Chapter 5 - Bloody Fight In The Woods

21 February - Institute of Blades, Ironwood Kingdom, Empire of Nevrione

Previously on Hunter Markell

"Pops how far away is the academy?" asks Arron.

"It's about 2 hours on foot from here, but the trail winds its way up the side of the mountain's foot, so we'll be walking uphill for a while." explains Darron. A look of nostalgia appears on both Darron and Lashell's face. "It feels somewhat good to be back here doesn't it?"

Lashell simply smiles at him, taking his hand into her own and leading the family towards the beginning of the trail.

**********

Tired. This is the word repeating itself in Arron and Darell's mind at this moment. The family has been walking uphill on rocky ground for about an hour and both kids have reached the limits of their endurance long ago. Some very simple psychology at play ensured that Arron and Darell kept moving onwards; Arron, being the older brother, refused to let his younger brother portray him as being weak. Darell on the other hand, wanted to show his older brother that he can be just as determined.

Darron and Lashell, having noticed it long ago, smiled inwardly to themselves. "Kids, we've come a long way. We're proud of you! Now after this ridge there should be an area we can stop to rest at. Mommy and Daddy are tired so if it's okay with you two we'll take a break there alright?" cajoles Darron. He knew there was no way either of them would openly agree to resting.

"Mmm. Daddy's right. Mommy's legs hurt." a sly smile forming on her face as she looks at Darron.

The kids, being oblivious to the innuendo readily agreed. "Pops that's a good idea. You guys need to rest. Mommy's getting old so we need to let her legs have a break." says Arron. The obvious concern on his son's face was heartwarming but Darron couldn't help but guffaw.

"You brat, who are you calling old? I've got great endurance! If you don't believe me you should ask your Dad." again with the sly smile at Darron.

Upon passing the ridge the trail widens out into a 60 square meter space, a flattened area to the side the only clear indication that this place was commonly used as a resting spot for those travelling in and out of the Institute. Setting down all the luggages, Darron starts unpacking some of the snacks and the extra bottled water.

"Babe, we're running behind schedule. Do you think we'll have enough daylight to reach the academy?" asks Lashell having checked the time.

"At this time of the year, we should have a good 2-hours before the sun sets. It should be enough time. From here onwards, the trail slopes gently downwards until we reach the stone sword - at least from what I remember." answers Darron. In an area such as the Ironwood Kingdom, it was not uncommon for the landscape to change slightly due to heavy storms or earthquakes.

"But Daaadddddd. You said it was only going to be 2-hours over an hour ago!" whines Darell.

"Hahaha! Yes I did didn't I kiddo. Daddy made a mistake. You see I only remember it taking 2-hours but back then Mommy and Daddy were much much younger." says Darron while mussing up Darell's hair. A faint killing aura was emanating behind him and he was instantly alert. Turning to confront the source, he was faced with his wife.

"Ahe.. ahehehe..". Darron couldn't help but have an apologetic look on his face while scratching the back of his head.

Rustling noises in the woods put a stop to their antics. Darron and Lashell's eyes met and they knew instinctively that something unfriendly is approaching. "Kids, go stand by that big rock over there." whispers Lashell as she points to an outcrop ten paces away from their luggages.

"Now, I need you boys to be quiet alright." whispers Darron. Taking out an extra blade from the duffel bag, he hands it over to Arron. "Do you remember the basics I taught you? Stance, handling, everything?" he asks Arron.

Visibly frightened, Arron could only nod. "Good lad. Make sure you protect your brother alright? And you Darell, don't make it hard for your brother. Stay behind him and stay close to the rock.". This time, both kids nodded.

Walking back to his wife, he asks "What do you think it is?" nodding towards the direction of the noise.

"Definitely not something as big as a mountain bear. Wait. Do you hear that?" asks Lashell.

"Yeah, there's more than one.". Darron and Lashell took one last look at their quivering children before slowly drawing the two blades secured across their lower back. "It's a good thing we have three blades each." nods Lashell towards the third blade strapped to their right leg."

They're here. It was a pack of mountain wolves.

********

A pack of seven wolves padded out of the woods into the opening. As if in sync, they all stopped at the edge of the clearing. The alpha stood in the middle, drool dripping from its maw. It was the biggest among the pack, its fur a mix of dark brown and black, with mismatched eyes of blue and green. A 60 sqm area was not big. That was roughly 650 sq ft. Surrounded and outnumbered, there wasn't much space to maneuver which was why both Darron and Lashell opted to use two short blades rather than going for their sword.

Leaving a defensible distance between the two of them but not quite big enough for a lone wolf to pass through easily, they both started emitting an aura full of killing intent as they took their stance. Legs staggered, with the left foot leading slightly as hands held both blades in a reverse grip, keeping the muscles relaxed.

As if on cue, the wolves pounced.

Three of the wolves including the alpha ran straight for Darron while three ran towards Lashell. One wolf was greedy enough to try its luck having seen a far easier prey towards the back. It tried to force its way through the middle. Lashell was there in an instant. Performing a rolling dive to cut the distance, she sweeps her leg to bring her entire body's force around to slash at the wolf's flank. The wolf's survival instinct saved it from being gutted, barely leaping in the opposite direction, a small gash appearing along its left ribs.

Unfortunately for the wolf, Darron made his move at the same time as Lashell. The moment the wolf leaped away from Lashell to avoid the strike, Darron was right on top of it, burying both blades at the neck and stomach area. Aiming for maximum damage, he pulls the blades out at an angle to the entry point, the sharp edges slicing through the wolf's hide like a hot knife takes to butter.

"Uurraaaarrgghh!" screams Darron as blood erupts from the massive wounds inflicted on the wolf, its intestines, liver, stomach and other organs spilling out in a heap.

Following her leg sweep, the blade arm that cut the first wolf was still making its way around, propelled by the speed and force at which Lashell executed the action. A second wolf leaped towards her from six feet away. Flipping her grip without slowing the motion of her blade arm, she forces her body to fall to her right as she exited the sweep, simultaneously bringing up the right blade.

The wolf, unable to change directions in mid air, could only meet the blade with the underside of its jaws. Lashell buried the blade as far up as it could go before rolling out of the way. As she rolls into a kneeling position, another wolf had pounced and she only had enough time to bring her left arm up to protect herself.

"Aaaaaarrrggghhhh!" a pained cry tears from her throat. The wolf had latched onto Lashell's left arm. Letting go of the blade she held in her left hand, her right meets it part way up and she buries it in the wolf's neck. From sheer anger and pain, she buries the blade deep and performs an outward slashing motion that opened the wolf up from neck to left flank. Blood rained on the grass and the wolf died.

**********

After tearing the first wolf almost into half, Darron had, with uncanny precision thrown his right blade backhanded at the closest wolf charging at him. The blade embedded itself right between its eyes, the force of the throw enough to nullify the speed of its approach, stopping it dead in its tracks.

The next wolf had approached him from his flank, no doubt trying to divide his attention with its pack member. Unfortunately for this wolf, Darron had thrown the blade thus giving him precious fractions of a second to meet his adversary. In mid leap approaching from his left, there wasn't enough time to adjust the angle of the left blade in order to deal substantial damage.

Instead, Darron kicked high with his right foot, resulting in the force flipping his body a full 360 degrees. His right hand outstretched and touching the ground at the peak of the turn, he was able to control his descent. The kick stunned the wolf in mid air, its neck snapping backwards. Recovering from his landing faster than the wolf, Darron lunges and stabs it three times in the neck in quick succession, making sure that it was dead.

Hearing Lashell's pained cry, Darron's sense of urgency reached another level. A quick study shows that only two remain including the alpha and both of them were heading straight for Arron. Evaluating the alpha as the bigger threat, Darron throws the blade in his left hand. His throwing motion continues, bringing his left hand close enough to his right leg to grasp the third blade. The third blade was strapped in a way that the handle was pointing towards the ground. He grabbed it and utilizing years of practical experience, was able to reverse the momentum of the throw.

It is a difficult feat requiring countless hours of practice and proper muscle coordination. Having grabbed hold of the third blade, his hand immediately flicked upwards into a backhand throw, releasing the blade part way. The entire motion was done so quickly that there was barely a breath in between the blades hitting their mark. The alpha, having two blades buried on its back, stumbled, still alive. The last wolf however was nearly on top of Arron.

Lashell could only look on at her sons. The wolf had slipped past her as she was finishing off the one that bit her. There were only mere heartbeats to draw the last blade before they kill her sons. She saw the alpha, a hungry look in its eyes. She saw it stumble and the two blades protruding from its back. She knew Darron had spent all of his blades and she was the only one that can do about something it.

**********

Darell was terrified. He had never been in such a situation. He never imagined it to be a possibility. Living in the city, it was one thing to hear parts of a story from your parents about something they have experienced in the past. It was another to live it in its entirety.

Hiding behind his brother who was no less terrified than he was, he watched as his father butchered the first wolf and he felt his stomach turn. Until today, neither he or Arron had any idea what their parents were truly capable of. They had always been.. normal. It was, simply put, jaw dropping and so ridiculously frightening he nearly lost control of his bowels. When his mother got bit, he thought it was over and he wanted to rush out. He couldn't. His legs refused to obey his commands.

He was relieved when his mother sliced the wolf open in revenge. Some part of him was extremely satisfied at the savagery. It was a relief short lived as the biggest wolf of the pack and one of its members rushed past his father and mother. They were heading right for Arron.

**********

Arron's senses were all over the place. Like Darell, it was his first time being put into such a situation. He was worried for his parents but he was more worried for his brother. When the two wolves rushed past his father and mother, he thought they were dead for sure.

The alpha was faster than the other wolf, eating up the distance quickly. A whistling sound was the only indication that something had happened as the alpha stumbled and skidded to a halt. It was still alive, but barely. 'We have a chance. We have a chance. Come on! Come on! Come on Arron!' he yells to himself.

Facing the last of the wolves, he made his decision. Backed up against the outcrop, there was no safe place to run to. The alpha may be weak, but is likely to still be capable of mauling Darell. He needed to give Darell some room to run. Having made up his mind, Arron ran to meet the wolf. "Darell! Ruuunnnnnnnnnnn!" as an opening down the middle presented itself, clear of the alpha for Darell to run safely to his parents.

It happened in a heartbeat. The wolf pounced. Arron, left hand outstretched, blade hand ready to stab, meeting the charge. The wolf brought Arron to the ground, the combined speed and weight too much for a 14-year old.

**********

Lashell and Darron saw their son rush the incoming wolf. "Darell! Ruuunnnnnnnnnnn!" they heard him shout. Darron moves to intercept Darell. Lashell had rolled up onto a half crouch, left arm dangling to the side and feet wide apart. The wolf pounced and she saw Arron go down beneath it. 'Please let me make it' she thought.

Using a similar technique to the one Darron used on the alpha, Lashell threw her last blade. Right hand sweeping past her right leg, pulling the blade out in the same motion; upper body twisting to lend speed and force into the throw. The blade struck the back of the wolf, the force of impact eliciting a cry from it. It kept pawing the ground as if trying to get away. All this time, Arron was pinned down beneath it..

Darron took Darell into his arms, his son in tears over his brother's sacrifice. The wolf was now pawing the ground, the hilt of a blade visible on its back. Lashell was making her way over to Arron.

"Son, stay right here. Don't move from here okay? There are no more wolves here that will threaten you, but I need you to stay right here.". Darell nods dumbly. Darron makes his way to the closest wolf, taking out a blade. It was time to finish off the alpha.

Arron was stuck underneath the wolf. He had felt the impact of what he assumed must have been a blade as the wolf pressed against him. It was now desperate to run away. The only reason it was unable to do too much damage to Arron in this position was that Arron's blade was embedded deeply into its chest. A careless move and the blade can easily pierce its heart. They stayed like this until the wolf bled out.

To Arron, what had been barely 20 seconds had felt like hours. As Lashell reached him, she yanked the dead wolf off of Arron, relief flooding her face at seeing her son intact. "Ohh kiddo thank God you're alright." whispers Lashell as she draws him into a hug. In the corner of her eye, she saw Darron execute the alpha.

**********

The entire ordeal lasted barely two minutes. Every move Darron and Lashell executed was made while keeping the middle area defensible to force the opponents to take a roundabout way in order to get to their kids. It just barely worked. The fact that - aside from Lashell's arm injury - no one else was seriously hurt can be attributed to their skills with the blade. Outmatched in speed and in number, they were still able to prevail.

They had continued on in the trail to get the kids away from the stench of the killing field. After cleaning the wound as best he could, Darron wrapped Lashell's arm using an entire roll of bandage. The wound will no doubt leave some deep scars. Fortunately, the wolf didn't have time to bite a chunk of her flesh off before dying.

Seeing they were at a point where they couldn't do anything but move forward, the Markell's trudged along the pebbled trail until they can finally see the stone sword in the distance. They didn't have far to go.

**********

It took just under an hour and a half for them to reach the stone sword from where they battled the wolf pack. There were several people tending to the area near the stone sword, most of whom were wearing the Initiates uniform. Seeing the bloody couple and their pale faced children, one of them immediately called out for a Master while the others rushed to help the travellers.

A couple of the Initiates brought water while others tended to Arron and Darell, checking them for injuries that needed immediate attention. A man in his early thirties approached Darron and Lashell. "Greetings. My name is Newton Rosek. I am Master here at the Institute of Blades. Pray tell strangers, what has befallen you?" his eyes taking in the four of them.

"We were on our way here and we decided to get some rest at the spot just over the ridge. We got surrounded by a pack of wolves." Darron explains.

The Master indicates to four Initiates to backtrack along the trail. "There is no need to do so Master. Unless your purpose is to ascertain that we have not lied." chirps Lashell.

"It is my perogative to.." starts Master Rosek. Darron, clearly displeased and still suffering from the lingering effects of bloodthirst, unleashed his aura, startling the Master and eight Initiates. The immense pressure somehow made the surrounding air seem thicker, harder to breathe.

"I do not care for your perogative Master Rosek." lacing the word 'Master' with sarcasm and disdain. "We are here to meet the Saint of Blades, our Teacher, Graham Drayton. He is expecting us." Darron says coldly, his aura pulsating with violence from the previous encounter.

"Ah.. uh.. wh.. who should I say is.." stammers Rosek. The violent aura was smothering him. This time it was Lashell that cut him off.

"Listen you little shit. That was the second question you should have asked after checking if we were okay. Now listen carefully." her impatience clearly showing, venom accompanying each and every syllable uttered. "The name is Markell. Darron and Lashell Markell." eyes emitting a predatory look.

A hush had come over the crowd of Initiates. The Master was beside himself with fear, awe, respect and envy.

"A.. at.. once, you’re honoured one." the Master bowed deeply, dispersing the Initiates and ushering the Markells towards the white temple.

**********

Author’s Notes

Well. I hope that was enjoyable! Please leave your comments. They are much appreciated!

*wipes sweat from forehead*