The Saviors: Locmire's Quest Book Two A Tales from Calencia Novel

By Brian Hutchinson

The Saviors: Locmire's Quest Book Two picks up where the first book left off. Follow both groups as they set out to unite the remaining Saviors and save Calencia. As they come ever closer to their goal, the Dark Wizard, Hasbarie, has a different plan in mind. He is sending forth his most dangerous abominations in an effort to stop the Saviors and begin his reign.

Journey into Dead Marsh and meet the final Savior, Jeszekia Venumroot. Explore Fogarth, home of the Wizards. Discover River's secret. Learn of the Wizards' role in creation.

The Saviors is full of action, betrayal, and mystery. Will the Saviors unite and save their world? Or will Hasbarie and the Dark Priests foil their attempt?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brian Hutchinson
• Release date: Feb 3, 2016
• ISBN: 9780991324163

Brian Hutchinson

Chief Inspector Albert Stagnetto, 52 years old, twenty-two years with Gibraltar Constabulary. Born to a Maltese father and a Spanish mother. Prior to the police, served ten years in the British Army. Married to Carmen Lopez, now a naturalised Gibraltarian, and her parents are Spanish, both from old San Roque families just across the frontier north of La Linea.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Ambushed

A day's time passed since Thaddeus and the others departed Dysut the Fuan's cabin. They traveled in the forest between the Dead Lands and the main road leading into Dead Marsh. The terrain was rough, but nothing the fit warriors could not handle. Many small hills, downed trees, and low lying mountain ridges lay before them, but they made good time.

They had not crossed paths with any of Hasbarie's forces since the battle at the cabin, and for this, they considered themselves lucky.

The trip was rather peaceful. The group put their differences behind them and were getting along better. Even Rasmere and Azonis became cordial with one another once more.

I can deal with cordial, but how long will it last? Thaddeus wondered.

The King often found his mind wandering to Lot, the brother he never knew of, and the Wizard, Locmire. He had no more visions or feelings, the special bond the twin brothers shared, alerting him to the circumstances concerning Lot, and this worried him. Little did he know, at this exact moment, Lot and the others were traversing the dangerous underground dwelling of the ancient Dainties.

How much longer till we reach Dead Marsh? River asked.

We are not going all the way to Dead Marsh, Thaddeus said, raising his eyebrows, looking upward. If all goes well . . . tomorrow or the next day. Hopefully.

Rasmere Elmidas, Sword of the Sestian, called out to her, Why do you ask, River? Surely you mustn't be tired. Caleb, on the other hand, I am not so sure about. He must be close to exhaustion.

Caleb, the Shifter from an unknown place called North Carolina, taking the shape of a lion, let out a loud roar directed at Rasmere.

You are just jealous that he will not let you ride upon him, River answered as she ran her fingers through Caleb's golden mane. I like it when Rasmere is sociable. He should speak more often.

Azonis quickened his pace to catch up with Thaddeus, who kept several feet ahead of the others.

I wonder how our kingdoms fare? Azonis asked.

Thaddeus jerked his head around.

As well as one could hope in such a situation. He relaxed a little. Sebastian and Tontal are capable as leaders. We left our kingdoms in good hands.

This all came on so sudden. It is hard to understand the extent of our situation. I look forward to speaking with the Wizard. It is my hope that he will be able to offer us more details concerning the prophecy, Azonis said.

I do believe I have our quest figured out.

Well then, enlighten me? I am quite interested, Azonis replied.

We reform the Saviors, kill Hasbarie, and save Calencia, Thaddeus said with a smile. Simple, is it not?

Azonis, returning the grin, said, I am glad you have this situation under control, King Graystone. When this is all said and done we should take a fortnight off from our duties. Maybe we could set up camp near Lake Ormavon. I hear the fishing there is the best in all of Calencia.

Or a nice forest retreat would suit me well, Thaddeus said, looking around at the dense woods surrounding him. On second thought, Lake Ormavon would be better. I have had my fill of the forest.

They traveled for quite some time without a hiccup in their path, but the inevitable occurred.

Thaddeus stared at the wide, violent river in front of them.

There is no way to cross. Caleb, Thaddeus said as he eyed the river. Can you fly us over?

River climbed off of Caleb's back, and he shifted into his human form.

I should be able to. You're the biggest of our group, and I have carried you through the air once before, Caleb replied. They will always call upon me when they need a ride or an area scouted. At least I am making myself useful.

Good. Let us get to it then. I suggest you start with me, Thaddeus told him.

You ready? Caleb asked.

Yes, Thaddeus replied, stretching his arms out to his side.

In an instant, Caleb transformed into the mighty eagle and wrapped his large talons around Thaddeus's arms. He hoisted the King into the air and released him from his grip on the opposite bank. He flew back over and took his natural form once more.

Who's next? he asked.

I'll go, River said, stepping forward.

Caleb shifted again and within a few seconds, River stood next to Thaddeus.

Next? he asked, once again.

Azonis eased forward and said, I will go, but you must be careful. I am not the best swimmer, and this armor would drag me to the bottom in an instant.

Don't worry. If I drop you, I will turn into a fish and come to your rescue, Caleb said as he patted Azonis on the shoulder. But, by the sheen of sweat on the Sestian's forehead, chin, and cheeks, Caleb knew Azonis did not find comfort in his joke. Don't worry. I will not let you go.

Thaddeus watched Caleb fly Azonis across. His eyes scanned the thick forest around them. As Azonis touched down, Thaddeus unsheathed his long swords.

What's the matter? River asked.

Something is amiss. Caleb, get Rasmere across. Now! King Graystone cried.

Caleb secured Rasmere in his grip. As he flew under the branch of a large oak extending halfway across the river, a net fell from the tree and engulfed them. Caleb, along with Rasmere, plummeted into the icy, rampaging, river.

No! River screamed as she ran to the bank. For an instant, she thought she saw a hand jut forth from the water, but just for an instant.

From within the forest, a weighted net leapt out and swallowed River, pulling her to the ground. She kicked and wiggled, trying to free herself, but all the flailing about further tangled her arms and legs into the net. River stopped fighting. Her imagination ran wild upon hearing the strange sounds resonating from the forest behind her. Azonis came to her aid and slashed at the net with his golden long sword.

Where is Thaddeus? River cringed each time Azonis swung his sword. Why is he not helping me?

When Azonis freed her, she understood the reason Thaddeus had not come to her aid. The King stood covered in blood, but not of his own. On the ground around them lay fifty, or more, small, hideous creatures. Tiny wooden spears and cudgels lay scattered about the dead. The net had entangled her for a short time, and for there to be so many bodies, they must have all emerged from the forest at once to meet the hungry edges of Thaddeus's long swords.

Are you hurt? Azonis asked, but he already knew the answer. The Sestian drew a deep breath through his nose and let out a quiet exhale.

No. I am fine. River stood and dusted herself off. She bent over and picked up her staff. What are those creatures? she asked.

They are Hoggins, Azonis replied. He walked over to one of their lifeless bodies and rolled it over onto its back with his boot. Just as ugly as I remember. I never thought I would see another one of these in my lifetime.

What of Caleb and Rasmere? River asked.

Thaddeus stood next to them. The river swept them downstream. We need to search for them. Hopefully we find them alive and not floating face down.

They only took a few steps when a rock leapt out of the forest and struck River in the head. Her eyes rolled back in her head, and she collapsed on the ground.

Azonis fell to his knees and inspected her.

She is alive, but unconscious, Azonis said. Blood oozed down her head, saturating her golden blonde hair. She is lucky it was not a spear.

Show yourselves! Thaddeus yelled, whirling around in search of River's attacker.

The vile little creatures will not make themselves known until they feel they have the advantage, Azonis said as he surveyed the surrounding woods.

We must come up with a plan. River is in no shape to travel, and Caleb and Rasmere are lost down river, Thaddeus said.

I will stay here and protect River. Go find them!

Are you certain? Thaddeus asked. Do you think it wise for us to separate?

The Hoggins are vicious and have a craving for Engenium flesh. I fear that Caleb and Rasmere have little time if the Hoggins get their grubby mitts on them. I am capable of defending River by myself. You need to find the others!

Very well.

King Graystone gathered his weapons and jogged off alongside the river.

Thaddeus.

Thaddeus turned back. Yes?

Be very cautious. What the Hoggins lack in size, they make up for in numbers. They are cunning and ruthless. Do not let your guard down.

Thaddeus gave him a nod and continued his search.

King Graystone followed the river for almost a league when things took a turn for the worse. He came to a dead end where the water rushed of a hundred-foot cliff. He was uncertain, but fairly sure, his companions had not escaped the river's clutches up to this point. Thaddeus feared the worst as he looked over the edge of the waterfall and set his gaze upon the multitude of jagged rocks at the bottom.

Quite a drop.

Thaddeus looked around and found a small path beside the cliff leading straight down to the bottom. As he descended, sliding down the steep path, it soon became apparent neither he nor his companions, if they were still alive, would come back this way.

Chapter 2

Queen of Dead Marsh

As usual, it turned out to be another peaceful day in Dead Marsh. Villagers tromped through the ankle high water that hid the soft, mushy bottom of the marsh, carrying out their daily duties and tasks. The yarkles' songs, combined with the croaks of nearby balloon frogs, made for a soul soothing melody.

The builders in the village labored away putting the finishing touches on a stone lined trench commissioned for construction to divert the waters away from a new tract of land that would soon be home to at least twenty five new huts. Their kingdom thrived. The population tripled in size over the last year, thanks to a new fertility potion that the alchemists created.

Since the Great War, the Raptilian race suffered to reproduce. In the days before the Great War, it was common for a mother to have ten or more hatchlings, at least five different times over the course of her life. Now, a Raptilian mother proved to be lucky if one of her eggs yielded young. The most daunting part of their infertility was the reason. No one, not even their most skilled alchemists, could generate a logical answer as to why their females became mostly barren. Many suspected the short distance between Dead Marsh and the Dead Lands were to blame.

The new fertility potion brought hope back to the Raptilians. Mothers did not hesitate to engage in the joyous task of repopulating their race, and they did so at unbelievable speeds.

Jeszekia Venumroot, the Raptilian Queen, emerged from her hut. She stretched her arms high above her head and took a deep breath, filling her nostrils with the aromas of her swampy kingdom. Her narrow lips tightened, forming a thin smile as she watched her people. Their smiles and laughter made her cold blood run warm. This was the happiest Jeszekia's kind had been in a long time. It appeared that, after years of sorrow and buckets of tears, her kingdom would soon return to greatness once more.

Through the eyes of a Raptilian, Jeszekia's beauty surpassed that of any other female in all of Calencia. She was tall and slender, yet well-toned, with scales a mix of soft pink and deep purple. Her large, violet colored eyes captivated all the male Raptilians, who instantly became lost in them. Her long, pink scaly-like hair, resembling dreads, hung low on her back. Jeszekia's voice was kind, yet stern. She wore a one piece leather body suit that wrapped around the back of her neck, covered her breasts and belly, then came back around to cover her hips and groin, leaving an opening in the back for her thick, barbed tail. She had no use for shoes. The impenetrable, calloused soles of her feet served as better protection than any shoe could ever afford. It was a rare occasion to see Queen Venumroot without her royal staff, which also served as her primary weapon, a trident. A blow gun hung across her back and two cromite daggers dangled from sheathes on her hips.

Cromite was a rare ore, long expended. Years ago, and to this day, it made for the finest blades in all of Calencia, and Jeszekia owned the last two of these invaluable blades.

Jeszekia left her hut and strolled through her kingdom, stopping often to lend aid to the villagers and play with the children.

One day, I will haz children of my own, Jeszekia thought, patting a hatchling on its head before it scurried off to catch up with its siblings.

From the corner of her eye, Jeszekia saw her maid servant, Kayliz, approaching her.

At once, Jeszekia knew something troubled Kayliz by the way she licked her lips over and over again.

My Queen, I haz troubling newz zat you muzt hear at onze, Kayliz whispered in her ear.

Meet me back at ze hut, Jeszekia said.

As she made her way back to her living quarters she could not help but to wonder what made Kayliz so uneasy. It iz probably nozing. Juzt zomezing zmall and blown out of proporzion. Kayliz can be over dramatic at timez.

Jeszekia's hut looked more like ten huts, rather than a single structure, dwarfing any other dwelling in Dead Marsh. Her quarters sat atop large stilts that kept it several feet off of the water. Her hut was constructed from bamboo with umbrella leaves covering the roof. A wide porch encircled the structure, with large, hungry, yellow frogs lining the banisters of the porch.

Dead Marsh was a smorgasbord for the amphibians that resided there. Thick swarms of gnats and bat sized mosquitoes swarmed to the torches that stayed lit near the huts. If not for the hungry swamp life, which the Raptilians coveted, Dead Marsh would be uninhabitable for even them.

Once inside, Jeszekia sat on her wooden throne, her long muscular tail slapped against the floor.

Now, what izzit zat you need to tell me? Jeszekia asked.

We'z, umm, rezeived word from a carrier znoot zat ze Morgorath. . . it haz fallen.

Urganox! Jeszekia clutched at her stomach with both hands, as if in tremendous pain. What doez you mean, fallen?

I iz not zure. Ze mezzage zaid zat ze entire kingdom haz been deztroyed.

Jeszekia stood and regained her queen-like composure.

Zis iz mozt unfortunate. Zend whatever aid we'z can afford, Jeszekia said. Pleaze let him be zafe.

Zere iz no need. None of ze Brazurkinz livez, Kayliz said.

A tear leapt from Jeszekia's eye. She just spoke with Urganox Skullsplitter, King of Morgorath, days ago. Jeszekia had a hidden fondness for King Skullsplitter. The Raptilian Queen even entertained the notion of a possible romance between the two. She often wondered if a Brazurkin and Raptilian could produce young, since she needed a child to carry on her family’s bloodline, and none of the males in her village tickled her fancy. As much as she fantasized on the thought, she kept it to herself. Such an act was unheard of in Calencia. Her heart quivered in pain to think that he may be dead.

Jeszekia sat back down on her throne.

Any word regarding ze king? Jeszekia asked, squeezing the back of her neck. Her stomach rolled and the tips of her fingers grew frigid. Zay he livez, zay he livez!

None, she hesitated and said, Zat iz not all, my Queen.

Yez? Jeszekia asked, sitting upright and scooting out to the edge of her seat.

Ze Human zity haz been attacked az well. Zo haz ze Engeniumz. Word hazzit zat ze Human King and Engeniumz Zestian haz left from Lazticall and are heading zis way, Kayliz replied.

For zuch a zmall bird, zeez znootz deliverz big newz. Zomething iz amizz. We'z muzt preparez for ze worzt. I fearz zat zomething big iz about to happen. Alert ze army. Zend zcoutz into ze marzh. We'z muzt be ready to defend our landz, Jeszekia said.

She stood from her throne, fell to her knees, and sent up a prayer to Suporah.

Chapter 3

Familiar Foes

Azonis knelt beside River and inspected her injury. He opened Caleb's knapsack and pulled out a blanket. He formed the blanket into a tight roll and placed it under River's neck and head. She lie sprawled on her back, and blood still trickled down the side of her head. An egg sized lump, which oozed blood, grew right above her temple. It looked rather painful, but at least she would live.

The Sestian stood in the open with his shield and long sword secured in his grip. He prepared himself to defend River with his life.

Azonis despised the Hoggins. After the small war that had taken place in the forests of Lasticall several years back, he longed for another encounter with the barbaric vagabonds. His wish came true, although it could not have happened at a more inopportune time. As he prepared for battle, he could not help but to think of Rasmere's well-being.

Although I despise him at the moment, he has been a loyal Sword and proven himself in battle many times over. If he were here, I would not need to worry about my flank.

SNAP!

Azonis cocked his head.

SNAP!

Another to his side. He took a deep breath and whirled around, sword and shield held high.

At once, a large group of Hoggins let out their war cry, Wraaaaa!

Azonis dashed forward using his shield as a weapon, crashing into the center of the group. Blood flew through the air as his shield tore through the angry mob, but the Hoggins fell in behind him, surrounding him. Azonis swiped his sword from side to side. He turned around as a small club clanged off of his armor. The Sestian lunged forward and impaled three of the Hoggins at once. His head swam as a large rock bounced off the back of his golden helmet. Dropping to one knee, Azonis spun around with his sword, amputating the legs off of a slew of his attackers in the process. Azonis sprang to his feet and ran through the small army once more.

Once he was no longer surrounded, Azonis took a defensive stance with his back to the river. He realized the severity of his predicament. When this encounter first began, Azonis knew the numbers did not favor him, but it happened so fast he did not have time to take notice of how large their tribe was. He stood before three hundred of the blood-thirsty warriors. He said a prayer to Manzrah and prepared for the worst.

The Hoggins regrouped, minus the fifty that lay dead on the ground. They cried out once more, Wraaaaa! and unleashed a hail storm of spears upon Azonis.

The Sestian hunkered down and brought up his shield. For ten seconds, the spears rained down and rattled off his shield and armor.

Come on! Come and meet your end!

Wraaaaa! they shrieked again, this time rushing forward with their cudgels raised high above their heads.

Azonis dug his feet in and cut the Hoggins down, three and four at a time as they charged him without a thought of consequence or potential failure.

They tried to surround him once more, but with the river at his back, his flank could not be taken. He slashed and hacked at the multitude of attackers as they moved in closer. Several times he took his shield and swatted a handful of the Hoggins into the hungry river.

Just when it seemed he gained the upper hand, and the Hoggins turned to flee, several of the large nets soared through the air from the bushes.

Azonis jumped from side to side, evading the first wave of nets, but there proved to be too many. One of the nets caught him by surprise and drug him to his knees. He tried hacking himself free, but did not have enough room to swing his sword.

The Hoggins rushed in, falling upon him. They jabbed and gouged at Azonis with their tiny spears. His armor did well to protect him, but several spears grazed and nicked his face, one even pierced his outstretched hand.

So this is how it ends, Azonis thought as he made one final attempt at escape. Rasmere, where are you?

Azonis knew this quest would be dangerous, and he may never return to Lasticall alive, but he never imagined his end would come at the hands of the Hoggins. Azonis screamed out in rage, his voice loud and deep. The more he lashed out in anger, the wearier he became.

When all the fight left his body, and he found himself on the verge of giving in, Azonis heard a voice, soft and low.

Bomonus? he asked himself.

The Hoggins squealed out in surprise. Azonis peered through the net to see the horde of tiny warriors floating in the air rising higher and higher into the sky.

Just as Azonis realized what was happening, he felt his stomach give way, and he ascended into the clouds alongside them.

He looked around as the Hoggins flailed helplessly about several hundred feet above the ground. Just as they ascended into the heavens, they plummeted back to the ground.

Azonis's descent was so rapid, it looked like the ground leapt up at him. The closer he came to the ground, the louder the thuds became. The Hoggins fell from the sky like a hard, fat, rain.

When Azonis found himself only feet from the ground he closed his eyes and braced for impact. It will be better to die like this, than be poked full of holes in a net.

Suspendus!

His descent came to an abrupt halt.

Azonis, hovering feet above the ground, watched the Hoggins fall from the sky and bounce off the hard forest floor. The last of them hit the river with a sickening splat.

Azonis took a standing position in the air as he was lowered to safety. He looked around and saw River collapse face first into the dirt.

He ran to her side. She was unconscious once more, still clutching her staff.

River took deep breaths. Sweat drenched her hair. Her skin boiled hot, her body was stiff as a board, and she shook violently. Azonis did not know what to do. He had never seen an Engenium, or anyone for that matter, act in such a way.

These Humans are strange creatures.

The Sestian, doing the first thing that came to mind, dipped the blanket into the icy water of the river and laid it over her outstretched body. Steam rose from her, and she fell limp.

Chapter 4

Invincible?

Thaddeus hunkered down behind the root system of a fallen tree. The tree itself was long decayed, but the root system was still intact.

He got on his knees and peered around the tree. Ahead was a small hamlet surrounded by a stone wall nestled away in a valley. The structure appeared to be of Human make. Possibly the forgotten remains of a small village or trading post built when life thrived in the Free Lands. Whatever it used to be was of no concern now. The Hoggins had staked claim to it.

The air was crisp, and the sun did not shine as bright. Aside from the confines of the hamlet there appeared to be no other signs of life, plant or animal. He knew right away that he followed the river into the Dead Lands. Thaddeus did not like being in this defiled place. Its reputation alone was enough to make even a man of his renown reconsider his path. He wanted to turn and go in the other direction, but that was not an option. Not with Caleb and Rasmere at the mercy of the Hoggins.

King Graystone's vantage point offered him a clear view. He could see the entirety of the situation. Hoggin archers, spaced three feet apart, lined the top of the stone walls. Behind the wooden gate that led into the hamlet stood hundreds of Hoggin warriors armed with clubs, spears, and a few with iron short swords.

They are prepared for war. The dirty little creatures must know that someone would come looking for Caleb and Rasmere. I must come up with a plan and fast.

For an instant, he considered going back to regroup with Azonis and River, but remembered that he could not climb the steep cliff beside the waterfall. If he tried to find another way up, he could wander through the Dead Lands for days. This idea did not interest Thaddeus.

Thaddeus shuffled his feet when he saw the Hoggins drag Rasmere and Caleb toward two large poles in the center of the hamlet. As they hoisted Caleb up on the pole, he stirred. The Hoggins swarmed him, pelting him over the head with their tiny clubs until he lost consciousness again.

Lucky for them they attacked him so quickly. I do not feel they would like to have a rampaging lion running free amongst them.

Thaddeus ran this scenario through his mind. It brought a smile to his face.

They tied Caleb to one of the poles; Rasmere to the other.

This is not good.

The Hoggins piled up dead wood around the bottom of the poles. They looked like a colony of ants hard at work.

A hulking creature stomped his way out of one of the structures inside of the hamlet. Five times the size of the others, he was a giant of his kind and without a doubt their leader. He carried a rusty, iron war hammer in one hand, a torch in the other.

By the gods! They are going to burn them alive!

Adrenaline coursed through Thaddeus's veins. An acidic taste filled his mouth. He spat on the ground. Thaddeus had to act soon, or his friends would become a charred feast for the tiny savages.

What am I to do? It would be suicide to charge the front gate. If I somehow make it past their archers, I would then have to contend with a small army. Think Thaddeus, think! I am the King of Galdarath. I destroyed the Black Suns and the Shadows. There must be a way. I am a mighty warrior. I am Thaddeus the Invincible. There has to be a way . . .That is it! I am Thaddeus the Invincible.

Thaddeus drew his dragon bone axe, wrenching the handle in his meaty hands. He narrowed his eyes, gave the hamlet one final look, and stood up from behind the tree. It is time to test my name.

King Graystone bound toward the hamlet taking high, long, strides. He made it within a few hundred feet of the front gate when his white and gold suite of armor caught the eye of the archers atop the wall. One archer put a horn to his lips and gave it a mighty puff. Without hesitation the archers let loose a barrage of arrows. Thaddeus's armor was solid and did not have many exposed areas. A great number of arrows struck the King, but he plowed forward as they clanged off of his armor. He wished that he had his helmet, but he had forgotten it in his pack at the ambush site.

Thaddeus made it to the gate unscathed. The archers kept reigning arrows down upon him as he stood with his back to the gate. He did not want to press his luck any more than he already had. He knew that he must find a way into the hamlet.

King Graystone looked around for any means to gain entry. The hamlet was solid . . . or was it? The hamlet had stood for hundreds of years, and the weather had taken its toll on the wooden gate. Thaddeus noticed the wood was black and moss had overtaken it. He took a step back and drove his shoulder into the gate. He fell inside as the gate exploded open.

The Hoggin warriors waiting inside jumped back with Thaddeus's unexpected entry. He scrambled to his feet and began his attack.

The battle that ensued did not last long. Once Thaddeus swung his axe, he seemed to have lost all recollection of the events that followed. When Thaddeus came to his senses, dark red blood dripped from his armor and hundreds upon hundreds of the Hoggins lay dead on the ground, most of them cut in half. His braided ponytail and scruffy beard acted as a magnet to the Hoggins's blood. He stood panting in front of Rasmere and Caleb, who were still unconscious and fastened to the wooden poles. Thaddeus walked over to cut them down when something called out to him.

No! No move further, Human.

Thaddeus turned to see the war hammer wielding Hoggin standing behind him.

You go! You go now! Take friends and go. Take friends, leave us be!

I fear it is too late for that. You should have never attacked us.

We just do what Lord of Dead command. Too much blood. Too much dead. Leave from here. Leave us be! the large Hoggin said once more.

Rage grew inside of Thaddeus. The Hoggins now served Hasbarie, the person responsible for the death of Emilia, or at least sided with him.

I cannot leave. Not now. You have chosen the wrong side in this war. We shall see if Hasbarie is truly your lord. If the Dark Wizard is as faithful to you, as you are to him, this death will not be your end, Thaddeus said as he advanced upon the giant Hoggin, dropping his axe and drawing his swords.

I King Ta-Rook! I not defeated! the Hoggin King roared.

Ta-Rook hoisted his war hammer high above his head and brought it down with all of his might. Thaddeus rolled out of the way and swiped at the King with his sword. Ta-Rook bellowed out in pain as Thaddeus's sword took off his floppy ear at the base of his head. Crimson blood gushed from Ta-Rook's head like a fountain. The King charged Thaddeus, swinging his hammer with all his might. Thaddeus leapt backwards several times to avoid being crushed by the violent blows.

Ta-Rook raised his hammer high in the air again, but before he could swing, Thaddeus threw the sword in his off hand. The dragon bone blade sank deep in Ta-Rook's stomach. The Hoggin King's hammer fell from his hands and thudded on the ground behind him.

He stood, looking confused, his eyes fluttered as he tried to pull the blade from his stomach. Thaddeus walked over to Ta-Rook and brought his other blade upward from his waist. His sword went through the bottom of Ta-Rook's jaw and came out the top of his head. For a few seconds the Hoggin King tried to speak, but Thaddeus's blade stayed his words. King Graystone ripped the blade out of Ta-Rook's head and walked away. Ta-Rook fell to his knees with a shower of blood flowing from his jaw. He collapsed onto the ground. Within moments, a