Shadow of Drakwald

[Boo]

Thank you both! We will see what happens to Father Bernard

And now I have updated both part 6 and part 5 with the missing text.. (aka the text that I had not yet written) I would gladly hear what your thoughts are about it.

Cheers guys!

 

[Nikos]

The added battle is well written. What I like about it and the rest of the story is that it often goes in a different direction to what you're expecting and its descriptive but leaves some room for the readers imagination. Now on with the next part!

 

[Boo]

Thank you Nikostratus!

Here is the next part, brining in another main character in my story. I hope you like it

***********
Shadow of Drakwald part 7

Captain Reinhof af Mittelstadt paced nervously up and down the small courtyard. The area was empty, no soldiers were at attention, the ceremonial place between the barracks and the company headquarters were dead silent, save for the clanking of Reinhofs full plate armour. The captain was a heavy built man with blonde beard, almost boarding on an orange-bronze colour, and dark blue eyes. He stood at least one head higher than the average soldier. In recent years he had grown increasingly grumpy and stubborn, the rumours in the ranks were that it was because he had lost one of his eyes in a beastman raid, others swore that it was because he had not been selected to lead the Counts personal bodyguard and the fact that his best friend had been chosen before him. Reinhof had neither dismissed or confirmed any of the rumours. He knew that his change in temper had had a positive effect on his men, because all men now feared him and would rather sleep with a gor than face the wrath of the captain.

Reinhof stopped and checked the parchment in his hand once more. There he could once again read the words, in plain writing, that had sent him in to one of his now famous moods:

Orders for Captain Reinhof af Mittelstadt.
You are to immediately give leadership of the 32nd army to Milton Meyer of the Grim-Greatswords.
These orders are to be in effect the moment Milton Meyer arrives in Mittelweg.
General Gerhardt Von Grimm

Reinhof mumbled something unhearable and took up his pacing once more. Milton Meyers, his once best friend were to assume command of his forces. Unthinkable! Why would Von Grimm do this?

Milton Meyers and Reinhof had been in basic training together, forming an unbreakable bond in the service of the empire, rising in the ranks at the same time. The friendship slowly turned to an all out rivalry between the two men, who at the rank of sergeants competed for the spot of captain under the command of general Gerhardt Von Grimm. When it came down to it, Gerhardt could not choose one of the two so he made both men captains. This did nothing to stop the rivalry and soon the two had found something new to compete about.
This time it was the spot as leader of the Grims, the famous Middenland greatswords. In honour of the family Von Grimm's colours, the Grim-Greatswords resembled their Carroburgian counterpart's black and red uniforms. The same colours used by the 32nd army on it's many banners. Milton Meyers was chosen before Reinhof and this troubled the captain much, even to this day.

Reinhof af Mittelstadt was disturbed in his thoughts by Corporal Waldman as the man entered the courtyard. The corporal was a short plump man with a face reddened by exhaustion. Waldman snapped to attention, the man was sweating immensely and panting as Reinhof made his way towards him. The Corporal swallowed down hard and fixed his gaze upon the walls of the barracks in front of him.

“Well Corporal, what is your report?”
Reinhof eyed the man from top to toe, his grumpy voice shaking the corporal to his core. Waldman knew he had to be careful with what he said next, or else all the men would have to run another 10 miles.

“The men are tired but satisfied that they were given this opportunity to show their strength and stamina sir!”
The corporal now entered a staring contest with the wall, hardly daring to breathe. Reinhof slowly walked around the corporal.

“Very well corporal, get the men to move their tents to the other side of Town. I will conduct a full inspection. You have half an hour.”

“Sir, yes sir!”
Waldman exhaled and set off to instruct the men, grateful that they would not have to run again.

Reinhof watched the corporal leave and took up his pacing again. As this business with Milton Meyer and the Grims were not enough he had other concerns. Udolf Van Teuffel had not yet reported back from Basdahl and Reinhof af Mittelstadt knew that this did not bode well. He would have his army ready in two more days, and he had already sent reinforcements to Basdahl. All he could do now is wait for the humiliating arrival of Milton Meyer.
************

Thanks for reading!

 

[Santawraith]

You truly are a master at story telling makes me wanna start writing again. keep them coming boo.

 

[Boo]

Thanks Santawraith! I really appreciate it!

Why not write something up, would be fun to read.

 

[Santawraith]

Last things I wrote was the vampiric poetry book that I published with kids and everything life hasnt left time. But I think Im gonna try just not sure where to start yet. But ill figure it out.

 

[Knightofni]

Another great installment Boo... nice work.

 

[TMS]

because all men now feared him and would rather sleep with a gor than face the wrath of the captain.

Oh God no, the imagery.

That was a good installment, although this following part caught my attention in a negative way.

The Grim-Greatswords look a lot like the Carroburg greatswords in appearance with their black and red uniforms, but unlike the Carroburgians the Grims used black and red as to honour the family Von Grimm, because the Von Grimms has always had Black and Red as their family colours.

It just feels... inelegant, compared to the rest of your writing. A more compressed and better way of putting it (in my opinion, mind you) would be something like..

In honour of the family Von Grimm's colours, the Grim-Greatswords resembled their Carroburgian counterpart's black and red uniforms.

...or something to that effect. What you've got written already works as well of course, but I just think it sticks out like a sore thumb amidst your other, more quickly cut writing.

Oh, and I hope you're having a happy birthday Boo.

 

[Nikos]

Another good installment here Boo. Having seen Captain Reinhof, I'm backing him to put this Meyer character in his place The only thing I would question is the use of "30 minutes" as it doesnt seem quite fitting to me but I dont know what you would use instead, half an hour maybe? Lets have the next part soon!

 

[Boo]

Last things I wrote was the vampiric poetry book that I published with kids and everything life hasnt left time. But I think Im gonna try just not sure where to start yet. But ill figure it out.

Yes, the one you put up earlier was a great read.

Another great installment Boo... nice work.

Thanks a lot, got more coming...

Oh God no, the imagery.

Hahaha, yes, The captains wrath is pretty scary.

It just feels... inelegant, compared to the rest of your writing. A more compressed and better way of putting it (in my opinion, mind you) would be something like.. example:
In honour of the family Von Grimm's colours, the Grim-Greatswords resembled their Carroburgian counterpart's black and red uniforms.

Yes you are correct, that scentance that I wrote just did not feel right when I wrote it, but I had some problems with it as you can see. I'll take that advice of yours. Thank you MS

Oh, and I hope you're having a happy birthday Boo.

I did have that, thanksk again! Getting older is fun until you are old.

Another good installment here Boo. Having seen Captain Reinhof, I'm backing him to put this Meyer character in his place

Thank you Nikostratus. Yes, there will be some sort of confrontation... got something special planned out for Herr Meyer.

The only thing I would question is the use of "30 minutes" as it doesnt seem quite fitting to me but I dont know what you would use instead, half an hour maybe?

Yes, good input. I'll change that. 30 minutes does sound kind of silly.

Cheers guys, I've got the next part in the works and I'll post it up soonish.

 

[Santawraith]

This is the wife posting now: I want more! You've got me hanging on the edge of my chair waiting eagerly for the next segment.

 

[Boo]

This is the wife posting now: I want more! You've got me hanging on the edge of my chair waiting eagerly for the next segment.

Cheers! Glad you like it. and here is the next part, I hope that you will enjoy this one too.

******
Shadow of Drakwald part 8

The first crazed gor jumped through the cracks in the gate, it’s blood pumping. The beast could feel his anger rising at the sight of the still standing human buildings. He roared in fury and looked around for a quick kill. Behind him his brethren were pushing to get through. Suddenly the gor saw a man standing in the middle of the open grounds between the gates and the large stone structure ahead. Without a second thought, the gor charged headlong towards his prey. The beast fell upon the man, with a cruel warcry on his unhuman lips. The man dodged the clumsy strike and brought his own weapon around, the huge warhammer crushing the skull of the gor.

Father Bernard exhaled as he was showered with the blood from his first victim. His ancient armour befouled with the blood of chaos.

“Children of chaos, hear me. You shall be passed the ultimate judgement on this day. Come forth and I shall slay you all.” The priests voice boomed over the mad barking and snarling of the beastly horde.

At first the horde seemed baffled by the foolish human standing between them and the feast promised to them by their leader. A few seconds later they came at him as one, a wave of fangs, claws and fur, screaming madly for fresh blood. Father Bernard started chanting again, each word gaining strength as he started jogging to meet the beasts head on, finishing just as the first creatures were within striking distance. The air was suddenly filled with the smell of burned flesh and the vision of every child of chaos was blinded by holy light. Bernard did not waste any time and his terrible weapon rose and fell with mighty blows, claiming a foe with each strike. The priest let the momentum of his charge carry him forward towards the now ruined gates, the hammer forming a small half-circle between him and his foe. Any beast foolish enough to get close was crushed with one strike of the mighty weapon. Bernard was filled with divine strength and he kept on chanting as his weapon wreaked havoc in the ranks of his hated enemy.

Now the beasts were more cautious of the man wielding the huge weapon, it had already claimed a score of gors. They came at him from opposite sides, feigning attacks to throw the priest off guard. However, Bernard was not easily fooled and countered every attempt with righteous fury. He parried a low stab with the hilt of his weapon, boxing the assailant in the face with his armoured gauntlet. Another beast tried to strike him in the back as the pack now circled him. Bernard foresaw this and side-stepped the blow causing the attacking beast to topple forward when the attack only hit thin air. The priest ended the gors life with yet another crushing strike of his hammer.

“I am chosen of Ulric.” Bernard chanted. “The god of war favours me!” A shimmering aura now surrounded the priest and the few attacks that got through his defence were deflected by an invisible force before they could do him any harm. Another blinding flash of holy light burned through the air, killing all creatures of chaos it touched. Bernard tried to lead his enemies outside the walls of Basdahl, away from the people still held up inside the temple. He knew that his attempts would be futile, but he had to try. A slightly larger gor pointed a rusty meatcleaver at Bernard, bellowing a challenge. The priest smiled and aimed a blow at the head of the challenger. The beast ducked low but was met with the steel covered knee of the preacher.

“Repel, O Ulric, this Servant of Change!
Dispel such fallacies from this unholy form.
I invoke Your Name to repel this abomination.
Not by my strength, but by Yours,
Ulric, god of war, let this heresy be ended!”

Bernard shifted grip on his weapon bringing it down on the back of his hunched over opponent, shattering the gors spine, killing the abomination of chaos outright.

The skirmish waned back and forth, father Bernard pressing the gors back towards the gates, his mighty voice sounding over the carnage.

“He is the rock upon which the unclean will be broken. He is the tempest...”’

Martin peered out from the gates of the temple. He knew he had promised Father Bernard not to open the mighty oak doors, but he was curios. Transfixed the small boy could only watch as the holy man fought to save them all.

 

[Nikos]

Another great part to the story. Battering stupid Beatmen is always going to be popular with me and you've described it very well. Good stuff

 

[Knightofni]

Another brilliant piece, this really is a fantastic story.

 

[Santawraith]

Smash them bash them, ohh this reminds me of the chaos march game for my xbox where you have to rescue a lone preist fighting skaven. So whats next I want to read more blood. By ulric's ax die chaos scum.

 

[Santawraith]

wife- That kid's going to get everyone killed...and the good father will be furious. I loved this segment, so realistically written. Loved the blood and gore! erv:

 

[Boo]

Another great part to the story. Battering stupid Beatmen is always going to be popular with me and you've described it very well. Good stuff

Thanks! Yes, battering chaos filth is the way to go.

Another brilliant piece, this really is a fantastic story.

Thank you very much.

Smash them bash them, ohh this reminds me of the chaos march game for my xbox where you have to rescue a lone preist fighting skaven. So whats next I want to read more blood. By ulric's ax die chaos scum.

Hehe, thanks mate. there will be more blood, just wait until they clash again. I think me and my friend need to play another game about 1000 pts to see what will happen then!

wife- That kid's going to get everyone killed...and the good father will be furious. I loved this segment, so realistically written. Loved the blood and gore! erv:

Damned kid! get back in the temple! Hehe, yes Father Bernard will be angry. Thanks for the positive feedback.

 

[Boo]

Udolf Van Teuffel paused to catch his breath, his steel breastplate felt like it weighed a ton. He had lost the battle. Everyone was dead. All the villagers and all his troops, dead. It had been a complete disaster, the beastmen had been too many and his soldiers mostly poorly trained villagers. He sighed and looked around, at least it seemed like he was not being followed. Bloody beastmen, he though as he made his way through the thick forest. He had been forced to kill his own horse not more than thirty minutes earlier, the animal had been so scared he could not calm it down. The endeavour had been quite volatile, ending the fine steeds life with his own sword had sent Udolf flying through the air, crashlanding in some shrubbery at the trunk of a mighty oak tree. He thanked Ulric that he had not broken any bones but now he walked with a slight limp.

Udolf had no idea where he was, the horse had carried him what he estimated was at least a few leagues in to the forest. He knew that there would be more beastmen flocking to Basdahl at this moment, celebrating the victory with a gory ungodly feast. He quickly decided that he'd better get back to Mittelweg and alert the main army so that no more scouting troops got sent to Basdahl. It would be easier to navigate when it got dark and he could see the stars, but Udolf did not dare stop and wait, lest he'd get attacked while not on guard.

The notion of fighting beastmen at close quarters in the middle of the forest did not appeal to him so Udolf tried to move as stealthy as he could. After walking for about fifteen minutes he could hear a faint sound of someone or... something moving through the undergrowth. He quickly hunched behind a toppled tree and held his breath. The sound came closer. It was definitely someone, or something, walking slowly towards him. Udolf removed his helmet and his breastplate, if he had to fight, he need to be able to manoeuvre unhindered and because of the lack of space, he needed to be fast. Silently he drew a knife and held it in a off-hand grip in his left hand, balancing his fine sword in the right.

The stench of fur, sweat and piss soon reached his nostrils and he had to swallow down hard to prevent himself from puking. Now he knew that it was the enemy coming towards him. He slowly exhaled and inhaled, getting ready to make his move. The footfalls became clearer, twigs were broken and metal against metal rattled as the foe closed in on Udolf position. Had he been spotted? Several scenarios played out in Udolfs head, with imagery of the beastmen working like a pack of wolves, with some members of the pack already circling him. He quickly glanzed around and shook his head slightly and focused on the sound coming closer to him.

The foe couldn't be more than a few feet away when Udolf decided to make his move. With a warcry on his lips he sprung to his feet, jumping over the toppled tree that had served as his ambush place, Udolf attacked. His swordarm lashed out, trying to catch his foe unprepared in the stomach. His blow was deflected by the hilt of a mighty warhammer and firm grip caught his wrist, wrestling the sword out of Udolfs hands.

"By Ulric man! What are you doing? Ambushing a broken priest when there are fairer game of beastman in this cursed forest?"

 

[Nikos]

Good show old bean, an update at last! I sense an imminent beastmen smiting a brewing. Looking forward to the next part

 

[Boo]

Cheerio mate! I'm glad you liked it!

I've got the next part coming up shortly!

 

[Boo]

Udolf could not comprehend what had just happened. Who was this man that disarmed him in a heartbeat, without the slightest effort? The man standing in front of Udolf was huge in stature and wore an impressive silver armor, now soiled with patches of fur and blood but his divine impression upon Udolf was strong never the less. Before any cohesive thought had been formed in Udolf mouth the huge man spoke.

“I am father Bernard, forgive my somewhat brutal greeting, although I would not take kindly to being stabbed in the stomach.” The man smiled and Udolf noticed that he could not resist returning the smile.

“I recognize you.” Father Bernard said. “Are you not the man who came upon horseback to Basdahl?”

Bernard reached for Udolfs sword that now lay on the ground, retrieved the blade and handed it back to Udolf. Before Udolf had a chance to respond, the man said:

“I think I am being followed, you should re-arm yourself and prepare to meet the beastmen once more.” Udolf took his sword back and managed to squeeze out a meager “thank you.”

Turning around to retrieve his armor, Udolf barely had time to put it back on before he heard the priest shout:

“Servants of chaos, I am the bringer of Ulrics Holy retribution. Face me and face Ulric himself!”

Spinning around, Udolf observed the priest called Bernard engage a mob of four beastmen head on. Swinging his immense, golden warhammer in huge arcs, rambling hymns at the top of his lungs, the man had soon claimed two kills and pushed the attackers back. Udolf soon joined in, spurred on by the holy mans burning hatred. Bernard had already engaged the larger of the two remaining beasts so Udolf attacked the smaller one with a flurry of blows.

The beast had no skill with spear and shield and fought only by instinct, but was soon outmatched by Udolf fine handling with the blade. Udolf deflected a clumsy spear thrust with his sword and used his own momentum to spin around behind his foe, stabbing the creature in the neck with his backhand-held knife. As he retracted his knife, he was showered with the gory remains of the other beastman as father Bernard crushed it’s skull.

“Terribly sorry about that, son. I feel sick to my stomach befouling these fine instruments given to me in the service of Ulric with the foul blood of chaos.” The priest laughed and wiped blood from his face with a patch of wolf fur that hung from his shoulders.

Udolf laughed in response but soon his grim mood returned and he remembered what had happened back at Basdahl.

“I’m sorry that we had to meet under these circumstances Father, my name is Udolf Van Teuffel, Pistollier of the 32nd army of Middenland…” Bernard responded with a nod of approval and Udolf continued. “If you don’t mind me asking, how did you manage to escape Basdahl?”

When the words landed upon Bernard ears his face grew dark and his eyes dim with tears.

“Escaped you say?” Bernard shook his head in disdain. “I tried to save them all. I fought and fought, but to no avail. They butchered them all. All the women and children…” The priest looked up in to the sky that now began to turn an ashy grey. The evening clouds mixed with the smoke that rose from the burning buildings and pyres of Basdahl.”… foolish, foolish Martin…” He said. Somewhere in the distance the sky started rumbling. It sounded like a storm was brewing. The trees that surrounded the two men started dancing in the growing wind. Bernards beard soon joined the merry dance.

“I told him to keep the gates closed…” The divine priest felled a tear that hit the ground at the same time as the first drops of rain started falling.

 

[Nikos]

Splendid work Boo, really enjoying it This is a real rollercoaster of a tale, I like the way the ascenancy swings back and forth between the empire and beastmen. Keep it coming

 

[Boo]

Cheers Niko! I'm thinking about including some segments seen from the Beastmens point of view, what do you think about that?

Also, got the next part coming up shortly!

 

[Boo]

In almost all aspects, Milton Meyer was the perfect leader. He was brave, possessed a keen tactical intellect and handled a blade like none other. The major flaw of Milton Meyer was that the man was painfully aware of his qualities. Marching on the road leading in to Mittelweg, under the flapping banners of Grimms Greatswords, made this only more obvious as Milton Meyers waved and smiled to all citizens that he marched by.

Dressed from head to toe in polished full plate armor, the man looked nothing short of a hero of war. At his waist he carried a few leather pouches of gold and the parchment that would leave Reinhof af Mittelstadt without an army to command. His head was shaved and covered by a leather hat, sporting flamboyant feathers. Milton looked from left to right as he and his attachment of greatswords entered underneath the stone arch of the guardhouse that overlooked the west gate of Mittelweg.

Lined up on the left side of the road was a detail of the 32nd army, in full battle gear, standing at attention. Reinhof af Mittelstadt grunted as Milton Meyers appeared from the shadows a fair fifty yards further down the road. The town was nothing impressive on its own, a few hundreds of half-timbered houses, surrounded by a ten foot tall stone wall guarded by a garrison one hundred men strong, now reinforced by the 32nd army. After the 32nd army had arrived in Mittelweg Reinhof af Mittelstadt had spent the past three week getting both his new recruits and the garrison in shape and ready for battle.

Now that Milton Meyer arrived he had to give it all away. This did not make the grizzled captain happy.

“Look at the stuck up son of a gor…” Hissed Reinhof to his adjutant Corporal Waldman at his left.

“Sir?” Waldman replied.

“I hate his guts, corporal. He thinks he can just swing in here and take command of my army?” Rienhof almost growled as he spoke.

“You know you have your men’s full support in this sir.”

“Does not matter… Milton Meyer has been sucking up to Von Grimm for years… Milton is practically so far up Von Grimms arse he can probably taste the wine that flows down Von Grimms throat…” Reinhof spat on the ground.

“So there is nothing you can do, sir?”

“Oh don’t count me out just yet Waldman…” Reinhof smirked as Milton Meyer got closer to them. “Come, let’s greet the son of a m…

“…Milton! My dearest brother in arms, let me embrace you!” Reinhof opened his arms and broke formation to greet the hated Milton Meyer.

Reinhof was putting on quite the show and the plump corporal didn’t know how he would act so Waldman took the safe road and clammed up, snapping in to a salute as the count’s champion got closer.

“Reinhof! Let me shake your hand!” Milton had his broadest grin on, displaying a row of perfect white teeth.

Reinhof was also grinning, but the Captains grin looked more like he was about to growl. The two men met in the middle of the street, the grimm greatswords stopped a few paces behind Milton and Waldman stood still at attention, like a statue, not yet daring to move.

“It’s been ages, dear Reinhof.” Milton took Reinhofs hand in a firm grip and shook it brusquely.

“Far too long, Milton.” Reinhof squeezed Miltons hand hard.

The two men now entered what seemed to be a measurement of strength. Neither giving ground to the other and everyone that stood and watched started squirming uneasily. Waldman felt that he had to put a stop to this and moved out to where Reinhof and Milton stood.

“Sir, would you not like to allow Herr Meyer to inspect the troops?”

Waldman got no reply.

“Sir?!”

“Yes? What? Yes, certainly, let’s do that.” Reinhof broke eye contact, bewildered by the unexpected approach of the corporal, doing so he also released the vice grip on Miltons hand.

Milton smirked and patted Reinhof on the shoulder.

“Good show old chap, bested again huh?” Reinhof said nothing so Milton continued. “Well then, let’s go and see those troops of yours… oh pardon me, I meant let’s go and see my troops.” He grinned.

Milton walked towards the nearest row of soldiers, turning his back to Waldman and Reinhof. When he did so Reinhof turned to Waldman and gave the man a look that almost made the plump corporal lose control of his bowl movements.

 

[Nikos]

Splendid work again Isnt there a bit earlier from Korbloc the beastmens point of view? That was cool. Go for it I say!