now leaned against the wall opposite of my room. She didn't look up at me at first.

"Are you dressed and ready to go now?", she asked making sure to sound as rude as possible.

I chuckled a little, "Uh, yeah. Let's go make some money."

She nodded finally meeting my eyes, "Let's go then before we get behind schedule."

She took off torwards the stairs, and I trailed behind her after locking my door. Today we were headed back to the mountains to slay some dire wolves that were causing some problems for a small village at the base. The reward was for five hundred tals, which would've been decent for one person. I was complaining though, because this was my first quest and a chance for me to learn by gaining experience.

To ensure we'd get there at a reasonable time, because this was about half the walk back to the forest, we got up at the ass crack of dawn. It was so early that only three people were in the tavern. One eating, and two passed out drunk. The young maid, who had cat ears and tail, wished us luck as we exited tavern. We stepped out into the cool morning air, which caused me to shiver. It almost whipped right through my silk shirt making me wish for a coat of my own. Especially since the sun wouldn't be up for a few more hours. It was so early even the whole city was still sleeping.

After we got good and far out of Koth, Xela summoned a bright white flame that floated in front of us. This was used to light our path, and guide us through the darkness. It didn't do much to ease my mind, unfortunately. The slightest movement or shifting in the shadows made me jumpy; my mind still weary after the whole forest debacle. It also didn't help that Xela made fun of my anxiety all the way to our destination. Around about mid-day we entered the small village Talc. There was only a population of about seventy to hundred people, and most of the cities profit was made through travelers and merchants that passed through. Because of the dire wolves roaming the area not many people would pass through here. They would use the alternate path, which added about another four or five hours to the trip to Koth.

The village elder had brought us into his home to give us the full details of the task at hand. It was far worse than the notice had presented to the guild. There was a beast tamer who was living in a cave somewhere up the mountain, and he continously sent the wolves to raid the city for whatever supplies, so much so that the Talc had turned into a ghost town. People were afraid to step outside their homes.

Xela and I followed the path out Talc to the start of the mountain pass where she turned to me.

"If I tell you to run back to the village, do not argue.", she said seriously.

"I can't just leave...", I attempted to argue, but she cut me off.

"Aric this is no joke. I don't know how powerful this beast tamer may be. I'd rather not lead you to your death.", I could tell by the look in her eye that she was pleading with me to listen.

I gritted my teeth. How can she expect me to turn and run. Even if he is strong wouldn't it be better for us to both fight him.

"Aric.", she said.

"Yeah, yeah. I'll do what you say.", I said knowing every word was a lie.

There's no way in hell I'd leave you behind to potentially die. I thought.

She smiled at me before patting my shoulder, "Alright, good. Let's get going and be on guard."

I nodded and we began to walk up the pass side by side. The path was deserted. Not a single living thing was on or near the road. I was beginning to wonder if the tamer had taken his wolves and moved on to a new location.

I looked to Xela, "Do you think he's moved on?"

"No.", she said shaking her head, "If anything he's hunkered down because he got wind that the adventures guild was getting involved."

"So what do we do now?", I asked.

As if the universe itself answered my question, a young boy came bursting out of the woods. His clothes were ripped apart, and he was covered in dirt.

He ran over to me and grasped my shirt, "Please help! The wolf man, he killed my father!"

He was screaming at my as tears poured from his eyes. I wasn't sure how to react. I wanted to comfor him, but how do you comfort a child who's seen their parent murdered. Xela thankfully stepped in. She came over and crouched down placing her hand on his head.

"Can you tell me in what direction I can find this wolf man?", she asked with a calm voice.

The boy continued to sniffle as he pointed into the tree line, "Please help. He said he was going to kill my whole village."

"You're from Talc.", Xela asked again still doing her best to calm the boy.

The boy nodded in response.

She gave him a sympathetic smile, "Head on home, okay. We'll deal with the wolf man."

The boy nodded again before slipping past me to run back down the hill. I looked to Xela and her eyes met mine.

"So he's changed his though pattern?", I asked.

Xela stood and looked to the tree line, "It would appear so, but it doesn't make sense that he would cut off his own supply line."

I shrugged, "Maybe he's gonna move on or it's just bluff to get the village to cooperate."

"No because that wouldn't explain why he killed the boy's father.", she said shaking her head.

I sighed, "Either way, we better go finish the job before he cause any more damage."

Xela nodded in agreement.

We stepped in the tree line, and began to follow the tracks the boy had left behind in his hurry. They were faint, but we were able to make out just enough to follow them all the way to a small clearing in the trees. There was blood everywhere. On the ground and the trees. It was like some had decided to paint this spot red. The strange part was there wasn't a body.

"Hey Xela.", I said.

"Yeah, I know. There's all this blood, but no body.", she said back to me her tone oozing with worry.

I heard some rustling to my right, so I took a step back. The next thing I know I'm being hoisted up by my ankle. Someone had layed a trap and now I'm hanging from a tree. Xela let out a small shriek as dire wolves came out of the bushes surrounding the area, closing her in a circle. Two more came up to me growling and snapping. They were hungry and at this rate we would be their dinner. I looked to Xela, and her hands were glowing with green magic circles. When one of the wolves launched at her she waved her hand causing a giant root to fly out of the ground. The wolf went flying through the air smacking into a nearby tree.

She continued to fight them off while I swatted at the wolves jumping and nipping at me. I was sure she'd win the fight until a knife flew through the air lodging itself into her calf. She stumbled giving the wolves an opening. Xela screamed in agony as each limb was immobilized by wolf sinking its teeth into her. The young boy from earlier came walking into sight laughing maniacally. His tattered clothing had been replaced with a black robe, and all the dirt had been washed off.

"You adventurers are so gullible.", he said through his laugh, "I was hoping you two would've caught on sooner. Part of me wanted a challenge."

My anger was rising and my blood was boiling, "You bitch! You terrorize the people of Talc, and then you put on this act to fuck with our feelings! I swear I'm gonna kill you!"

I punched one of the wolves right in the snout as it jumped up at me causing it to wine and back away. I then lift my hand making a red magic circle appear. Blood began to seep from my body torwards my hand.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you.", the boy said as he snapped.

The four wolves began to pull in opposite directions, biting down harder. Xela howled in pain with a wail that shook me to my core. I wanted to do something, but what. He walked over to Xela and grabbed a fist full of her hair. He lifted her head up for me to see her face, which was tormented with painful expression.

"If you even think about trying to hurt me, my companions, or escaping, I will kill her.", he paused to look down at her, "I'd rather not waste such a pretty face. You'll make me a good amount of money."

Xela shook her head trying to get free from his grasp. This revealed the small pointy ears lurking beneath, and the boy saw. His eyes grew wide and his mouth twisted into a sinister grin.

"Better yet, I'll kill your partner and just sell you. Half elves are so rare and there is a high demand for you kind. That plus your beauty; I'll be rich.", he said as he began to laugh again, "You'll make for a good slave."

"No, let her go!", I screamed.

In that moment everything went red, and my body began to surge with power. I reached out with both hands, and blood began pouring into my hands. The boy shouted something, but I couldn't hear him. I summoned two long swords into my hands and slashed the rope holding my ankle. Rolling into a flip, I landed feet first on the ground and hacked apart the first wolf that launched at me. Wolf after wolf, I worked my way through the beasts slaying them making blood stain every inch of the surrounding forest. I finally reached the final four who held Xela. The began to pull, so I pulled blood from the corpses littering the are and sent two long spikes of blood flying through them. Each spike impaled two wolves. The boy began to cower and back away as he pulled out a small blade for defense.

"Y-you're a-a blood mage. How?", he said, his entire form shaking with fear.

"Because I am the god killer!", I screamed as I lurched forward.

I brought one sword down, and just as    I expected he blocked up. This left him wide open and I plunged my second sword deep into his chest. The boy gasped and stepped back before collapsing to the ground. He choked on his blood for a moment before the life left his eyes. A small whimper brought me back to reality, and the massacre that I had done. It was ugly. Blood, guts, and body parts littered the forest.

"Aric. Help me.", Xela muttered before she passed out.

I ran over to her and cradled her body in my arms. She was weak, and if I didn't do something fast she'd die. Do what I thought was best, I picked up her blood body and ran as fast as I could back down the mountain. Back to where someone could help her. When I reached the town I was screaming blood murder. Xela was close to death and I was exhausted. The world was growing black as I slid down to my knees in the middle of the street and I could faintly make out the people who began to crowd around us.