The moon waxed over the grasslands, nearing its end.
The nights were still chilly, but Spring was drawing to a close. Hot Summer was mere days away.
A group of people was hiding behind a small knoll. This small contingent of soldiers lay huddled and also wrapped tightly in thin cloaks. About half a mile away in the distance a small wood, populated with a few trees punctured the plain landscape.
Months of tracking and fighting led the Military to this hidden camp of bandits.
"Wake the Captains, the signal should be here soon."
The veteran scout nudged his sleepy eyed apprentice.
The young man clutched his worn cloak tightly as he crawled to a position near the base of the mound behind them. There, accompanied by some servants lay the resting men. He passed the message while still wondering why this team of ten Military soldiers needed 'four' captains.
"Captain!"
"Captain!"
The calls rang out very softly in the dead night. In the silent grasslands, sound travels very far. Making noise before staging an ambush was never a wise choice.
The four thick, fur-lined cloaks all opened one after the next, unwrapping its contents from the comfortable cocoon. While they had long toned down their extravagant behaviors, demonstrating might through riches was always their forte.
"Get up you lazy slobs! As 'Captains' you need to set an example for your men!"
Young master Gofart was the first to speak.
"You'd better shut your trap poser. Otherwise, nobody will respect you, 'Dullard'."
Prickus mumbled back as he stretched out some stiff limbs.
At the side, Rufang kicked a swollen cloak rolling out the contents. he nearly vomited at the sight which greeted him.
"Tochus you dolt! Why the hell can't you keep your vices out of public sight. Nobody wants to see your bare ass in the moonlight!"
Rufang spat in disgust at the two naked men now sprawled out on the grasslands for all to see.
The culprit of that anger merely got up as another servant began dressing him in the dim light. He slowly turned his head soaking in the faces of all the soldiers nearby.
"Stupid, stupid Rufang. Everyone here knows about my relations with the Commander. Add the support of my family and not a man here dares to spurn me."
"Not here among these low ranked soldiers. But when you return to Frost City, Weak Bladder Tochus will forever be a hot topic. If word gets out about you and the Commander, he wont be able to save himself much less someone with a poor reputation."
Prickus chimed in, replying to Tochus.
The raised voices prompted the scout to interrupt their conversations. Dawn was nearly upon them, the ambush would begin.
The soldiers all scattered around the side of the mound, like a half-crown viewing the shadow covered woodlands. A gray band of light began in the east, slowly widening and brightening.
Master Gofart gaze fell on another mound closer to the target. Another team led by Roberts crouched there hidden, also waiting for the signal.
"Why the hell do we have to act as support during this time. We won't earn an ounce of Merit or Achievement."
He grumbled to Tochus who sat at his side seemingly without a care.
"You say this, but Commander Fredijak has his reasons. You do remember the reason behind chasing these bandits right?"
Tochus replied.
After the fiasco in the village to the north, the Military wasted no time in tracking the perpetrators.
The Wold Demon's head was proof of existence, an existence without a body. As a result, the upper echelons of the Empire demanded satisfaction that no unaffiliated Sersen roamed its lands.
Hence Commander Fredijak wasted no time in casting the net. The Military supported by the Houses and Clans that took part in the previous demon hunting stormed across the grasslands. They tracked and captured any bandit group.
After a brief interrogation, they killed them earning fame from villages in the process. A solid lead to the Mong bandits came when a scout tracked an ambushed survivor to their camp. This camp was about three villages to the southeast of Chu's and hidden in the woods.
"There they go."
The platoons of soldiers and hired fighters rushed silently towards the woodland. All around small teams were doing the same. Consequently, it did not take long for the sounds of battle to fill the air.
Under an assault of trained fighters, the resistance of the Mong bandits quickly crumbled. This group of rag-tag brigands relied on the strength of numbers so as to achieve their desired aims.
Finally having to face well-trained fighters had them scampering away into the grasslands.
The bandit camp consisted of probably just over one hundred members remaining with a prized possession of thirty horses. The horses were part of the group normally used during the Spring collection event held every year. Using horses to make a grand entrance cowered the villagers into paying a levy. It also served as a lure to gather prospective members.
The bandits conducted most of their ambushes and raids on farms by foot. Yearly recruitment made up for losses from failed battles and brawls. Outstanding members also obtained rewards of young girls and captured women.
'Ming's dream occupation ended abruptly for the present employees.'
First of all, the recruitment drive in one village met with fierce resistance. That group was totally wiped out and so never returned to camp. In addition, smaller groups out hustling the surrounding farms ended up being targeted by bands of fighters. Only through an informant did they finally learn news of the event.
Commander Fredijak was an old hand in conducting these types of tactics. The Military was different from the Empire's army. They did not fight head-on with demon beast but used hit and run methods, ambushes and the like. Some commanders were not adverse to even using hired help as bait.
The leader of the Mong bandits was distraught, nearly dying from a stroke on the report. The bandits who died in village ambushes by the Military consisted of almost all his elite members.
Furthermore, they were his prized performers meant to strike fear and awe.
Worse yet, it was becoming widely circulated that he probably had a Sersen in his camp.
That announcement alone had him coughing up blood.
'If I had a Sersen under me, do you really think I would be in this line of work?'
Now before he could regroup and think of a way out of this predicament, his camp was being raided.
"Fuck Me!"
Normally he would show off his battle prowess with a large hammer. That skill was enough to contend against a garrison guard. It also served to gain praise from the dunderheads that surrounded him. In the face of bloodthirsty fighters out for bounty, it became useless.
His organization built on the wonderful foundational rule collapsed.
'Among the blind, the one-eyed man is king!'
Besides him and a few others, the rest of the bandits served the purpose of batching up the numbers. It did not take long for them to be either captured or killed outright. Politics was ever present in raids like these. Therefore killing the Sersen meant no other power could make use of them in the future.
The weaker bandits who usually served to either makeup numbers or used as fodder ran away on foot. The small teams guarding the encirclement was given the job of capturing these stragglers. A company of mounted officers handled the ones escaping on horseback.
"Damnit I have never worked so hard in my life!"
Master Gofart raged as he launched a kick behind a lanky bandit.
It seemed like nearly all the runners had decided to escape to their location. Since most of his soldiers were occupied in confronting the fugitives, he had to act. Given his physical conditions, he soon became tired out.
At the moment Rufang had some soldiers stripping the prisoners to conduct visual examinations for a tattoo. As a result, It soon became evident that this batch possessed nothing of value.
"Do we kill them like the others?"
Tochus asked as he leered at the naked men.
The surroundings was already littered with bodies of slain men.
Master Gofart was about to agree when he had an epiphany.
"Stop Prickus, hear me out first."
Master Gofart led the other four captains away from the rest of the squad.
"We just ended up with a gold mine. The Mong bandits were the largest group of brigands in these parts. Now that they are gone, a void will need to be filled. Remember I am from a Merchant family. If I can raise the new group of bandits, I will hence control all the trade along the forest."
Young master Gofart beamed as he talked.
If they controlled the local bandit group, they also controlled who and which merchant might successfully trade in lumber and pelts. By allowing close associates and family to pass through the area unhindered while blocking rivals he could crush the competition.
"Well its not like I see it as a problem. More money to you means more to spend for us."
Prickus commented.
Master Tochus quickly had the naked men released and brought over. Twenty bandits remained alive in the group while one suffered injuries from the fighting.
The soldiers left the men to the mercy of the young masters. Having carried out the instructions of the Commander their task was done. Whatever fate had to dish out for the prisoners was of no concern to them.
"You ruffians are in luck. Due to the fact I am in a good mood, you have two choices. Either serve me and become the new 'Mong' bandits in the region or die."
Young Master Gofart talked while walking with his hands behind his back and head facing the sky. Gathering no response from the gawking and shocked bandits he finally looked towards them.
"Do it!"
On his next instruction, Daffodil dragged the injured prisoner out to the front and swiftly sliced his throat. Because it was intentionally not a clean cut, the man died in a slow and brutal manner.
"Well?"
Came the follow-up question.
The twenty bandits dropped to the ground in prostration.
"Agreed my Lord, we agree!"
With the backing of a lord the sky was the limit, therefore it was not surprising for dead men to swear allegiance.
Under the unison replies, young master Gofart smiled.
"Spade, get these riff-rafts some clothes and crude weapons. Since the south is still hot with activity, take them up north to the previous village there. You can train them a little by likewise ambushing those caravans from the Trading Post. I would be a foolish merchant if I did not see they were making a fortune. High time I collect some dues."
Tochus laughed as he heard Gofart instructions.
"Not a bad deal from this expedition. When you corner the trade in this region make sure you find me some playthings. Now that we are finished lets have some fun. I saw a herd of Inyoni just a while ago, help me chase them around for sport."
He stared at the naked men like a hungry wolf.
"You there! Yes you. I name you as the new Mong bandit leader. My eyes for men are never wrong, you have the face of a killer."
Young Master Tochus pointed out the man.
A man with an unforgettable face stepped out and bowed.
It was the face of a perpetually sneering man.
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Chu delivered the last of his pelts to the Trading Post.
This time the Trading Post did not buy it, but the new Master was acting as an intermediary between him and another merchant.
Ever since he netted a huge profit last winter, Merchant Kim was very considerate whenever he interacted with Chu. He had been introduced to this boy by Griz after they had made a small fortune.
Chu used his influence on John to make him create his own little Merchant company.
"If Griz can have one, then why can't the youngest Master of a Trading Post Branch also startup his own side business?"
With a prideful and ambitious person like John, it did not take him long to set up his own rights as a merchant. Although he was confined to the village without a convoy of his own, he still waved that certificate showing he was registered by the Merchant's Guild.
After returning from his late winter trip, Merchant Kim had hooked up with both John and Chu. John was the middleman and served as Chu's registered dealer. Merchant Kim was the one who had a well established convoy and transport network.
It was between the three of them that Chu presently conducted his main business. All his supplies from Griz passed through the wagons of the Trading Post. The well processed pelts and a huge influx of lumber during the autumn season were shipped and sold by Merchant Kim.
This last delivery before winter was also the last trip for the year by Merchant Kim. He would be returning next spring. According to him, the storage buildings were filled in his home city of Haven.
Next year would bring another huge profit distribution to the three of them.
Before he left, John brought Chu to the Lodge to collect the package he had long ordered. Chu opened the box and removed a well made robe lined inside with soft fur. The outside was made with thick brown cloth treated with oils and wax to make it slightly waterproof.
These cloaks would seem ordinary to anyone, but that internal lining and neat workmanship would make it among the most expensive in even the cities.
"Chu, give me another one please! Kim only loosened his mouth when we drank last night, I only found out how amazing this was yesterday."
Kim looked at the pitiful face John was making and snorted.
"Master Chu I am not as thick faced as some people to want such an item for free. Please sell me another, I would really like to gift my wife one when I return home."
Chu could only shake his head to the two grown men who were pleading. It had to be known that these two were the most unscrupulous beings around. Neither would bow to any pressure that would cut into their profits.
"I am truly sorry my friends. These cloaks already have owners. I cannot part with not even one. I must also say they are very important to our future business transactions. Remember our profits always depend on our supply line."
It was only after that statement that the two were quelled. They would never interfere with this gold mine. Chu chatted with them before he had Ming and the others carry the chests into the wagon.
He reminded John about the new employees staying in his village home and to keep an eye on them. After bidding Merchant Kim a safe journey home he left the village.
On their way back Ming couldn't help asking about what was so special about those cloaks. Even Mr Thomas was piqued about why the two merchants would even stoop to begging for another one.
Chu had Mr Thomas stop the wagon on the road. In the late autumn evening, the wind was already chilly.
He rummaged through the chests until he found two cloaks with sizes for Mr Thomas and Ming. The cloaks were long enough to reach just past the top of their boots. They also had large fur-lined hoods.
"Put them on."
Hearing what Chu said the two removed their old patched cloaks and draped themselves with the new ones.
Almost immediately the cold vanished as they began warming up.
"Wow! No wonder John wanted another. These cloaks are amazing!"
Ming announced in comfort.
Mr Thomas nodded in agreement.
"Its warm in autumn, I believe it would be even warm during the height of a snow storm. It is slightly heavier than the other cloaks though, is it because its thicker?"
He said.
Chu laughed in reply.
"Heh, these cloaks are made using waterproof cloth but that is not the real secret. The fur lining is made completely with that of wild foxes. They are the softest and best in trapping heat. That alone makes those cloaks worth its weight in gold."
Mr Thomas thought before asking a question.
"True, the furs of such foxes are scarce and a rare commodity even in the cities, but I feel there is something more to this."
"Sharp as always Elder, Yes your right, the secret is the layer between the cloth and fur. Stitched hidden from view includes a layer of supple leather made from the pelt of the wild boar we killed.
No only is this cloak a superb winter warmer, it can also help reduce damage from arrows and crossbolts shot from a distance. Merchant Kim even said it was able to fend of a weak dagger strike from an ordinary person."
Chu boasted unashamed. The cloaks gifted to the Merchants contained pieces of the Red Boar leather sewn to protect the vitals. Five cloaks fashioned completely from the leather, offering even more protection.
'Amazing'
Was all that could pass through Mr Thomas's mind. He trembled as he decided to ask another question but Chu stopped him.
"Don't worry, besides the five cloaks I had Merchant Kim use his sources to make five more cloaks from normal boar leather. They are lighter and best for the ladies, Merchant Kim included those as a gift."
Mr Thomas sighed in appreciation. Such cloaks would mean an extra life in any ambush attacks. Whether from bandits or even the goblins they may encounter, his family always came first.
Now that his family had expanded, he worried about those support staff at home. This was because his immediate family were part of that group. Chu's consideration showed him that the boy had already thought about everyone.
He admitted the boy owned the rights to the title of the boss of their group.
Well made fur coats were a luxury in the cities, hence he only imagined the amount of trouble Chu went through to secure them.
This was even more so when he saw how the cloak for Mrs Thomas was decorated with embroidery and gems. Such a cloak would turn the heads of even those high standing nobles and clans. That smile on his wife's face as she tried out the cloak was priceless.
***
Clod soon had his revenge on Ming for abandoning him in the tavern incident.
Ming had picked up quite a few bad habits during his month-long stint in the slums. During that time he spent his nights hanging out in the Tavern chatting with adventurers, guards and the usual drunkards. One night he tried convincing Clod to peep through the boards in their room to the girls room above.
Next morning when they all gathered at the breakfast table, Clod promptly sold him out before casually finishing his meal and heading out. He left Ming to the fate of the murderous stares emanating from the girls.
Mrs Thomas tried to blow it off as the mark of a growing healthy young man.
Chu and Mr Thomas excused themselves and slunk out. Both individuals being smart enough to avoid getting involved.
That evening during training, there was a full turnout of the female community.
Ming ended up beaten senseless under these hostile gazes by Lucy.
Mr Thomas leaned on one side of the stable fence looking on in pity with a straw dangling out of his mouth. Nearby Doug and the others were holding the fence as they watched on in awe. Ming was already a terror to them, now this girl who seem to predict his every move and rain down undefendable blows was even more frightening.
"Strong ain't she?"
Mr Thomas spoke airily.
"Uhuh"
"Yea, so strong."
"Amazing!"
"Pretty isn't she?"
Mr Thomas continued.
"Yea."
"Like a gem."
"Strong and pretty."
Mr Thomas spat the straw from his mouth.
"Last time down south a trapper set his eyes on my little girl. So I nailed that sucker to a tree in the forest for wolf food. Don't ever get any ideas on my girls okay?"
The little white lie produced its desired effect.
Doug and the others cringed under the blood lust seeping out from the old man.
'What the heck is wrong with this old man? His sons are already so terrible, now his daughter is like a genius fighter. Not to mention his younger girl is a bandit boss.'
'Who the hell would be stupid or crazy enough to interfere with your mad family?'
Mr Thomas had enough worldly experience to read their terrified faces.
"After work wait at your shack for me in the evening. From tomorrow I'll give you guys some training. That way you wont get killed so easily when you make your way in the world."
The old man tossed them a bone and rambled of.
That night a lot of people went to bed very contented. The large quilts now spread on the upper rooms like rugs to nip any further indecent thoughts in the bud.
Doug and the others had renewed dreams of living an adventuring lifestyle. Mr Thomas was pampered by his wife for such an exquisite gift.
Only the occasional whimpering from below spoke of one individual in pain and suffering...
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