Immortal

chapter 1

     Henry felt a rush of August wing brush throught his dark brown beard. His mind was racing, he couldn't believe that after all this time he would not only be part of but lead a team to take back the village that he raised his family in. He would never forget the screams of agony and pain that his wife and children cried while he watched his home get burned down without being able to do anything. He was ready for revenge.

     "You look a little nervous there Henry." Came an irish accent from his right.                                 "Flying got you queasy?"

     "No Greg I'm fine, just thinking."

     It was now he remembered the small air balloon he was sitting in surrounded by Greg, a dwarf, elf and person he thought looked familiar but had never met before.

     "Why don't you run through the mission again Greg." Henry said. Wanting something to pass the time.

     "Again?"

     "Yes."

     "Okay, for the five hundredth time." The bald man started. "We will drop out of these air balloons into Henry's lake where we will find supplies left by spies that are staying at Ifron. They say that defenses have been low there lately and that now is a good moment to strike. We are also accompanied by seven other balloons that hold five soldiers a piece. I do believe that wraps it up, lets keep it short and sweet."

     "I also think it wouldn't be a bad idea to introduce ourselves since our minotaur has been replaced recently. I'll start." Henry said. "I'm Henry and I am leader of this mission." He gestured to Greg.

     He sighed. "I'm Gregory and I would prefer it if you call me Greg.

    An elf with long blond hair and perfect skin began to speak. "I am Helwin I have been called to this mission to ensure victory. Once that happens I will be returning home."

     Next a dwarf with graying hair and broad shoulders spoke. "The name is Klint and I have a twin brother named Griff that is on another balloon."

     "I guess that leaves me." Said a man with a red head and beard, he had a moderate build. "My name is Aaron." He said smiling. "I joined this mission because I was called to it."

     Henry grinned. "I have heard about your skill on the battle field, you are very impressive."

     "Thank you it's an honour to serve under your command." Aaron said still smiling.

     "Are you forgetting about me?" Called a squeaky voice from above.

     "Oh , sorry Tibbet introduce yourself." Henry urged.

     "As you say, I'm Tibbet the cunningly handsome pilot of this fine craft; and without me you ninnies would still be on the ground."

     "You also only come to the dwarf's hip." Greg added with a grin.

     The gnome gave Greg a quick glare. "At least I'm not as fat as a pig and have both of my hands." He said wiggling his fingers.

     Greg smiled again looking down at the hook that replaced his left hand.

    "How long until we reach the lake?" Henry asked Tibbet.

    "Well we're about half a mile off so I'd say fifteen minutes." The gnome chimmed.

     Henry tilted his head back. It felt like they had been cramped in that vessel for eternity. He stretched his legs out as far as he could then brought them back in. He reached into his pocket and silently started chewing on a piece of jerky.