LEGEND OF THE MONK: book one

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                                                                   CHAPTER 10

                                                        PAYBACK FOR OAKFIELDS

        Captain Brag and his team left Bishop Soaring, following the road north. They all knew the road split to the left a few miles up, and that path would lead them back to Gallon Port. The team enjoyed the quiet and peaceful ride for a change, compared to the hustle of the palace and the city. The Self Onalease took point, riding up ahead, allowing her ranger skills to be here focus. With her deadly bow laying across her lap, she scanned the wood line, looking for any movement. Captain Dorian and Marco were the next closest, with their respective shields strapped across their backs, talking about old times. Brock, Scarlet, and of course Gimley were the last in the group, taking care of watching the rear.

     Brock sat on the back of his Clydesdale, the only horse big enough to support his three hundred pounds, while Scarlet rode next to him on her mare. Scarlet wore all dark brown leather, with metal studs on the fore arms and shins, and her black cloak,the hood pulled over her auburn hair. Not only was Scarlet a master rogue, she was also a master with daggers. She carried two twelve inch fighting dirks on each hip, their double edged blades sharpened nightly. Scarlet also wore a leather belt from her left shoulder to her right hip, with throwing knives lining the entire length.

    Gimley rode next to the half-elf, on his riding dog Brutus. Brutus was a Rottweiler by breed, and was plenty strong enough and smart enough to make a good mount. While the gnome usually didn't wear or use a lot of magic items, but he spared no expense for his good buddy Brutus. Gimley had spent a lot of gold making Brutus and him the best team he could think up.

    Brutus wore a gold jeweled collar that increased the dogs intelligence, making Brutus able to understand about as much as a human. The riding dog also wore a set of four silver bracers around each of his legs, increasing his stamina and speed. Brutus was able to run full speed for a little longer and faster than the average horse. Gimley and Brutus both wore a gold loop ear ring that allowed the rider and mount to communicate telepathically, but the latest addition caused Gimley to design a new saddle and crossbow quivers. The little  gnome spent almost six months salary getting his latest gift for Butus. It was a chain necklace, forged out of sliver and mitheral links, with a rabbits foot as the charm, set in the center. The necklace gave Brutus jackrabbit like agility, as well as jumping power. With his new item, Brutus could clear almost eight feet in height.

   Gimley's first few test runs had the gnome flying from the saddle, and scattering crossbow bolts everywhere. After some miner tweaks, Gimley could grip himself to the saddle with is legs and also use a saftey strap to hold him in the saddle, but quickly release him if needed. He also changed the design of his crossbow quivers. They were strapped in a X across his back and wouldn't spill even if flipped up side down. Gimley, with all the extra practice as of late, hap become very good at shooting and fighting on Brutus' back, and was more than ready to test his new skills on something other than straw targets.

    The Riders of Brag rode casually north and Gimley was in such a good mood he couldn't help but do a little friendly teasing.

"You know Brock,the women in BishopSoaring are so ugly you should consider coming here to look for a mate." Gimley said with a sly grin.

"I'd have better luck than you reaching the dinner table."  Brock shot back, and Marco bellowed a laugh.

"Don't hate me cause the ladies love me, my friend." Gimley said with a smile.

"That's because you remind them of a four year old child." Brock countered.

"Better that than a hideous beast!" the gnome shot back.