Cacananta, Cameron

Tales of the Bloodhoof Sample Capter

The First Crucible

The next morning all of the new recruits were woken up well before dawn. The staff had them all line up in uniform before breakfast was even served. Sergeant Inghard was already standing on the training grounds waiting for the recruits to file in. The late-comers were yelled at, but once they were all there, he began.

“Greetings meatworms. You all look like a bunch of baby-faced new born calves. What a pitiful looking lot you all are.” Sergeant Inghard began. “For those of you that don’t already know me, my name is Sergeant Inghard, your new drill sergeatn . Behind me are your training officers: Officer Vol, and Officer Falgore.” Sergeant Inghard pointed out the two armored minotaur behind him standing on a raised platform. He began pacing up and down the ranks of the recruits.

“Over the next six months we are tasked with getting you up to fighting shape, but make no mistake we are not here to hold your hand. Not all of you will make it through this training. The first four months will be basic training for all of you and then the last two months will be advanced training, where you will be given a choice of what to learn: Battle magic, medic training, advanced weapons instructions, artillery and ranged training, or infiltration training. Assuming you make it that far, that will determine your role on the battle field.” The Sergeant looked around at the recruits and paused for a brief moment to look down at Kahl.

“Here is a brief glimpse of what boot camp will be like.” The sergeant looked back and nodded at the two officers behind him. Officer Vol and Officer Falgore descended from platform and began yelling directly in individual recruits’ faces. They each chose a recruit, pointed out their shortcomings, flaws in their uniforms, how they looked weak, and then moved on to another recruit. They seemed to move randomly.

Soon, Officer Vol came up to Trebulf and screamed in his face about his uniform not being properly aligned. Trebulf yelled back agreements of “Sir, yes sir," repeatedly and then fixed his uniform. Soon after, Officer Falgore stood in front of Varina and began chewing her out, telling her that she should have stayed at home and learned to sew like the other female minotaur. Varina responded that she wanted to stay and learn to fight. Officer Falgore moved on after that.

After several minutes Sergeant Inghard grunted a loud "HUT!" and held up his open hand. The two officers ceased their verbal torrents and returned to the platform. Kahl was both relieved and confused as to why they had not singled him out. They returned to the same place as if nothing had happened. Sergeant Inghard turned back to Kahl. He looked as if he had a secret agenda hidden behind is eyes.

“If any of you have doubts, now would be the time to leave so that you don’t waste my time! I refuse to train quitters!” The sergeant continued his pacing.

Kahl, remaining at attention, looked to his left. Trebulf was still standing tall. He then looked to his right, he could see that Varina was remaining steadfast. It was obvious that both considered leaving. He was glad that they both remained. All of the recruits, in fact, remained. They were dismissed for breakfast.

The remainder of the day was spent in combat training and conditioning. The officers and sergeant ran the recruits through their paces. The training staff purposefully skipped over lunch and before dinner time, three of the sixty two recruits had already quit and packed up to head back home. Kahl, Trebulf, and Varina remained. They would not be deterred.

After the first month a few more recruits dropped out. The physical training was incredibly difficult, but the ones that remained were trained in basic fighting skills. Kahl was generally bullied for his height not only by the other recruits. He was used to it from school and, while he did not like it, he let it go for now.

Varina was also relentlessly teased and bullied since she was the only female in the class. She had a much harder time dealing with it, but Kahl and Trebulf kept her going.

At six weeks in it was the time of the first crucible, a big free for all fighting match in which all the recruits competed in. The recruits were placed in a large arena with varying terrain and many obstacles, and a series of platforms and bridges were raised above the arena so that the training staff could observe the battle field. Sergeant Inghard and his two officers observed from up here, but they were also joined by Commander Dreskin, a veteran minotaur fighter of over thirty years. He wanted to look at the new recruits and see how the training was faring.

The recruits were to each take two training weapons that they all felt comfortable with.

Kahl took a large two handed axe with blunted wood for blades and a shield he slung across his back. Trebulf asked why he took such an odd choice for his second item. Kahl told him that he had an idea he wanted to try.

Trebulf took two wooden swords, one long sword for attacking, and one short sword for defending. Varina took a bow with blunted arrows and a small hand axe. One of the other recruits saw this and laughed at her for taking an ‘Elven’ weapon.

She looked back at him and said “Why don’t you try to come to my face and say that!?”

She almost raised the bow at him and Kahl almost rushed at him until Trebulf stepped in front and stopped them both.

“Hey, save it for the actual fighting, okay?” Trebulf pleaded with them.

They both nodded at Trebulf and all three of them took their wooden training weapons and took their places near the edge of the arena field with the rest of the recruits. The three of them quickly discussed that they should stick together until the other recruits were knocked out.

A large gong rang out signifying the beginning of the crucible. Just as they discussed, all three of them moved as a unit throughout the field. A few minutes in, they encountered another recruit, alone. The recruit charged at them with a great scream.

“Idiot,” Kahl whispered under his breath. “Varina, try to pick him off, Trebulf flank his right while I stand my ground and try to draw his attention. GO!” And the three of them broke off. Varina fired an arrow, but missed her first shot, and began drawing a second one. Trebulf moved to the left and Kahl drove straight at him. The recruit raised a wooden hammer straight up. At the last second, Kahl curled up and allowed the hammer to hit his shielded back. As it reverberated back up, Trebulf came and hit the recruit square in the chest. White light shot up from the recruit and was immediately teleported out of the crucible. He had been knocked out.

A magical voice rang out announcing that only fifty five recruits remained.

They picked off straggling individual recruits with ease which caught the eye of Commander Dreskin wandering above along the bridges. Dreskin saw how Kahl coordinated their attacks and noted his leadership skills. The rest of the training staff was busy yelling at the recruits that were already teleported out for being knocked out so early.

For the next hour, the three of them continued knocking out the other minotaur. Each time becoming better coordinated with each other, learning each others’ moves. Commander Dreskin’s attention became fixated with Kahl and his team.

Only six recruits remained, including Kahl’s small team. They moved cautiously and observantly so as not to be caught off guard. They finally saw two minotaur ahead of them in between the trees. Varina drew her arrow and looked over at Kahl, waiting for his signal.

Trebulf moved towards them quietly and swiftly, surprisingly so for a minotaur, especially one of his great size.

Kahl looked to make sure that Varina and Trebulf were in place. Kahl raised a fist, paused, and then threw his hand down to signal Varina to shoot. Varina fired her arrow and landed a direct hit.

The first minotaur was immediately teleported out. The second minotaur, shocked by his partners disappearance, turned to see Kahl and Varina behind him. He raised his shield and began moving in towards Kahl.

Varina’s second arrow glanced off of the shield, and the recruit laughed at her efforts. 

“You’ll never hit ME with something as weak as that ‘elven’ weapon” he said defiantly.

“Then how about a sword?” Came a voice from his right. Trebulf leaped from behind a tree, knocked the recruits weapon away with his long sword, and then attacked with his short sword. Trebulf landed the hit into the side of the recruit who was then teleported out of the arena. Commander Dresken was impressed with their movements and strategy.

The magical voice called out: “Only four recruits remain!”

Trebulf raised a sword triumphantly and called to Kahl and Varina: “Only one left guys!” and began stepping towards both of them. Just beyond Varina, he saw something move. Then a flash of light flew up and Varina was immediately teleported out.

Kahl turn in time to see her be teleported. In her place was a recruit holding a wooden maul with a small hand axe at his belt. Kahl was infuriated and ran directly at his new opponent axe raised. The recruit pulled out the wooden hand axe and threw it at Kahl. Kahl turned a full circle and used the shield to deflect the axe and continued closing in. The recruit raised his maul and struck directly down towards Kahl’s head. Kahl, still turning, hooked the maul with the axe and deflected it. He kicked the recruit down and then brought his axe down into the recruit’s stomach, and saw the recruit get teleported out.

The voice rang out again: “Only TWO recruits remain.”

Kahl felt the warm rush of anger fade away from his body.

The entire training staff was watching from the bridge above. Kahl and Trebulf were the final two recruits that remained in the crucible. Commander Dreskin focused his attention on Kahl.

Kahl looked over at Trebulf, and he saw a timid sadness in his eyes.

“Well, it looks like it’s just us.” Kahl pointed out. “Are you ready?” Kahl lifted his axe, ready to take on his old friend.

The swords in Trebulf’s hands shook as his hands quivered. Trebulf was reluctant to raise his weapon.

“What’s wrong?” Kahl asked, keeping his guard up.

“I don’t want to fight you, Kahl. I know that I can’t win.” Trebulf said, his voice wavering.

Trebulf lowered his weapons and hung his head down, unable to keep eye contract with his friend. “Just strike me down now.”

“Trebulf, pull it together!” Kahl said, angrily. “Do me the honor of giving me your best!”

Trebulf looked up and tilted his head in confusion.

“You don’t know that for a fact! I want you to give me your best! I want to earn my rank and not just have it handed to me because we are friends. Besides, I refuse to strike down someone defenseless.”

Trebulf looked up incredulously at Kahl. Commander Dreskin leaned over the railing focusing on Kahl.

“I’ll give you a minute to gather yourself,” Kahl continued “and then I want you to come at me with everything you’ve got, and I promise you that I will do the same.” He lowered his axe and sat on a nearby rock and crossed his arms, looking back at his friend.

Trebulf paused for a moment and took a deep breath and tightened his grip on his swords. He looked up at Kahl and finally understood.

“Okay,” Trebulf finally said “I will give you the honor of a fair fight. I will give you my best. I still don’t think I can win, but I won’t make it easy for you.”

Kahl smiled “I wouldn’t want it any other way.” He stood up from his rock.

The two of them faced off against each other, both raised their training weapons.

“Ready?” Kahl asked.

“Yes.” Trebulf replied, his sadness now replaced by a smile of camaraderie.

The two circled each other, waiting for an opening to strike. Finally, Trebulf made the first move.

Trebulf lunged in, longsword striking downward. Kahl easily parried with his axe and then turned his body and used the shield on his back to block the anticipated blow from the second blade. Kahl then swung his axe wide and Trebulf easily dodged it by leaping back. Kahl’s eyes met Trebulf’s and they both shared a smile of friendly rivalry.

Trebulf shifted his longsword so the blade was facing the outside of his hand. Kahl, once again, raised his axe, ready for his friends attack. Trebulf dove in once again, two swords striking from his right side. Kahl parried the first strike turning left, using his shield again to glance the longsword coming immediately after.

Trebulf brought the short sword back around to strike for a third time. Kahl, caught off guard, brought his axe around again just in time to deflect the unexpected third swipe. The momentum kept Kahl spinning and Trebulf, using the reverse grip on his long sword, tried to thrust in from his left before Kahl could turn back. However, much to Trebulf’s surprise, Kahl managed to shift his weight back and duck. Kahl then jumped, the shield on his back knocking Trebulf’s short sword up. This left Trebulf’s arms out wide, completely open. Kahl turned in the air and brought his axe straight down onto Trebulf’s shoulder.

Trebulf was bathed in white light and then immediately teleported out of the arena.

Shortly after, Kahl was teleported as well.

Kahl found himself in the nearby field. He looked over to see Trebulf, defeated but happy. The other recruits were in line getting yelled at by Officer Vol and Officer Falgore.

Sergeant Inghard began walking towards Kahl. Kahl came to attention and smiled, expecting praises from his sergeant. He was, however, met by a punch into his jaw. Kahl doubled over.

“What was that?” Sergeant Inghard screamed at Kahl.

“What was what, Sir?” Kahl replied in genuine confusion holding a hand to his face.

“What happened when it was just you and recruit Trebulf? He was nearly in tears!”

“Sir, I couldn’t strike him down. His guard was lowered.”

“That’s the perfect opportunity!” Sergeant Inghard raised his hands in exasperation. “If you see an advantage, you take it!”

“But sir, I wanted to face him on an even playing field and I-“

“And you what? Wanted it to be fair? Do you think that-“

“I think what the recruit means, Sergeant,” a voice came from behind Sergeant Inghard, “Is that he knew his advantage, but it would be better training to face his opponent fully ready and engaged.”

The sergeant turned to see Commander Dreskin approaching the two of them. The Sergeant immediately stood at attention.

“Sir, I believe the recruit should have taken advantage of his position. I was just reprimanding him-“

“For what?” Commander Dreskin intervened. “This recruit displayed excellence in his first crucible. He took plenty of advantages by forming alliances, utilizing his environment, and singling out recruits where he could. By our standards, this recruit did the best. He, in fact, won this first crucible. Don’t you think he deserves praise for his hard work?”

Sergeant Inghard, stared at his commander. “Sir yes sir!”

“Good. I wish to speak with this young tauren. Please leave us be sergeant.” The commander asked politely. Kahl could see this was a veiled order.

“Sir yes sir!” The sergeant returned to his officers and continued disciplining the rest of the recruits.

Commander Dreskin looked back to ensure that he and Kahl could speak in private. “Now, young tauren, I have to say that I am very impressed with you. I watched you from the suspension bridges and you did an excellent job in the crucible.” Commander Dreskin praised.

“Sir, thank you sir!” Kahl sounded.

“What’s your name?” Commander Dreskin inquired

“Sir, Kahl Goran Sir. Son of Elder Bjaldur Goran of-“

Commander Dreskin held up a hand, cutting Kahl’s speech short. “There’s no need to be formal with me here. I am here as a guest looking at the new recruits for future potential soldiers for my squad.”

“Sir-“ Kahl called out before catching himself. “Er-, yes sir.”

Commander Dreskin pondered a moment, looking Kahl up and down.

“Goran, you said?”

“Yes sir” Kahl replied, adding the ‘sir’ out of habit. “Son of Elder Bjaldur Goran.”

“I thought so. You remind me much of your father. You are a naturally talented fighter, just like him.”

“Thank you sir” Kahl said. He smiled with pride.

“I could use more like you on my front lines squadron. “

“So, what are you saying?”

“I am saying that if you all work hard I think you could become an excellent addition to my platoon. You and your teammates. Which ones were they again?”

“Trebulf and Varina, sir.” Kahl nodded towards them.

“I see.” Commander Dreskin paused for a while and surveyed the two recruits across the field. They were walking towards their class to get back in rank. “I am surprised that Trebulf moves with such guile and grace for a minotaur of his size. I sometimes lost track of him. I would expect that more from Varina, given her unusual weapon choice. And you had an excellent presence as you coordinated with them. Very few would be willing to listen to a tauren of your size, yet they followed your every command.” Commander Dreskin said, turning his back towards Kahl.

“Yes, although I would do the same with them if they had created a sound plan of attack.” Kahl stated.

“You three have an innate trust in each other, and are very loyal to one another. Those are qualities that I rarely see nowadays. Most new recruits try to simply outperform each other. But I truly admire the loyalty that you three hold together.” Commander Dreskin placed a hand on Kahl’s shoulder. “Hold on to that trait. It will serve you well.” The commander began walking away. “I will see you in at the next crucible.”

“Yes sir! Thank you sir!” Kahl said excitedly.