Eliminate and Execute #MFRWAuthor

Although I prefer to write tales that end happily, not every character written is so fortunate. I don't know if it is the result of the longer nights of winter or another reason such as dealing with family interactions during the holidays (I'm not saying which) but my characters particularly hate the months of November through January.  

And in a fantasy novel, especially a sword and sorcery, you cannot expect every character to escape unscathed. When you try to eliminate someone and fail, there is a price to be paid.

 

Sometimes combat is offered instead of a trial before the village elders, leaders of the trading house councils, or the dragshi. This option is often selected where the characters are not near civilization or when a warrior's mate is involved. Combat is not necessarily limited to the male characters. To see who this option is offered to, you'll have to read the Windmaster Novels and the Dragshi Chronicles. 

 

As a teaser, a duel from Windmaster Legacy. To set the scene, Ellspeth and Dal are travelling with a caravan. Shonky, one of the herdsmen had propositioned Ellspeth the first night out of Letralia. His advances grew stronger until finally she reported him, however the only punishment meted out was  reassignment to the back of the caravan. When the herdsman continued to raise trouble, including striking Dal's apprentice and insulting Ellspeth, the archmage takes action to eliminate the man's attitude. 

 

Metal clanged on metal. The sound of fast and intense blows and counter blows echoed across the grass. Dal blunted Shonky’s attack and stepped back. Sweat streamed down the teamster’s face and chest, yet only light moisture dampened Dal’s skin. As Shonky shook his head to clear the liquid running into his eyes, Dal waited for his opponent to resume to battle.

On the next round, Shonky’s thrusts slowed and reflected the clumsiness of exhaustion. Like a ship cat toying with its prey, Dal lured the teamster back and forth across the battleground formed by the encircling men. Where his opponent’s moves were meant to cut and maim, Dal used only the flat side of his blade to get his point across. With each stinging blow, the watching herdsmen grew quieter until the only sounds were Shonky’s labored breathing and harsh grunts when Dal’s sword connected in a “lesson.”

“Will you yield?” Dal asked with a light tone. “And apologize to my bride.”

“No,” the caravan worker grated. His sword waved in yet another attack.

Dal’s weapon responded. The edge caught the other man’s blade and rolled around it in a disarming move. Men scrambled out of the way as the weapon flew into the grass.

“Here, Murdo,” Dal called and threw his sword to his friend on the sideline.

The ex-mercenary caught Dal’s tossed weapon and shoved it into its scabbard. “Look out, Dal.”

Dal spun to face the enraged Shonky who, arms outstretched, ran across the trampled grass. Dal ducked beneath the swing. His clenched fist connected with his opponent’s chin with a solid thunk. Before Shonky could hit the ground, Dal threw a second blow into Shonky’s middle. His breath whooshed out in a single gasp and he collapsed to the ground. Dal entwined his fingers in the wide belt around the herdsman’s waist. A jerk pulled Shonky upright.

Open-handed slaps forced the man’s head to the left, and then the right until Shonky’s eyes rolled up in his head. The silence from those watching assured Dal his point had been made. Releasing his grip, he let the herdsman fall to the ground.

 ~ ~ 

~till next time, stay safe. Helen

 

Windmaster Legacy - one click to estores

The Dragshi Chronicles - one click to estores