My dark lover, a bizarre magician and stone killer

It was late, about midnight. Things were really slow that night at the little country tavern and eatery way out there in the backwoods. The only people around were an elderly couple having oatmeal and prunes, the cook who was nodding off, and a cute little serving girl. She busied herself by wiping off the tables and humming a silly tune that was stuck in her head. Occasionally, when she was sure no one watched, the girl would twist her shapely little bottom to the imagined music. Shit, she was bored. Nothing ever happened around here she reckoned. Silently she cursed her ex-husband for abandoning her in this little shit village. She'd come home late from her shift one night and he was gone. The girl had lied and told him she was pregnant just to see how he'd react. It hadn't taken long to find out. End of story.

The woman had stopped humming and was well on the way to working up a good cry when the door opened. With her first glance at the stranger, she felt a very uncomfortable chill run down her back. Suddenly the serving girl cursed herself for being bored. She looked skyward, "thanks for nothing whoever is up there." Her words were a mere whisper but the stranger looked in her direction at that precise moment.

The girl tensed but the stranger just walked on past to the last table in the very back of the establishment. His boots were dirty with dried mud caked on thick. His dark green pants were also dirty. The black shirt he wore seemed clean enough. A smallish black, cape-like thing was draped over his shoulders, tied just below his collarbone. The shirt was open to the waist, revealing a hairy chest. Apparently he hadn't shaved for days, thick black stubble dominated a square chin. The cape had a hood attached. It was difficult to tell much about the man because that same hood was pulled tightly over his head. His eyes were completely concealed by glasses containing very large, round lenses. They were black lenses, like a blind person might wear. However the stranger wasn't blind, his head turned slowly and slightly left and right. The girl realized he was checking out everything, including her.

The man was obviously bad news, he carried a long slender sword. It banged noisily against the table. When he sat down his hand rested on the hilt. His fingers caressed what they found there...almost the way someone would touch a lover.

The girl walked over and nudged the cook. "Wake up we got a customer." Then she steeled herself and walked back to where the unusual figure sat.

"Hello, what can I serve you with tonight?" She asked, attempting to sound friendly....after all, a tip is a tip.

The stranger spoke in a deep but distinct voice. "I want coffee, wine, and some pecans if you have them," he said. He sounded tired. The girl discovered he was a bit smelly, a little sweat mixed with a variety of liquors, if her nose was any judge.

"Looks like you're in luck, we just bought some pecans to make pies with...I'll fetch you a few." She turned quickly to escape but he spoke again. "Is it always this peaceful around here?" He asked.

"Oh yeah," the serving wench answered. "Nothing ever happens in this part of the world."

"Good," he replied. "What's your name?"

"I'm Rita...short for Ritarra."

"That's nice."

"Thanks," Rita said before rushing off. If he wanted to flirt, she wasn't interested. No sir, not in a freak like him. Yuck. Besides, she couldn't even tell what he looked like under that hood and those godawfull glasses. What a loser. No doubt he'd used that sword plenty of times, she sure as hell didn't want associate with somebody like that. She shrugged though, he was probably harmless enough, lots of folks carried weapons. It wasn't wise to judge people overly quick. Still, he smelled like a wino. Eeeeewwww.

Rita put the customer's order together and carried it to him. He drained the wine in one long gulp. "Not bad, he said, I'd like another." The girl went to fetch it.

For the next hour the stranger drank a lot of wine and coffee. He munched the pecans like they were steak. Then he put his head down on the table and started snoring loudly. Nobody bothered him for a long while until the cook asked Rita to wake the stranger up because it was closing time. She was about to do just that when the door was slammed open and three more men came tromping inside.

They were young, early twenties most likely. Rita's eyes flashed concern, she'd seen one of these men before. The big redheaded man. He was one of Baron Manslynne's rogues. His men didn't come around often and everyone wished they never would. The Baron's thugs were just like him, mean, rude, cocky, and just downright dangerous.

The three men were talking very loud, their eyes went up and down Rita like she was the only meat on the menu. They choose a table and sat down whilst making a nerve jarring racket. Each man was dressed in expensive warrior garb, good cloth, and costly boots. Their cloaks were dark blue trimmed in white as was the fashion for the Baron's private army. It suddenly occurred to Rita that they'd most likely come to collect taxes..why else? She could kiss her meager salary goodbye. Damn! The way they looked at her, especially the big red haired one, that might not be all she would have to give up.

The elderly couple had already left. Rita cast an anxious eye on the cook. "Try to get rid of them he whispered. Give them what they want and send them on their way, its time to close this damned place."

"Yeah, right," Rita replied. "Like I know they will do what I want them to do.....they're the Baron's men, they won't leave until they've gotten everything they want...and you know what I'm talking about."

The cook shrugged, "oh well, I just work here."

Rita glanced toward the back of the establishment for some reason. The dark stranger was still fast asleep. It wasn't like he'd be likely to help her anyhow. Just another damned drunk.

The big redhead roared. "Hey girl, git that sweet ass over here with some wine..and plenty of it."

A bald soldier added, "yeah, we aim to git good and drunk before we go lookin' for some hot country pussy." The three roared in laughter and Rita's heart sank. Things were definitely not looking good for the cute waitress.

The little serving girl brought three large glasses of wine. After summoning up her courage she dared to speak, "please enjoy your drinks gentlemen but we are about to close in a few minutes. Would you like for me to bring a bottle for you to take with you. The redhead brazenly put his big hand on the girl's ass. He squeezed her soft flesh until she felt pain. "Now, listen to me you little slut, we're Baron Manslynne's men and we decide when we come and go. The Baron himself is visiting the village and I warrant he won't be ready to leave before morning. He's been hunting nearby all day but tonight he'll be enjoying some human game we snared for him."

The three men laughed loudly. The bald one grinned through his thick black mustache. "Don't worry to much though, we'll all be glad to get the hell out of this dirty hole. Other than the women I've seen, you people can keep this cursed part of the kingdom. As for the females, why hasn't someone carried you all off to the slave markets already?"

The third man, a short little rogue with a scarred face spoke up. "You know, that would be a fine endeavor for us when the Baron gives us some leisure time."

"True enough," said the redhead. "How would you like that wench? Can't you see yourself as a harem slave in some heathen easterner's desert tent?" The men roared with laughter again as they drained the wine. "I'll get you more," Rita said meekly.

"Damned right you will slut," the scarred man growled. Of the three, he frightened her the most. He had the aspect of a man who treated women roughly, very roughly. "I'll be right back with more wine sir," she said.

When she returned the redhead felt her ass up again. "Sit down girl," he demanded. "I want to git a peek at them tits you got pokin' out there." She pulled away from him with a faked giggle. "Oh, I'll be right back sir. Just let me go and pee, I've been cursed with a small bladder. I won't be long."

Rita quickly headed for the kitchen. Her plan was to slip out the back door and run like hell. Fuck the cook, that asshole was on his own. She jerked open the back door and rushed out only to crash into yet another soldier. He grabbed her roughly and half dragged her back into the tavern. "This comely wench tried to run out the back," he informed the others.

Rita's heart sank as the soldiers guffawed and snickered loudly. "Good work Nazzharim," the scarred soldier said. "Now git your ass back out to your post. Let us know if anybody else tries to get out or get in."

The soldier hastily left after depositing the hapless girl in the lap of the big redhead. Red kissed her roughly on the neck, his teeth biting into her tender flesh. Rita screamed before realizing it was useless to protest. Big powerful hands crushed her full breasts and she hoped against hope to just make it out of this bad situation with body and soul intact.

"Hey," the delighted redhead exclaimed. "For a little slut, these tits are pretty damn fat."

Then the scarred man put his hands on Rita's breasts. "Gimme a little squeeze of that sweet titty," he said. Despite her best efforts, Rita screamed again as the unwholesome little fiend pinched her soft breast cruelly and pulled at her nipples. "Oh, please, you're hurting me...I..I'll give you what you want, just don't hurt me sir."

The scar faced man laughed devilishly, "maybe that is what we want you dumb bitch."

The three men were so occupied with their night's entertainment that they'd completely forgotten the sleeping drunk in the back.

"I'm ready for some more wine miss," said the hooded figure who stood only a few feet from where the girl struggled to free herself.

Startled, the three men glared at the stranger. "Git lost you fucking freak unless you want two mouths to pour your wine into."

The dark glasses settled on the face of the redhead who had just threatened him. "You know, that dark red hair of yours reminds me of the head of a dick."

Suddenly the redhead's face grew redder than his hair and he threw poor Rita to the floor as he attempted to stand. The girl landed with a thud and groan but her big tormentor never lived to to hear anything. With one incredibly smooth, shockingly fast motion, the stranger drew his long sword and sliced the big man's head off clean at the shoulders. His heavy body fell backwards on the girl even as bright blood sprayed over her and anything else in the immediate area. The severed head rolled several feet before crashing into a table leg. The eyes were open wide in amazement and the lips quivered as if trying to form a word of protest. To late, he was very dead.

"Don't bother getting up," the stranger told the other two soldiers. The point of his blade rested against the throat of scarface. Blood dripped down onto the chest of the trembling bigmouth and he began to sweat profusely. Still, he tried to appear somewhat composed. "I have no idea who you are, but you've just made one helluva big mistake mister. We are Baron Manslynne's men. He is one of the most powerful nobles in the kingdom and you have sealed your doom, you young fool!"

A faint smile crossed the thin lips of the stranger. "If that be the case, your death can get me in scarce more trouble than, as you have so stated, I have already brought on myself." This gave cause for the scarred man's eyes to widen with cold fear.

Thinking the stranger to be distracted, the bald soldier lunged with a razor sharp dagger that suddenly appeared in his hand. The black hooded man stepped out of harm's way with sizzling speed. Baldy wasn't so lucky, the sword entered his chest and exited his back. He looked down in horror as the long thin steel was yanked free of his body in a blinding flash. Blood gushed from his mouth and he dropped back in his chair in a death convulsion.

Scarface was no fool, he hadn't moved one muscle. His beady eyes glared in awe and a shudder passed over his body. "Please have mercy !" He begged. Just let me go and I'll forget everything that happened here....I'll tell the Baron these men have deserted. Coming here was a mistake, a terrible blunder. Let me live and I swear none of the Baron's men will ever trouble you good people again. I give you my sacred oath as a officer and a gentleman."

The stranger backed his blade away from the pleading man's throat just a bit. "Very well then, I don't kill men just for sport. Begone with you! And make it quick! And don't forget your manners around women." These last words were spoken with lips shaped in the form of a slightly ironic smirk.

Scarface raised his hands and stepped carefully over the body of the redhead and the terrified, blood splattered girl. He backed away with both hands open. When he reached the door he placed his left hand on the latch. Suddenly he spun about, a wheel lock pistol in his right hand.

The gun roared and the tavern was filled with smoke and the smell of gunpowder. Rita had closed her eyes tightly as the loud report of the pistol assaulted her ears. She heard, or perhaps imagined a swooshing sound that passed overhead. There was a thud by the door and she looked to see scarface crumbled there with a dagger's hilt sticking from his right eye socket. Blood oozed down his cheek, he twitched a time or two and was still.

The stranger stood there with no expression on his face. Blood dripped from his left hand. Straining with all her strength Rita was finally able to push away the body of the dead redhead. She finally made it to her feet. Her legs shook uncontrollably and she held on to a chair for support. Rita noticed her dress was drenched in blood and gore...it was everywhere. She tried to speak, motioning at the bloody hand of her benefactor, "you...you're wounde...." There was no time to finish the sentence.

The stranger jerked to one side with a lightening urgency. Simultaneously, a shot was fired from outside one of the windows. The black cape flapped in the wind as its owner raced to the door. He ripped his dagger from scarface's eye and exited the building in a flash. From somewhere in the dark there was a bloodcurdling scream. A few moments passed and the dark swordsman returned.

"Damn, I can't believe I forgot about the one outside," the man said, his chest heaved as if he'd ran a good ways. "Cute girls can be a little distracting."

The cook had watched all of this from underneath a table. "Are you going to kill us too?" He asked in a weak, croaky voice.

"No, but I can't pay for the stuff I had...I'm flat broke, sorry about that."

The cook smiled thinly and nodded, "don't worry about that, we'll put it on your bill."

Rita just stood there, up to her ankles in gore, "wh...what's your name mister?"

The stranger reached for a half-empty wine glass that hadn't been knocked over during the brawl. He turned it up and swallowed quickly.
"Well, usually I just go by the name of Pissin," he said before belching.

"Huh?" Said Rita.

"In my younger days I used to guzzle a lot of ale," the stranger replied as he looked around for something else to drink.

"So whats the deal Rita, want to go party with me tonight after work?"
..................................................................................

"Are you insane?" Rita asked in a voice that quavered noticeably. "More of the Baron's men could come by any moment, maybe even the Baron himself. Oh God, we're all dead, they'll burn this place down around our heads!"

"Maybe you're right about that," Pissin said. "I need to think with a clear head. Do you have another bottle handy?"

"Huh...," Rita gasped.

Pissin continued, "we'd better get the hell out of here. Quick, grab some wine and food, we got a long ride ahead of us. Have you got something else to wear, that dress is a damned bloody mess."

"I..I can't go with you!" Rita exclaimed. "How will we live? You have no money, and now you're a wanted man besides."

"Ah, don't worry your sweet head about all that now. There are four fine horses outside that these assholes don't need anymore, we'll sell them in the next town. They're good stock, should bring a nice little sack of silver....and if they don't...well...we can always rob somebody. Thing is, if you don't come with me, I'm certain the Baron will kill you just in case you were somehow guilty of something. That's his style. Regardless, you better make up your mind quickly sweetie."

Rita's brain was on fire. She almost couldn't believe herself when she said, "I'll do it..it's crazy but I've got to get out of this hellhole anyhow. This is probably as good a time as any. Besides you're right about the Baron, I sure as hell don't want to be anywhere around when he discovers this mess."

Pissin smiled triumphantly, he hadn't been very convincing and the girl's answer surprised him considerably. "Great, now git your ass moving! And throw some more pecans in with our stuff, in fact, grab them all."

Rita kept an extra dress in the back in case a customer dumped food on her. She changed in seconds and quickly threw together some supplies, including several bottles of wine and all the pecans. Pissin was waiting outside. "Can you ride?" He asked.

"Probably better than most girls," Rita replied before mounting the nearest horse. Pissin climbed onto his huge black stallion and they thundered away with the three extra mounts in tow.

All night they rode...hard. Rita tried her best to keep up but several times she had to request that the pace be slowed a little. Dawn broke and still they rode, only stopping a couple of times to let the horses drink from the occasional stream they passed. All the time Pissin sipped from one of the wine bottles. Rita took a few drinks herself to steady her nerves, and keep up her strength. It was well past noon when she begged her companion to stop and rest.

"No, you've got to stay strong, we'll stop and rest tonight. I know you're tired but think about what will happen should the Baron's dogs catch up to us. It's better to endure a little pain now than a very painful death later."

Rita nodded and hung on with grim determination. Every fiber in her being was focused on staying in the saddle as they galloped underneath a merciless sun. Tears ran down her dirt covered face. Continuously, she cursed under her breath. She decided that all men were monsters, her ex-husband, the Baron, and the tireless jerk riding just ahead of her. Her back and arms ached, her temples throbbed, and her ass........oh the agony! The hours and minutes dragged on until suddenly Pissin called for a halt. Through the dust and dizziness, the girl realized that it was nearly nightfall.

"We'll camp here," Pissin announced. "There's a good spring, the horses need rest. This is as good a place as any I suppose."

"Thank the Gods," Rita mumbled under her breath. She had pretty much decided being killed or sold as a slave by the Baron was better than her present, hellish existence. With a pronounced groan she crawled off the horse. Every muscle in her body protested as she walked over to the spring. With another groan she knelt beside the spring and drank deeply, several times her hands splashed the refreshing liquid over her face and neck.

Perhaps Pissin could see he'd pushed the soft city dweller a bit hard. "Just rest for awhile," he said. "I'll take care of the horses. We'll eat and drink a bit, sleep for at least three hours before getting started again. I want to be gone long before dawn, its easier on the horses to travel at night."

Rita was very hoarse from all the dust she'd eaten. Her voice sounded like the croaking of a frog when she spoke. "How much longer must we keep this up?" She asked in a semi-pleading way. "I'm sorry, but I've never felt this much pain in all my miserable life."

"Well, if the Baron is chasing us, it's best we push on. We have the advantage of extra horses. We'll switch over to different ones later tonight. Just hang on, we'll make a proper camp tomorrow night."

Rita groaned...tomorrow night...oh shit! She put her head on her arm and fell asleep at once. Pissin did the same after finishing off his second bottle and most of the pecans.

After what seemed like seconds, Rita felt something tugging at her arm. "It's time to ride sweetheart. Don't worry, it will be easier today."

The girl asked herself how that could be possible. She stumbled to find her horse but Pissin called out to her. "Ride behind me while its still dark, that way you can nap a little more." He was mounted on a different horse, one that hadn't been ridden the day before. His hand reached out and almost effortlessly pulled the slender girl onto the animal's back. "Now put your arms around me," the strange man requested.

Still barely awake, Rita did as he said. Pissin took a piece of rope and tied her hands together tightly about his waist. "Now, I won't have to worry about you falling off. Just close your eyes and leave the rest to me." Away they raced. Rita lay her head against the broad shoulders of her companion, barely caring about anything anymore.

Sometime around mid morning the pain in the girl's ass and back aroused her. she blinked and looked around. The landscape had changed much, they were no longer on a road. Instead, they rode on a grassy plain. One could see for miles in any direction.

"Where in hell are we?" Rita asked.

"I'm not totally sure, but I am glad you are awake. We need to change horses, this one is spent. Are you up to riding alone now?"

"Yeah, I guess so," the girl lied. Basically she didn't really give a damn anymore but the extra sleep had helped some. Still, her ass and limbs were in agony. "I need to walk around a little anyhow."

They dismounted. Exercising her body was a huge relief for Rita. She stumbled about until she found some high grass. After a good pee and more stretching, she sat down beside Pissin. He was drinking of course. She reached for the bottle and took a huge swallow. Together they munched on some cookies she'd made the day before all this had happened. The girl looked around, her old life certainly seemed far away. To this point, that didn't really appear to be a good thing. They sat there in silence for about thirty minutes. "Might as well get moving again," Pissin said before rising. They mounted the two horses that had yet to be ridden and it was off again. Rita steeled herself for what lay ahead. In all honesty, the girl had surprised herself already at making it this far. One thing she was damned sure about...life wasn't dull anymore. She glanced often at the figure riding before her. What a mysterious, strange person he was. It might be worthwhile to get to know him better. He was easily the most unique individual that she'd ever crossed paths with. Her new friend, or whatever, was a very strong man. A girl could appreciate that with all the weasels and jerks around. Now if only she could get that damned hood and glasses off him and see what he really looked like! "By the Gods, what foolishness!" Rita groaned as she urged her horse to pick up the pace.

It was getting very late in the afternoon when Pissin came to a halt. The landscape had scarcely changed one bit. Nothing but grass in every direction. For a long moment the hooded man stared off into distance. "What on earth do you see?" Rita asked irritably.

"I think there is a house or some kind of building way over there," Pissin said and pointed. Rita's eyes were half-blinded from riding in the sun all day. She squinted and thought that maybe she also saw something.....albeit it looked like a speck to her.

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"Only one way to find out," Pissin answered. "If it is a house, there must be water somewhere nearby. These horses damn sure could use some." He downed a massive gulp of wine and smacked his lips happily.

"Let's ride sweetie."
.......................................................................................

Sure enough it was a house, or at least what was left of one. All four walls were still standing, for the most part anyhow. The roof was gone except for a smallish portion where two of the walls met. This was all insignificant however, the good news was a nice sized spring that created a little stream of bright clear water. "Thank the Gods!" Pissin exclaimed. "I was greatly worried about losing some of these fine horses."

Rita led her animal over to the water for a drink. "It would be nice if somebody showed some little bit of concern about me," she said with a barely muffled grumble.

"What was that?" Pissin asked. When the girl only glared at him he shrugged. "This will be a great place to make camp, looks like its gonna rain like hell tonight."

Rita became aware of a very black horizon. Already thunder could be heard off in the distance. "Well, that's just fucking great." She looked at the ruined house suspiciously. "What a lovely Inn dear, but you really shouldn't have spent so much."

"Huh," Pissin asked.

"Forget it."

"Whatever."

"Yeah, whatever."

A fairly sturdy hitching post remained behind the house. Pissin took the saddles off the weary horses. After they'd grazed for a good while he tied them to the post. Rita hurriedly gathered dry firewood while she had the chance. She managed to get a good fire going in the fireplace just before the storm came. Fortunately, the remaining section of roof sheltered the fire just enough. The two travelers huddled close to the warmth.

"The rain is very cold. It's probably a sign of colder weather. I can't believe how lucky we are to find this place," Pissin attempted to start a conversation.

Rita crowded as close to the fire as was possible. "I can't believe anyone would try to live way out here, wherever in hell out here is."

The hooded man shrugged. "Some people prefer to live away from civilization. They don't care for all the hypocrisy and bullshit the peopled world has to offer. I can see where that comes from."

Rita rolled her eyes,"I would much rather be where there are things to do..people to meet, and new experiences to enjoy. My entire life has been spent in tiny villages and backwater towns. I've had my fill of that shit."

Pissin smiled, "have some more wine," he said.

Rita ignored the offer and set about cooking a simple meal of biskits and bacon. The aroma was inviting. The prospect of real food relaxed her mood considerably.
After the little meal was finished the two companions sat and stared into the fire. The fury of crashing lightening and driving rain was disconcerting and hypnotic at the same time. "Could you do something for me Pissin?" the girl asked.

"Sure I guess so."

"Could you take that hood and those ghastly glasses off for a moment?"

"Huh, why?"

"I would just like to see what you look like, it isn't that much of a bother for you...is it?"

Pissin was about to tell her to fuck off but something about the expectant expression in her weary eyes gave him pause. He took the glasses off, folding them carefully before sitting them aside. His hand swept the hood back and it fell on his shoulders.

Rita looked at him for a long while before saying a word. He was much younger than she'd anticipated. The stubble on his chin was deceptive. "Damn, Pissin, you are actually one helluva beautiful boy...you know." She dropped her face and rubbed her eyes with a slender hand. "God, I'm so stupid."

A hint of red crossed the features of the boy. Quickly he put the glasses back on and yanked the hood over his head. The two of them sat in silence, just staring into their little fire.
....................................................................................

Rita did not sleep well. Her body was very sore and she was certainly not used to sleeping on bare stone. The rain was icy cold and occasionally the storm blew it onto the girl. Twice she got up and added wood to the fire, afterwards she was able to doze off again. Pissin lay on his back and snored the night away. An empty wine bottle lay on his chest and pecan hulls littered the immediate area surrounding the young swordsman.

For the third time that night Rita awakened. The fire was almost out and she was very cold. Pissin continued to sleep soundly, obviously well accustomed to passing the night without the luxury of a bed. The girl was about to get up and rebuild the fire when she noticed something out of the corner of her eyes. Her blood ran cold as she realized they were not alone anymore. The girl's heart raced and it became difficult for her to breath. The dying fire gave off just enough light, but what it illuminated was ghastly. There were two of them and neither was human. They were bald and extremely pale. Huge blue and red veins ran throughout their naked bodies. Their eyes were red and glowed with pure evil. One noticed that Rita was awake and it showed her its teeth, yellow pointed things that appeared to be sharp as razors. Long claws dominated the large hands that the things rubbed together impatiently. They reminded the girl of vultures, just waiting there.

Something told Rita to not make any sudden moves. She was lying close enough to Pissin to reach over and pinch his arm. The second time she did this the snoring stopped. "What the fuck are you doing that for?" Came a groan from the groggy swordsman.

"Look over there against the wall, we have company....horrible company." Rita spoke as quietly as possible. Seconds passed, she was aware of the boy slowly putting his glasses on. "Damn!" She heard him mutter under his breath.

Like a cat, Pissin leaped to his feet. His dagger appeared in his open palm. "Go!" The warrior said. Rita watched in wonder as the blade flew of its own accord. In a flash the steel sailed across the room and impaled itself in the neck of a demonic intruder. The thing shrieked in agony and clutched at the handle of the blade, even as its foul blood gushed from the wound and poured down onto its naked, pallid chest. The other creature stared at his companion for a moment in amazement. This was its last mistake, Pissin raced across the length of the little ruined house. The creature only had time to raise a clawed hand before the sword completed its broad swath. Both hand and head were severed in that one clean stroke. The headless body fell clumsily across the other monster that was staring stupidly at the dagger it had just pulled from its neck. Pissin' long blade went deeply into this one at the chest. The swordsman twisted the weapon to effect as he pulled it from the rapidly dying thing.

Pissin raised his sword in triumph, "have a safe trip back to hell you slimy bastards!" Then he retrieved his dagger from the hand that still clutched it with a death grip. The warrior quickly stepped outside to clean his blades on a clump of grass. Rita sat frozen in horror, her fists tightly clenched under her chin.

"What were those things?" The girl asked with a trembling voice.

"They are called wildings, foul demons created by some fool who long ago dabbled in the black arts." Pissin answered.

"But I thought they were only a legend, just tales used to frighten children," Rita replied.

"Oh they're real enough out here in the wastelands. There is nothing they like better than the taste of human flesh. Most likely those two were just keeping watch until their entire coven could arrive. Then they would have had a grand feast, with us being the main course. Their blood lust probably got the best of them, they moved in close enough for you to see them. They kill by ripping out people's throats with those nasty fangs of theirs. If they get a chance, these vermin will steal a human child. They feed the child on foul black potions until it eventually turns into a wilding as well. That's how they keep their race going."

"You....you don't mean to say that there are more of those things around here?" Rita asked, despite barely being able to voice the words.

"Yeah, there were probably three of them, one was sent back to tell the host while these two kept watch. We've got to get the hell out of here right now...get ready to ride Rita. Grab our stuff while I saddle the horses."

Pissin briskly stepped outside. Rita could see the sense of urgency the boy had. It was much greater than that created by the threat of Manslynne's pursuit. The girl quickly began gathering up their scant possessions when she heard loud cursing from her companion.

Pissin returned just as quickly as he'd left. "Dammit all to hell!" He shouted. They've ran off our horses. And I didn't hear a fucking thing with the storm and all the racket it caused. This is all my fault....I should have had Soul stand watch."

"Who is Soul?" Rita asked timidly as she struggled to recover her senses.

"Oh, nevermind all that right now, I'll explain later. We've got to run for it on foot. C'mon girl, there may be dozens of them...no way we could make a stand here...those damned flesheaters could arrive any second!" Pissin was shouting. Rita threw the bundle with their supplies over her shoulder just before he grabbed her hand and off they ran into the night.

"It will be daylight in less than two hours, they aren't as active then. If we can survive until that point, we may have a chance. Maybe this storm will throw them off our trail a little bit...although I doubt it," Pissin screamed the words as the noise from the storm increased, the thunder and lightening put an exclamation point to his frenzied speech.

What happened next was a pure nightmare for Rita. Her body throbbed from every muscle as somehow she willed her legs to pump mightily. The pure adrenalin given to her by stark fear most likely made this possible. Pissin urged her on, he pulled at her wrist which he held in a vise-like grip. Sometimes she slipped in the mud, oftentimes her feet were plunged into the mud nearly up to her knees. More than once the girl fell headlong into holes of standing water. Her tears mixed with the rain to stream down her pretty face, her hair became a matted disaster. The girl could see nothing in the darkness except when the fearsome lightening crashed. More than once she screamed when the thunderous roar of the storm burst like an explosion inside her head. Suddenly Pissin stopped. "Did you hear that?" He asked.

Rita was about to say no when she did hear it, a high pitched, hideous wail that chilled her a thousand times more than the freezing rain ever could. "It's them," Pissin said with surprising calm. "They've picked up our train...we've got to run like hell...it's our only chance. Stay strong Rita, you can do it."

Rita tried to be brave, she threw down the bundle. The last thing she was worried about at the moment was food. "Oh no, don't leave the wine!" Pissin protested before grabbing the sack himself as he pulled Rita onwards.

They raced on. Rita pulled the hem of her skirt up and placed it in her mouth before biting down. Thus freed, her legs could work more effectively. She sucked air through her nose and clenched teeth, and fortunately did not fall again. Once they stopped for a few seconds to catch their breath. Pissin took a long swig from a wine bottle and Rita did the same just before plunging yet again into the blackness. Cold dread ran down the girl's spine when she heard the demonic howls, each time sounding closer. Her resolve stiffened and she ran with every fiber of her being straining to the task. Soon the sound of her own frantic heartbeat drowned out all other noises on that dreadful night. More than once she thanked the Gods that she was young and strong....and a non-smoker!

"This way!" Pissin urged. "I think I see something."

Rita's strength was on the verge of failing. She barely heard the words of the boy. She willed her legs to keep moving. It occurred to her that only a waitress, one used to long hours of walking and standing, could have made it this far.

Suddenly Pissin halted. Simultaneously, powerful lightening bolts crossed the sky ahead of them. An ancient castle stood there, illuminated eerily by the storm. It loomed ominously, almost ghost-like in the brief seconds of light provided by the streaks of deadly fire that cast their fury upon the earth. The somber stones stood as a monument to a long past age.

"It will be daylight in a few minutes," Pissin declared. "We might find a reasonably good place to hide inside these old ruins. Those things will be easier to fight in the daylight....they might even wait until night to come after us. Regardless, we don't stand a chance out here in the open. At the very least I would prefer to not die in this cursed, never ending rain."

Rita nodded weakly and the weary couple proceeded. They passed beneath the high archway that served as a front entrance. Inside, they found a vast network of stone buildings and towers. The entire thing was surrounded by walls thirty feet high. No doubt someone of great power had once claimed this mighty fortress as their own. "There!" Pissin shouted with enthusiasm, "that tall tower near the farthermost wall."

They made with great haste towards the tower even as another demonic wail cut through the first air of dawn. "Yes, we'll climb up in that tower, at least we'll have the advantage of highest ground for any fighting! And perhaps we might spot some settlement from such a tall lookout, perchance we get another opportunity to run for it."

Apparently the tall tower had once been a bell tower. A stone stairway wound itself alongside the walls all the way to the top. The steps were very narrow and the two carefully ascended until they reached the smallish room at the very top. Rita collapsed on the stone floor, her chest heaved from the exertion of the night. The burning sensation in her lungs was unbearable, the girl closed her eyes and sucked in the cold, musky air. She pondered the thought that a fever would surely kill her even if the wildings didn't.

"Well, I see good and bad with our present situation Rita old girl," Pissin said. "This stairway is so narrow only one of those things can come at us at a time. That's to bad for them! However, I should like to get upon the roof if I could, but certainly the ladder that used to provide access has long since rotted away."

Pissin slumped down near the stairwell. He peered down into the darkness. "It will most likely take them a while to figure out exactly where we are, all this rain makes us difficult to sniff out. At that point it will be good daylight and I'm thinking they might settle down somewhere hereabouts and take a break. It is said they're much weaker during daylight hours and I'm asking the Gods that there is some thread of truth in that wisdom."

First rays of dawn began streaming through the opening above them that led to the ramparts atop the tower. Rita could hardly believe she'd survived such a hellish night.

"Oh Pissin," she gasped. "How are we going to get out of this horrible mess?"

Pissin shrugged. His aspect was that of one who had no doubt seen more than his share of tight spots. "I need to think...and relax a bit." He fished into their supply sack and pulled out a wine bottle. He drank deeply...several times. "Man, I was scared shitless last night," he said at last. "I was worried sick that we'd break one of the wine bottles. May the Gods forbid such horrors!"

Rita stared at the boy in amazement for a while. Then, with much effort, she moved her aching limbs over closer. She took the wine and drank deeply as well. The fluid warmed her significantly. The fire in her lungs had subsided somewhat also. If only they could build a fire. Still, the rising sun might provide warmth if the storm would pass. She noticed the thunder had lessened and the sound of rain had ceased in the meantime.

"Why don't you lay against my shoulder and catch a nap," Pissin said. "We both need some rest...really bad."

"But how can we sleep when those things are searching for us Pissin? They could start coming up those old steps any second."

"Oh, don't concern your pretty head about keeping watch. I can get Soul to do that for us...it was a damned stupid thing I did last night by not having him keep an eye on the horses"

Rita, turned her palms up in frustration. What in the fuck was this nut talking about?

"I ask again, who or what in hell is Soul?????"