Darak 1 - Smoke and Flame: Part 1

CHAPTER 6

Sitting in a dark corner, Kiev drank from a mug. The cold beer felt wonderful on his dry throat. Thoughts of his sister haunted him. He hoped a bit of beer would calm his mind. If his sister knew he ran off, she'd probably have his head-or worse, give him some potion that would make all his days insufferable.

He had removed his armor and donned a comfortable button-up shirt and slacks. To blend in a bit more with the townsfolk.

The tavern was noisy. Men and women spoke of adventures, rumors, laughing, some going up to the inn to have 'extra fun.'

The inn was beyond a few wooden steps right above the food and drink area.

Through the chatter and clanking of drinks came a mighty half man, half bull. His muscles huge, two white horns protrude from his large head. His eyes were light blue, his snout soft and large. The armor on his shoulders and wrists was silver, red, and gold. His kilt looked new, black with golden trimming. His tail hung behind him, swaying contently. He also had a golden earring on his left ear. His ears were long and pointed at the tips, very inhuman, more like the ears of a bull. His entire body was covered in smooth, brown fur. Kiev stared at the mighty beast as he made his way to the bar.

The bartender, a young girl with brunette hair, a thin waist, and wearing a red robe, smiled at Darak. It took her aback. The woods of Sitka housed many creatures. Rarely did they come and visit the town of Sitka.

"What can I get you?" She looked at Darak's body and, from a visual standpoint, fell in love.

The lore of the minotaur was a sorted one as far as she knew. Some guy named Minos prayed to the sea god, Poseidon, to send him a snow-white bull.

Minos was meant to sacrifice the bull but found the creature amazing, so he didn't.

As punishment, Poseidon made Mino's wife fall in love with the bull. She mated with the bull, creating a sort of hybrid of human and bull. Minos was ashamed of this creature, built it a labyrinth where it remained. Weary travelers would stumble into the resting place of the beast.

The first-ever minotaur would kill men and mate with women, and Darak's parents were birthed that way. Of course, as more minotaurs were born, the population of them grew and they became common in the woods of Sitka generations later.

"Drink." Said Darak, folding his large hands in front of him.

"R-right. What kind?"

"Drink." He said again. He reached into the pocket of his kilt and tossed some gold coins on the countertop.

The bartender smiled. He was a paying customer. No matter what type of creature or monster he was, she technically had to oblige him.

"I'll get you a nice cold beer, big guy." She winked and walked off.

Kiev sat by the bull. With a twitch of an ear, this man startled Darak.

"New here?" He rolled his sleeves up and smiled politely. "I'm Kiev. I've never seen a type like yours, I'm afraid. What are you if I may be so bold to ask?"

"Darak is minotaur." The beast noticed Kiev's hand was extended. He didn't quite understand why. He nodded like he was talking to a general. His shoulders were stiff, his upper body tense.

"You don't need to be so tense, my good sir. I won't hurt you. In fact, maybe I could use you. Well, not use you. That sounds harsh. What I mean is, I could use someone with a lot of strength." He pondered, sipping his large drink.

"You need Darak's strength?" He looked straight at Kiev, who looked quite short compared to the towering behemoth.

"Well, yes, in simple terms. They're people after me." He told Darak his tale of woe. Then paused. "Oddly enough, she mentioned she was looking for a minotaur."

"Looking for Darak? Men came to Darak's home. Burned it. And were going to abduct Darak." Darak's eyes widened slightly. He sighed, his ears moving downward.

"Sounds like Adina sent some soldiers after you. I have money. I'm willing to pay you to be my guard." Kiev was in awe of Darak's endless supply of muscles.

The minotaur had his own room. His own space to roam freely in. The inn offered pleasant rooms, his was larger since few were 7ft tall and had horns.

The room held a king-sized bed, and above the bed was a large window overlooking a gorgeous pink horizon with snow-peaked mountains.

He first stripped naked; his large body was now relaxed.

Darak sat, arms leaned against the windowsill, and looked at the large orange ball in the sky, which slowly descended over the woods of Sitka. In front of the mountains was an endless plain with tall grass and corn, a gentle wind caused the plants to sway to one side.

Obviously, this was the back area of the town. Where travelers would come and go.

As Darak sat silently, watching the sky change from dark blue to black, he began to miss his old home. The cabin where his parents raised him. How much he enjoyed being alone. He was content with his life. He hoped one day he could go back to such a lifestyle.

He couldn't describe exactly why he loved watching nature and wondering why there was a big gold ball in the sky that shed light on the earth. He didn't have any concepts of Gods, whether something created this majesty or if it all was scientific talk, he'd never understand in a million years. He just enjoyed life for what it was. Directly in front of him. Not thinking of deep meanings as he watched the sunset. It simply calmed him.

The night sky was dotted with bright stars. Crickets chirped. A breeze blew into Darak's room from the open window.

The minotaur had flopped onto the bed with no blankets on, he slept on his stomach. One arm dangling off the bed limply. He snored gently, like a St. Bernard in a deep slumber.

Before Kiev slept, he thought of the minotaur quite a bit. How much he liked him. How big he was. How strong. And now that he was in a slumber, he dreamed of fighting side by side with Darak.

The cold blade of a knife was felt against the knight's flesh, he woke with a slight gasp. His eyes widened, looking up from his bed. He saw a green orc, with yellow eyes and a short haircut. His sharp teeth protruded from his bottom lip. Tall, muscular, fat.

"Kiev. Adina is furious with you. You outwitted her, only for a moment."

Kiev was defenseless. He was nude, and his sword sat underneath his bed. He was done for. The ex-knight was going to be taken prisoner alongside the minotaur. Kiev yelled, hoping to be heard by someone. The orc swiftly covered the man's mouth.

A large, brown, furry hand suddenly wrapped around the orc's neck. Two of the orc's hands wrapped around the giant wrist of the beast that held him. Black blood oozed from the orc's throat. He grunted in pain.

Kiev sat up in bed, horrified.

The orc's neck was being slowly torn open by strong fingers. With a yank, the minotaur pulled his hand away from the orc's throat. A large gash was revealed. Darak had torn a chunk of flesh from the attacker's throat.

Kiev nearly vomited at the grotesque sight.

The orc fell, black blood spurted from the gash in his throat, and he collapsed sideways.

Darak stood in the shadows, tossing the hunk of the orc's flesh to the ground.

"We go now." Darak ordered.