The Next Step

Revenge had been had. the villagers yells filled the air with hope. It was the first time that i was honestly proud of myself. This battle could of been avoided, however i made it as quick as i could. Veronica surveyed the battlefield, as the villagers began scavagening the dead. Armor and swords were reused, given to the men. what ever was left was remelted down. Soon holes where being made, the dead quickly filling them. Each mound had a large grave marker, respect for the dead. I didn't know much about this world but I was going to hold myself to a higher standard. The men we fought only followed orders, I never saw them torture or rape as I had with the scouting party. these men died from another's pride, something I hope to keep myself from. The air smelt of copper, even a strong wind couldn't make the smell fade. Was this guilt? I hated the way I felt empty? Sad? These men had families, had people depending on them. I sighed. War is fickle, even in this world.

"You ok Jackson?" Veronica asked looking at me with concern.

"I'm fine my dear, just a long day." I said waving my arms at the battlefield.

She nodded in agreement. I had bought this village a little time, but how much? I can't just stay here and protect these people. I sat on a rock and began planning on how I could protect them. it was hours later when a little girl trotted up to me with a hot plate of food.

"Momma said you saved us mister." she said with a toothy smile.

"I did what I could kiddo. I just hope its enough." I said patting her head.

she giggled and ran off after handing me the plate. The smell of steamed vegetables and pipping hot meat filled my nose. I dug in. As I ate a clever plan filled my head. I began creating hellhound after hellhound. By the time I had twenty-five I stopped.

"Hear my order and obey as commanded, protect the villagers from all harm from any invaders." I whispered hand outstretched to them.

Their eyes glowed a dark red and a simultaneous nod. The hounds disappeared into thick black smoke. after that I thought of the perfect defense.

"Come forth, hear your masters call. a plea to bring light to the abyss, to strike fear in those who march on us!" I yelled.

a larger intricate symbol appeared in the air in front of me. A large spear crashed down, then a enormous plated creature stood in front of me. its eyes looked me up and down then bent at the knee.

"My name is Osmodeous the Just i shall serve you with honor m'lord." a deep gravel like voice emitted from the creatures beak-like mouth. large golden wings curled around his large torso. his arms tipped with long claw like fingers. His legs were that of a hound.

"You are to protect these people at all costs. any whom try to take this land must fall." i said motioning him to stand.

He nodded and stood. Osmodeous stood about seven feet. his towering frame slightly intemidaiting.

"I shall m'lord. none shall take these lands from you as long as i still draw breath." he bowed.

"Thank you Osmodeous. i will hold you to that." i replied walking towards the villagers.

"Now i must leave, others will need my help. However i am leaving Osmodeous. He's in charge of a large number of hell hounds. No normal person will ever fell any of these defenses i have prepared. You need to focus on rebuilding, making this place the seat of my kingdom. These kings try to goto war but refuse to fight. i can't do that. the fight shall march into their halls and homes. i will need this village to recover and prosper. i will return soon." i said turning to leave.

The villagers looked fearful at Osmodeous. He bowed to the villagers and the little girl ran to him and hugged his leg.

"Thank you, i know Master Jackson wouldn't lie to us." she said nuzzling Osmodeous's leg.

"No m'lord is an honest man." he quipped patting the little girl.

i smiled and began my journey away from the village.

"You sure that'll be enough to protect them?" Veronica asked walking backwards.

"I hope so. Osmodeous was a character of a comic i loved in my world. He was a god of justice. so if someone can kill a god in this world it'll be someone like me, not an army." i replied looking at her.

she looked shocked.

"You bent a god's will to your own?" she asked.

"Not a real one, but in a sense yes." i replied with a chuckle.

"Remind me to not piss you off." she laughed. i laughed. how little did she know.

i had figured out alot about my abilities and limits, which are near non existant. i knew i had to try and keep it back a bit but i felt strong in this world.