The Windwalker Trilogy by Michael James Ploof

Author:Michael James Ploof
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Epic Fantasy bundle, Coming of Age, Sword & Sorcery, Fantasy Trilogy, Witches & Ghosts, Barbarians
Publisher: Traveling Bard Publishing
Published: 2016-04-07T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

Hornhollow

The boy escaped, but could not run from the evils of man. His soul cries before injustice, heart screams, fists clench. Passion shall find his tongue, blood shall find his blade. – Gretzen Spiritbone, 4983.

All day long, Talon was pushed to his limits. He had hoped Rekkr would show him how to use a sword, but they spent most of the day learning defensive positions and maneuvers.

It was dark outside now, and dinner had ended long ago, but Rekkr’s Dodja had its own food supply. Big barrels of water sat against a wall along with a stockpile of nuts, seeds, fruits, and smoked meat. Talon had not gone hungry. Rekkr had noted that, besides Talon, there were twenty other gladiators in House McGillus.

“In the arena, your opponents will be armored in a variety of ways,” said Rekkr, “but they all possess the same weak points. You hit here, and here.” He indicated the neck and armpits.

“Never face your opponent head on—they will likely be bigger and stronger, and often try to kill you with a single blow. Where they are eager, you will be patient. When they strike you will move and counter—jab quickly and retreat. Agility, Windwalker, is the only way you will survive.”

That night he lay in his hammock in the dark, unable to sleep. So nervous was he about the arena, he decided to summon Chief and have him search the boat for Akkeri. The wolf materialized and Talon signaled him to stay quiet. “We’re on the slave ship boy. I want you to search for Akkeri. You must not be seen.” He bent to one knee and scratched Chief’s ears. “Go on, boy. Find her if you can.”

The wolf turned to mist and disappeared through the back wall.

Talon continued to think of Akkeri as his hammock swayed with the constant motion of the Sea Queen. The possibility that she was somewhere on the ship was maddening. He prayed to the gods that Chief would find her. If she was not on the ship he would have to continue his farce and fight in the arena. What if he died? What would become of her then? He had to free her. Whether she was really on the ship or if McGillus had her stashed away at some other location, he would find her.

And if it turned out McGillus had deceived him, he would kill the man.

When Chief returned an hour later, Talon leapt out of his hammock. “Did you find her, boy?”

The wolf whimpered softly.

Talon’s hope dwindled. McGillus had lied.

Talon awoke to the ringing of the morning bell. The slaver rocked more violently than before, and he found himself swaying precariously in his hammock. With a groan, he untangled himself from its braided ropes and made for the door. Others were rousing for the day as well, and he followed the crowd into the mess hall. After grabbing a tray of boiled ham and bread, he found a seat at Torrance’s table.

Argath offered him a nod. “You ready for the arena, Windwalker?”

“I guess,” Talon said.

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