HammerFall

Chapter 004: Battle On The Roadside:

Out of the dark brushes it launched at him. Sharp, gleaming fangs snarling and eager to sink into human flesh. The ring of steel against solid fangs and claws sounded in his ears as Jasper drew his blade from its scabbard. The strong steel stood between him and the demon. Golden eyes locked with his own as drool dripped from the fangs onto his blade with a soft hissing sound of the heat striking the cold metal. The blade bit into the flesh of the claws slightly causing warm, green blood to flow from it. Jasper quickly drew out his dagger and stabbed into the demon's chest as the foul beast tried to continue it's assault despite the blade blocking it's way. It leaped back with a howl as two more appeared from the forest's bushes.

A ring of lightning blasted from the clear sky; the inky black skin of the demons caught fire as they ran away howling in pain and hissing the words 'maghrackn'. Jasper had never heard that word or much of the demon tongue before now.

Rosenbrim rode towards Jasper, "You did well, Sir Stormblade. It would appear the lesser minnions of hell are still abroad in these lands. How unusual. I had thought Stratsovara safe. It appears that the borders between our two kingdoms shall soon no longer be safe."

Jasper looked up towards the wizard, "Lord Rosenbrim, what does maghrackn mean?"

Rosenbrim's face grew a faint smile, "That is a very old and hated word among the demon. All words have a history and power to them. Like the word I used to summon the lightning to chase them away. Maghrackn would be me. Namely what I am. However, it is not a pleasant meaning in true. It means Wizard who is most foul. But I do not bear the demons any malice in this. After all, it was the Warlocks whom had made them into slaves, and Wizards that had sent them back to their own world during the Great War nearly a millenia ago. They are a long lived race with long memory for grudges. But that is enough of a history lesson young Stormblade. It would be best for us to move on, now that the road is clear." Rosenbrim motioned his mount forward with the reigns.

Jasper mounted back onto his horse; which had shied away during the fighting. Johan seemed to be relieved; although Jasper wasn't quite sure he understood why.

The young novice rode up beside Jasper. Stormblade frowned as he felt the hand reach out and squeeze his. "Are you sure you are okay? You didn't get hurt during that fight, did you, Jasper?"

Jasper shook off Johan's hand, "I don't need a wet nurse. I can take care of myself, Novice Lersson."

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Rosenbrim smiled as he saw the exchange between Jasper and Lersson. It made him think of Stephen. He sighed wistfully. In truth, he had not wanted to go on this diplomatic mission. But he had no other options. He was the only one whom could be spared from the court at HammerFall. It was his duty and he had no desire or plans to shirk it. After all everything he had done to this point was so he could be able to support Stephen. Even becoming a wizard was part of that. Although in truth he did quite enjoy being a wizard whether it was for Stephen or not. The sight of the two warriors brought back memories of his youth. Stephen and he had known each other since infancy. Rosenbrim had always been fascinated by Stephen. He clearly remembered being two years old and following around the one year older Stephen.
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The gardens were rich with fruit. Rosenbrim paid no attention to the food hanging from the trees and bushes. He was only interested in one thing. His loose robes ocassionally brushed up against his knees as he followed the three year old Stephy. It wasn't fair to him that Stephen could walk so much faster then him. He tried to keep up.

Rosenbrim called out in his tiny, petulant voice, "Stephy! Stephy! Wait up...Step...."

He didn't finish the sentence as he fell flat on his face as Stephen continued to walk on; completely ignoring him again. Rosenbrim sat up and sniffled, "You're so mea..."

Again his sentence faultered as he saw through his blurry eyes the kind face of Stephen coming closer to him.

"I sorried Maggy. Here, please hold my hand." Stephen said as he grabbed onto Magnus Rosenbrim's hand. "Did you get hurt?"

Rosenbrim sniffled for a second; but he wanted to be strong and no burden, "I okay." he sniffled again and felt himself pulled to his feet by Stephen. The two walked hand in hand through the lush spring garden.

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Rosenbrim was brought out of his memories as it came time to rest for the night. The tents were set. He supposed that by the end of the week they would come to Xasthur and then from there they would travel on south until they came at least to the Castle Vara; capitol of Stratsovara.

He sat gazing into his campfire as he heard someone sit down next to him. He turned to see the Lersson novice. Rosenbrim offered him a faint smile, and then returned back to his fire gazing. The images dancing in the flames and burning away of wood reminded him of days long passed. He glanced up again as he heard the Lersson novice clearing his throat.

Rosenbrim asked, "Was there something you wanted from me?"

The words came stuttering from his mouth, "You're...I mean I know. You....you're a wizard right?"

"Yes." He answered simply.

"Do you think? I mean...Can you make me a love potion?" He blushed immediately after saying it.

Rosenbrim almost laughed; but held it in at seeing the sincerity in the youth's eyes. He gave another faint smile instead, "The human heart is beyond mortal's magic, Novice Warrior. Besides those things often end bad. It is best to let nature decide these things, and not force them."

"But the person I love, doesn't love me back. If anything I think that person hates me." Lersson had said in a meek and defeated voice.

Rosenbrim sighed and wondered why warriors always came to him with such problems, and looking for such simple solutions, "It is a hard path to tread, this thing called life. You must make yourself worthy of this person's love first. Make this person want you instead of simply you wanting them. That is all."
Lersson asked confused and desparate, "But how am I to do that?"

The wizard informed him, "That is a question only you can answer, fore only you know the heart of your beloved."