Ch.14 Mark of the Griffon

Nero and Maude were faced against the Hunters during a winter storm.

Snow rained down upon the individuals as the cold winds bellowed through the North Mountains.

Visibility of each combatant was low because of the foul weather. Nero had his head covered by his cloak and Maude still wore her veil with her own cloak covering her red hair. The Hunters covered their faces with white cloth and hoods. Only the young Hunter with raven black hair showed the top of his head as a white bandana covered his mouth.

The Hunters were prepared to fight Nero and Maude for the Griffon. They sought the achievement of killing a noble beast and was willing to do what was necessary to accomplish that. These Hunters sought the talon of the Griffon to add to their mark. The raven haired Hunter with a long spear was gauging his opponents. He could only guess his adversaries as a warrior and an archer. The Hunters had the numbers and they never once doubted their own skill.

The other Hunters realized their own advantage over the pair quickly. Nero was brandishing a short sword and Maude a bow. The way Nero held his sword told the Hunters that he was an amateur with a blade. As for the archer, only expert archers in the realm of Heroes could use a bow in the winter storm. Their confidence rose high as they assumed their victory.

Maude went close to Nero to tighten their defense against the five Hunters.

"One lancer and one warrior," Maude said. "The lancer with the spear looks like the leader."

The pair were outnumbered but that didn't stop their willingness to fight the Hunters.

"This isn't going to be easy but we should finish this and head to the fortress as soon as possible," Maude said as she scanned the area. "Don't hesitate to say anything."

The Hunters crept closer to the pair.

"Those three in the back are mages," Nero commented to Maude as he perceived the mana flowing around them. "They are casting spells! Move!"

Three of the Hunters wasted no effort and were already casting their spells with the help of their staffs.

["North winds aid us...Fleet of foot"]

A spell to enhance their movement with lighter steps.

["May Arcas the white protect us!... Barrier!"]

A mana barrier to negate the impact of attacks.

["Burn those who get in our way!... Flame!"]

A magical attack by igniting the flow of mana.

Nero and Maude separated in opposite directions as a searing stream of flame headed down their way. The stream of fire connected with the wall of earth and burnt it to ashes. The Griffon screeched as it now appeared before the Hunters again. The Griffon was badly injured and could not run away even if it wanted to. The Hunters moved quickly in formation as the warriors went to deal with the Griffon with support from the mages.

"I won't let you!" Nero shouted. ["Earth! Wall!"]

A bigger wall of earth erupted from the snow and blocked their view of the Griffon once more. The Lancer and warrior evaded the ground which rose swiftly. The mages were shocked at how quickly Nero could use magic. These mages coincidently were only beginners in the field of magic but lauded as gifted. They would never have imagined meeting Nero who could invoke his magic more quickly and efficiently than they ever could.

Usually, mages would percept their spells with the power of words. Using words of power gives guidance to the mana and better perception for the user. Having tombs, runes, staffs, or other magical objects help invoke it. What they didn't realize was that Nero was a 'Wordmancer,' he didn't need a percept to use his magic. Just commanding his magic with a word was enough.

It was one of the most powerful techniques he learned from his father, Gregor the Great.

Wordmancy was a tool used and known by only a few mages and wizards. Few could master and even a minuscule amount could use it. Nero being a user was unfathomable for a young man his age. It was definitely a benefit to him being taught by one of the greatest wizards in the known world and one of the four Wise Men, Gregor.

Nero's hands glowed yellow and he pointed at each Hunter.

["Earth! Spike! Spike! Spike! Spike! Spike!"]

The ground shot up at each Hunter individually from Nero's spell. They were surprised at the attack and confused for a moment. Rock from the ground collided with an invisible barrier and was repelled. But this event was exactly what Nero aimed for. The mana barrier for each of them shattered instantly and they were now subject to attack.

Mana barriers were the first line of defenses for mages and Nero knew very well how to destroy them.

"Now...*wheeze*...Maude!"

Beads of sweat dripped down Nero's face, even with the cold air he was sweating desperately. He was physically exhausted prior to this point and now he was invoking his magic in a fight. Nero began to stagger a little and Maude looked at him with worry. Nero's giving his best, I should to the same. Not wanting to give up this chance, Maude aimed for the Hunters.

Maude let loose a volley of arrows at the Hunters but her shots were easily evaded.

"Watch for the archer!" A hunter yelled.

"Focus on that wall!" Another said.

"Keep those two occupied!" The raven haired Hunter signaled the mages.

The winds were blowing like a hurricane and Maude could not fix her sight down to fire her bow.

"The wind is too strong!" Maude shouted to Nero.

The mages cast magic against Nero's walls but each time it was broken Nero just replaced it again.

"Damn, his magic is strong!"

Nero was rapidly unleashing an onslaught of his magic.

["Earth! Wall! Spike! Spike!"]

Nero kept the warrior and lancer occupied as all they could do was evade.

"Get the archer instead!" The warrior felt helpless from the pressure Nero brought forth and charged at Maude in lieu of Nero.

"Wait!" The lancer shouted.

Nero was separated by a distance from Maude and he could not help her as he was busy dealing with the other hunters.

"This one's mine!" The warrior shouted. ["Red strike"]

A skill used by warriors to increase their flurry of attacks.

The warrior began violently swinging his blade against Maude. She evaded the warrior's strikes effortlessly as she was skilled in the art of combat. Quick! She's too quick! the warrior thought. Even with a spell of movement and a skill of striking, the warrior could not catch up to Maude's speed in the snow. Maude was graceful under the pressure of a cold blade. The warrior hadn't realized that the armor underneath his white cloth slowed him down compared to Maude who only had on a winter jacket under her cloak.

By Arcas! I can't hit this archer! Damn! Who are these two!?

Maude twirled and dodged attacks while willing to counter some blows with her ebony bow made of Orichalcum. This Hunter is too sloppy with a sword, does he think he can hit me? The snow made it difficult to get footing so the warrior could not land a hard strike against Maude. When he did land a near strike, Maude repelled his blows. The warrior stopped his offense to get better footing and size up Maude. In that moment of hesitation, Maude kicked him square in the chest and knocked the air from his lungs.

The warrior flew backward and crashed into a pile of snow.

"Joel!" A Hunter mage shouted. "Damn you!"

One of the Hunter mages cast a fireball at Maude but an earth wall rose up and deflected it.

"We can't do anything with that sorcerer there!"

Maude ran over to Nero and was about to give him her thanks but saw the haggard state he was in.

"Nero! Are you alright!?" Maude said with worry.

"Maude...*gasp*...do not worry about me...*cough*...I'll give you a vantage point...*wheeze*...I-I don't think I can last...protect the Griffon!"

Nero's face was pale and he gave Maude a half smile.

"What!?" Maude said in confusion.

Nero wrote his magic in the air and commanded it.

["Earth! Tower!"]

The ground beneath Maude shook and she was lifted up with the ground. Maude was inside a tower of earth with an open view and given a clear vantage point. She would be able to aim her attacks down the wind. The lancer would not be able to reach her but only the mages could aim for her now. Maude still worried for Nero who seemed heavily drained.

Nero was in a pitiful state but he would not stop protecting the Griffon. He had just saved the noble beast a day prior and didn't want to see it die a day later. The leader of the Hunters tried to approach Nero quickly but he was kept at bay by Nero's magic. Blast! Don't know how long I can hold out for. Nero was summoning up all the amounts of fortitude left in his body. His magical energy was still there but his physical energy was depleted.

Nero's eyes became blurry and he felt like he was going to faint at any moment.

Seeing an opening, the lancer dashed forward at Nero. Reacting to the sudden movement, Nero unleashed his magic at the raven haired Hunter. As soon as the ground erupted, the lancer used the movement of the earth and jumped like a springboard to Nero with his spear. Nero tried deflecting the strike with his short sword.

Nero was pushed back and he used all his strength to keep himself up.

Nero was not well-versed in the art of close armed combat. His body was slowed from exhaustion and he could barely think straight. The lancer could very well see Nero's state of distress and pressed his attack. Nero became covered in cuts and bruises as he fought on with the Lancer. Finally, the Lancer lunged a strike at Nero and impaled him in the thigh. Nero cried out in pain and Maude could only watch in horror.

"NERO!" Maude screamed.

The lancer using the end of his spear spun it around and struck Nero in the head with the end of the pole, knocking him out cold in the field of snow and rock.

"I have him! Destroy the wall!" The lancer shouted to the mages.

The mages began casting spells to destroy the wall.

"Nero!" Maude yelled again to no avail.

Maude held up her bow and called upon the spirits of the wind to aid her.

["Wind spirits, hear my call, make my arrows fly straight and true."]

The winds answered and rushed towards her as a glowing green light enveloped Maude's hands. Her arrows would fly now as if they were the winds themselves. Maude pulled an arrow from her quiver and the wind magic in her hands shook off the frost that covered it. Maude found her footing and drew back her bow to let loose an arrow. The arrow flew straight at one of the mages casting a spell and penetrated his arm. Blood spewed forth from the mages arm and his spell was rendered useless.

The other Hunters broke their concentration as they witnessed their ally being wounded.

"Ahhhhhh!" "Nooo!" They shrieked.

One! Three more to go! Don't worry Nero, I'll protect this Griffon!

"Gah! The archer shot me!" The mage yelled while clutching his arm.

The other mages hesitated as they knew they were sitting ducks for Maude.

"Keep going she can't get you both!" The Lancer called back.

The Lancer tried to move back and protect the mages who began to cast again.

I won't let you!

Maude drew two arrows from her quiver and aimed her bow down horizontally. The mages were separated by a couple paces. Resting the arrowheads on the relic of the spider while she gripped the bow. Maude's muscles tightened as she felt the draw weight increase from her pull. Holding the fletching of the arrows with her draw hand, Maude held her breath in the cold air. The winter storm continued its control over visibility and the elements.

Maude's eyes were downfield to her targets and the white snow drifting in the air did not make her lose focus.

I'll definitely protect this Griffon!

["Twin Shot"]

Maude let loose her arrows with a twang.

The arrows separated and headed for both mages. The mages could only watch as the arrows aimed straight towards them. But before those arrows could hit their targets, the Hunter with the radiant spear leaped into the air. The raven haired lancer deflected one arrow quickly and prepared a skill for the other. A green aura surrounded him as he looked for the other arrow in the air.

["Wind Slash"]

A sonic boom of air darted across the field and knocked the other arrow away.

No! He's blessed with the wind too!

"Leader!" A mage said.

"Quickly now!" The lancer replied back.

Both mages finished their incantations.

["We call upon the God of the South, let all those feel the fury of your might...Fireball!"]

A ball of fire roared away from the mages and headed straight for the wall of earth Nero had created. It burst apart at the wall and melted away nearly everything in its wake. The Griffon screeched as the fireball nearly ignited the beast itself. Maude was in shock

'Not enough?" The Lancer said. "I'll finish it!"

The lancer darted across the field and headed to slay the Griffon.

I have to stop him!

Maude unleashed a volley of arrows against the Lancer.

The raven haired hunter dodged the attacks in a zigzag motion. His feet were light and he ran as if he was just over the snow. The radiant long spear glowed in his hands, the most prominent feature of the weapon were its golden white edges that flared outward from its silver body to the tip, giving off an elegant lethality. Maude could not stop the lancer from approaching the Griffon at the pace he ran.

Maude pulled out another and aimed her sights for the lancer when a feeling of dread alerted her.

"Pii!" The yellow spider in her jacket cried out.

Maude noticed by mere moments of an impending attack on the earth tower she stood on. Maude ducked down and held the spider close as the earth tower was rocked by an explosion of fire. The tower was scorched and burst apart. Maude was flung from the tower onto the snow covered rocks below.

"Got that archer!" A Hunter mage yelled in excitement.

Pii could not do anything but hold on as it stayed in its master's grasp. Maude tried to spin herself mid-air and was able to roll off the ground when she came into contact. Maude was able to escape major injury but not without some bruises. Her yellow familiar was still fine as she had taken the brunt of the impact. The Orc girl struggled to get up as she was dazed by the attack that left a ringing in her ear. She could only watch as the scene unfolded in front of her.

The Griffon screeched and roared preparing a fight to the death.

The lancer dashed for the Griffon and began stabbing the beast with his radiant spear. The Griffon tried to pounce on the Hunter and make use of its strength to crush its smaller foe. But it could not be prepared for how fast the Hunter moved in the drifting snow. More blood began to pour on the ground as the lancer opened new wounds on the Griffon.

The Griffon wailed a deathly cry as it neared the end of its fate. It's wings battered and bloody, tried to flap around to no use. It reared its mighty talons for the lancer but its paws were slashed at from the tips of his spear. The Hunter was too quick for the beast and its strength had long faded. Only the chirps of its young kept the Griffon on to the fight.

["Five Point Strike!"]

The lancer kept a barrage of strikes and stabs while moving all around the beast.

"He's doing it!"

"Keep going!"

The Hunters were in disbelief at the way their leader battled a noble beast stuck in a corner.

Meaning. Worth. Don't think about any of that. Just the battle. Just the kill. I'll use my strength to get everything I want!

A glowing light enveloped the lancer and he went for the finishing blow.

["Vorpal Strike!"]

The lancer leaped high in the air and pointed his long spear at the Griffon.

No! No! No!

Maude could see the eyes of the noble Griffon looking back to her and thanking her for all she had done.

One last cry could be heard from the Griffon as the Radiant spear plunged deep into its heart. Blood gushed outward and seeped the white snow into a mess of red. The Hunter pulled his spear out and spun it around to throw off the excess liquid stained on it.

Maude in dismay had watched as the Hunter skewered the noble Griffon. Its wings flapped in shock in its death throes. Maude tried to drag herself closer and tears started to fall from her face. Her body did not have the strength to move even further because of the shock to her heart. The cries of the young Griffon's continued as its parent had left the world and them alone. Nero was left unconscious in the falling snow of the winter storm unable to comprehend what a scene could have done to him.

The snow and winds began to subside from the fierce storm it once was but its chill was still there.

"We have done the impossible and have left our mark!" The Hunter yelled.

The young Hunter used his spear to cut off a piece of the Griffon's talon.

"From now on! Our group shall be known as the Talon of the Griffon!"

The Hunters were in full celebration after having killed the Griffon.

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry I failed you.

Maude could only shed more tears as the noise of the Hunters were drowned out with the death wails of the Griffon in her mind.

"Let's go now before the storm gets worst!"

"What about them?"

"Right."

The Hunters snickered and picked up their comrades who were beaten by Maude.

"Leave them, if they are travelers, let them go on their way," the lancer said. "If they are going to Cadmium they will realize who they were dealing with."

The Hunters laughed and cheered again.

"You're lucky this time," One of the Hunters growled at Maude as he took out the arrow from his arm and drank a health potion to heal his wounds.

Two of the other Hunters carried back their warrior friend while he was still incapacitated. The Hunters regrouped and sang praises of their leader. Maude was crestfallen at the sight of the Griffon which seems to stare at her soul. Something started to click inside Maude's head as she repeated the death of the Griffon in her mind. Maude recognized those movements, the way the Hunter held his long spear and his piercing style of combat.

Maude turned her head and gazed at the Hunters who were overjoyed.

The young Hunter unveiled his face and Maude's suspicions were confirmed when she saw him. His pale white face matched perfectly with the drifting snow. The features on his face would mesmerize any man or woman and call him abnormally beautiful. He looked like a fairy of legends. The young raven haired Hunter smiled to his comrades. His smile dazzled like sparks and would render anyone in awe on sight.

Maude stood up straight and walked plainly towards the raven haired Hunter with the radiant spear. Her tears still streaming and her fury unabated. They did not notice her as they exalted joy over their triumph. Maude did not waste her time with her steps to get close. The young hunter himself didn't expect what would happen next. By the time the Hunter noticed Maude, she had slapped him straight across his face.

The loud smack enraged the Hunters until Maude called out to their leader.

"Alexander," Maude said after glaring down the leader of the Hunters.

The young man was startled for a moment and then came to his senses when he saw who slapped him.

"Maude?" Alexander said as he felt his cheek.

"What have you done!? You should know better than this! Your father and mother have taught you better than this!" Maude pierced a cold gaze at Alexander.

"Y-you...were the ones protecting this Griffon!?"

Alexander was still shocked and dazed at seeing Maude again.

"What are you doing here? There's a winter storm going on!"

"A visit, but I don't like our welcome," Maude scowled at Alexander and the Hunters.

The rest of the Hunters took down their masks to reveal their youthful faces. Maude didn't recognize any of them but they looked to be delicate like flowers. There were two girls and two boys with Alexander. Besides the warrior who looked sturdy with muscle, the other hunters seemed like small children.

"Who is she!?" A female Hunter came up to them and glared at Maude.

"My cousin," Alexander said straight-faced.

"That ugly Orc girl?" The female Hunter snickered as the others laughed.

Alexander quickly glared at the girl and frightened her instantly.

"Shut your mouth, Diane," Alexander said.

Alexander turned his head to face Maude who still pierced daggers from her eyes at him.

"I'm sorry Maude, I-I didn't know..."

"Would that have made a difference?"

The young Hunter glanced at the dead Griffon and back to Maude.

"No," Alexander returned an emphatic look to Maude. "It wouldn't."

"What happened to you, Alexander?" Maude said with eyes of disdain. "You never Hunted beasts for fun! You never even liked killing things!"

The rest of the Hunters showed their displeasure at Maude's attitude.

"Do you know who you are speaking to y-"

Alexander silenced them with his hand.

"Sometimes you have to grow up," Alexander said. "Maude, listen, we can help you and your friend back to Cadmium."

"But Prince!"

"No," Maude said. "You've done more than enough. I don't want your help and I won't ask for it."

Prince Alexander did not say anything further as he knew what type of person his cousin was.

"Release the young Griffon's," Alexander said.

"Aren't we going to use them, Prince!?"

"Forget it," Alexander said as he pocketed his trophy from the Griffon. "We got what we really wanted."

The other Hunters were confused but obeyed the commands of their leader. Alexander wiped away the blood from his spear as the small Griffons rushed out of their cages. The prince signaled the other Hunters who quickly followed him. The other Hunters could only glare and give snide sounds as they left Maude. Soon the Hunters completely disappeared in the winter storm as they trekked back up the mountain.

Maude' eyes did not leave the Hunters until they were gone. She was disgusted by the fact that someone she knew had killed the Griffon she tried so hard to protect. The only solace she had was that the young Griffon's were freed. But how long they could survive on their own? She did not know. Only the sounds of the young Griffon's cries as they nudged their fallen parent could be heard through the wind.

"I'm sorry Nero," Maude whispered with dried tears on her face. "I couldn't do what you asked of me...I'm too weak."

"Pii," the yellow spider tried to comfort its master.

Maude suddenly realized that Nero was still unconscious as he laid on the ground. She ran over to Nero filled with worry and pulled him up from the snow he covered in. His appearance disheveled by his fight with Alexander and the winter storm. Maude sat on the ground and rested Nero on her lap as she started brushing off the snow that covered him. Some of her glances moved to the body of the dead Griffon and its young. Her face grimaced as she had failed both Nero and the Griffon.

A yellow light began to spring out of Nero's cloak and Maude was shocked at what was happening.

"Well, I see that my boy got hurt," A voice said in the wind.

Maude looked around in fright as the words were spoken.

"Don't worry my girl," The voice said. "He's tougher than he looks."

An image slowly manifested itself from the yellow light and appeared standing in front of Maude and Nero, it was Gregor the Great.

"W-who are you!?" Maude leaped up and was frightened by the image of Gregor.

"Oh ho! No need to be scared my dear," Gregor said stroking his beard of light. "I gained enough magical energy to be seen but being seen is quite..."

Snow and winds drifted through the image of Gregor.

The book of knowledge was glowing brightly inside of Nero's cloak even when it was covered by the straps. Gregor slowing went over to Nero and looked him over once more. Maude dared not move at the ghostly apparition that appeared in front of her. Gregor peaked into Nero's knapsack with his face as the yellow light dispersed around.

"Ah ha!" Gregor said. "My dear, open this bag and bring out two potions for me will you?"

"W-w-what!? Why!?" Maude shrieked.

Gregor looked perplexed a little and then looked down at his body of light.

"Well, I can't do it," Gregor said. "Don't you want to help Nero, my dear?"

"Who are you!?"

"Why I'm his father," Gregor said while looking down at Nero.

"You!? Your Gregor!?" Maude tried to move her hand to touch Gregor only for it to go through him. "A-are y-you even alive!?"

"No," Gregor said with a shrug. "Not quite."

Maude felt like she was going to faint from seeing a ghost.

---###---

Down in a deep cavern, lost and hidden inside the North Mountains.

A red Orc in black armor was laying flat on his back. A king wolf pup was on top of his stomach. Both the Orc and the wolf had been knocked unconscious for hours from a terrible fall they received. Kogar and Bal had fallen during their trek up the North Mountains. With the many caverns and holes in the mountain having been covered by the winter storm.

"Oooohhhhh....my head....ouches...."

Kogar got up rather abruptly and shook off the snow that covered him. Bal the king wolf was thrown off and woke up with a whimper. Kogar tried to examine his surroundings but could not make out where he was. The cavern he resided in was covered in ice which was strange given that the winter storm had not started that long ago.

"Hungry," Kogar said scratching his head.

Kogar stood up and dusted himself off while grabbing a fish from his bag. He starting eating the fish while staring at the cave nonchalantly. He looked up while munching and knew that he could not climb up the cavern. Bal looked up and realized they were separated from the group. Bal started sniffing around the cave and looked to Kogar who grabbed his bag a little more tightly.

I'm not going to steal that from you!

Bal shook his head and started looking for an exit.

Kogar followed Bal while still eating the rest of the fishes in his bag. Bal caught a scent of something that smelled similar to Maude and hurried its steps. Kogar was not too far behind as he looked around the cave bemused. A strong chill filled the pair the further they went into the cave. Some monsters attacked Kogar and Bal only to be repelled by the tough red Orc who thought they were going to steal his food.

A bright light was glimmering from the deepest parts of the inner cave. When the pair reached the inner cave they saw a dazzling spectacle of blue and white lights. Purple and blue crystals adorned the inner walls of the cave and something powerful sat in the middle. Bal trod carefully as he felt the power emanating from the inner cave. Kogar in the other hand did no such thing and walked with heavy steps as the sound of his armor reverberated throughout.

A gigantic white bear rose from the center of the cave while glowing an aura of white and blue.

"Who?"

Kogar finished all the fishes in his bag when he realized he had seen the bear before.

"Oh! White Bear! Hahahaha! Long time no see friend!" Kogar bellowed and ran up to the white bear.

Bal was frightened as he knew the power that the white bear had was beyond any living thing.

"Kogar," the white bear echoed. "To think you would meet me again..."

"I told you! I said I would see you again!" Kogar laughed.

The white bear seems to almost fill the entire cave but became smaller to look at Kogar face to face.

"Many have searched for me only to be lost to the world," the white bear said."What is it that you need me for?"

Kogar tilted his head and crossed his arms as if he were in deep thought.

"Go ahead young one, speak," the words of the white bear were like whispers and echoes.

Bal was in disbelief that Kogar could know such a majestic being.

"Actually...I'm lost," Kogar said. "How do I get back to my family?"

The white bear's eyes seem to go on for infinity but reverted back to plain sight in an instant.

"....Again?"

"Yes!" Kogar gave an emphatic nod.

A blue portal opened on the wall of the cave.

"Go through there," the white bear said and rested back to the ground.

"Ah! Thank you! You're very smart for a bear! I knew you would help me again!" Kogar gave a toothy smile.

Kogar and Bal walked to the portal while the white bear seems to vanish from their sight.

Bal barked at Kogar as to give him a question.

"Oh him? He helped me before when I was lost in the winter storm years ago. He's a good guy!"

Kogar walked through the portal with Bal joyously.