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Sorry for the late update. I have to do alot of editing and added more content for this chapter. There's alot to go over and I had to cut down on some details. More to come in the next chapter!
Dragon Jewels
By: David Doucet
Chapter 3: Trevor the Twin Axe Bandit
The small southern village of Bowan was known for the vast farm landscapes of rye grain, and supple herds of cattle. Bowan villagers used to call it one of the most peaceful places in Augarnia. However, during its last spring harvest, a group of bandits came and soon pillaged the innocent village of nearly all its riche. They were led by none other than the ruthless and cunning Twin Axe Bandit. Who defeated over a 100 soldiers as a child during the Great Purge of the Second Order. Rumor has it that his family lineage had monster blood running through his veins always seeking for the thrill of battle. His greater appetite of the finer things in life had always kept him from going on a bloody massacre. Those who have faced him head on only had a brief moment. In a flash of seeing his twin pair of double sided tomahawk axes sever their heads clean off their bodies. His whistles carried a cheerful tune in the wind for those who watch from afar.
At the Mayor’s mansion of Bowan, the servants run back and forth gathering enough bags of flour and barrels of malt in a large stock pile. The Mayor holding a charter checking everything is accounted for. He nervously strokes his fuzzy chin as he mutters “Oh dear, oh dear. I hope we have enough this month. I even have to give up some of my personal stash this time. “One of his top servants walks up to Mayor with a concern look, “Uhm excuse me mayor. We have a problem.” The Mayor turns wishing not to hear any more negative news, “Oh what now?” The servant looks down in low spirits “The farmers have been devastated about next seasons harvest before winter. They say the weather hasn’t been producing much rain in the fields and the cold nights have been getting worse. We are running low on grains to even feed the cattle, let alone ourselves.” The Mayor walks to his office trying to explain the dire situation to his servant “Now is not the time to worry about that! We have to make our quota or else there will be no one left in the village to worry that.” The servant nervously holding the charter standing next to the Mayor’s office agreeing “Yes Mayor. I’ll let the others know to hurry. “The Mayor takes the charter from the servant’s hand and turns to his office “Good! Good, now leave me be. I’ll let you know if I need anything else.” The servant nods and walks away as the Mayor enters his office with a sigh of stressful exhaustion. A voice of a young man calls out from across the room right when he enters “Hello there, my piggybank”. The mayor’s eyes soon widen in fear with a pale face. He looks forward to see someone sitting at his desk. The chair turns around slowly half way with the intruder smiling. He wears brown and black leather with two twin axes on his back, leaning all comfy as though he was making himself at home “You look surprised?” The mayor in shock while trying to muster out his words from the unexpected visit. “T…Trevor? When did you get in my office?” The bandit leader wiping the messy blonde hair from his bright green eyes, fixing the blood stain bandana on his forehead straight “Oh I hope you don’t mind if make myself comfortable? It’s really a nice chair.” he grins. The Mayor shaking with sweat drops down his face speaking corporately “No, No, please make you self at home.” Trevor sticks his hand out with his legs kicked up with his dusty boots on the desk “You know why I’m here. So let’s see what you got this time. “The mayor looking at the listing and slowly hands him the parchment “Oh yes, of course! Of course! I have it right here. Everything you requested for this month.” The parchment was soon snatched out of his hand as the mayor flinches back keeping his distance. Twin Axe looking at the supplies listed and smiles bigger “Everything seems to be listed. You remember where to stash it like always, so my boys can go pick it up?” The Mayor nods with his hands together “Yes Trevor, we’ll be sure to deliver it to you tomorrow as promised.” Trevor gives a happy chuckle tossing the paper on the desk. “Now that’s what I like to hear from my little piggy bank. I was right to give you this deal, instead of just burning this little village down. It would have been a waste.” The Mayor smiles nervously agreeing with Twin Axe “The people are most generous to your needs and are grateful to you and your men’s merciful ways. I am especially in your debt for sparring us.” The bandit leader stands up and faces out the window looking into the village. “Hmm, but there is one thing I wanted to ask you.” The Mayor sweats a bit more as he nervously asks about “And…what would that be?” Trevor keeps looking out the window as the late afternoon light shines on him when he spoke his mind “I’ve been hearing rumors that a certain Dragon Slayer who came into town yesterday morning.” The Mayor gulps trembling trying to reassure it was nothing “Oh, you mean Sir Gerald; he came to get rid of the dragon problem on my request.” An axe then lands on the desk making a giant gash with splinters flying around. One of the splinters almost the size of a stake impales the wall next to the Mayor’s head. He shuts his mouth frighten for his life. The bandit leader’s cheerful exposition turned into disappointed glare holding his axe with a firm tight grip. He speaks in low tone “So you decided to just bring him here without even asking me first.” The mayor fell backwards against the wall sitting on the wooden floor. He looks up in pure horror. His mind terrified of what might come next if he did not speak the right words. He rushed to a swift reply begging for his life “No Trevor it’s not what you think. I was only thinking of the village safety! Besides, once he kills the dragon. I was going to give you most of the treasure as a gift!” The bandit glares down at him even more hearing a key word “Most?” The Mayor soon correcting himself against with his hands up waving “No no, I mean all of it really my mistake!” Trevor takes his axe out the desk and rubs his thumb against the sharp chipped edge. He calmly speaks again “Is that so? “ The mayor nods cringed up against the wall seeing the bandit leader walks towards him. He mutters out “I swear, I swear it’s true! Please, just don’t kill me. “The Mayor embraces for the axe to come straight for his throat. Trevor starts to chuckle, and then turns into full out laughter “ah Ha hahahaa!” The mayor soon starting to nervously laugh with him not knowing what was so funny to him “Hehe..he.” When Trevor just stopped laughing for a moment and gave a sigh. He spoke “Well, in that case. You’re off the hook.” The bandit lord puts the axe on his back with the second one. The Mayor taking a breath of relief knowing he was safe. Right before Trevor walks over to the window and opens it up. He turns to tell the mayor with a smile on his face “In that case, I’ll be sure to pay Sir Gerald a visit to let him know who the real boss is around these parts. If you don’t mind that is.” The Mayor nods slowly with no disagreeing with a reply of “Not at all! He should be handling the dragon as we speak!” Trevor turns his head looking back at the mayor “Oh, and Piggybank. If happen to find out there’s more to this dragon slayer.” His stare turns to murderous intent right at the mayor with a deep tone “..I’ll be coming back for every head in this village with yours first to roll.” The mayor in dead silence with his tunic shirt covered in sweat. Trevor jumps out the window as he whistles along a cheerful tune fading in the distance. The servant walks in with another charter speaking out freely “Excuse me Mayor. Do you have a…Mayor?!” The Mayor sitting on the ground soaking wet in his own stench of fear. He shakes like a leaf. His throat dried up as he speaks softly “We’re doomed…”
Halfway from Bowan with the sun almost setting in an orange fading glow. Sir Parker and Lady Julia ride on Mirabella almost exhausted from galloping deep in the woods. Sir Parker looks around in a misguided direction fleeing from the roars of the dragon. However, he did not take the main road. Julia sighs in boredom holding on to saddle while he looks at the map. Parker turns the map to the side as he speaks out “Well, the good news is that we got away safely.” Julia looks at him wondering the obvious next part to be spoken “And the bad news?” He turns the map upside down and looks back at Julia “It seems we’re lost as well.” She looks at his clueless face and takes the map from him. “Here let me see it.” He lets go of the map and looks back at Julia in shock from the rude gesture. He utters in offense “Hey!” She slides off Mirabella and looks around the forest surrounding them. Parker soon climbs off of Mirabella, nearly tripping and telling Mirabella to “Stay.” Julia looks up to the half darken sky and faces in another direction with the map in front. Parker walks up to her stating “It’s rude to take someone’s map without asking! Just what are you doing?” She looks back at him and points at the map. Julia replies “One I did ask, and I just so happen to know a tavern nearby in that direction.” She points out in the distance. Parker looks where she’s pointing and looks at her in doubt. “And what makes you so sure? Even I can’t tell by our location.” She rolls up the map and gives it back to him. Julia replies with confidence” I know this land like the back of my hand. The sun is setting to the East which means it should be a few more yards away according to the stars.” Parker questions in to her sense of logic “The stars?” He looks up in the sky to see the half darken sky with a few clouds with no stars in sight. “What stars!? Is that some kind of elf logic?” replying to the answer given. Julia spots a log as she sits down from the rough horseback ride. She sighs in pain “No, it’s common sense and just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. I traveled these parts a lot when I was younger.” Parker looks back at the map, looking up again, and back at Julia with an quick remark “ The only thing I see is that it’s getting late and it’s best we make camp. “ Julia sits up straight not accepting the conditions. She shouts out “I think not! You expect me to rest out here in the cold when we can head to a place of warm beds.” Parker walks past her to check up on Mirabella; pulling a water cantina from his satchel. “Funny, when we met, you were sleeping on a pile of gold back in the mineshaft.” She stares at him and snaps back at that remark “As….as if I had a choice, thank you!” Parker he tries to open his cantina still talking to her about the situation. “Besides, we can’t take that chance. It’s best we make camp.” He argues with her demands hoping she would understand that he needed to stay out of sight just in case until his quest is finished. He makes an excuse “I rather not risk us getting anymore lost while we have very little sunlight.” She groans in frustration “We aren’t really that lost. I’ve been through these parts before. You’re just being stubborn not wanting to admit I’m right.” He turns back at Julia shouting “Stubborn? Is that how you treat someone who just saved you from a dragon? Would a ‘stubborn’ person like me be making sure to keep you safe? “She stands up a bit frustrated from his accusations “Excuse me, but it sounds more like you have no idea what you’re doing! Seriously, is that how you treat a woman or people aiding you?” Parker struggling to open the cantina yet makes a remark out loud without thinking “I’m the one who’s helping you! You can be a bit more grateful.” Julia stutters a bit from the statement he made “You…Do you not trust me?” While Parker unscrews the cap of the cantina almost spilling some water hearing such an odd question. “Trust you? What does that have to…” She shouts a bit louder demanding an answer with her arms straighten out in an upset manner “Yes it does matter! So do you??” He takes a breath and pours a little water for Mirabella in his palm to drink. Parker turns to reassure her “I …I do. Sorta… look it’s been hard enough and we’re lucky we got away safely. I’m doing my best, okay.” She goes silent and turns away holding her arms crossed. He looks back concern to why she had gone silent. Julia softly speaks “Forgive me, I’ve….been tired and things have not been going right for me since.” Parker splashes some water in his face to cool himself off. He replies calmly “Everything is alright now.” He then hands her the cantina “Once I get you farther away so the dragon won’t track your scent. You’ll be able to find your way back home. Then I can head back and take care of the dragon.” She soon begins to grow even more upset smacking the cantina out of his hand “Is that all you care about is the hunt? I just happen to be in your way of your so called duty! Your kind is always the same!” His eyes widen, confused from his kind gesture seeing her just change moods all of a sudden. He then shouts back at her “What are you talking about? What is your problem? “She glares at him and then back down at his satchel. Julia turns around and begins to storm off away from him. She heads in the opposite direction. He blinks not knowing what he said to invoke her as he calls out “Where are you going?” She keeps walking towards the woods and shouts out “To the tavern! You can stay out here and freeze all you like!” He hurries to pick up the cantina on the ground and follows her. Parker shouts in concern “Wait! It’s too dangerous to go alone.” She turns back and shouts louder in his direction “As if you really care! Why don’t you go hunt your ‘dragon’ and piss off!” He stops looking at her walking away. He rubs his head in absolute confusion getting fed up with her attitude calling “Alright fine! Be that way!” She walks past the bushes calling back to him even more upset “FINE!” He thinks to himself “Is this how elven women act under stress? I rather take my chances against three dragons.”
Meanwhile, off on the main road a little farther then where Sir Parker and Lady Julia had split up. The two bandit brothers rush but almost out of breathe. The fat bandit panting a bit with his other brother fully recovered from his ‘shocking’ experience. The skinny bandit brother turns around speaking “Oi, why you stopping bro? We got to get to the boss asap.” The fat bandit on his knees breathing heavy with “I…I can’t go on you idiot. We’ve been running for hours!” The skinny bandit tugging the fat bandit’s sleeve “But you said we had to hurry and report what happen at the mine. We gotta go!~” The fat bandit rolling on his back coughing up a lung , sweating like a pig trying to breathe. “I know what I said! ‘Huff’ …What’s the point? We lost the dragon slayer and his elf wench hours ago! ‘Huff’…They could be anywhere by now. “The skinny bandit looks forward in the distance. He sniffs the air of a fresh fragence coming up ahead the main road. The skinny bandit covers his brow from the setting sun. “Huh?” he speaks in awe to see some smoke rising from afar. He takes a few steps away and ganders off while the fat bandit lays there tired. “That’s it. We are done brotha. Lost in our ways and can’t even do the simplest of task. If mother were still here to see us now.” The skinny bandit runs back and nudges his brother joyfully shaking him by the sleeve. “Oi! There be a building up ahead! It’s not too far! Just take a wiff!” The fat bandit all of a sudden starts to sniff in the air. His nose leading straight up as his mouth begins to drool. He wipes his face with his sleeve with the life drawing back into him. He speaks out happily “That smell, it smells just like… like.” The fat bandit grabs on to his skinny bandit brother with his strength returning as he mutters “It be the smell of…” The skinny brother bandit continuing his sentence with a dumb founded shriek of joy “FOOD!” They jump up on their feet, prance with joy and frolic down the road side by side. They laugh together following the trail of the scent down the main road. They soon spot a large tavern not too far. The chimney set in full smoke with their noses set up high to smell freshly cooked pork. The fat bandit holding on to his stomach “Oooh I can’t wait to fill my gut with what’s cooking.” The skinny bandit smiling widely “I hope they got some fine bar wenches serving a nice cold pints of Bowan ale.” Right before they get any closer the fat bandit pulls the skinny bandit aside into the bushes. The skinny bandit fell over on his head in the bushes spouting aloud “Woo! Brotha? What’s the big idea?” The fat bandit points over yonder near the entrance “Look!” They spot Julia shouting aloud upset. She speaks to herself walking to the tavern “Ha! I knew I was right. That arrogant, careless, childish…Argh!” The bandit brothers watch as she walks inside. The fat bandit speaks “It be the elf wench!” The skinny bandit replies “But, where is the dragon slayer?” The fat bandit hops out of the bushes and dashes for the tavern. “Come on! Let’s find out!” The skinny bandit falls out from the bushes and follows along, calling out “Wait for me!”
They look out from the window to see the tavern nearly empty except for a few traders inside with a skewered hog roasting over the fireplace. They spot Julia at the bar sulking a bit with the bartender attending to his mugs. She shouts to the bartender waiting for a reply. The fat bandit ducks back down “This is perfect!” The skinny bandit looks at his partner in confusion asking him “What cha mean brotha?” The fat bandit slaps his head and begins to explain “You fool! She be lost, and I bet ya that dragon slayer be looking for her. Now that we know where they be settling at. We can go get the other’s and tell boss where they be hiding. “The skinny bandit looks at her again as he mutters “Why don’t we just kidnap her now?” The fat bandit corrects him “Are you daft? Then that dragon slayer fella be coming after US. I ain’t a fighter!” The skinny bandit dumbly nods in agreement “Oooh right! Yet can’t we still get something to eat first?” The fat bandit looks at his growling stomach yet ignores it “With what money? Besides we would have just ate and ran. We can’t let her know we’re here! Boss said to tail them until they make camp!” The skinny bandit sighs “Aww, okay, I guess we can raid the place later once boss gets here.” They soon hurry off to the road leaving in a slow pace still weak from the long journey. While inside, Julia sips on her ale with a frustrated look on her face. She gazes into the ale, unsatisfied with the taste or the effect. She utters in complaint to the bartender “This won’t do, is there anything stronger?” The burly barkeep looks at her cleaning one of the wooden mugs. He speaks “We do carry some dwarven ale in the back.” She pulls out a gold purse from his cleavage with the flick of her wrist demanding “Bring me the entire keg…Now.” The bartender spots the gold bag as he heads to the back. She sighs and takes a hug swig of her drink, chugging all of it with her face lightly flushed. Julia begins to mutter to herself “Just who does that little ‘thief’ think he’s dealing with anyway. Sure it’s been fun playing with him, but he didn’t have to be so arrogant and ruin my mood. I could have just eaten him up right then and there like a dra…” She stops herself and looks around before she said anything else if anyone was listening. She continues to speak in her drunken conversation “Mm, I’m still an elegant woman though, but he had the gale to treat me as if I was nothing!” She looks up rubbing her head from the rush of drinks she tosses back. She tries not to think about him “Sure, he was different from the others, all young and innocent looking, and….sweet…very concerning about my well-being at first.” She sets her mug down starting to get upset more quietly thinking “But he had to be so stubborn doubting my word. The next time I see him….I will….I’ll” She growls and slams her mug on the bar shouting “Ugh, barkeep hurry up with that keg!”
Parker sneezes out loud while he sits near a small camp fire he just made a few moments ago. He wipes his nose with his green cloak over his shoulders. “Burr, it’s cold alright. “ He sniffles a bit with Mirabella lying next to him all tuckered out. He tosses another branch to keep the fire a blaze, yet the flames are very tiny the size of embers. He looks out to the woods where Julia had departed. Parker’s thought grow into deep concern over the argument they had. He speaks with Mirabella to vent his issue at mind “This is not what I hoped for Mirabella. I was trained to handle dragons, not crazy emotional elf women. “Mirabella just snores not really listening to her master’s word. He continues to speak “It’s no wonder Sir Gerald warned me about damsels. I remember when he consorted with one noble woman back then, and she just slap him. I don’t know what he whispered in her ear yet I can see why and how they just get themselves into trouble for the little of reasons.” He stirs the fire more hoping the flame stay ablaze. “Sure I was a bit lost, but I was doing what was right at the time. Let alone she was acting all funny with me from the start.” Parker pokes the fire with a stick to move the firewood around. He thinks about what she said to him before she left wondering what she meant. Parker soon speaks to Mirabella “Then again, I should have at least just explained to her more clearly. The least I would have done is not argue with her. Now she’s probably lost, cursing my name. ‘Sigh’ I guess she was right. I don’t know what to do.” He turns to Mirabella trying to find an answer “What would have you done girl?” The wind blows a strong gust putting the last flame of his fireplace. He looks at the burnt out campfire with a mind full of worry and stands up “You know what. I’m going to find her and apologize. I’m starting to worry if something did happen to her.” He grabs his shield, sword, and his satchel. Parker pets Mirabella, tying her to the tree as she slept soundly. He speaks to his stead” You stay here for now. I’ll be back shortly.” Mirabella snoring loudly as he departs towards the direction Julia headed. Parker wanders around in the dark, keeping track of his steps. He holds on to his sword’s handle; prepared in case something was to come after him keeping his guard up. Next, he hears the sound of soothing melody echoing. He thinks to himself “What’s that noise?” He heads towards the music, noticing a few lights through the trees, and arriving at the tavern. He couldn’t believe it to see what was right next to him this entire time speaking to himself “She was right after all…hmm?” The melody grows louder as a woman sings in such an angelic tone as the people inside seem to be cheering. Parker walks to the front entrance, pushing the swinging doors aside. Inside all the drunken travels and locals clap and cheer, watching Julia sing and dance in the center. She sways side to side with her gown shining from the fire’s warm glow. She chants her sweet word in such a wonderful tune.
“Oh, you are the jewel in my eye. You are the only one that makes me shine. How I would always treasure you. The ways you make my dreams come true. I would fall from heaven to keep you all the time. Just say the word and I’ll take you to be mine. You’re worth more than all the riches and gold. So reach my for hand and I’ll forever my keep hold. “
The crowd adores the cheerful song as she sings loud and proud. Parker stunned not paying attention to the lyrics but keeping his gaze upon her dancing. He softly speaks “Julia?” Julia stops singing as she soon sees him standing at the door way. She smiles warmly with her face red. She rushes towards swiftly to embraces him with arms wide open, shouting “Parker!” She hugs him tight, and he stands there confused to what was happening. When he realized her strength begin to crush his arms and sides in a huge hug. Parker struggles to speak “ Ack! Julia! I can’t….breath!” She stops hugging as he takes a deep breath of relief from the choke hold. She looks at him with her eyes dazed a bit. Her face still red as she coy fully spoke to him” You came back to me. My hero has returned.” He blinks clearing his throat “of course, I was worried you didn’t return! Wait, hero??” She giggles with her hands cover her face to hear him say such caring thoughts. She speaks softly with her head leaning on his shoulder “I was worried you would not return too. I missed you sooo much. Hic!” He sniffs noticing the strong scent of booze coming off from her warm breathe. He stares at her “Have you been drinking?!” She snickers with her hands grasping on to his armor “No, no…maybe, just a few pints of ale.” The crowd whistles and calls out for her to sing again. She turns and waves with one hand towards them muttering “Hehe, now fellas. You behave yourselves. I’ll sing another tune in …Whoops!” She stumbles a bit holding on to him as she tries to keep her balance. Parker looks at her “By the light you’re hammered.” She looks back him with eyes half open, face to face can’t help but to smile looking into his eyes. She softly spoke with her lips puckered slurring her words “Aww, I was only having a little drinky winky time. I need to blow off some steam. I was being so mean and selfish to you. “Her finger swirls around the center of his breastplate. Parker starts to get a little shy, blushing and trying to snap her out of her intoxicated manner. He grabs her hand and speaks “Uh, yeah about that. I wanted to apologize, and you were right.” Her eyes light up as she wraps her arms around his neck pressing his face closes to shoulder “Eee! You’re so sweet!” She sniffles cuddling him close to her. Parker squirms from her tight grip but can’t help to look down her open cleavage as he tries to get free. “Gah! Julia wait, wait a minute!” The crowd cheers for the lovely couple in their drunken cheer while one of the traders shouts “Woot! Way to go pal! She’s a real keeper!” Parker blushing hard trying to correct them on the misunderstanding “N…No you got it wrong, we’re not like that!” She turns his head to face her as she softly whispers “Mmm, no need to be so modest my little Parky Puppy. Mmm you look so sweet.~ I could just…just.” His face turns red and going blank with her lips closing in to his with the whiff of her warm boozed breathe. She leans in closer on one leg standing her toes while the other leg curls up in the air. He shakes looking at her frighten not knowing was she was doing. “J..Ju…Julia?!” While her hand reaches into his satchel.
All of a sudden, a raspy voice shouts out “Ready, Aim!” Parker hears this coming outside recognizing the phrase for an artillery attack. He spots a few bandits standing outside through the front door. They stand at the ready with crossbows aimed at the tavern. Parker quickly grabs Julia shielding her near a table crying out “Look out!” She shrieks out confused by the swift actions “Eek!” The bandit calls out the command “FIRE!” A couple of bolts shoot through every window shattering the panels on impact. A few of them hit a few of the tavern dwellers, some landing on the floors and tables. Some of the traders were hit only 2 were killed but a few were just grazed with everyone in a panic. Parker holds Julia close as he looks down to see if she was hit. He speaks “Are you okay? Huh?” She lays there with her head spinning, green in the face and groaning “Ooohh, ‘burp’ “Parker sighs in relief she was alright but was in shock to see the damaged done to the tavern. He grits his teeth turning to face where the assault came from. His attention drew to anger asking “Who would do such a thing!?” Trevor’s voice called out to the tavern “Knock knock! If anyone in there survived my greeting then listen up! We are looking for a dragon slayer or his red head elf companion. So I suggest you come out and show your faces, before I let them have another round of target practice!” Parker goes quiet after hearing the demands of the attackers. He remembered that the mayor had told him to handle the bandits, but didn’t think they would do such brutal tactics. He picks up Julia in his arms and sets her on the bar stool, where the bartender was hiding behind the bar from the barrage. He tells the bartender “Wait here, and let no one else go outside.” The bartender holding his head covered in blood from shards of glass with a simple nod. Parker grabs his shield on his back and slides it over his arm. He soon heads towards the door while the others watch him go.
Trevor taps his foot staring at the tavern wall riddled with bolts as he waits. He turns to the brother bandits in an impatient “Oi, are you sure this where they be.” The fat bandit nods and confirms “Yep boss! This is where we tracked them here for sure.” The skinny bandit then looks at his brother “But didn’t we only saw the elf lady first though. “ Trevor stares at him both only finding this out “What?” The fat bandit covers his brother’s mouth as he nervously corrects him “Don’t listen to him boss, I’m certain that dragon slayer fella is right inside shortly after we left. They were traveling together!” Trevor glares at them when one of the other bandits shouts out “Look!” Everyone’s attention turned to Parker standing there with his shield drawn in the door way. The brother bandits point out to Parker shouting “That’s him boss! That’s the fella right there!” Trevor walks forward as he fixes his hair out his face. He then speaks to Parker “So you’re this so called “Sir Gerald” the dragon slayer. It sounds more like Piggybank was just spreading rumors. You and I have some serious business to talk about.” Parker stands there quiet staring down Trevor and the other bandits armed to the teeth with crossbows, daggers and swords. Trevor quirks his brow to Parker’s silence getting a bit annoyed. He puffs up his chest and strikes a confident pose. He calls out to Parker again “Come on, speak up or are you just going to stare my awesomeness.” Parker replies “Just what do you want?” Trevor ignores the rude remark and continues his conversation “Oh I just wanted to see the legend for myself. Turns out Piggybank was just blowing off smoke, because all I see is some kid pretending to be a hero.” Parker goes silent while Trevor talks “Since you’re new here and all. I just want to let you know that I make the rules here. That I own this land, just like I own that little village that hired your arse. Also that I don’t like your so called Order coming to my turf. “Parker clutches his fist then shouts “So you think it’s okay to shoot down innocent people just scare me off!” Trevor sarcastically talks “Nah, I like to make a dynamic introduction It’s fun to just break stuff from time to time. That’s what people with higher power do to the weak.” Parker grabs his sword drawing out the blade. “You’re nothing but lowlife bandit with no honor!” He spoke in a hateful tone. One of the loyal bandits shouts out in regard “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. That’s Trevor the Twin Axe, our leader! He single handedly cut down over a 100 men and hasn’t lost a fight.” Trevor smirks hearing his men boost his ego “Aww shucks, you don’t have to remind me of how cool I am.” Parker looks at them raising his sword. He replies “Never heard of ya…” The bandits get flustered over Parker ditching their boss. Trevor raises his hand as the bandits then go quiet. Parker raises his shield in his left and holds his sword to the side to his right. Trevor then grabs both his axes behind his back. When he just calmly replies with a murderous look in his eyes “It’s alright. I’m just gonna have to teach you the hard way.” He draws both his axes when the wind blows through the cold night air. Trevor dashes right towards Parker and then leaping into the air with both axes in full swing shouting out. “Let’s dance pup! Show me what you got!”
To Be Continued
Dragon Jewels
By: David Doucet
Chapter 3: Trevor the Twin Axe Bandit
The small southern village of Bowan was known for the vast farm landscapes of rye grain, and supple herds of cattle. Bowan villagers used to call it one of the most peaceful places in Augarnia. However, during its last spring harvest, a group of bandits came and soon pillaged the innocent village of nearly all its riche. They were led by none other than the ruthless and cunning Twin Axe Bandit. Who defeated over a 100 soldiers as a child during the Great Purge of the Second Order. Rumor has it that his family lineage had monster blood running through his veins always seeking for the thrill of battle. His greater appetite of the finer things in life had always kept him from going on a bloody massacre. Those who have faced him head on only had a brief moment. In a flash of seeing his twin pair of double sided tomahawk axes sever their heads clean off their bodies. His whistles carried a cheerful tune in the wind for those who watch from afar.
At the Mayor’s mansion of Bowan, the servants run back and forth gathering enough bags of flour and barrels of malt in a large stock pile. The Mayor holding a charter checking everything is accounted for. He nervously strokes his fuzzy chin as he mutters “Oh dear, oh dear. I hope we have enough this month. I even have to give up some of my personal stash this time. “One of his top servants walks up to Mayor with a concern look, “Uhm excuse me mayor. We have a problem.” The Mayor turns wishing not to hear any more negative news, “Oh what now?” The servant looks down in low spirits “The farmers have been devastated about next seasons harvest before winter. They say the weather hasn’t been producing much rain in the fields and the cold nights have been getting worse. We are running low on grains to even feed the cattle, let alone ourselves.” The Mayor walks to his office trying to explain the dire situation to his servant “Now is not the time to worry about that! We have to make our quota or else there will be no one left in the village to worry that.” The servant nervously holding the charter standing next to the Mayor’s office agreeing “Yes Mayor. I’ll let the others know to hurry. “The Mayor takes the charter from the servant’s hand and turns to his office “Good! Good, now leave me be. I’ll let you know if I need anything else.” The servant nods and walks away as the Mayor enters his office with a sigh of stressful exhaustion. A voice of a young man calls out from across the room right when he enters “Hello there, my piggybank”. The mayor’s eyes soon widen in fear with a pale face. He looks forward to see someone sitting at his desk. The chair turns around slowly half way with the intruder smiling. He wears brown and black leather with two twin axes on his back, leaning all comfy as though he was making himself at home “You look surprised?” The mayor in shock while trying to muster out his words from the unexpected visit. “T…Trevor? When did you get in my office?” The bandit leader wiping the messy blonde hair from his bright green eyes, fixing the blood stain bandana on his forehead straight “Oh I hope you don’t mind if make myself comfortable? It’s really a nice chair.” he grins. The Mayor shaking with sweat drops down his face speaking corporately “No, No, please make you self at home.” Trevor sticks his hand out with his legs kicked up with his dusty boots on the desk “You know why I’m here. So let’s see what you got this time. “The mayor looking at the listing and slowly hands him the parchment “Oh yes, of course! Of course! I have it right here. Everything you requested for this month.” The parchment was soon snatched out of his hand as the mayor flinches back keeping his distance. Twin Axe looking at the supplies listed and smiles bigger “Everything seems to be listed. You remember where to stash it like always, so my boys can go pick it up?” The Mayor nods with his hands together “Yes Trevor, we’ll be sure to deliver it to you tomorrow as promised.” Trevor gives a happy chuckle tossing the paper on the desk. “Now that’s what I like to hear from my little piggy bank. I was right to give you this deal, instead of just burning this little village down. It would have been a waste.” The Mayor smiles nervously agreeing with Twin Axe “The people are most generous to your needs and are grateful to you and your men’s merciful ways. I am especially in your debt for sparring us.” The bandit leader stands up and faces out the window looking into the village. “Hmm, but there is one thing I wanted to ask you.” The Mayor sweats a bit more as he nervously asks about “And…what would that be?” Trevor keeps looking out the window as the late afternoon light shines on him when he spoke his mind “I’ve been hearing rumors that a certain Dragon Slayer who came into town yesterday morning.” The Mayor gulps trembling trying to reassure it was nothing “Oh, you mean Sir Gerald; he came to get rid of the dragon problem on my request.” An axe then lands on the desk making a giant gash with splinters flying around. One of the splinters almost the size of a stake impales the wall next to the Mayor’s head. He shuts his mouth frighten for his life. The bandit leader’s cheerful exposition turned into disappointed glare holding his axe with a firm tight grip. He speaks in low tone “So you decided to just bring him here without even asking me first.” The mayor fell backwards against the wall sitting on the wooden floor. He looks up in pure horror. His mind terrified of what might come next if he did not speak the right words. He rushed to a swift reply begging for his life “No Trevor it’s not what you think. I was only thinking of the village safety! Besides, once he kills the dragon. I was going to give you most of the treasure as a gift!” The bandit glares down at him even more hearing a key word “Most?” The Mayor soon correcting himself against with his hands up waving “No no, I mean all of it really my mistake!” Trevor takes his axe out the desk and rubs his thumb against the sharp chipped edge. He calmly speaks again “Is that so? “ The mayor nods cringed up against the wall seeing the bandit leader walks towards him. He mutters out “I swear, I swear it’s true! Please, just don’t kill me. “The Mayor embraces for the axe to come straight for his throat. Trevor starts to chuckle, and then turns into full out laughter “ah Ha hahahaa!” The mayor soon starting to nervously laugh with him not knowing what was so funny to him “Hehe..he.” When Trevor just stopped laughing for a moment and gave a sigh. He spoke “Well, in that case. You’re off the hook.” The bandit lord puts the axe on his back with the second one. The Mayor taking a breath of relief knowing he was safe. Right before Trevor walks over to the window and opens it up. He turns to tell the mayor with a smile on his face “In that case, I’ll be sure to pay Sir Gerald a visit to let him know who the real boss is around these parts. If you don’t mind that is.” The Mayor nods slowly with no disagreeing with a reply of “Not at all! He should be handling the dragon as we speak!” Trevor turns his head looking back at the mayor “Oh, and Piggybank. If happen to find out there’s more to this dragon slayer.” His stare turns to murderous intent right at the mayor with a deep tone “..I’ll be coming back for every head in this village with yours first to roll.” The mayor in dead silence with his tunic shirt covered in sweat. Trevor jumps out the window as he whistles along a cheerful tune fading in the distance. The servant walks in with another charter speaking out freely “Excuse me Mayor. Do you have a…Mayor?!” The Mayor sitting on the ground soaking wet in his own stench of fear. He shakes like a leaf. His throat dried up as he speaks softly “We’re doomed…”
Halfway from Bowan with the sun almost setting in an orange fading glow. Sir Parker and Lady Julia ride on Mirabella almost exhausted from galloping deep in the woods. Sir Parker looks around in a misguided direction fleeing from the roars of the dragon. However, he did not take the main road. Julia sighs in boredom holding on to saddle while he looks at the map. Parker turns the map to the side as he speaks out “Well, the good news is that we got away safely.” Julia looks at him wondering the obvious next part to be spoken “And the bad news?” He turns the map upside down and looks back at Julia “It seems we’re lost as well.” She looks at his clueless face and takes the map from him. “Here let me see it.” He lets go of the map and looks back at Julia in shock from the rude gesture. He utters in offense “Hey!” She slides off Mirabella and looks around the forest surrounding them. Parker soon climbs off of Mirabella, nearly tripping and telling Mirabella to “Stay.” Julia looks up to the half darken sky and faces in another direction with the map in front. Parker walks up to her stating “It’s rude to take someone’s map without asking! Just what are you doing?” She looks back at him and points at the map. Julia replies “One I did ask, and I just so happen to know a tavern nearby in that direction.” She points out in the distance. Parker looks where she’s pointing and looks at her in doubt. “And what makes you so sure? Even I can’t tell by our location.” She rolls up the map and gives it back to him. Julia replies with confidence” I know this land like the back of my hand. The sun is setting to the East which means it should be a few more yards away according to the stars.” Parker questions in to her sense of logic “The stars?” He looks up in the sky to see the half darken sky with a few clouds with no stars in sight. “What stars!? Is that some kind of elf logic?” replying to the answer given. Julia spots a log as she sits down from the rough horseback ride. She sighs in pain “No, it’s common sense and just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. I traveled these parts a lot when I was younger.” Parker looks back at the map, looking up again, and back at Julia with an quick remark “ The only thing I see is that it’s getting late and it’s best we make camp. “ Julia sits up straight not accepting the conditions. She shouts out “I think not! You expect me to rest out here in the cold when we can head to a place of warm beds.” Parker walks past her to check up on Mirabella; pulling a water cantina from his satchel. “Funny, when we met, you were sleeping on a pile of gold back in the mineshaft.” She stares at him and snaps back at that remark “As….as if I had a choice, thank you!” Parker he tries to open his cantina still talking to her about the situation. “Besides, we can’t take that chance. It’s best we make camp.” He argues with her demands hoping she would understand that he needed to stay out of sight just in case until his quest is finished. He makes an excuse “I rather not risk us getting anymore lost while we have very little sunlight.” She groans in frustration “We aren’t really that lost. I’ve been through these parts before. You’re just being stubborn not wanting to admit I’m right.” He turns back at Julia shouting “Stubborn? Is that how you treat someone who just saved you from a dragon? Would a ‘stubborn’ person like me be making sure to keep you safe? “She stands up a bit frustrated from his accusations “Excuse me, but it sounds more like you have no idea what you’re doing! Seriously, is that how you treat a woman or people aiding you?” Parker struggling to open the cantina yet makes a remark out loud without thinking “I’m the one who’s helping you! You can be a bit more grateful.” Julia stutters a bit from the statement he made “You…Do you not trust me?” While Parker unscrews the cap of the cantina almost spilling some water hearing such an odd question. “Trust you? What does that have to…” She shouts a bit louder demanding an answer with her arms straighten out in an upset manner “Yes it does matter! So do you??” He takes a breath and pours a little water for Mirabella in his palm to drink. Parker turns to reassure her “I …I do. Sorta… look it’s been hard enough and we’re lucky we got away safely. I’m doing my best, okay.” She goes silent and turns away holding her arms crossed. He looks back concern to why she had gone silent. Julia softly speaks “Forgive me, I’ve….been tired and things have not been going right for me since.” Parker splashes some water in his face to cool himself off. He replies calmly “Everything is alright now.” He then hands her the cantina “Once I get you farther away so the dragon won’t track your scent. You’ll be able to find your way back home. Then I can head back and take care of the dragon.” She soon begins to grow even more upset smacking the cantina out of his hand “Is that all you care about is the hunt? I just happen to be in your way of your so called duty! Your kind is always the same!” His eyes widen, confused from his kind gesture seeing her just change moods all of a sudden. He then shouts back at her “What are you talking about? What is your problem? “She glares at him and then back down at his satchel. Julia turns around and begins to storm off away from him. She heads in the opposite direction. He blinks not knowing what he said to invoke her as he calls out “Where are you going?” She keeps walking towards the woods and shouts out “To the tavern! You can stay out here and freeze all you like!” He hurries to pick up the cantina on the ground and follows her. Parker shouts in concern “Wait! It’s too dangerous to go alone.” She turns back and shouts louder in his direction “As if you really care! Why don’t you go hunt your ‘dragon’ and piss off!” He stops looking at her walking away. He rubs his head in absolute confusion getting fed up with her attitude calling “Alright fine! Be that way!” She walks past the bushes calling back to him even more upset “FINE!” He thinks to himself “Is this how elven women act under stress? I rather take my chances against three dragons.”
Meanwhile, off on the main road a little farther then where Sir Parker and Lady Julia had split up. The two bandit brothers rush but almost out of breathe. The fat bandit panting a bit with his other brother fully recovered from his ‘shocking’ experience. The skinny bandit brother turns around speaking “Oi, why you stopping bro? We got to get to the boss asap.” The fat bandit on his knees breathing heavy with “I…I can’t go on you idiot. We’ve been running for hours!” The skinny bandit tugging the fat bandit’s sleeve “But you said we had to hurry and report what happen at the mine. We gotta go!~” The fat bandit rolling on his back coughing up a lung , sweating like a pig trying to breathe. “I know what I said! ‘Huff’ …What’s the point? We lost the dragon slayer and his elf wench hours ago! ‘Huff’…They could be anywhere by now. “The skinny bandit looks forward in the distance. He sniffs the air of a fresh fragence coming up ahead the main road. The skinny bandit covers his brow from the setting sun. “Huh?” he speaks in awe to see some smoke rising from afar. He takes a few steps away and ganders off while the fat bandit lays there tired. “That’s it. We are done brotha. Lost in our ways and can’t even do the simplest of task. If mother were still here to see us now.” The skinny bandit runs back and nudges his brother joyfully shaking him by the sleeve. “Oi! There be a building up ahead! It’s not too far! Just take a wiff!” The fat bandit all of a sudden starts to sniff in the air. His nose leading straight up as his mouth begins to drool. He wipes his face with his sleeve with the life drawing back into him. He speaks out happily “That smell, it smells just like… like.” The fat bandit grabs on to his skinny bandit brother with his strength returning as he mutters “It be the smell of…” The skinny brother bandit continuing his sentence with a dumb founded shriek of joy “FOOD!” They jump up on their feet, prance with joy and frolic down the road side by side. They laugh together following the trail of the scent down the main road. They soon spot a large tavern not too far. The chimney set in full smoke with their noses set up high to smell freshly cooked pork. The fat bandit holding on to his stomach “Oooh I can’t wait to fill my gut with what’s cooking.” The skinny bandit smiling widely “I hope they got some fine bar wenches serving a nice cold pints of Bowan ale.” Right before they get any closer the fat bandit pulls the skinny bandit aside into the bushes. The skinny bandit fell over on his head in the bushes spouting aloud “Woo! Brotha? What’s the big idea?” The fat bandit points over yonder near the entrance “Look!” They spot Julia shouting aloud upset. She speaks to herself walking to the tavern “Ha! I knew I was right. That arrogant, careless, childish…Argh!” The bandit brothers watch as she walks inside. The fat bandit speaks “It be the elf wench!” The skinny bandit replies “But, where is the dragon slayer?” The fat bandit hops out of the bushes and dashes for the tavern. “Come on! Let’s find out!” The skinny bandit falls out from the bushes and follows along, calling out “Wait for me!”
They look out from the window to see the tavern nearly empty except for a few traders inside with a skewered hog roasting over the fireplace. They spot Julia at the bar sulking a bit with the bartender attending to his mugs. She shouts to the bartender waiting for a reply. The fat bandit ducks back down “This is perfect!” The skinny bandit looks at his partner in confusion asking him “What cha mean brotha?” The fat bandit slaps his head and begins to explain “You fool! She be lost, and I bet ya that dragon slayer be looking for her. Now that we know where they be settling at. We can go get the other’s and tell boss where they be hiding. “The skinny bandit looks at her again as he mutters “Why don’t we just kidnap her now?” The fat bandit corrects him “Are you daft? Then that dragon slayer fella be coming after US. I ain’t a fighter!” The skinny bandit dumbly nods in agreement “Oooh right! Yet can’t we still get something to eat first?” The fat bandit looks at his growling stomach yet ignores it “With what money? Besides we would have just ate and ran. We can’t let her know we’re here! Boss said to tail them until they make camp!” The skinny bandit sighs “Aww, okay, I guess we can raid the place later once boss gets here.” They soon hurry off to the road leaving in a slow pace still weak from the long journey. While inside, Julia sips on her ale with a frustrated look on her face. She gazes into the ale, unsatisfied with the taste or the effect. She utters in complaint to the bartender “This won’t do, is there anything stronger?” The burly barkeep looks at her cleaning one of the wooden mugs. He speaks “We do carry some dwarven ale in the back.” She pulls out a gold purse from his cleavage with the flick of her wrist demanding “Bring me the entire keg…Now.” The bartender spots the gold bag as he heads to the back. She sighs and takes a hug swig of her drink, chugging all of it with her face lightly flushed. Julia begins to mutter to herself “Just who does that little ‘thief’ think he’s dealing with anyway. Sure it’s been fun playing with him, but he didn’t have to be so arrogant and ruin my mood. I could have just eaten him up right then and there like a dra…” She stops herself and looks around before she said anything else if anyone was listening. She continues to speak in her drunken conversation “Mm, I’m still an elegant woman though, but he had the gale to treat me as if I was nothing!” She looks up rubbing her head from the rush of drinks she tosses back. She tries not to think about him “Sure, he was different from the others, all young and innocent looking, and….sweet…very concerning about my well-being at first.” She sets her mug down starting to get upset more quietly thinking “But he had to be so stubborn doubting my word. The next time I see him….I will….I’ll” She growls and slams her mug on the bar shouting “Ugh, barkeep hurry up with that keg!”
Parker sneezes out loud while he sits near a small camp fire he just made a few moments ago. He wipes his nose with his green cloak over his shoulders. “Burr, it’s cold alright. “ He sniffles a bit with Mirabella lying next to him all tuckered out. He tosses another branch to keep the fire a blaze, yet the flames are very tiny the size of embers. He looks out to the woods where Julia had departed. Parker’s thought grow into deep concern over the argument they had. He speaks with Mirabella to vent his issue at mind “This is not what I hoped for Mirabella. I was trained to handle dragons, not crazy emotional elf women. “Mirabella just snores not really listening to her master’s word. He continues to speak “It’s no wonder Sir Gerald warned me about damsels. I remember when he consorted with one noble woman back then, and she just slap him. I don’t know what he whispered in her ear yet I can see why and how they just get themselves into trouble for the little of reasons.” He stirs the fire more hoping the flame stay ablaze. “Sure I was a bit lost, but I was doing what was right at the time. Let alone she was acting all funny with me from the start.” Parker pokes the fire with a stick to move the firewood around. He thinks about what she said to him before she left wondering what she meant. Parker soon speaks to Mirabella “Then again, I should have at least just explained to her more clearly. The least I would have done is not argue with her. Now she’s probably lost, cursing my name. ‘Sigh’ I guess she was right. I don’t know what to do.” He turns to Mirabella trying to find an answer “What would have you done girl?” The wind blows a strong gust putting the last flame of his fireplace. He looks at the burnt out campfire with a mind full of worry and stands up “You know what. I’m going to find her and apologize. I’m starting to worry if something did happen to her.” He grabs his shield, sword, and his satchel. Parker pets Mirabella, tying her to the tree as she slept soundly. He speaks to his stead” You stay here for now. I’ll be back shortly.” Mirabella snoring loudly as he departs towards the direction Julia headed. Parker wanders around in the dark, keeping track of his steps. He holds on to his sword’s handle; prepared in case something was to come after him keeping his guard up. Next, he hears the sound of soothing melody echoing. He thinks to himself “What’s that noise?” He heads towards the music, noticing a few lights through the trees, and arriving at the tavern. He couldn’t believe it to see what was right next to him this entire time speaking to himself “She was right after all…hmm?” The melody grows louder as a woman sings in such an angelic tone as the people inside seem to be cheering. Parker walks to the front entrance, pushing the swinging doors aside. Inside all the drunken travels and locals clap and cheer, watching Julia sing and dance in the center. She sways side to side with her gown shining from the fire’s warm glow. She chants her sweet word in such a wonderful tune.
“Oh, you are the jewel in my eye. You are the only one that makes me shine. How I would always treasure you. The ways you make my dreams come true. I would fall from heaven to keep you all the time. Just say the word and I’ll take you to be mine. You’re worth more than all the riches and gold. So reach my for hand and I’ll forever my keep hold. “
The crowd adores the cheerful song as she sings loud and proud. Parker stunned not paying attention to the lyrics but keeping his gaze upon her dancing. He softly speaks “Julia?” Julia stops singing as she soon sees him standing at the door way. She smiles warmly with her face red. She rushes towards swiftly to embraces him with arms wide open, shouting “Parker!” She hugs him tight, and he stands there confused to what was happening. When he realized her strength begin to crush his arms and sides in a huge hug. Parker struggles to speak “ Ack! Julia! I can’t….breath!” She stops hugging as he takes a deep breath of relief from the choke hold. She looks at him with her eyes dazed a bit. Her face still red as she coy fully spoke to him” You came back to me. My hero has returned.” He blinks clearing his throat “of course, I was worried you didn’t return! Wait, hero??” She giggles with her hands cover her face to hear him say such caring thoughts. She speaks softly with her head leaning on his shoulder “I was worried you would not return too. I missed you sooo much. Hic!” He sniffs noticing the strong scent of booze coming off from her warm breathe. He stares at her “Have you been drinking?!” She snickers with her hands grasping on to his armor “No, no…maybe, just a few pints of ale.” The crowd whistles and calls out for her to sing again. She turns and waves with one hand towards them muttering “Hehe, now fellas. You behave yourselves. I’ll sing another tune in …Whoops!” She stumbles a bit holding on to him as she tries to keep her balance. Parker looks at her “By the light you’re hammered.” She looks back him with eyes half open, face to face can’t help but to smile looking into his eyes. She softly spoke with her lips puckered slurring her words “Aww, I was only having a little drinky winky time. I need to blow off some steam. I was being so mean and selfish to you. “Her finger swirls around the center of his breastplate. Parker starts to get a little shy, blushing and trying to snap her out of her intoxicated manner. He grabs her hand and speaks “Uh, yeah about that. I wanted to apologize, and you were right.” Her eyes light up as she wraps her arms around his neck pressing his face closes to shoulder “Eee! You’re so sweet!” She sniffles cuddling him close to her. Parker squirms from her tight grip but can’t help to look down her open cleavage as he tries to get free. “Gah! Julia wait, wait a minute!” The crowd cheers for the lovely couple in their drunken cheer while one of the traders shouts “Woot! Way to go pal! She’s a real keeper!” Parker blushing hard trying to correct them on the misunderstanding “N…No you got it wrong, we’re not like that!” She turns his head to face her as she softly whispers “Mmm, no need to be so modest my little Parky Puppy. Mmm you look so sweet.~ I could just…just.” His face turns red and going blank with her lips closing in to his with the whiff of her warm boozed breathe. She leans in closer on one leg standing her toes while the other leg curls up in the air. He shakes looking at her frighten not knowing was she was doing. “J..Ju…Julia?!” While her hand reaches into his satchel.
All of a sudden, a raspy voice shouts out “Ready, Aim!” Parker hears this coming outside recognizing the phrase for an artillery attack. He spots a few bandits standing outside through the front door. They stand at the ready with crossbows aimed at the tavern. Parker quickly grabs Julia shielding her near a table crying out “Look out!” She shrieks out confused by the swift actions “Eek!” The bandit calls out the command “FIRE!” A couple of bolts shoot through every window shattering the panels on impact. A few of them hit a few of the tavern dwellers, some landing on the floors and tables. Some of the traders were hit only 2 were killed but a few were just grazed with everyone in a panic. Parker holds Julia close as he looks down to see if she was hit. He speaks “Are you okay? Huh?” She lays there with her head spinning, green in the face and groaning “Ooohh, ‘burp’ “Parker sighs in relief she was alright but was in shock to see the damaged done to the tavern. He grits his teeth turning to face where the assault came from. His attention drew to anger asking “Who would do such a thing!?” Trevor’s voice called out to the tavern “Knock knock! If anyone in there survived my greeting then listen up! We are looking for a dragon slayer or his red head elf companion. So I suggest you come out and show your faces, before I let them have another round of target practice!” Parker goes quiet after hearing the demands of the attackers. He remembered that the mayor had told him to handle the bandits, but didn’t think they would do such brutal tactics. He picks up Julia in his arms and sets her on the bar stool, where the bartender was hiding behind the bar from the barrage. He tells the bartender “Wait here, and let no one else go outside.” The bartender holding his head covered in blood from shards of glass with a simple nod. Parker grabs his shield on his back and slides it over his arm. He soon heads towards the door while the others watch him go.
Trevor taps his foot staring at the tavern wall riddled with bolts as he waits. He turns to the brother bandits in an impatient “Oi, are you sure this where they be.” The fat bandit nods and confirms “Yep boss! This is where we tracked them here for sure.” The skinny bandit then looks at his brother “But didn’t we only saw the elf lady first though. “ Trevor stares at him both only finding this out “What?” The fat bandit covers his brother’s mouth as he nervously corrects him “Don’t listen to him boss, I’m certain that dragon slayer fella is right inside shortly after we left. They were traveling together!” Trevor glares at them when one of the other bandits shouts out “Look!” Everyone’s attention turned to Parker standing there with his shield drawn in the door way. The brother bandits point out to Parker shouting “That’s him boss! That’s the fella right there!” Trevor walks forward as he fixes his hair out his face. He then speaks to Parker “So you’re this so called “Sir Gerald” the dragon slayer. It sounds more like Piggybank was just spreading rumors. You and I have some serious business to talk about.” Parker stands there quiet staring down Trevor and the other bandits armed to the teeth with crossbows, daggers and swords. Trevor quirks his brow to Parker’s silence getting a bit annoyed. He puffs up his chest and strikes a confident pose. He calls out to Parker again “Come on, speak up or are you just going to stare my awesomeness.” Parker replies “Just what do you want?” Trevor ignores the rude remark and continues his conversation “Oh I just wanted to see the legend for myself. Turns out Piggybank was just blowing off smoke, because all I see is some kid pretending to be a hero.” Parker goes silent while Trevor talks “Since you’re new here and all. I just want to let you know that I make the rules here. That I own this land, just like I own that little village that hired your arse. Also that I don’t like your so called Order coming to my turf. “Parker clutches his fist then shouts “So you think it’s okay to shoot down innocent people just scare me off!” Trevor sarcastically talks “Nah, I like to make a dynamic introduction It’s fun to just break stuff from time to time. That’s what people with higher power do to the weak.” Parker grabs his sword drawing out the blade. “You’re nothing but lowlife bandit with no honor!” He spoke in a hateful tone. One of the loyal bandits shouts out in regard “You have no idea who you’re dealing with. That’s Trevor the Twin Axe, our leader! He single handedly cut down over a 100 men and hasn’t lost a fight.” Trevor smirks hearing his men boost his ego “Aww shucks, you don’t have to remind me of how cool I am.” Parker looks at them raising his sword. He replies “Never heard of ya…” The bandits get flustered over Parker ditching their boss. Trevor raises his hand as the bandits then go quiet. Parker raises his shield in his left and holds his sword to the side to his right. Trevor then grabs both his axes behind his back. When he just calmly replies with a murderous look in his eyes “It’s alright. I’m just gonna have to teach you the hard way.” He draws both his axes when the wind blows through the cold night air. Trevor dashes right towards Parker and then leaping into the air with both axes in full swing shouting out. “Let’s dance pup! Show me what you got!”
To Be Continued
Category Story / Fantasy
Species Unspecified / Any
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