For the next two days Liam lay in bed. The bed was soft, making him feel as if he was sleeping on air. Liam was sure that the mattress had pegasus feathers in it, as did the pillows. Still despite this he was sure he would have gone mad if not for the constant visits from the six ponies.
Liam had been surprised that they had stayed, he was sure that they would have left once they were all rested and recovered after the mage attack. One day Liam had asked about this, while the shy little pegasus Fluttershy had visited him.
"Oh um....we were all really worried about you. When we heard you had almost died, oh dear it was just horrible." Fluttershy said, hiding in her mane.
"I still don't understand why you decided to stay." Liam said.
"Um well...the girls and I couldn't really leave with a good conscious after all that had happened. We wanted to be sure you were okay." Fluttershy said, "umm and besides that Feldrock person wanted to talk with us."
"About what?" Liam asked.
"Oh umm..." Fluttershy said, remembering the conversation.
Fluttershy sat curled up, head deep in her mane, on the bed. She was shaking and her breathing was coming at a swift pace. Applejack sat beside her, a hoof wrapped around her in comfort.
"There, there sugarcube. Just take it easy, and breath normally." AJ said soothingly.
"Easy.....easy.....how can I breath easy. He was cut in half!" Fluttershy gasped, looking at AJ with wide eyes. She paled again and covered her mouth with her hoof as she hid once more.
"Oh come one Fluttershy, that human was blasting magic left and right, he almost killed that Liam guy. If you ask me he got what he deserved." Rainbow Dash said, crossing her hooves over her chest.
"I don't think anypony or human deserves that Rainbow Dash. That was...." Twilight shivered, that was an image that was not going to leave her mind.
"Why was he trying to kill Liam? He seems like such a nice man, even if he was dressed in simply atrocious travel wear." Rarity said.
Twilight rubbed her chin, that was something she had wondered as well. It seemed odd that some human mage would try to kill Liam, even right in the middle of....town? Inn? Whatever you could call this place. The fact that Liam had been attacked was odd as well.
"I knew that guy was bad news. He just seemed to friendly to me." Rainbow Dash said.
"Oh my gosh that was just horrible. Why would he do that, and just when I had said hello to him." Pinkie said, her mane and tail still deflated. The entire ordeal had shook her up a bit.
"I don't know. Humans tend to do strange things, and their motives can be hard to place. They can be almost chaotic in their actions." Twilight said.
"Well what do we do?" Applejack asked.
"Well we have reached the Friendly Arm, once we're all rested I think we should head to Beregost and then to Nashkel." Twilight said.
"What about Liam," Fluttrshy asked, "he was so hurt after that attack. I don't think I could leave without knowing if he was okay or not."
"I must agree, " Rarity said, "I don't think any of us could sleep well without at least making sure that he is okay."
Everypony was in agreement, and though Twilight would have to rework their travel plans again, she wanted to at least know that Liam would be alright. She had come to like him, and he was from Candlekeep and she still had so many questions.
"If ye be wondering on the boys health, he be awake or he was when I left him."
The girls all turned to the door to see the large human again. This time without his monster of a sword with him. Fluttershy eeped and hid in her mane.
"Stop your worrying lass, I'll not be cutting you in two. Well, unless ye try to make any trouble for me or the boy." The human sat down on a stool.
"Hey, don't talk like that to Fluttershy mister." Rainbow Dash said, flying up to the man.
The man glared at Dash, "I talk as I like little mare. Now get out of me face, least I pluck your feathers bare."
"Enough. Rainbow Dash, give him some space," Twilight said, "I'm sorry. But the whole....mage thing has us a bit shaken, and what you did to him....well it didn't help."
"That be life out here on the road lass. Ye either kill or be killed when ye be under attacked." The man said, leaning forward.
Twilight was silent, remembering the incident with the gibberlings. Knowing that she knew that she had no right to say what the man had done was wrong.
"Aye, ye understand don't ye. I know when someone, or somepony, made their first kill. Your eyes still got that haunted look in them." The man said.
Twilight gasped, stepping away till she bumped into the wall. Applejack stepped up, pointing a hoof at the man.
"Now look here you, Twilight would never hurt another living thing. So don't go saying that she did." Applejack said.
"I did..." Twilight said softly.
Applejack blinked soon all of Twilight's friends were staring at her.
"I did......I did." Twilight said, closing her eyes.
"Oh Twilight dear." Rarity said, moving over to pull her friend into a hug, "why didn't you say something. Oh you must have been shook to your core."
"Wow, I didn't know you had it in you Twilight. I always thought you were just a bookworm." Rainbow Dash said.
"When did it happen?" Applejack asked.
"When we were attacked by those Gibberlings. They cornered me...and I...I just reacted. I should have just teleported away but...instead I....I killed them." Twilight said, biting her lip.
"There there darling, it's alright." Rarity said, brushing her hoof through Twilights mane.
"Bah, just gibberlings. They are pests, so don't feel bad." The man said.
"But I've never killed anything before, and I did it with magic!" Twilight shouted.
The man shrugged, "Magic, sword, arrow. Even hands, weapon be a weapon and when out here and fighting for your life ye use whatever weapon ye got."
"Just who are you anyway. You saved Liam, but other then that we don't know you at all." Rainbow Dash said.
"My name be Feldrock, and you might not know me but I be knowing you all. Bearers of the Elements of Harmony." Feldrock said.
That made the girls go silent. They all stared at Feldrock in shock. Feldrock pointed a finger at Twilight.
"And you little mare, be Princess Celestia's own personal student." Feldrock said.
"How did you know all that?" Twilight asked.
"I got friends, and it be a job of mine to know these things. What I don't know though is why such very important ponies be traveling in such a bad time especially when they lack the will to do what might be needed to survive." Feldrock said.
Twilight was silent, as were the others. They all stared at Feldrock, a mixture of uncertainty and worry. First the attack on Liam, and now this strange man who knew of them and of who they were. Twilight's mind waged a war as she tried to figure out how she should proceed.
Feldrock howver spoke before she could, "Whatever your reasons be, it not be my business. But I have a feeling that we can help one another, and if ye be willing to speak with me on the matter then you are welcome. For now I just came to say that Liam is alright. if you wish to talk to him ye may. As for me, I'll be downstairs in the tavern. A good night to y'all."
With that Feldrock stood up and walked out the room, shutting the door behind him, and leaving Twilight and her friends alone and silent.
"So uh...what do we do now?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Umm....panic?" Fluttershy said.
Liam chuckled, "Panic?"
Fluttershy blushed, "Um oh...well....that seems to be my answer for everything. At least that's what Rainbow Dash says."
Liam chuckled again, before going silent. He then said, "So....you're a bearer of...what are they called? Elements of Harmony?"
Fluttershy blushed again, "Oh...yes...I bear the element of kindness."
Liam blinked in surprise, he had read of them but he always thought they were a myth. But if Fluttershy said she had one, and if Feldrock was in agreement, then it must be true.
"Wow...I did not know I was speaking with a celebrity." Liam said.
"Oh no, please don't think that...I...I'm really not all that special." Fluttershy said, blushing even more now and hiding her face in her mane.
Liam chuckled again, it felt good to laugh. Hells knew he had little to laugh about recently, so he took it as a blessing to find a cause to do so.
"Still...it is strange. I always thought they were a myth." Liam said.
"Oh, we thought so as well but when Nightmare Moon returned, Twilight led us all into the Everfree and we found them." Fluttershy said.
"I heard of that....it caused a stir among the monks at Candlekeep, and travelers talked about it for months." Liam said.
"It was..kinda scarey. But it all ended well in the end, I was happy to see the princesses united again." Fluttershy said with a smile.
The two stayed silent for a time, and Fluttershy felt a bit unsure of the silence. Finally, taking her by surprise, Liam spoke.
"So...why are the elements of harmony out here? From what I was told, the roads are bad. Why take such a risk in travel?" Liam asked.
"Well...umm...I....you would have to ask Twilight...I...don't think I should say." Fluttershy said softly.
Liam shrugged, "If you say so. It probably is not my business...I'm just curious."
"What about you...why are you out here?" Fluttershy asked.
Liam went silent again, and bit his lip. Fluttershy felt she had said something to upset him.
"Oh um...if I said something wrong I'm sorry. Please don't be upset." Fluttershy said swiftly, scared she had upset Liam.
"No...its okay. I just....I came her to find Feldrock. He is a friend of my father and I was told to come here if we were separated in our travels." Liam said.
"Oh...oh..I hope he is okay. If he knows this is whre you are, I'm sure he will be here." Fluttershy said, smiling slightly.
Liam's eyes widened, and he stiffened. She thought that Gorion was alive? He wanted to scream, to tell her that his father would never be here. That he was dead! But he didn't, he couldn't do that to Fluttershy. She didn't know of what had happened to him, so he had no right to yell at her. Instead he just turned his head to look at the window and said, "Yeah....maybe."
Fluttershy felt that she had said something wrong again, but she did not know what and she did not push the subject. Feeling that she was now making the situation uncomfortable she stood up and headed for the door.
"Um...I'm glad you're okay. Umm, I should probably go find Twilight now. Sleep well. Sorry." Fluttershy said the last part swiftly before departing.
Liam just lay there, silent. His heart twisted as the memories from the night before filtered through his mind. Still, he could not cry anymore but as each image played out in his mind he clenched the sheets of the bed tighter and tighter. Now instead of sadness he felt only rage and anger. He would fullfill his promise to his foster father, he would find this armored figure. Find him....and kill him.
Twilight sat in the room she had shared with her friends. The others were downstairs, or about in the halls outside the room enjoying the warm fire of the hearth or enjoying some hard cider in the tavern below. She hoped that Rainbow Dash didn't go overboard. She tended to love cider a bit too much.
'Feldrock knows who we are....knows who I am.' She thought, getting up and beginning to pace back and forth.
Was he a threat? He couldn't be as he had saved Liam....but what if Liam was a danger as well. After all, why would someone try to kill you unless you were dangerous. At least...thats what she assumed, but maybe she was wrong.
'Oh what do I do....' She rubbed her head with her hooves, trying to think of a course of action to take.
Feldrock could be a danger, but he might also be an ally. He knew of her and her friends, of who they were, and so far had done thing against them. In fact he had offered to help them. At least she thought it was an offer of help, but since she did not know what his goals were she could not be certain.
'But....if the roads were as dangerous as they seemed, and she felt sure they were dangerous and would probably get more so the farther they got from Ponyville. What Feldrock did, without a care, did not settle well with Twilight. She, like many ponies save for those in the guard or the rare individual, did not like the thought, idea or even seeing another living being be killed. But, Twilight admitted, that in the current times it might be necessary and having somepony or human in this case to help might be useful.
Twilight sighed, "Oh what do I do?"
Twilight then stood there in silence, but no answer came. She sighed once more, and then walked to the door. She was not sure of what to do, but she had a mission for the princess and she would see it accomplished. And she was certain that she would need help, even with her friends she felt sure that the dangers they would face would be too much even for them, and so if Feldrock could help then she should seek it out.
Stepping out of the room, she saw Rarity lounging on a couch near the hearth. She had a mug of some warm drink and a book levitating beside her. She offered a wave over to her as she passed but she did not wait to see if Rarity responded in kind. She looked to the door leading to Liam's room, Fluttershy had gone to visit him as she had before. Twilight had stopped in once to see how he was doing, but for the most part she had been thinking on how to deal with what Feldrock had said. Perhaps later she would have time to talk with him more, she still had so many questions on Candlekeep.
Making her way down stairs into the tavern, Twilight was greeted to a great deal of noise. She had just stepped down just when the house was full, and the sounds of laughter of humans and ponies filled the room. Pinkie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash sat at a table not far from the stairs, and as Twilight had feared it seemed that Rainbow Dash had gotten to into her cider mugs as she was red in the face and giggling. Hopefully Applejack and Pinkie could keep Rainbow Dash under control. They did not need another incident like back in Ponyville.
Making her way through the throngs of people and ponies, Twilight eventually found Feldrock. it was not hard as he stood as a giant among all the others. In his hand was a mug of some drink, she was not very well read in the drinks of ponies and less so of those of humans. Still he did not seem to into his cups, and so Twilight approached him.
"Umm...Feldrock." Twilight said.
Feldrock turned and gave a smirk, "So...ye be willing to talk now?"
"I...yes." Twilight said.
Feldrock placed his mug down, and dropped three silvers on the counter. He stood up and motioned for Twilight to follow. She hesitated for a moment but followed after him and back up the stairs.
"Where are we going?" Twilight asked.
"To get Liam. If we be making a decision he has a right to know 'bout it was well." Feldrock said.
"Huh? Why is Liam going to be a part of this?" Twilight asked, "and shouldn't my friends be part of this conversation as well?"
"Your friends will go with ye whereever your path goes. But Liam has a choice to make now, and if he so chooses he will be coming with us." Feldrock said.
"What? What do you mean?" Twilight asked.
But Feldrock stayed silent, and when they reached the door to Liam's room he pushed open the door and ushered Twilight inside. Twilight had no choice but to go along with it. When they entered they saw Liam, sitting up, Fluttershy was gone now. Liam looked over at them when they came in.
"I see ye be doing better now." Feldrock said.
"Aye, I feel much better now. Though my body is still a bit sore, I tried walking a bit before you came in. I didn't fall over so I guess that is something." Liam said.
"It be enough." Feldrock said as he sat down.
Twilight moved over to Liam, "Oh I'm glad you're doing fine now."
Liam smiled, "Thanks Twilight. So...what brings you two up to my room?"
"You mean my room, you're just borrowing it, but I be paying for it." Feldrock said.
Liam blushed, "Oh....yeah."
Feldrock smirked, "Ah, worry not about it. We have more pressing matters to attend to."
"Like what?" Liam asked.
"Like the business of our element bearer friends here." Feldrock said, gesturing to Twilight.
Liam blinked, "Like what? I don't think its really our business of where they are going."
"Ah, but you would be wrong. But we can discuss that later, for now perhaps you would be willing to tell us what you are doing Miss Twilight." Feldrock said, looking over at Twilight.
"Oh right...um...well," Twilight said, unsure of how to proceed, "well..okay. As you know I'm Princess Celestia's student."
Liam and Feldrock nodded. Liam had been surprised by that bit of news, he seemed to be in the presence of six famous ponies now. It certainly made the dull days of Candlekeep seem like nothing now.
"Well, Princess Celestia has tasked me and my friend with going to the mining town of Nashkel to find out of why the iron from there is corrupted and try to find a way to stop it." Twilight said, "as you know the iron shortage has caused a great deal of trouble in the region, and with the rumors of what is going on the princess wants the problem dealt with swiftly."
"You mean the rumors that it is a griffon plot of some sort?" Liam asked.
Twilight winced, "Yes...like that. Such a rumor is obviously false, probably made up by some humans..oh but I don't mean....I'm sorry!"
Liam and Feldrock waved their hands and Feldrock said, "Don't be worrying on it lass. Ye probably be right, not many of our kind forgive the griffons for taking our kingdom from us."
Liam had not bee born when that event had occured, but he knew the history and he could understand why some humans might hold some resentment to the griffons and perhaps spark any rumors that put them in a bad light.
"The thing is, some ponies are now starting to believe those rumors and if it gets out of hand it could cause a whole stir of problems for the princess." Twilight said.
"Like war." Feldrock said.
Liam and Twilight looked at Feldrock in surprise. Twilight herself was shocked, "War....what do you mean by war?"
Feldrock shrugged, "I keep an ear out on rumors. There always be that piece that is good to know and some farmers and merchants have been talking that some nobles in Canterlot have been calling for war with the Griffon Empire. With the iron shortage problems, and all the others plaguing the region it be no surprise if Celestia is forced into action least she have a revolt on her hooves."
Twilight's eyes widened, if that was the case then things were far far worse then she had thought. Suddenly the importance of the mission felt greater. Even if the rumors were just that rumors, if they held and creditable proof then Princess Celestia truly had a great deal on her plate.
"If that is true, then it only makes my task all the greater." Twilight said.
"Aye so it does, and lucky for you it links with my task as well." Feldrock said.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" Liam asked.
Feldrock stood up and crossed his arms, "Well, the only reason I was in this region originally was because some friends of mine had wanted me to investigate the mine. We have heard some rumors and I was sent to invesitage and if possible deal with the problem. Since ye ponies are going there as well, I figured I would offer ye my aid as a party can do much more then a single individual."
"If you are willing to help I would be glad for it....I....certain occurances have shown me that the path me and my friends are taking is far more dangerous then we oringinally realized." Twilight admited.
"Aye, that it is. I will help ye." Feldrock said.
"This is all well and good, but what does this have to do with me?" Liam asked.
"Well lad, Gorion was my good friend, and he asked me many years ago that if anything should happen to him that I should be your guardian. But ye be a man now, and you are able to take your own path. I am simply offering you one possible choice, but it be up to you to decide." Feldrock said.
Liam blinked and was silent, taking the information in. What was he suppose to do? Gorion had told him to find Feldrock, and he did...but what did he do now? He could not go back to Candlekeep, and for some strange reason he now had a bounty on his head and bounty hunters after him and if the meeting with that mage had been any symbol, Liam knew that with his own meager training in fighting it would not be enough to survive. Besides.....Gorion's letter had said to seek out aid, and was this not a party he could join?
Liam was not sure what to do, everything was just happening so fast. With his hurried flight from Candlekeep barely behind him the troubles facing the region seemed an unfamiliar blur to his fractured nerves. Still, Gorion would not have Liam sit ideal however, and perhaps investigating local concerns would shed some light on his own predicament. Though how the iron shortage or the troubles plaguing Nashkel mines could possibly be linked to him however he did not know. Still, it was a path he could take, perhaps the only one he could take at the moment.
Finally Liam came to a decision, "I've no where to go....and I doubt I could survive long on my own with what little martial training I have. If you will have me, I would come with ya."
Feldrock nodded, "Aye, if that be okay with you Miss Twilight."
Twilight blinked, "Oh..yes of course." Twilight was actually exicted, now she could get all the answers she wanted and have help in this task. Oh this was wonderful.
"Then we have an agreement," Feldrock said, "I suggest ye all get some rest, cause we will be leaving early tomorrow."
Twilight and Liam nodded. Feldrock turned and left and Liam laid back on the bed.
Twilight turned to Liam and thought of saying something, but he cut her off before he could.
"Thanks...even with the trouble I caused the day before..thank you for letting me come along. I'll try not to be a burden." Liam said.
"oh don't worry about it. I'm glad for the help, and always glad to have a friend along." Twilight said with a smile.
"Friend?" Liam said.
"Of course...we are friends right?" Twilight asked.
Liam blinked, then smiled, "Yeah. I'd like that."
Twilight returned the smile, but she did not stay long as she was sure that Feldrock was serious in his promise of an early leave tomorrow. Giving Liam a good night, she left to find her friends and tell them of the recent events. But when a frightened pegasus stallion shot up from the stairs, followed by a staggering and red faced Rainbow Dash she felt sure that this was going to be more trouble then she originally thought.
"Come back. Why don't you love me!" Rainbow Dash yelled, chasing after the stallion in a drunken rage.
"Rainbow Dash stop!" Twilight shouted, trying to get control of her friend. From the side the loud deep laughter of Feldrock could be heard.
True to his word, Feldrock had the entire group up and out of bed well into the early morning. The sun had not yet begun to rise, and Rainbow Dash complained greatly. This due in combination to having to rise early and a hangover from the night before. Still given the scene she had caused, she was quick and willing to leave the area least she die from further embaressment.
Liam was the first to the packed, as he had so little already. Most of his rations had ruined in the scuffle with the mage, but Feldrock and willingly refilled those and increased them from his original three days to a seven days worth of travel rations. But that was not the only gift that Feldrock had offered. When Liam had searched for his armor, he found it was gone. When he asked Feldrock of it he told him that he had gotten rid of it and then presented Liam with a new set of armor. It was still leather, but this armor was different. Unlike the previous armor, which had been made from a thick cowhide that had been lightly tanned to provide some protection, this leather was made of leather and raw hide, hardened until they were as tough as oak planks then molded and shaped into armor. As well, it was studded with small bits of metal that were sharped at the tip. Liam felt sure that this armor would last a bit longer, and would not tear as easily from a gibberlings mouth, cause the gibberling would have to bit down on the sharp metal to get at the leather.
"It ain't as good me mail shirt, but it will make you less of a target for bandits and it be easier to maintain and care for." Feldrock had said. Liam accepted the armor graciously.
Now equipped in his new armor, his sword strapped at his side this time. Feldrock told him it would be a better place then at his back for its size, and his knife safely tucked away at his belt. Again Feldrock had shown Liam a better way to conceal the knife in the belt so that not only did it not impede his movements should he twist his hips, but it also allowed for easy and quicker drawing time should he need it, and it would not fall out even if he hung upside down.
'He knows far more then I do. Maybe he will teach me on the way.' Liam thought as he picked up his bag and walked out his room. He saw that the girls were all packed, their saddlebags all strapped to them. Feldrock himself though stood out among them all. His mail shirt already attacted eyes for its iron, but that was not all. Strapped to his back, was the monster of a blade he had used on the mage. At his side were two short swords, and everywhere that Liam could tell he had a dagger sheathed here and there. Something told him those were just the ones Feldrock allowed to be seen, and Liam was sure that he might have more in areas he did not know of.
All in all Feldrock stood as a single man armory. It made Liam shiver a bit, and he was glad that he was on Feldrock's side, he would pity anyone or anything that tried to tussle with the giant of a man.
"Alright. I am assuming that ye all know that we will all be working together." Feldrock said to the ponies.
The girls nodded, they had been told of the plans and had agreed to it. Though Rainbow Dash had been a bit unsure with traveling with Feldrock, and partly with Liam, she had to agree that their help would be appreciated.
"Then before we go I want to make one final note, on this trip ya'll will be learning to fight. I'm not gonna let any of ye get killed or get one 'o us killed simply because you lack the stomach for the dirty work that is sure to come if ye continue on this way." Feldrock said, giving a critical look at everyone.
Twilight and her friends felt uncomfortable, though for Rainbow Dash it probably had more to do with her continued hangover then anything else. Still, the fact that they might be forced to fight and perhaps kill anything that might try to do them harm was a worrying concern.
"If ye can't be doing this, ye might as well head home now. This world be a dangerous place right now and ye won't be serving your princess any good if ye get yourself killed cause ye can't fight." Feldrock said.
Twilight bit her lip, "No....we understand." The rest of the girls agreed, though Fluttershy was hiding in her mane and shaking in fear.
Feldrock nodded, "Good. Then lets be going. We got a great deal of ground to cover if we want to get to Beregost, and then more after that to Nashkel. Two days should we avoid any run ins with bandits or monsters, but I wouldn't hold your breath."
With the conditions agreed upon, the party gathered up all their stuff and proceeded down into the tavern and main hall. Feldrock stopped to pay the inn keeper and after they were all out of the inn and crossing over the drawbridge and then down the hill. They now headed north, the opposite direction that Liam had taken when he had head for the Friendly Arm.
"Best keep an eye out to be sure that no bandts sneak on us," Feldrock said as they moved, "the roads north and south from Nashkel to Canterlot and riddle with the scum."
"What about the west road? It seemed pretty clear." Liam said.
Feldrock chuckled, "Ha, if books ever go into short supply then ye might see bandits there, but since they not be the road there will be the safest one can travel on."
Liam would have disagreed, at least in his case anyway. For him, the road had been a danger and had taken his father from him. He gripped the hilt of his sword tightly, and was surprised when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Liam looked to see Feldrock's hand on his shoulder, the man was silent but the look in his eyes told Liam enough that he knew what was bothering him.
Liam sighed and moved on ahead, his grip never leaving his sword's hilt.
After several hours of travel, Feldrock called for a break. He found a large outcrop of rocks, which provided cover from anyone traveling on the road, while allowing those behind the rocks to view the road hidden. Feldrock had called it a prime place for bandits to lay in wait, but they had found none. Still Feldrock had gone out to scout, while the others set up camp to make lunch.
Liam sat on a rock, tearing into a piece of jerky, bread and a small piece of cheese. The ponies avoided looking at him when he ate the meat product, even after twenty years when humans escaping their war with the griffons had come into Equestria to seek refugee, and finally becoming citizens of the kingdom, ponies were still not use to the need to eat meat.
Liam just shrugged and continued to eat, watching the clouds pass overhead.
"Get up and stop ye day dreaming."
Liam jumped and looked to his side to see Feldrock standing over him. The ponies saw him as well and jumped as well. No one had heard him return. But the surprise passed later and the ponies returned to their lunch and conversation.
"Ye deaf now? Get up." Feldrock said again.
Liam blinked, but got up, "What is it?"
Feldrock pointed at the sword at Liam's side, "Ye might be able to kill a few gibberling rats with that butter knife, but ye be no use in a real fight. Remember when I said ye be wishing ya died from the mage, well now be the time to make good on that."
"Huh?" Liam said confused, he jumped back and almost tripped on a rock as Feldrock drew the two short swords from his sides.
"If ya gonna be any use to us, ya gonna learn to fight like a real man. Now draw that blade of yours and get ready." Feldrock said.
"Wait...fight? With real swords, what if one of us kills the other?" Liam said, shocked.
The girls now watched in confusion and worry. Twilight herself did not want the two humans to hurt themselves.
"Pfaa, I can draw my blows to whomp ye, but not kill ye. And if ye be lucky enough to actually cut me with that sword of yours then I be deserving it. Now fight." Feldrock said, going on the attack.
Liam barely had time to draw his blade, and only just narrowly blocked the first strike. While that might seem a feat of amazment, the force of Feldrock's blow launched Liam's blade out of his hand and the second hilt took him across the cheek and knocked him to the ground.
"Liam." Fluttershy said, getting up and flying to the downed human.
"Hey man, what are you doing?" Rainbow Dash asked.
Feldrock ignored her, "Next time you be ready to fight when I say. Now get up and pick your sword up."
Liam groaned, but got up and picked up his sword. As soon as he was up and armed, Feldrock moved again. Fluttershy moved out of the and the ponies could just watch in shock and horror as Feldrock beat down Liam again and again. Liam got in a few lucky blocks, but in the end he was battered, bruised and cut in several areas, but of course nothing serious.
"Ye fight like a child, but ye might be able to be a man." Feldrock said, sitting down.
Liam groaned, and sniffled. He bit his tongue to stop the tears of embaressment and anger he felt. He looked up from the ground and saw the looks of pity on the ponies faces, that only made him feel worse. Liam stood up and marched off into the woods, he wanted to be alone.
Feldrock just shook his head, and began to see to the care of his swords and knives. He continued even as the girls surrounded him.
"Hey, what is the deal? Why did you beat on Liam like that?" Rainbow Dash asked. Even she could tell that Feldrock had just bashed Liam without giving him a chance and that felt unfair to her.
"That was simply barbaric, and I thought better of you when you saved Liam." Rarity said.
"Just because you're helping us doesn't mean you can just beat down any of us when you feel like it, no matter what your intentions are!" Twilight said, angry.
"Enough with your whining. The boy needs to learn to fight, and this is how fighting is done in the real world. This ain't some fancy two cent noble fight with rules and fancy foot work, nor is this a guard duty dealing with drunks and fools. This be fighting with men who will pull every dirty trick and do anything to kill ya," Feldrock said, "if y'all and the boy want to survive you will have to realize that."
Twilight and the others went silent, they still did not agree with how Feldrock had gone about it. Still, they moved away and returned to their meal. But Pinkie looked to the woods, and walked in to find Liam. He seemed so upset, he probably needed a friend and a hug. Pinkie smiled and hopped on about to find him and give him just that.
She found Liam leaning beside a tree, arms crossed. Smiling she ran over and tackled him.
"Hugs." Pinkie sang.
"Ahhh! Pinkie! What are you doing?" Liam said, perhaps a bit too much anger in his voice.
Pinkie winced at the tone, but continued the hug, "Well you looked so upset and hugs make everypony happy. Especially when you throw one around a friend."
Liam went silent and just stood up, Pinkie dangling in the air as she hung onto him with her hooves wrapped around him. She just giggled and tightened the hug, she kicked her hind legs a bit in the air.
"Pinkie. My arm is losing feeling in it." Liam said.
Pinkie blinked, "Oh sorry." She giggled as she let go and fell to the hooves.
Liam rubbed the numb arm, Earth Ponies really had a tight grip. He sighed and looked back into the woods.
"What's wrong? Don't feel bad about being beaten up, Feldrock is a big guy." Pinkie said, standing next to him.
Liam twitched, "Thanks.....I think."
Pinkie bit her lip, was that the wrong thing to say, "Oh um...well I mean, he is big and tough but he was just trying to help."
"I know." Liam said.
"Huh? You know, then why are you so upset?" Pinkie asked.
"Because I feel inferior. Here I was thinking killing four gibberlings had been an accomplishment, but when Feldrock took me down so swiftly. He was holding back I'm sure, otherwise I would probably be dead. That....that tells me that anything I've done so far in battle....it doesn't mean anything."
Pinkie frowned, "Hey, don't think like that. You're like me and the girls, none of us have ever been out here like this. We got attacked by those gibber things as well, and even Twilight still feels bad after killing three."
Liam sighed, "I guess....but...I still feel embaressed."
"Do you know what I do when I feel embaressed?" Pinkie asked, an idea forming in her head.
"No....what?" Liam asked.
Pinkie jammed her hooves into Liam's side and began to tickle him. Liam fell on his rear laughing, trying to get away.
"Stop. Stop, ahahaha!" Liam laughed, finally getting away from Pinkie and catching his breath.
Pinkie laughed, "See, just laugh and everything is all better."
Liam smiled and got back up, "Thanks Pinkie." He looked around then chuckled.
"I guess we're lucky there are no bandits in the area. Otherwise we would have made ourselves know by a thousand leagues." Liam chuckled.
Pinkie laughed and giggled in agreement.
Thats when the arrow jammed into the trunk of the tree next to Liam. The two stared at the arrow with wide eyes, and then took off at a run as more arrows fired after them.
"Bandits! Bandits!" Liam yelled, as he and Pinkie ran back to the camp.
Liam and Pinkie burst through the trees, surprising Feldrock and the girls. When the arrows followed suit, everything went chaotic.
"Behind the rocks!" Feldrock yelled, and he grabbed Liam and Pinkie and pulled them with him behind a rock for cover. The other girls did as well, not even Rainbow Dash was willing to go out with archers about, she would be a harder target on the ground at the moment.
"What do we do?" Liam asked."
"Wait till they move out of the trees, then send them back to their mothers. I assume you two are responsible for this." Feldrock said.
Liam and Pinkie bit their lips, and Feldrock sighed.
"Bah, next time don't go out in the woods and do whatever ya did." Feldrock said.
"I thought you said there were no bandits in the area?" Liam asked, ducking when two arrows hit the rock just an inch over his head.
"I said they were not near, but the two of ya seemed to attract their attention....here they come." Feldrock said after a pause.
And he was right, running from the woods, swords drawn, a group of seven bandits charged into the camp. Feldrock dropped out from behind the rock and drew his short swords and moved at lightning speed, taking down the first bandits before it had a chance to act.
Liam jumped out as well, drawing his sword. He meet one bandit head to head. The two fought, but the bandit drove Liam back some, and eventually knocked him down with a swipe to the knee.
Liam hit the ground and rolled to the side to avoid a stab from the bandits. Acting on instinct he scooped up a handful of dirt and tossed it at the bandits face when he went for another stab. The bandit screamed in pain and staggered back, giving Liam enough time to attack, stabbing his blade into the bandits unprotected arm pit.
The bandits fell back as he died, but as Liam pulled his sword out the blade suddenly snapped in two and left half of it still inside the bandit. Liam looked at the destroyed sword, tossed it aside and grabbed up the bandit's sword, a similar blade to his previous one.
Now the ponies entered the battle, or Rainbow Dash at least. The cyan pegasus flew about the battle, and gave a double kick to one bandits across the head sending him to the ground. Applejack kicked rocks, making them projectilces, at a Diamond Dog and zebra. One took the zebra across the temple, and the other into the Diamond Dog's eye. Liam took the oppertunity and moved to slash the dog bandit across the chest, then into a stab. The dog fell back howling as he died.
"Thanks partner." AJ said, giving a wink.
Liam smirked, then turned to see Twilight blocking magical attacks from a unicorn from the trees. Liam moved to try and take the unicorn by surprise, but the enemy pony saw Liam come in and blasted him to the ground witha burst of lightning. Liam screamed in pain, curling up into a ball. Twilight gasped and suddenly sent a large blast of magic at the enemy unicorn, sending the bandit pony through a tree literally.
"Liam! Are you okay?" Twilight said, rushing over to him.
Liam groaned, twitched, but looked up at Twilight with a smile, "Eh....I guess."
"Feldrock!" Twilight shouted, "Liam's hurt!"
It took Liam a moment to see that the battle was over, the bandits were all dead or ran off if the unicorn Twilight had blasted was still alive. Feldrock came over and looked Liam over. He then pulled out a small vial and forced the liquid down Liam's throat.
Liam coughed, the liquid tasted vile, "Ugh...what is that!?!" Then he hissed and his body spasmed a bit before finally passing and he lay there gasping for air.
"Those lightning spells tend to linger in your body, be lucky I had some of that potion left over otherwise you might be in serious pain for a good few hours." Feldrock said.
Liam groaned, and with some help from Twilight, moved over to sit against a rock. Liam took slow deep breathes, Feldrock moved back over and gave Liam another potion. Liam took it and drank it down, almost gagging on the foul tasting liquid.
"You got to learn how to fight better, especially against magic users, otherwise you're going to be expensive. Healing potions ain't cheap, nor was that other potion I gave ye." Feldrock said.
Liam coughed, feeling the effects of the potion take effect, "Whatever it takes....I'll get better."
Feldrock's face remained netural as he said, "I'm sure you will. Time we got moving, we will stop one more time later and then move on into Beregost. Everyone, pack and lets get moving."
Liam slowly got to his feet, Twilight stayed by his side to offer support if he needed it. But Liam felt better now, though he as he looked at this armor, he was sure that it was going to need a good fixing. Still, he was alive and this time not unconscious. Even if it was from the help of potions, Liam still took it as a sign that maybe he was getting better at all of this.
They party got back on the road, after Feldrock had looted the bodies of the bandits and, to the terror of Twilight and her friends, took the scalps of the bandits. Even Liam felt a bit disgusted by the act, but the fact that there was a bounty on bandit scalps lessened the disgust. Liam felt sure they would need all the money they could get.
In total, they had gained twenty five silver standards, fourty five coppers, and even a single gold standard. That made their parties current currency in total: 2 gold standards, fourty silver standards, and ninety five coppers. Though Feldrock promised that when they got to Beregost, they would be all the poorer after they purchased the supplies they would need.
Liam kept the sword from the bandit he killed, and took another just incase he needed a spare. The first was strapped to his belt, and the other wrapped and packed with the rest of the supplies.
When they took another break, this time among the trees near a clearing beside a river, Feldrock scouted again and reported no bandits nearby, but warned for no one to leave the camp again. Liam and Pinkie blushed, but kept silent. They did not eat, only rested and get a drink, as well Feldrock wanted to spare with Liam once more. Liam complied and once again was beaten to the ground.
Liam groaned as he rest now, as Feldrock had gotten bored with beating him up, still Liam did not complain. Feldrock had been like a storm when the bandits attacked, Liam might have killed two, but Feldrock had killed four. All of which had been swiftly, and without any effort. Liam intended to be just as good, if not better. He would, he had to.
It was later in the eve, just as the sun was making its final hours of descent into the horizon did the party finally reach Beregost. Mostly humans lived here, but Liam could see the outline of ponies here and there as they neared the town.
"Oh thank goodness, I can't wait for a bed and a bath." Rarity said.
"Let's find an affordable inn, first before ye go thinking on baths Rarity." Feldrock said.
"Of course darling, but the thought is ever so relaxing." Rarity said.
And so they all entered into town, they would rest and take on supplies and then head for their final destination: Nashkel.