Chapter 14

Me and Dun Stallion were zooming through the forest straight to the ogre village. I have to say the difference between the evolutions of Dun Stallion is like night and day. It did make me wonder one thing though.

 'Hey Dun Stallion, you're not a normal horse are you? You were way too strong and energetic during our little scuffle to just be 'normal' and you also showed higher intelligence for a wild animal.'

'Of course I'm not normal, I'm way better than any other horse out there. I don't want to sound narcissistic or full of myself, but I'm stronger, faster, and smarter than almost any other horse out there even more so now that you have given me a name.'

It seems he knows his skills and worth. I would say something, but I know he can back up his talk so I'll let it be.

'Another question. Why were you even in the forest? Or at least in this part of the forest? Wouldn't you normally be out somewhere across the river that separates the forest in two?'

 'Yes, but I've had enough of some of the fighting between the Mezu and the Gozu. I decided it was better to move somewhere that was more peaceful and quiet than deal with any of the Mezu or Gozu constantly harassing me.'

Nothing's wrong with wanting to live somewhere peaceful, but I wonder what he would think if he knew about some of the events that would be at the center of the forest. 

'Has anyone else tried to ride you before me or was this your first time?'

'I've had others try to attempt to do the same as you, but no one has been able to do what you did. Others who tried to do the same failed miserably, but you were able to control my actions a little even when I tried my best to knock you off. It was very impressive to say the least.'

'You knew my intention from the start didn't you?'

'Yes, I did.'

'Well you know, If you're ever up for a rematch I'll be happy to do so. It was fun.'

'I look forward to it. I have to say though, you also seem to have some experience when it comes to riding and I don't mean the usual stuff. I'm talking about the things I was doing when trying to knock you off like kicking and bouncing around. Not many people are good at controlling themselves with that.'

'Well, you could say that I have some experience when it comes to this kind of stuff. As for those others who tried, it's quite simple really, it's simply a difference in skill between me and them.'

Dun Stallion let out a small chuckle. We continued talking for a bit while making our way to the ogre village. It was still far away and it was close to nighttime. We might have to camp the night, but it was ok. The orcs weren't going to reach the ogre village in such a short time span. 

'Hey Dun Stallion we might have to stop for the night.'

'Understood.'

/\\//\\//\

I would say we "camped" for the night, but it was more like just finding somewhere comfortable enough to sleep until the next morning. 

It was currently about morning and we were still going toward the village, It should come into view at any moment now. I can sense them.

We were getting close so I slowed down so that I would seem more friendly and not make the ogres more hostile than necessary. 

I was riding at a walking or trotting pace. A few moments later I saw some buildings. They looked better than what we had at home. They were wood houses with straw roofs. There wasn't a wall or anything like that. I can only assume they are counting on the natural barrier of the thick trees around the village, which might work against some small forces, but not so much with a thousand-strong army of well-equipped orcs. 

As I got closer, there was a small group of three ogres came forward. It looked like they were guards with the armor and weapons they had. They rapidly approached us and got in a position to attack if necessary. 

They looked muscular and were tall. Like, around six feet tall give or take a few inches. 

'Hold on a minute. Are they taller than me?' I look at their height and then at myself. Right now, I was looking down at them from atop Dun Stallion, but if I got off they would look down at me. 'Looks like Artoria wasn't really the tallest, but I'm not gonna fuss over it. If anything, it would probably make fighting easier since I'll be a smaller target to hit and my enemies might underestimate me since I'm short.'

The ogres were looking very defensive towards me and Dun Stallion. 

"Who are you? What is your purpose for being here?" The ogres were spread out in front of me. They were just doing their job so I'm not going to freak out over this.

I activated thought acceleration as I started thinking of my plan to bring and recruit these ogres to our village. First, is my goal for coming here, which is convincing the ogres to move to our village. I can't just come out and say that though, they won't take me seriously.

This is going to be a negotiation that might take a few days, maybe a few weeks. I'm trying to tell them to leave a place they've called home for a long time without putting up a fight for it. Unfortunately, time is something I can't afford much of right now. The orcs are a few days away, maybe a week or two at best. 

For now, I'll have to mask my intentions with something else.

I stop my thought acceleration and face the ogres in front of me. I decided to show my face since it would be better for them to know who they would be talking to. 

"I've come here to give a warning to your village about an attack that's coming. If you could give me a meeting with your leader as soon as possible it would be in the best interest of everyone living here."

 "Why are we supposed to trust a stranger that just showed up out of nowhere?"

"If you don't, your entire village will be destroyed and many of you will die."

"Are you threatening us?" The ogres tightened their hold on their weapons ready to attack at any moment. Dun Stallion was also on alert, though I don't know how he would fight, I do know I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of a horse kick. 

"You misunderstand me. I'm not threatening you at all. The threat is already on its way here and not only is your village in danger, but the whole forest is to."

The ogres looked at each other having a silent conversation. They looked at each other before looking back at me. 

"Wait here, we'll be back with someone else."

Two of the ogres left leaving one to watch over me. I talked to Dun Stallion through thought communication. 

'Hey Dun Stallion, I think I might have to leave you alone for a while. Are you ok with that?'

'Don't worry about me master. If you feel the need to call for me juts give me a signal.'

'I'll let out a loud whistle then if I need you. I expect you to appear by side as fast as possible.'

'It will be like I teleported. You don't need to worry about a thing.'

While I was talking with Dun Stallion I saw the ogres come back with someone else that I knew well.

The ogres came back with a tall ogre with two black horns protruding from his head and wavy red crimson hair. It was the future named Benimaru. 

'Alright, I'll be honest, I wasn't expecting them to bring him, but I guess considering what I told them it makes sense.'

This was a better start than I was hoping for, I just have to make the best of this opportunity the ogres have presented to me.