The Bear Cub [Wei]

[Deleted]

Appius had first been drawn to Worde by talk of thick undergrowth, bustling wildlife... Life, essentially. It truly had been nature in its prime. Yet, as Appius had seen back when he was first hired for mercenary work in the region, that glory had crumbled with the insurgence of monsters much like the hounds which had attacked he and Wei weeks ago. Now only the crunch of fallen, brown leaves resounded from the undergrowth of Worde instead of the skittering of squirrels and ground mice as he, Zaahid, and the wagon of other men they had been traveling with arrived at a hamlet beside the main road they had been traveling upon. It was a godsend to finally reach some form of civilization. Even though the group had only been traveling for hours now, it felt as if it had been weeks, the guardsmen like Appius ever watchful for monsters no matter what form they may take.

As the mounted mercenaries now arrived in town, going to tie their respective steeds up outside of the inn, Appius decided not to do so with Zaahid. After all, there was no telling if there might be more travelers to come aside from the caravan which he had aided in escorting. Appius tugged Zaahid over to the front side of
the inn, though opposite from where the other riders had secured their mounts, the camel kneeling down before folding its hind legs beneath it as well and taking a seat upon the dirt. Appius soon followed, sitting cross-legged with Zaahid's right side to his back. Though he did not look like it, the camel could make a comfortable replacement for a cot. Looking upwards, Appius noted that in place of defensive walls there were four watchtowers at each corner of the village. He could only assume each had an archer stationed there. It would appear now that he was right in assuming that this town was safe to stay the night in.

As of now, Appius had no real aim. He had no steady source of income nor a reason for what jobs he took to be that of a mercenary. Sure, he did feel as though it was his duty as his mother's son, but what was the logical reason behind it all? Appius could only reason that fighting was the only thing he was good at, as far as he knew. Perhaps there were other paths for him to take, but this one seemed the most safe in regards to his experience. The saracen hated the thought of failure or that he wasn't doing something right, but for some reason he could not seem to deter such curiosity when not doing anything as he was not now.

[Wei]

"Bring it", roared Wei as he charged into battle. The brigand rushed in with no regard for defense or safety. His opponent however stayed still however and simply watched. Wei's axe slashed in from the right first bringing everything he got. The blade however was deflected by a tranquil counter. However the young warrior did not falter. He struck again and again and each time the blow was deflected with no effort. Eventually beads of sweat began to fall from Wei's head, but his opponent remained stout. None of Wei's efforts could move him a inch and that very fact got under his skin. "Damn it", he shouted as he prepared to rush back in for one final and great blow.

"Hey Wei", spoke a calm voice as a man clad in white armor walked up behind the boy. His voice broke Wei's concentration and threw Wei off his guard. As a result Wei ended up tripping on himself and falling face first in front of a training dummy. His stalwart opponent looked down upon him in a triumphant glare.

"What are you doing", spoke the white clad mercenary.

"Well I was practicing", groaned Wei as he pulled himself off the ground.

"By falling into the dirt?"

"By hitting the dummy. I only fell because you threw off my concentration."

"You fell because your foot work sucks. I can't believed we hired someone like you onto the caravan for guard duty. Next time..."

"What do you want", asked Wei? The young man looked at him with mild annoyance.

"I was letting you know that our employer was paying us out at the inn. So if you want to get paid ..."

"Got it, on my way", with that Wei placed his wooden training axe back onto the rack and picked up his real one off the ground. The village was quite progressive. Rather than saying every man for themselves they had decided to build a facility to train and educate its people on the art of war. Fighting was now a way of life in Wrode and by building what Wei called a dojo everyone in the village could hold there own if monsters ever found there way in. Well theoretically. Wei understood that no amount of training can prepare you for fighting those beast. You just have to learn bye experience.

With his axe thrown over his shoulder and a chest full of pride Wei made his way toward the Inn.

[Deleted]

Although the afternoon sun still shone in the sky, Appius slept with Zaahid's side to support him. Though he was indeed asleep, it would be hard to determine at a glance, as Appius was somehow able to do so while still sitting upright in his cross-legged position. However, his eyes were shut and the mercenary's face lacked its perpetual scowl. Much like a fisherman or sailor, Appius had learned to enter sleep on command, assuming the conditions were suitable. Though this form of rest usually didn't last long.

Regardless, if Wei were to look to the front of the inn in his approach where there were already several horses tied up, he would note a familiar camel sitting before it. Inside though, if Wei drew closer, could be heard the jovial laughter of a few men and the sound of others talking. Either Appius had already recieved his pay or had just forgotten about going to collect it entirely. Zaahid, however, did not spit as he usually did when strangers passed by despite the sound from within the inn and the villagefolk nearby.

[Wei]

"Alright lads line up for your pay outs", spoke the mercenary captain as he began to pay out the men. Wei waited in line like everyone else for his pay. However once people started to get paid for there work Wei noticed something that really ticked him off. During the trip Wei was promised 40 gold pieces for his work. A alright pay for escort work. What made him angry was the fact that everyone else was being given 80 pieces. He was paying them twice as much as he did Wei. At first Wei thought it was a matter of experience. Some of the men have been doing this work for years now and probably had a reputation. However what truly let him know that he was being jibbed was the fact that another mercenary who he knew personally got the same 80 gold. That man had just started working only four weeks ago. Clearly there was something going on.

"As we agreed lad, 40 gold pieces", spoke the commander as he handed the coin to Wei. The brigand accepted the payment, but as the man ordered for the next person to step up, Wei halted him.

"Is there a reason why I am only being paid half of what the other mercenaries are getting paid", asked Wei as he looked the man up and down.

"What", spoke the captain with a perplex look.

"Why am I getting paid less than your average man?"

"Did you not agree to be paid 40 gold?"

"Yes I did."

"Then what are you complaining about then brat!"

"Not being paid my fair wage."

"Why would I pay a boy the same price as a man, and besides you ..."

"That is more than enough", spoke Wei as he suddenly walked off. Wei had heard enough and found the reason he was looking for. He had gotten jived because of his age. Once again he was being treated like a kid. No worse than that he was just out right being used. Wei had agreed to work for 40 gold pieces. As a result he could not complain about the price. However that did not mean Wei was ever going to work with that man again. If he did not respect his arm in battle then he could go get mauled by a hell hound."

With that Wei stormed out of the inn. His path the opposite direction of the horses. At the moment Wei needed to calm down and if he passed the mercenary leaders horse he was bound to outright kill the beast or simply set its tail on fire. He could see it now the look on the man's face as his horse ran around town with it's tail on fire.

"Stupid horses and stupid old fool". With that Wei turned around the other end of the inn and noticed something strange. "is that a... , oh Appius!"

[Deleted]

"Damned brat," uttered the captain, shaking his head in disbelief at Wei's ignorance as the boy left the inn.

"Aye, that's why parents whoop they kids, eh?" Another mercenary butted in, joking.

The captain chuckled, lowering his head in doing so. "Heh... I ain't heard a truer speech in my life."

But all talk within the inn was reduced to a murmur for those outside. There sat Appius, having been asleep. Yet the mercenary woke as Wei, a recurring presence, called his name. "Hmm? What..?" Zaahid groaned, almost as if yawning, as his master woke. Though the camel did not stand from its place behind Appius. It was either wary of Wei or just too lazy to move its humped behind. The saracen, now coming to his senses, furrowed his brow as he looked up to see Wei. It would seem the boy now bore at least some armor. Huh. "Ah... Wei. So our paths have crossed once more. Are you in good health?" Appius inquired, still in his half-plate armor despite having been asleep. Unlike many armor pieces of more practiced warriors, Appius' armor was plain metal and unpainted. Both an example of his more practical mindset and perhaps showing his lack of gold as well.

Appius was surprised to see such gear upon Wei, in all honesty. But, regardless, it wasn't as if he couldn't have just purchased the piece. Though Appius did also note the color of Wei's armor and its resemblance to that of his aunt's. Perhaps that is who had granted him such equipment?

[Wei]

OCC: Sorry for the late response had a problem come in from work

Ic:

Wei never knew he would be happy to see a bald head. Most of the people he knew who were bald were grumpy old guys who complained all the time and kept bringing up stories about life back in there day. Appius was cool though. Not only did he show Wei the common decency you should afford a fellow mercenary, but he was also a fearsome warrior that Wei respected. Though between me and you Wei thought his choice in mounts was weird. Not that Wei did not like the beast as matters of fact go Wei was mesmerized by it. The only reason that he thought it was weird was by the fact that most people of the sand switched to horses one they moved up north. From what he understood horses were faster.

"Yo man, what are you doing here? Don't tell me you are working for that scumbag of a mercenary captain to. Man I just want to stick a axe in that guys head." For a moment Wei grumbled to himself. He gad a lot more choice words to say about the guy, but he kept theme to himself. Better to leave some words unspoken. You never know who is listening in and what fate has in store. Wei just might have to cross that bridge again in the future. Best not to burn it down just yet. Still that brings Wei back to his first question. What was Appius doing right now. Well other than taking a nap. That part was clear. What he was looking for was information on his current job. He preyed that his friend did not have to work with that scum. Just the thought of that guy rubbing off on other people ticked Wei off.

[Deleted]

Appius couldn't help but share Wei's feelings about their captain. He certainly was a despicable man. Yet, Appius did not allow such things to bother him. As long as the man granted him work and made sure Appius received his fair share for the labor, the saracen did not complain. After all, who was he to argue against others' beliefs and methods when they were the ones who had found a way to survive in this land better than he. If anything, the captain was someone to take after. "I am indeed employed under the same man as you. That is, if you speak of the one within the inn. I had not expected to see you out on the road again so soon, Wei." Appius was honestly curious as to why Wei had chosen to leave his father and aunt. Why would he not want to be with them? After all, one's family is like a pack, and a wolf would not so easily abandon their pride. But, then again, had Appius not left his own tribe? His family? He had, yes, but that was at the request of his mother. Perhaps Wei had a similar reason.

Though still looking to Wei, Appius began to stroke the side of Zaahid's neck. The camel was bigger than any horse, yet served its purposes all the same. Appius was no cavalier and needed not a mount to race and fight upon, but instead one that could bear the weight of his gear and cargo. There was no denying that Zaahid had endurance greater than a horse, being able to travel nearly three or four times the distance in Appius' experience without tiring. So, while a camel was definitely not the best choice of mount for a typical rider, an aimless nomad like Appius could make good use of him.

[Wei]

"Why I left home?" Wei stopped for a moment to have a seat and give the man a proper answer. Wei wanted to say that it was because he was not a kid and that he was a true warrior. However that was not a proper answer for the situation. Appius was asking out of curiosity rather than accusation. He understood that the man ment well and was asking the question from his perspective and possibly his own actions in the situation.

"Well Appius let me put it this way. You may not understand this but there is a tradition in my family where the first born son leaves home and sees the world once they turn the age of 15. This tradition has been going on in my fathers bloodline since the fall of the dragons. The tradition was done in order to insure the next head of the family was strong and knew the ways of the world. I left home following this ancient and wise tradition. However once one returns to there home there journey ends and they return to normal family life. So when I returned to my home province I never had any intentions on staying. My aunt, don't get me started on her. She offered, and I use that word lightly, a spot in her mercenary band. Was not going for that. Aunty is worse than my mother. I would be at the back lines for all time working with her. I want to become a legend, not some weak coward who hides behind a ageing old lady."

As the words came out of Wei's mouth he looked around to be sure that the ageing old lady was not around. She would kill him for saying that. He was sure that she had killed for less.

[Deleted]

"Hmm. So it is family tradition. I can respect a boy... No, a man, that follows such." Though Wei was not yet an adult, Appius' perception of manhood was based on merit. He recalled his mother, Poia, who had introduced this logic to him. For she was a woman, yet bested most every man she and Appius had encountered in those days of the saracen's youth. Wei was similiar in a way; having shattered expectations in spite of natural binds. It was indeed admirable in both situations, though Appius knew all too well that Wei could not compare to Poia. That was, at least, for now. With the boy's young age and what he had accomplished so far, there was no telling what Wei could truly achieve in adulthood.

As Wei scanned the immediate area, he might notice yet another dark-skinned man in blue robes with a red turban and similar-colored cloth belt (Click). Beside him was an identically clothed man, except in robes of green and purple. They both had their sights set on Wei and Appius, rather menacingly, despite the top half of their faces being covered in the shadow of their turbans. If they had to be put into a category of soldier, it could be said that they were myrmidions, as could be determined from their sinewy builds and swords sheathed at the waist. These two resided on just the other side of the street, the lowering afternoon sun falling behind them. Perhaps they were with another mercenary band that had come in.

[Wei]

So here we are again thought Wei. However before Wei could complain Appius corrected himself. The very action however made Wei question his reason for being angry. It was true that he was young and according to most people's standards he was a boy. To be honest that was not what was making him angry. The word boy was not bad to him. Several people he respected, mainly old people, had called him that in the past and he felt nothing about it. However now he was being sensitive to it. Maybe it had something to do with the old great knight. Maybe it had something to do with his overbearing Aunt? Maybe it could have something to do with that jerk ripping him off? However at this point Wei had come to a decision to calm it down. He did not want to loss a friend to this. It was best to leave this alone and focus on things that truly mattered. Like a group of punks searching for a one way ride straight to killvill.

"So, are they with you", spoke Wei as he stood up. The young man pulled his new axe from his belt. No longer did Wei use quick small twin axes to fight. He had changed up his style since the last tine he did battle. He was now using a battle axe. It was larger than his twin axes, but still small enough to use with one hand. Wei had meant to get a shield, but the smith who reforged his brave axe charged him more than he expected. For the time being Wei was going to have to rely on his good health and quick reflexes.

"Do any of you gentlemen have a problem", spoke Wei as he readied himself for battle. He had no idea of what these people wanted or what they were after, but Wei was ready for a fight. he needed more practice fighting against sword users anyway.

[Deleted]

The man in red waved his right hand before Wei, dismissively. If Wei were ever so keen he might notice the man only had four fingers on that hand, his ring finger having been lobbed off. Perhaps it was meant to be a sign of how experienced the myrmidion was. "We've got no problem with you, Lycian," the man said. Though his tone did not make his and his associate's intentions seem any less malicious. The swordsman in green then drew near, tilting his head back as he set his sights on Appius. Having leaned his head back, the sun shone on the myrmidion's face, revealing a long facial scar which passed between his hazel eyes. "So the bear has a cub... In all honesty, I'm surprised. I didn't think it was possible for a man to be intimate with a woman that could do this to me." The swordsman then lifted his left hand, pointing to the facial scar he bore.

Appius stood from before Zaahid, visibly confused. "You speak of myself?"

"Yeah, you," the stranger affirmed. "Appius Otacillius Ravilla. Son of Poia Abazim Ravilla. You hail from the tribe of Droe. Am I wrong?"

Appius took a step back with his left foot. How did the man know his full name? And, stranger yet, he knew his mother's full name. But, as far as he knew, there was no one who knew that. "How... How is that possible? That you are aware of my and my mother's name." The swordsman turned his head downwards once more, covering the top half of his face in shadow yet again. "Doesn't matter... We're here for information, not a fight. So you can call off your pup," he said glancing to Wei. "As for what we want, it's your mother's whereabouts. That hag Poia, the myrmidion added rather bluntly. "Oi! What did you say about my mother!? You'd 'ought to watch yourself," retorted Appius. What was with that sudden change in mood? Though Appius usually seemed fairly calm and polite, as soon as this man insulted his mother, his temper flared. Even the stranger seemed ammused at the shift in attitude, snickering.

[Wei]

Not for a moment did Wei think that this conversation was going to end in anything other than a fight. He had been around Lycia to know that for a fact. One does not simply stare at somebody with that much malice and simply walk away. Clearly there was something going on here. Wei's suspensions were answered when the man pointed toward Appius. Clearly there was some history between them, or at least Appius family. They soon made it clear that they were after Appius' mother. However they made a big mistake while doing so. one they insulted Wei, and I am not talking about a small insult either. They had the nerve THE NERVE! TO CALL WEI A PUPPY! IF THERE WAS ANY INSULT THAT GOT UNDER HIS SKIN THAT WAS IT, oh, and they threaten his friends mother. That was important too.

"Alright I have heard enough! I don't know who do you think you are or how skilled with that blade you think you are, but you are barking up the wrong tree buddy! First off you have the balls to not only call me a dog, but to also call me a kid! That is a quick way to get a axe lodged in your skull. To make it worse you insulted my friends mother! You think I am going to just sit back and watch all of this, if so you have another thing coming!MY NAME IS wEI. wEI WITH A CAPITAL w. Remember it well and tell all of your friends ON THE WAY DOWN TO HELL!"

With that Wei bore his axe and charged toward the nearest man. wei knew that they did not draw there weapons first, but the brigand did not care. It was only a matter of time before they would have moved against them. By taking the initiative Wei would gain a advantage in a fight. His axe was a terror weapon. It was great for offense and poor on defense. By striking first Wei would give himself a edge in combat, as the axe was a difficult weapon to counter.

[Deleted]

Seeing Wei rush forward, the man in green's smile faltered. While he didn't think the boy could overpower him, that axe of his would surely cause some trouble if he let it get too close. He wasn't about to let a Lycian like Wei give him yet another scar. Kicking himself off of the dirt, the dark-skinned myrmidion launched himself to Wei's right. As was to be expected of a man of his classification, the stranger's speed outmatched that of Wei. Having landed, he now drew his scimitar, taking up a short left guard with his right foot forward. It could easily be determined from this that the man was left handed. "Non, non, non non non!" The myrmidion smirked at having mocked Wei, trying to agitate the brigand further (Click).

Meanwhile, a clash of metal came from between the blades of Appius and the four-fingered man in red who wielded a scimitar similar to that of his partner. From the design of their swords it was apparent these two men were from Nabata, but whom had hired them was still a mystery. That was, assuming they had been hired in the first place. Was the one in green simply out for revenge? He did mention having his face scarred by Appius' mother after all. The mercenary managed to force down the saber of his four-fingered foe to his right, yet the myrmidion's grip remained strong. Despite Appius' somewhat superior strength, it was apparent that the man in red was more well versed in swordsmanship. Because, as Appius now thrust forth his left arm to strike the man's torso with the rim of his shield, the myrmidion managed to aim his blade downwards and butt Appius' forearm away with the pommel of his scimitar. Appius issued a painful grunt at having been struck, the opposing swordsman leaping back unscathed. "Feh," was all the man in red said.

((Shameless Jojo references abound.))

[Wei]

It seemed that Wei's instincts were correct. The moment he moved to do battle the enemy sprang into action. This was proof enough for the young brigand that his decision was the right one. They were here for a fight the pretty words were nothing more than a farce. Still that did not change the fact that Wei started the fight whatever happened next was on his head now. Wei would accept whatever punishment that came his way as long as these dirt bags ended up taking a long dirt nap. With the ferocity of a raging boar Wei charged in with his axe. His opponent however was much faster than Wei thought. He dodged out of the way and move toward the side. His deadly blade had not yet made a pass at Wei's defenses. What his opponent was doing however was some wired kind of taunt that wei did not understand. What does Non, non, non non non, even mean let alone the strange purpose behind it. For the moment Wei left that question behind. It was not worth the effort. What was important however was the fact that his opponent had the gal to try and taunt him. It was a clear sign that his opponent did not take him serious. A mistake he would soon pay for.

As the man began his taunt Wei moved to attack. Looking at his opponents last dodge and his own attack Wei figured he would need to change his angle, nearly vertical attacks were not going to work. Wei was going to have to switch to a less powerful, bu faster horizontal swing, with a bit of a twist of course. Wei rushed in and attacked at a 45 degree angle. When his opponent moved to dodge or block Wei shifted his brave axe to turn the attack into a faint and then slash with a downward diagonal cut aiming for his opponent's thigh. If he can damage his opponents leg then the battle would be his.

[Deleted]

The myrmidion kept backpedaling as Wei advanced. How foolish this boy was to think he could best him. Perhaps Wei had better gear, but he was still the better warrior. After all, with age comes wisdom in experience, and this swordsman was a survivalist above all else. The myrmidion went to block Wei's initial blow, yet was successfully feinted. However, what Wei didn't know was that this was all part of the swordsman's plan, being stricken in the front of his right thigh. The myrmidion then flung himself back onto the ground, hollering in pain. In doing so, he disarmed himself, the man's sword being flung off to the side. "N-no! I beg you! Have mercyyyy!!" The man, despite his superior age, sounded almost chilidish in his pleas for pity. Townsfolk had begun to gather at the sound of the stranger's screams, looks of disgust and fright upon their faces.

"Quick! Someone get the guards! Mercenaries even," one woman cried out upon seeing Wei standing over the injured man.

"That poor man..! What kind of person would do such a thing," another asked? Another having fallen victim to the myrmidion's act.

Though the village people who had gathered could not see it, the fallen swordsman smirked at hearing the audience's cries of woe. How foolish it was of Wei to strike first. He may not have the upperhand in this fight, but he did indeed have these people's favor. Would Wei really strike him down here? Would he let himself be known as just another numbskulled brigand?

All the while, Appius continued his own struggle. The man in red had left back onto a set of crates, the mercenary going to strike the opposing swordsman with a vertical swing. But the myrmidion was much too swift, leaping onto the thatch roofed house behind him with an incredible dexterity as Appius' scimitar instead struck the crates which the swordsman had previously stood upon. "Give up hope, Appius," the acrobatic man said, "I will not allow you to strike me. For if I were to let that happen, I would need to defend myself. And my employer, Ibrahim, had expressed concern over the loss of your life." Appius withdrew his sword from the split crates, looking up towards his foe. "I care not for your employer's wishes. Besides, you have only distanced yourself so that you cannot attack me, giving myself the upper hand."

"Oh? Have I now?" The myrmidion then reached within his cloak, now producing a fan of throwing knives in his fully fingered left hand.