The King on the Mountain

Nestled high on a mountain in a mountain range was a slightly damage castle that had become overgrown with moss and other plant-life, allowing it to be concealed from the air as well as from prying eyes. The inside of the castle however was still intact allowing it to be a base for mountain bandits.

Inside the castle, sitting in the lit King's chamber was the leader of the bandits, know as the 'King on the Mountain.'

Jack, The King Of The Mountain sat on a throne next to his right hand who was a woman. She watched him as he eyed a sword that rested on a nearby stand beside him.

"Since you acquired that stolen sword, you have not once unsheathe it. You just look at it from a distance, she said." If you do not want it, just sell it to a black merchant and be done with it.

Jack took his eyes off it and turned to her and said, if I draw that sword from its sheathe then someone will definitely have to die.

The old man that I stole that katana from, guarded it with his life but did not draw it to fight me. Instead he died like a dog by my hands, right before the sword.

'Beautifully crafted! A black guard with a black sheathe! Fish bell tang in the back!'

My father once spoke about legendary swords that he heard about in stories, make by a master craftsman.

And you think that this is one of those swords, she asked?

Jack's voice trailed off as he turned to looked at the sword again. Could be.... he muttered.

Suddenly a voice asked, My King, may I enter?

Yes, you may, Jack responded. It was one of his bandit scouts.

I do have some good news and some bad news sir.

What's the good news, Jack asked?

The haul from the ambush that the other camp did has arrived. We are offloading the wagons with all the artifacts, jewelry and gold to the storage room as we speak.

Excellent, cheered Jack. So what's the bad news, he asked?

The camp that was based in the cave to the south has been completely wiped out. There was only one survivor who managed to escape the ordeal.

Who did it, snarled Jack.

A team of four explorers, he said. One of them was looking for goblins, I was told.

Goblins. There are no goblins in these parts of Wales, said Jack.

That is what I was told, boss. I am not making any of this up but the survivor claims that the individual was there to slay goblins.

The king rocked back in his throne with a serious expression on his face, then said "I have not seen any goblins for many years,"

Shall we call back our members from the other camp, boss?

Yes, he said calmly. Send the message with an eagle. Lets gather up all our forces for a proper headcount.

As you wish the scout said before leaving the room.

You are tense, she said to Jack. Lets go to the bedroom and I will take care of you. When she got up, Jack said, I will meet you there.

She left the room and headed for the bedroom as Jack tried to control the emotions that had built up.

When he had calmed down, he got up to go to the bedroom, ignoring the soft whisper that he had just heard.

'Release me!'

Jack left the room without even taking a look at the whispering sword that emitted a dark aura as it sat on the stand.

Opening a bird cage, the scout placed a message on the leg of the hawk and released it into the air, watching it fly away and disappear into the distance, in the direction of the other camp.

After flying for a few minutes, a steady hand followed the movements of the bird and then released an arrow with entered the bird, killing it instantly. The hawk descended into the forest and crashed into the ground, to be picked up by a archer from 'The Blue Maiden's army.'

Handing the message to his companion, the companion read it and crumbled up the paper then casting it to the floor, never to be seen or read again.

Lets send a message to the encampment notifying them that we have found their location.

'At The Blue Maiden's encampment'

Luke walked around looking at all the swords that the warriors had. He would need something that he could familiarize himself with. His stroll through the encampment lead him to a warrior who sat by a tree drinking sake. At the side of the warrior were three different swords which caused Luke to wonder, "does he use all three swords in battle?"

When he approached him, he lifted his flask to Luke inquiring if he wanted a drink?

Luke respectfully declined however he asked if he would give him a lesson on dual wielding.

Well, I do got some time, he stated. I will teach you.

Melinda stood close to a tree with three knives that she had found around the camp. Taking careful aim, she threw the knives at a board that was nailed onto the tree, hitting her mark every time. A familiar voice walked up behind her and said, awesome shot.

Thanks! Stacy taught me, said Melinda.

As the only women on the team, we definitely have to watch each others back. I am here for you, Fiora, responded raising her hand in a fist.

Thanks, Melinda answered returning the bounce back.