It was still early in the morning that a youngling came to the quarters of Harwin. The elf informed him that he had been summoned by the chieftain for an important matter.

  At first, Harwin was careful as he had been falsely called upon by the rouge group of younglings before, but the guard had left immediately after passing along the message. Just in case, he waited for a while before finally making his way to the chief's house.

  "Gor, we have been waiting for sometime now.” Releigh, one of the elders commented.

  “I am sorry for being late. I still lose my way around the village from time to time.”

  “It is quite alright. We have some news regarding your former group.” The chief said.

  This sudden news sent Harwin in a shock. He felt all the progress that he had made for the past two weeks slipping right through his fingers. The same thing happened before, as he was separated from his former group as well.

  “There is no need to worry child. You are now under our protection. It is a rule of the elves that any captured slave is set free if his master fails to retrieve him in a week. Free, unless he has committed some crime or owes the master a debt, but as you had claimed that you were captured by the beast-men as well so you are in no debt. Therefore, you are a free man now." The chief reassured.

  "As for the news, there has been a sighting of a beast-man around the outskirts of the village. He is a giant fellow. He looked lost, as reported by the scouts. Do you know of such person in your former group?” Lief informed Harwin.

  “It must be Borman. He was the size of an orc and strong as such.” Harwin replied.

  “I see. Well, he slayed one of our scouts, who was unaware of his presence. We are currently thinking of a strategy to capture him and make him pay for his crimes. Do you have any valuable information regarding him?” Lief questioned

  Harwin pondered for a while before answering:

  “He looked more of a berserk than a swordsman. Aso he is not very bright, even making proper sentences was hard for him. He had monstrous strength though. These are the few things that I noticed in the limited time while I was part of the group.”

  “Well that is good to know. I suppose instead of sending our soldiers to capture him. The chief-commander alone will suffice.” Lief looked at Graftel.

  “I suppose, I can handle the scoundrel.” Graftel claimed with confidence.

  “I am sure you are a great warrior, master, but you must not underestimate these men, especially the leader of the caravan. He was very shrewd and even served in the royal army. I believe, this might be a trap.” Harwin interjected with concern.

  “Royal army...” Graftel appeared to be reminiscing about something.

  “I am sorry for doubting your abilities, but I would recommend taking a few men along, as there might be a menacing scheme behind all of this. I mean, it is quite odd that an integral part of their group would be left alone in the forest in the first place.” Harwin argued due to concern.

  “I can still take them out. There is no need to worry—” Graftel got interrupted.

  “Gor might be right. You are indeed the strongest person I have ever met. Still, believe me there are times when even the weakest have shown greater strength than the strongest by virtue of their schemes and plots especially in times of battles. When one abandons honour, they become more dangerous than ever. You should take my grandson and a few other men with you. Landel can show his worth. He is already considered a prodigy by you after all.” The chief backed Harwin's argument.

  “Very well. This can be a small ceremony for that kid. There is only so much a person can learn by swinging swords on wooden-targets.” Graftel agreed.

  “Then you should plan your strategy immediately with your chosen men. I also recommend getting advice from Gor. His mind truly thinks of the most obvious course of action that we are unable to see in the moment.” The chief commanded.

  On receiving the go-ahead, Harwin and Graftel left the elders and the chief behind. The trio definitely had a concerned expression due to the fact that they had all seen war in their lives and wanted peace more than anything. For now, they trusted the judgement of their chief-commander.

  Graftel gathered about five men. They were much older looking fellows than the others who were guarding different places around the village.

  These men were obviously experienced and seasoned warrior, but one stuck out like a sore thumb. It was a young man, who looked not a day over eighteen. He was very handsome and had a noble face. He shared some similar facial features with Alisa, so Harwin recognized him to be the grand-son of the chief, Landel.

  This young lad had a rather carefree look. He was not even interested in listening to what Graftel had to say.

  “Landel, you better listen to my commands carefully you brat. I do not want you acting out of order. If it was on me, I would never have even considered taking you to battle. Do not engage in combat unless I have given my permission. Also follow the commands of the captains, and stay with the group without wandering off to god knows where!” Graftel lectured Landel who was still unconcerned.

  Harwin was unintentionally staring at Landel, as he had finally met his savior. He did not utter a word yet which made the young lad feel awkward.

  “Now then, we have gathered here to avenge one of our brethren. He was like a son to me, as are all my students. I will not let any of you take the life of that piece of crap. You are also not allowed to act without my orders. There is a chance that this might be an ambush so we must be prepared accordingly."

  After this, Graftel gave out individual commands:

  "Sarial, you will be the backbone of the group and must keep yourself vigilant. Scout around to see if anyone is hiding around the forest. Fitz, you will be my second-in command. If I am separated from the group for any reason, then all of you should take command from him. All of the rest will act as a support unless there really is an ambush.Try to capture at-least one of them, but do not become over-confident, as there are some dangerous warriors in the group that we might encounter.”

  All of the captains listened very carefully. They had respect and admiration in their eyes whilst looking at their commander.

  “Gor, what do you think we should do? Do you have any ideas or information that you want to share with me?” He inquired Harwin.

  “I am neither experienced in combat nor in strategy. I can provide you with some basic information that I had observed for the little while I had spent with that group.”

  Harwin told them about all the physical appearances and weapons being carried by some of the more important members of his former group, to the best of his abilites

  If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  He felt a hint of hypocrisy in his heart, as he was helping defeat the very group that had first helped him, but there certainly was a matter of consent in the situation. The first group had taken him as a slave though he was mostly treated kindly, but he was never their equal.

  In the village he felt respected and wanted not as a slave, but as an individual. He was free to pursue all his interest and learn freely while being rewarded for his advice and suggestions.

  Yes, he was being selfish. He knew it as well,but he chose to help those who would provide him with more value — thinking just like an accountant. He was powerless for now, so he had to survive till he could make his own decisions.

  “I, however, have a request if you do not mind listening.”

  “Sure, there is no need to be so formal.”

  “I want to accompany you. If we can negotiate with these beast-men, then it will be better as killing one for the other does not end the blood-shed, but only continues it till none survive.”

  Harwin spoke what was on his mind. Not out of pity for his former group, but it was to avoid violence and bloodshed. It costed a-lot to fund a battle, and considering the condition of the village, it was best to avoid such a venture.

  “I do agree with you Gor, as I have had the same advice from great men under whom I have served. However, in this situation and with the type of men we are dealing with, it will be near impossible to have a fruitful conversation, much less a deal. I have fought beside several of these beast-men, and one thing that is common among them is that they are belligerent and do not value the lives of others much, not even that of their fellow warriors. Well all except for one beast-man, who was one of his kind, but I do not even know where he is right now.” Graftel presented his views.

  He was a seasoned warrior. He knew that the best way to judge the character of a man was is in a war, where line of morality is but a line which is casually stepped over without a second thought. Only those with honour are worthy of earning respect under these conditions. At-least, that was the criteria set by a person such as Graftel.

  “I understand, but I still insist. If we talk to them first, then it might avoid unnecessary bloodshed. The life of one of your precious soldier was lost, but that does not constitute putting the lives of the other villagers at risk. The beast-men group had links to lords of the local land, and as I have been informed that the truce between humans and elves is, but an agreement which may break even on the smallest of excuses. I have been given the role of an adviser, so that is my advice to you, following it, is your own choice.” Harwin argued.

  “You are responsible for yourself, if we are following this plan. You might slow us down as we travel, so Farelen will be responsible for carrying you. Know that, you are on your own if the negotiation fails. We will be giving the enemy opportunity to prepare due to your plan so you best be prepared to risk your life as well.” Graftel's conditions were strict but just.

  “I thank you. I will not disappoint.”

  Harwin bowed his head to show how grateful he truly was.

  “Very well Human. I will be carrying you the whole way so you better be prepared. You would not be getting the lady-like treatment. Try your best to hold on to me when I move, otherwise you will fall to your death. I do not want to limit my movement on account of your presence.”

  Farelen stepped forward. He was apparently kneeling down while Graftel was instructing, but once he stood up — he was a giant, almost as tall as Borman himself. He was a middle-aged fellow. He had the face of man who had seen many battles.

  His battle scars were even visible on his face, as if medals of honors.

  “I will try my best not to be a burden on you. I apologize for the inconvenience.”

  Harwin put up a strong front, but he was terrified inside. They would be making leaps from one tree to the other while still being considerably above the ground. Still, he had already shown his resolve so he could not back down now.

  The group finalized their strategies and prepared for departure.

  It was in the late afternoon that they left. The elves were experts of their surroundings, and had the whole forest memorized at the back of their hand. It was no problem for them to fight even in the dark, rather it gave them the upper-hand on their opposition.

  Harwin held to his carrier with every ounce of strength he had.

  It was still very difficult not to throw up given the movements he had to endure. Such things were never experienced by him before, but he knew if he barfed right now, he would be thrown immediately. Harwin steeled his nerves and did not waiver, no matter what.

  They leaped from one tree to the other, making their way through the forest. After about twenty to thirty minutes of constant traveling, Sarial, who was the scout, signaled them to stop.

  The enemy was right there, but about thirty to forty feet below. There was only one for now. A humongous beast who was traveling nonsensically as if lost. It was still strange that he had made his way so close to the village which made them unsure, if he was truly lost or not.

  After scouting the area for a while, they decided to confront Borman.

  “Three of you will remain hidden here under the command of Fitz. Farelen, Gor and myself will make our way to this beast while you lot keep your senses sharp and eyes open. Report even the slightest of movements you deem suspicious, but do not engage without getting the orders first.” Graftel whispered as to not alert the infiltrator.

  Carefully, they made their way way down and finally came face to face with their enemy.

  “HUMAN! YOU ARE HERE. I FOUND YOU, BOSS WILL HAPPY!” Borman shouted with excitement, his sentences were all jumbled up.

  “Borman, it has been some-time since we last saw each othe. What are you doing here alone?”

  Harwin asked — adding a sense of familiarity to his sentence to gain the beast’s favor.

  “NO QUESTIONS HUMAN! YOU COME WITH ME TO BOSS, LET GO IMMEDIATELY.”

  “What is the beast saying, Gor?” Graftel demanded for translation.

  Harwin only now remembered that these men did not speak or understand beast-men's tongue. He translated what Borman said word by word. Graftel responded with:

  “Tell him this: You beast! he is a free man now, where are your comrades? It would be better if they are here to carry your head back to the boss once I remove it off your shoulders. It will surely mean nothing considering the head is mostly empty anyways.”

  Graftel made Harwin translate the whole thing. He did not give Borman any respect what-so-ever, rather wished to antagonize him.

  He had either forgotten what he agreed with Harwin, or was just completely disregarding it. Harwin complied with the order although he softened the words as much as possible.

  “YOU FILTH! HOW DARE YOU MAKE FUN OF BORMAN! I CUT YOU IN HALF! A SMALL FRY LIKE YOU, NEVER LAY A HAND ON MIGHTY BORMAN! BOW AND I MAKE IT QUICK!”

  Borman already had a bad temper, and after such an insult, it was nearly impossible for this beast to keep down.

  “Farelen, you are quite near his size. Why not make him your pet. I am sure, he will be quite the loyal dog once he receives the proper training.”

  Graftel did not stop with the insults, he had a totally different demeanor now.

  “Very well. As his first lesson, I will make it impossible for him to bite by breaking that filthy mouth of his.”

  Farelen wielded a great-axe as his weapon. It was as long as Harwin himself.

  “Master, what about—” Harwin was interrupted.

  “If it was someone more sensible, I would have gladly welcomed a conversation, but this thing has a nothing in his head to negotiate with.” Graftel argued.

  Borman have had enough of waiting.

  He launched himself towards Farelen with his axe, but it was stopped immediately by his opponent without much effort which further angered the beast.

  Borman went berserk with his next blows — swinging his axe without a single care for anyone or anything in his path.

  Farelen, however, was deflecting them all without breaking a sweat. There was simply a difference of skill and power between both individuals. One’s skills were too high for the other to even land so much as a scratch.

  After a while, Borman got exhausted and was now much slower. His counter-part was still as fresh as ever.

  Farelen now proceeded to take on the offence. He did not strike with the sharper end of his axe, but only broke his enemy’s mouth as he had claimed earlier. Borman scream in agony, it must have been the first time for him to get outmatched.

  After that it was just plain beating as if to a dog by his cruel owner.

  Farelen broke every bone in the beast’s body who cried with agony every time he got hit. It was too much for Harwin to see, so he closed his eyes.

  “BOSS! RYL! HELP!” The beast screamed in agony as he was being beaten mercilessly.

  These words were proof that there were indeed men hiding in the forest. Why had they not shown themselves yet, was a different question.

  There was no movements in the trees and no suspicious changes in the environment. It made Harwin think, that it was just the subconscious reaction of Borman to call for help from his comrades.

  It was a mistake to think that. Suddenly, groups of beast-men begun to reveal themselves out of no-where. There were dozens of them and had completely surrounded Graftel's group.

  There was no sound or movement for a while.

  Graftel and Farelen readied themselves to fight. The support had already noticed this sudden ambush and prepared to shoot with their bows as soon as Graftel signlled.

  The air was tense. Neither Graftel nor Farelen made any moves. Harwin gulped down in fear at the situation they had found themselves in.