Champions Vol. 01

"The priest who ran that temple gathered as many volunteers as he could, but our land knows little of fighting and nothing of warfare. The morning they gathered to leave, the last Champion of Eros arrived with a group of followers, and joined them in facing the invaders. Her group was small, but they had stood at her side and had helped defend the realm for centuries. Their experience made all the difference once the two forces met.

"Even using the Champions' magic to speed their travel it took the group nearly four days to reach the fishing village, and by that time the raiders had already moved on. The Champion's force tracked, and eventually found, the raiders that had begun to make their way toward Calavius. They met in the afternoon, and fought each other until dark. No one knows how or why, but the Champion was slain during the fighting. Her followers and a handful of townspeople returned to Exitibus with news of what happened. The surviving invaders had left in the night, returning to their ships and leaving Erosius. No one who returned was willing to speak of the Champion's fall, and her companions disappeared into the land to fade into obscurity since losing her that day.

"Since then, this event has been called the Great Battle and the ground where the Champion was slain has been known as the Field of Woe. Those who have traveled to the site speak of a great sorrow, and rage seeping from the very ground. Few were able to stand it very long, and I know of no one who visits the Field of Woe now."

As David nodded his understanding, she felt it necessary to add, "That is where Eros commanded me to guide you. He wishes you to meet with him at the site of the Great Battle."

He didn't like the sound of that. He had enough rage and sorrow left over from Afghanistan; he damn sure didn't feel like adding any more. Then again, at this point in his life he would probably be immune. If these people weren't fighters and didn't know about war then it was no wonder Eros grabbed someone from his world to defend this little patch of dirt. But why him? There were thousands of Special Operations soldiers roaming the hills of Afghanistan that would have been a much better choice. Professional badasses that could use the handful of weapons he had to defeat multiple armies single-handedly. Why was he here, instead of one of them?

Realizing he had been quiet for some time, and that Laurena had not disturbed his thoughts, he turned and thanked her for the information, and the time to process it.

"It is what I am here for Champion. I am your guide to our god. I would be failing him and you if I did not do everything I could to prepare you for the unknown future you will face," she told him with a gentle smile.

Turning his attention back to the road, he thought to himself, she really is beautiful. It's too bad she's such an enormous pain the ass.

Looking ahead, he saw what appeared to be a farm in the distance. He wondered if it would be safe to stop in there for supplies and food. They might even let them spend the night. Looking over at Laurena, he realized she would probably guarantee them an offer to stay the night. If she could keep her mouth shut.

***

The farmer, Timothy, had been more than willing to help them. He was initially leery of David with his strange clothing and weapons; but once the man had seen Laurena and learned of her status as a member of Eros' clergy he practically fell over himself offering them aid. The farmer's wife, Dawn, had been less impressed with the girl, but her mood thawed eventually. The young couple had invited the travelers in for a wonderful dinner, and even offered them their own bed to sleep in that night. David politely declined.

He was perfectly comfortable spending the night in their hay loft, and he would have rather slept in a freezing rainstorm than kick his hosts out of their own bed after all their generosity. Laurena was less pleased with his decision.

"Why do we have to sleep in the barn?" she asked him the minute they had left the house for their chosen accommodations.

"Because it would have been rude to sleep in their bed and force them to sleep on the floor, or in their own barn," he explained, with his patience rapidly dwindling again. Her mood after getting to ride her horse again had been an improvement, and her pleasant interactions with the wonderful couple had been a surprise to him. But she was reverting to behavior that he'd had more than enough of that morning. If she kept it up, she would find herself waking up at the bottom of the farmer's well.

"But they offered. If they did not wish us to use it they would not have mentioned it," she continued, the annoying whine he was all too familiar with began edging back into her voice.

"Then walk back in there and ask if you can join them," he snapped, continuing his walk to the barn. "I'm spending the night out here."

That statement gave her pause. Was he serious? Share a bed with a married couple? They were young, not much older than her, but she was an acolyte. Would they misunderstand her intentions? What would David think of her if she did it?

She had realized that her attitude that morning had undermined her seduction of the Champion, and she had been working to repair the damage since. He seemed to approve of her courtesy toward the farmer and his wife, so she had tried extra hard to ingratiate herself with them. The home and meal were not nearly as grand as she was used to in Sanctuary Port, but both were far better than eating along the road and she was very demonstrative in her gratitude. But she couldn't understand his reticence about accepting a comfortable place to spend the night. She had spent almost two weeks on the road by now, and a warm bed was a luxury only a fool would turn down. But it seemed he was determined to do just that, and her dissatisfaction over his decision was not well received. She realized that his approval of her actions and conduct was far more important than a warm bed at the moment.

"I am sorry Champion," she backpedalled. "I was not questioning your decision, only trying to understand it."

They had reached the barn while she spoke, and as David opened the door he sighed at her words.

"I know you don't understand. They offered because they're trying to be good hosts. But look at what they have. They are a young couple, without even their first child, trying to run a farm on their own. That is a difficult life," he explained. "Timothy and Dawn have to work hard all day to keep this place running, and probably rarely get time together. At night, in bed, is probably the most time they get with one another all day; and so it is the most precious thing they have in their lives right now. We would be horrible guests to take that from them."

Listening closely to his explanation, she began to understand some things. He had told her earlier in the day about his world, and about growing up on a farm. He had also spoken of losing both of his parents. She realized that when he looked at the young couple, he saw a hint of what his own parents must have been like before he was born.

"I understand now why you had to decline," she admitted as they stopped where her saddle and bags were stowed, to remove her bedroll and blanket. "I did not realize the value of what they offered, or the cost to them if we had accepted."

Turning to look her in the eye, he tried to see if she was just agreeing with him to get back in his good graces or because she genuinely understood what he meant. After a moment he resigned himself to the fact that he couldn't tell the difference, and just hoped that it was the second case. He gathered his rucksack, weapons, and ammo bag and hauled them up the ladder to the loft a few pieces at a time. It was less than fun, but he refused to leave them out of reach during the night. There was trusting, and then there was just plain stupid. He was barely the first anymore, and he refused to be the second.

Following him up after his last trip, Laurena set her bedding down and cautiously inquired of him, "David, do you need any healing tonight?"

He thought about it. His legs were the kind of sore that happens when you carry a 60 pound rucksack and another 60 pounds of weapons, ammo, body armor, and miscellaneous gear. But he knew from experience he would be good enough by morning to do it all over again.

"Thank you, but no I'm good right now," he replied.

"Ok, then can you hold still a moment while I cleanse us before we sleep?" she asked him.

"Sure."

Gathering her will she concentrated her magic on cleansing them both, softly chanting the words needed to convince it of her goal. Moments later they were both refreshed and ready for bed. While she watched him pull his bedding out, she had an idea that might help her get her seduction of him back on track.

"David, it's a bit cold without a fire, and I fear my blanket and bedroll will be insufficient. Can I share yours?"

Facing away from her, she couldn't see the annoyed grimace on his face. "Sure," he said, "the three bag configuration is too warm for this weather anyway."

Opening his bag he disconnected and removed the heaviest interior bag, and tossed it to her.

"There you go, just remember to zip it closed when you get in."

He didn't see the look of frustration and annoyance on her face as he took off his boots and climbed into his bag alone. If he had, he probably would have laughed himself to sleep.

*** Chapter 11: Wolfsvale ***

121720MAR13 DW

Wolfsvale, Erosius

As Laurena hopped from their wagon, she thanked Timothy and Dawn again for the ride into Wolfsvale. They had been generous enough the night before providing the meal and lodging, but this morning they mentioned that they had not traveled to Wolfsvale in nearly a month; and they had not participated in worship services since before the previous winter. They asked if they could accompany the traveling duo to the town. Laurena was pleased with the idea of their company on the road and later overjoyed when she discovered they would travel with a wagon big enough for her and David to join them on. He had chosen to ride Meadowgrass instead, but had loaded all of her bags and most of his gear into the empty bed of the wagon. He was heavier than Laurena, but without the weight of the bags her horse was able to bear him easily.

David called his thanks to the married couple as well. They had saved him from walking the nearly fifteen miles to the town, and he was grateful. As he dismounted to join Laurena in front of the temple, he noticed how much lighter his load was after the changes he had made that morning. Realizing the weapons he carried were the only firearms that existed on this world, he had removed the ceramic plates from his vest. The vest still had the Kevlar soft plates that would stop a pistol round and, more important to his current circumstances, slow a knife attack; but it was now significantly lighter. He also switched out his helmet for his Multi-Cam boonie hat. All told he had dropped over 20 pounds of extra weight with the changes. He had thought about discarding the plates, but when the couple had decided to travel with them he stored them in his rucksack instead. He could always throw them away later.

Stopping him at the entrance to the temple, Laurena cast her cleansing spell on the both of them. She wanted to make a good impression with the priest, Astinus, who ran it. Once she had finished they walked up the short steps and into the main temple.

David was not entirely sure what he expected, but the inside of the building was certainly a surprise to him. There was no lectern or alter at the front of the room. Nor were there benches for worshipers to sit upon. There was a door just inside the entrance that seemed to lead to a closet, and the rest of the temple was an open room, with large, thickly padded cushions in neat rows throughout. Along each wall were a series of fireplaces, currently unlit, with stained glass windows spaced evenly between them. In each window was a different image of a dark-haired, golden-skinned man crafted with the colored glass. In some he was embracing different people, in others he was surrounded by kneeling groups.

This must be Eros, David thought.

As he perused the images within the windows, a middle-aged man stepped through a door in the far wall from the entrance. The newcomer was wearing simple but immaculate white robes, was very handsome, and seemed in excellent shape for a man half his age. He also had a gentle and welcoming smile on his face.

"Welcome to the temple of Eros travelers. It is always a joy to see new faces in Wolfsvale, and most especially in my humble temple," the man said as he approached them from across the room.

Stepping forward Laurena addressed him, "It is our pleasure to be here. Might you be Priest Astinus?"

Looking closer at Laurena's robes and posture, the man showed surprise before smiling wider and replying, "That I am, my dear. I have not seen an acolyte of Eros in over thirty winters. What brings you so far from the Great Temple?"

"I was granted the opportunity to travel to Calavius for the opening of their new temple next month," she explained, seeming somewhat nervous. "Five nights ago I was sent a vision from our god, telling me that a handful of his faithful were to seek out a Champion, and bring the man to him at the Field of Woe.

"Two days ago the Champion found me, waylaid by ruffians on my way through Snow Gap Pass. He rescued me, and now we are on our way to the site of the Great Battle, as Eros commanded."

As she told her story his expression changed from good humor, to surprise, to a look of deep sorrow, and finally settled on a frown. Closing his eyes, his lips murmured for a few short seconds, and he reopened his eyes to inspect her form for a few moments.

"Your words ring of truth, but you must forgive me for checking. It has been a long time since the last Champion fell, and I had never thought to see another," he explained his magic use apologetically.

Nodding her head in understanding, she displayed surprise at his mention of the last Champion. "Did you know the last Champion?" Laurena inquired. "David has many questions that I am unable to answer. Aurelia always spoke very highly of you, and your wisdom."

At the mention of her mentor's name, his frown broke into a wistful grin. "Ahh, sweet Aurelia. It has been so many winters since I have seen her. Is she well?"

"Yes sir," she responded. "She is quite well and sends her love and best wishes."

Nodding to her, his expression became more serious as he turned to look at David. "In answer to your other question, the last Champion and I...met...while I was teaching at the Great Temple. I'm sure there are a few questions about her that I could answer if it meant helping the next Champion."

"Thank you sir," David said. The older man's moods seemed to fluctuate rapidly, but then again it wasn't every day that a priest heard a story like that, and stood face-to-face with the 'Chosen One' of their deity.

"Think nothing of it Champion," Astinus said. "We are all servants of the same god.

"I imagine you have both had a long few days, and could use a good rest before you continue on your journey. It would please me if you would stay here at the temple while you are in Wolfsvale. I have empty rooms for traveling clergy that you can use, and if you give me a few moments to close up we can all go to the tavern for a special dinner."

Nodding in agreement, the pair allowed the priest to lead them toward the door he had come from.

"We also have a horse outside," David commented. "Do you have somewhere we can stable him during our stay?"

"Naturally," Astinus replied with a nod. "I have a decent sized barn and stables in the back, and there are a few open stalls we can put him in during your stay.

"Let us get you situated, and we can secure your mount before we leave for The Howling Moons."

***

Astinus had shown them to their rooms, helped them settle Meadowgrass into a stall, and guided them to The Howling Moons Tavern; which lay a few hundred feet down the main road from the temple. They were now seated at one of the many tables in the cozy establishment. While they were waiting for the waitress to return with their meals, David and Laurena finished up the story of their encounter with the highwaymen. Astinus had requested they tell him what had happened in detail.

"...so I cut her free from the post, we grabbed her horse and supplies, and hid out in a cave until morning. Since then we have had no other trouble on the road here," David explained.

"And killing them was your only option?" Astinus inquired.

"Huh?" David responded, surprised at the question.

"To clarify, you had no other way of stopping them than ending their lives?" the priest asked.

"Well, I could have waited until they were done with the young lady, had fallen asleep, and then snuck into their camp and asked them to pretty please surrender with sugar on top. But I figured that she wouldn't have appreciated my restraint after they finished with whatever they planned to do to her," he responded sarcastically.

Seeing that this line of questioning would not be productive Astinus decided to change the subject, and asked Laurena, "Acolyte, do you remember hearing any of their names?"

"Umm, I think the leader was called Boast, and the larger one was called Thalmer, or Farmer," she said hesitantly.

Hearing these names Astinus nodded his head, as though they were confirming something he had already known.

"Broast and Dalmer," Astinus said, correcting her. "And the three with them were probably Andre, Farris, and Gaius; although Farat, Dorn, and Octavius are also missing." Astinus sighed, "It is unfortunate that you killed those men, but I believe I understand your reasons. Yet please remember Champion, that Eros holds all life precious, even the lives of criminals. I ask that next time you try to avoid bloodshed."

David looked at Astinus as though he had suddenly sprouted a dick on his forehead.

"Let's just gloss right over you Monday morning quarterbacking my decisions, and skip to the part where you know so much about the people that tried to harm the lady here," he said, his tone showing his resentment of the man's comments.

I bet this tree hugger would have let her get raped just so he wouldn't get his hands dirty, David thought to himself with disgust.

Laurena first shot a scandalized look at David for his tone towards the priest, but his words caused her to quickly cast an inquisitive look in Astinus' direction.

"Those men were once citizens of this town," Astinus explained with a sigh. "They were foolish as young men, and greedy. There were many more of them back then, and not long after the youngest reached their eighteenth winter they traveled as a group to the west. They claimed to seek treasures supposedly abandoned in the fishing village that had been destroyed by the invaders of the Great Battle. But they returned two seasons later; fewer in number, empty-handed, and angry.

"It had taken them months to find the abandoned village. They claimed to have only been there a handful of days, finding nothing of value during that time, when they came under attack from a large group of strange people. These attackers were numerous, and fought with both total rage and a frightening disregard for their own lives. They slaughtered nearly half of those that had traveled to the village, and the ones who survived to return claimed they had barely escaped with their lives. Twenty foolish young men left this town seeking riches, only eleven returned. "

Shaking his head, Astinus paused in his story to thank the waitress who had finally returned with their food. Taking a sip of his water, he cleared his throat and continued.