Battle with The Ogre

Chapter - 39

Jacob struck up a conversation with Lucius as they travelled on their path. "So, Lucius, what kind of products are you trading in?"

Lucius' eyes lit up as he spoke about his trade. "We deal in a variety of goods: fine textiles, rare spices, medicinal herbs, and some luxury items like jewelry and enchanted artifacts. My family has been in the trade for generations, and I'm still learning the ropes. This is my third expedition on my own."

Jacob listened intently. "Sounds quite diverse. Your family must be influential in Ironhelm."

Lucius nodded modestly. "Yes, the Haverfords are well-known in the merchant circles. My father believes in learning the trade from the ground up, so he insists I lead these expeditions myself. It's challenging, but I'm learning a lot."

Elara, walking beside the carriage, chimed in, "It's admirable that you're hands-on with your business. Not many would take the same approach."

Lucius smiled at her. "Thank you, Elara. It's been a valuable experience. Each journey teaches me something new, and I get to see firsthand the challenges our traders face."

As they continued along the trail, the group maintained a vigilant watch, knowing the road ahead could be dangerous. Jacob and Elara exchanged strategies with Darius and Marcus, ensuring they were prepared for any potential threats. 

The two days that followed were a mix of routine and vigilance. The caravan moved steadily through the varied landscape, the guards always on the lookout for any sign of trouble. Lucius, ever the diligent merchant, kept an eye on his goods and engaged in light-hearted conversation with Jacob and Elara, building camaraderie along the way.

By the end of the second day, they reached the bustling city of Greenhaven. The city was known for its markets and hospitable inns, making it an ideal stop for traders and travelers alike. Lucius was in his element here, skillfully negotiating with vendors and buyers, trading his goods for a tidy profit.

Jacob, Elara, and the guards took the opportunity to rest and resupply. They stayed at a cozy inn, the warmth of a good meal and a comfortable bed rejuvenating them for the journey ahead. The next morning, after ensuring all their preparations were complete, the caravan set off once more, heading towards the next city on their route.

As the sun climbed towards its zenith on the third day, the mood among the travelers was one of cautious optimism. The road ahead, however, soon revealed a sinister turn. Jacob's keen senses picked up something amiss long before it came into view. He held up a hand, signaling the caravan to stop.

"Something's wrong up ahead," Jacob muttered, his eyes narrowing as he scanned the trail. "Elara, Darius, Marcus, with me. Stay alert."

They moved forward cautiously, leaving the caravan behind. The forest thickened around them, the sounds of birds and insects falling silent as if the woods themselves were holding their breath. When the grotesque sight came into view, it was enough to make even the seasoned hunters pause.

An ogre stood in the middle of the trail, a towering brute nearly two meters tall with a single malevolent eye glaring out from its green, leathery face. Its thick, green skin looked almost impenetrable, covered in scars and grime. Massive tusks protruded from its lower jaw, stained with blood from the mutilated corpse it was feasting on. Scattered around it were the remains of a slaughtered caravan—horses, men, and broken carts lay strewn about like discarded toys.

Jacob's grip tightened on his revolver. "We need to take it down. There's no way around it," he said, his voice steady but urgent. "Darius, set up your magic barriers around the carriages. Take everyone and get them huddled behind the backmost carriage. You stay with them."

Darius nodded, already moving to follow the order. "Got it," he replied, his voice a grim whisper as he began to channel his faerium, creating shimmering barriers around the caravan.

"Marcus, you can enchant weapons, right?" Jacob asked, his gaze never leaving the ogre.

Marcus nodded, his eyes wide but focused. "Yes, I can."

Jacob handed him his revolver. "Enchant this for me, please. Elara, give him your sword as well."

Marcus took the revolver, his eyebrows raising slightly at the sight of the unique weapon. But there was no time to delay. He quickly began chanting, runes glowing and dancing across the surface of Jacob's revolver. He then took Elara's sword, repeating the process with practiced ease.

"Thank you," Jacob said, taking back his revolver, now shimmering with enchanted energy. "Marcus, I would advise you to stay with the caravan as well. But if the situation calls for it, we might need your help."

Marcus nodded, his face set in determination. "Understood."

Jacob moved forward with deliberate caution, Elara shadowing his every step. The atmosphere crackled with tension, the air thick with the scent of blood and decay. As they drew closer, Jacob's grip on his revolver tightened. He could feel the faerium within him pulsing, a potent energy coursing through his veins and gathering around the weapon. His blue eyes narrowed, locking onto the ogre's hulking form.

He waited until he was within a confident shooting range, then cocked the revolver's hammer. The swirling blue faerium intensified, a visible aura around Jacob that seemed to hum with power. The ogre, still tearing into the corpse, suddenly paused. It sensed the surge in faerium, its one grotesque eye swiveling to locate the source.

In that split second, Jacob pulled the trigger. The shot rang out, a thunderous crack that echoed through the forest. The blue bullet, wreathed in lightning, streaked through the air with unerring precision. It struck the ogre's eye dead center, the enchanted projectile tearing through flesh and bone with devastating force.

Blood exploded from the impact, a crimson spray that painted the nearby trees. The ogre let out an ear-splitting wail, its massive hands flying to its face as it staggered back. It thrashed wildly, each movement sending shockwaves through the ground, uprooting trees and scattering debris.

Jacob stood his ground, his eyes locked on the monster with a frightening smile on his face. Even he hadn't anticipated such a precise and powerful shot. Marcus's enchantment had undoubtedly enhanced the bullet's effectiveness. But Jacob knew the beast wasn't dead yet.

"Elara, now!" he barked, his voice cutting through the ogre's anguished roars.

Elara sprang into action, her faerium-infused sword blazing with fiery energy. She darted around the thrashing ogre, her movements swift and precise. With a deft leap, she slashed at its ankle, her blade slicing through the thick skin and muscle. The ogre howled, collapsing to one knee, its movements growing more frantic.

Jacob moved in tandem, his revolver still humming with residual faerium. He fired another shot, this time aiming for the creature's exposed neck. The bullet struck true, embedding itself deep within the ogre's flesh. More blood gushed forth, the beast's strength waning with each passing second.

Elara seized the opportunity, launching herself at the ogre's other leg. Another swift strike of her sword severed the tendons, bringing the monster crashing down completely. It lay on the ground, writhing and bellowing in pain, its lifeblood pooling around it.

Jacob approached the fallen ogre slowly. He aimed his revolver at the creature's head, the barrel glowing with one final surge of faerium. He pulled the trigger, the bullet exploding from the chamber and burrowing into the ogre's skull.