Drangora's Revenge

DRANGORA’S REVENGE

by

David Mason

Published by David Mason at Smashwords.com

Copyright 2010 David Mason.

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Chapter One.

Hello. Is anybody home?

Rambusco came out of his cave to find an embarrassed Dwarf shuffling his feet near the entrance. What can I do for you?

It's about..er..is the lady home?

Tell me what you want, and I'll find out.

I've got this..er.. it's a sort of.. He gave up and held out a hand from which dangled a bracelet. It's about this, can I speak to her please?

An embarrassed Dwarf saying 'Please' was sufficiently unusual for Rambusco to call into the cave, Drangora, I think there's a customer of yours to see you.

She came bustling out, smiling. This would be someone who had bought the specialist jewellery the Elves had been making to her designs. Is there something wrong? Come in and sit down. Rambusco, can you get a mug of mead for our visitor?

No thanks, I have something with me for the walk home. Can I show you this? Laying the bracelet out on the table, he went on, I got it for our second wedding anniversary, and I was wondering if you could change that bit with the initial on.

Drangora was aware that some Dwarves stay married for life, while others change rather quickly, and this must be one of the latter group. Looking at it carefully, she asked, Where did you buy this?

We were in Sheralpia for the weekend, and this Dwarf said he could get me something special at a special price. When he told me how much, I nearly took his hand off, the ones at home were twice the price.

Drangora managed to control herself and keep a fixed smile on her face. I'm sorry, once the initial is on, it can't be changed.

I only want to change it from the 'C' to a 'G' to suit my new wife.

The best thing you can do is put it away for a little while, then look out for someone with the initial 'C' next time.

The Dwarf brightened up considerably, What a good idea. Thank you, I shall do that. Pocketing the bracelet, he left humming happily to himself.

Well, I must say, you certainly know how to help a customer, said Rambusco.

He was not a customer, Drangora said through gritted teeth, That was not one of mine.

But…

Yes. I know it looked like one, but there was no mark on the back. Her eyes flashed, and Rambusco thought he could almost see steam coming from her ears. Somebody is making copies. She returned to the kitchen to continue preparing their meal. Cutting vegetables with a vigour and a fierceness that made him realise just how angry she was. Attacking them like an enemy.

Time to leave for a while until she cools down, came the thought. I need to check on some traps, I'll see you later, and he left before he could get into trouble.

Barely five minutes later. 'Crash'.

Codragor had come home, throwing a broken trap on the ground, and grumbling. It can't be those stupid giants again. Can it?

What's happened now? his mother asked, as she met him outside their cave.

All my traps have been broken, and someone has started to put those dangerous ones out again. Every one knows they cause a lot of pain. And look at this. He held out a large piece of paper scrawled with, ' No mor sisy traps'.

His mother laughed, That sounds like them.

An agreement between all who used the forest, Dwarves and Elves included, had meant that snares and metal toothed traps were now outlawed. Box traps mean any creature caught can be humanely killed.

The one group who can be guaranteed to cause trouble were the Giants. Even though there was only one family in this part of the forest, they always seemed to cause agitation. Apparently it is a part of their nature, but that didn't make Codragor feel any happier.

Well they better not let me catch them.

They were both startled by the roar of laughter that came from the forest. What do you think you can do, boy? You've been meddling with my traps in my forest. And a young Giant stepped into view. Before Codragor's mother could stop him, he faced up to the intruder with a frown. Quickly stepping between them she addressed them.

I have far too much work to do to be bothered with any squabbles you children have, so cut out the nonsense, and get back to whatever it was you are supposed to be doing.

The Giant took a step forward, towering over the other two, Nobody tells me what to do.

My name is Drangora, and when I tell people what to do, they always do it. Glaring up at him, Or else.

As Codragor was only just sixteen, he could be excused for talking a small step back. And you don't want to meet my father.

And who might he be?

Rambusco, and I think your father has already met him.

Yes, and he still limps. So I think I owe you this. Lifting his staff high to bring it crashing onto Codragor's head, he almost fell over as an axe flashed by him, cutting the staff in half and slicing off the feather in his cap, before thudding into the tree by his ear.

Drangora now had her axes in her hands, Well?

I'll tell my dad on you, he cried before crashing back through the underbrush.

Drangora smiled at her son, Well done lad, that was perfect timing. All you have to do now is climb that tree and get your axe back before he brings his father.

Do you think he will?

If he finds out your father is in the forest checking the traps, he might decide to chance his arm. We must be prepared for anything. The first thing to do is let Jason out of his cage, we might need his help.

Jason is the son of Rambusco's pet garwolff. Difficult to describe; as big as any Great Dane but much broader and stronger, having a fondness for chewing small trees and branches. Splatattack had been partly responsible for the Giants limp, he mistook the large leg for a tree, and chewed, hard. Jason's mother had been rescued from a cruel owner, and had been so badly treated that she didn't survive Jason's birth. By a happy coincidence he and Codragor were born on the same day.

Drangora and Codragor said little while going about their jobs. She spent most of the time preparing food, and cooking, while he was doing as he was told, mostly sweeping and cleaning. The rest of the day was uneventful, and both had an early night.

Which was just as well. Shortly after dawn a great bellowing came from the forest, directed at the cave, and Codragor in particular. Where is that little pipsqueak? Come out if you dare.

That was enough to waken the inhabitants, no matter how hard they slept. But Codragor it was who woke and came out to face the challenge. Axes tucked into his belt, he stood with feet firmly planted apart, ready for anything. Who dares to make this noise on my land?

Your land? The young Giant and his father stepped out of the forest together, stamping hard enough to make the ground vibrate. My son will make you sorry you were born.

Ha, cried Codragor, the slowcoach will have to catch me first. And before either of them could move, he slipped between the legs of father and son, disappearing into the forest. The son swung his new staff at Codragor, but only succeeded in hitting his father's bad leg, running into the forest before his father could retaliate.

Drangora came out just in time to see this, and hear the father's howl of pain. She almost collapsed with laughter.

Don't laugh at me woman. He roared.

I wouldn't dream of laughing at you, it's your son who is the comedian. She pointed into the forest, are you sure he's going to be all right on his own in there with all those wild creatures?

What's that? Came another bellow, this time a female one. Where is my son?

Drangora was amazed to see a female Giant come storming out of the forest to confront the Giant.

The Giant puffed up his chest, Wife, he is learning to become a man.

And this is your idea of being a man? Chasing some kid?

But…But…

Excuse me. Drangora shouted, That is not just some kid. That is my son, and he can take care of himself.

We'll soon see about that.

Shut up, said his wife. She turned to Drangora, Are you sure your son will be all right?

Yes, I'm pretty sure of that. We can only hope this doesn't become too serious.

Mmmm. If it does, someone is going to suffer.

Drangora thought this might be the time to smooth things over. I'm going to make a mug of hot mead, with honey, would you join me?

A hot drink is just what I need, thank you, she replied.

With honey? Her husband's eyes lit up.

She turned on him, You are staying here, and if anything happens to Munch, you will live to regret it. Shaking her head at him, she smiled at Drangora as they entered the cave.

Meanwhile Codragor was hearing the noise of shouting and bushes being trashed. He couldn't believe that, even though he was a Giant, anyone could make so much noise. Suddenly it all stopped.

No shouts.

Not a twig being crushed, not a leaf disturbed.

Codragor strained to listen, looking in the direction from which the last noises had come. This was not what he expected, it seemed as if this young Giant was starting to use his brains. This was not going to be an easy contest. Now he must remember the tracking and hunting skills his father had taught him.

Keeping quite still, he held his breath, making sure his opponent as not in sight. He wanted to get behind him, but that was going to be a bit difficult; more difficult as silence still prevailed, even the birds seemed to be waiting for something to happen.

He needed a decoy. Finding a thick and short piece of branch, he threw it as far as he could. As this hit a tree before falling to the ground, it only served to show exactly where he was not. He knew that most hunters would be able to draw that conclusion.

Deciding to double bluff by going to where the branch had landed, he began to make his way slowly forward.

While he is busy, this seems a good time to explain that Giants are not necessarily gigantic. Most are around ten or twelve feet tall, very broad, and usually wear large heavy boots to increase their size and noise. Dwarves similarly are not particularly small, generally just under four feet short, very hairy and surprisingly strong.

Rambusco is over seven feet; Drangora and her mother, known to all as 'Grandma', are both a little under five feet, and all three are experts with throwing axes. Rambusco generally preferring his large battle axe.

Moving silently through woods is very, very slow. The place each foot goes to must be checked for twigs. As you know, when these snap they give a loud crack. Being careful paid off for Codragor, just before he came to a path, he spotted one of the Giant's iron toothed traps between two bushes. This gave him an idea, he gathered an armful of dry leaves and spread them on part of the path next to the trap.

Crossing the path, he snapped a twig. 'Crack'. Surely the Giant must have heard that? Crouching behind a tree, he waited. His patience was rewarded as he saw the Giant emerge onto the path and look suspiciously both ways. About to walk along the path, the Giant saw the leaves. He smiled, and so far forgot to keep silent that he laughed aloud, saying, I am not that stupid. He left the path and walked between the bushes.

'SNAP'

The iron toothed trap got its first victim. His yell of pain almost deafened Codragor.

Codragor's grin of triumph began to fade as the Giant's cries changed from that of surprise to ones of genuine pain. Slowly, gingerly, he moved his head so he could get one eye around the tree. He was shocked at what he saw. The trap must have been really strong, he could see the blood now oozing through the Giant's trouser leg. He took a step into the open, and called, Are you all right?

The Giant looked astounded, whether at seeing Codragor, or at what he had just said. Oh yes, I'm all right, turning his head was enough to send another jolt of pain through his leg, Aaaarrrghg.

Codragor went across and picked up the Giant's staff, Let me try opening this. Putting one foot on one side of the trap, he pushed the staff under the other side, and lifted. At least he tried to. The spring was strong enough to resist any but the strongest pull. Moving the staff so that he could get more leverage, he tried again, with all his strength. The vicious jaws began to open.

Yes, cried the Giant, Keep going , I can feel it loosening. Codragor took a deep breath, and pushed harder than he thought possible. Suddenly the Giant gave a cry, and fell backwards with his wounded leg in the air. He grabbed at Codragor to stop himself falling, but only succeeded in twisting Codragor so that his foot slipped into the trap. Fortunately the staff was still between the teeth and stopped any serious damage. But the way he fell meant that his leg turned awkwardly, staining the muscles.

Pulling his foot free, Codragor found he could barely put his foot on the ground, much less put any weight on it. The Giant asked, Are you all right?

Oh yes, I'm all right.

They looked at each other, and burst out laughing. Let's have a look at that leg, said Codragor, We must stop that bleeding. He took off his shirt, and, with the razor sharp edge of an axe, cut a strip off the bottom. Pulling up the trouser leg to see the wound, he managed wrap his make shift bandage tightly enough to stop the bleeding. Right, he said, All we have to do now, is get back.

Pulling the staff free, he said, Well, at least you have something to lean on. Looking round, he went on, And if I can cut this branch, so will I. With a few chops of his axe, he soon had a staff capable of taking all the weight he wanted to put on it. Turning to the Giant, he said, Try a step or two and see how you manage.

Carefully, the Giant managed to stand. Gritting his teeth, he took a step forward. Uuuuurrrghgh, that hurts.

But do you think you can put up with it?

Yes, but not for long.

Right, I can get along with this branch, I think. This path leads back to me home. Why don't I go ahead, and get your father to come and help you? If you stay on this path, you won't get lost.

How can I get lost in my forest?

For goodness sake, don't start that again.

All right. I just don't like the idea that just because I'm my father's son I must be stupid.

The way you crept through the woods without making a single sound means you are a heck of a long way from stupid. I think you did really well not to stand on a twig.

The Giant brightened up, Do you think so?

Yes. Now let me go and get help. OK?

OK

Any more conversation would have been drowned out by the tremendous crash and rumble of thunder. Codragor looked up at the darkening sky, Oh no. That's all we need. Hobbling back into the forest, he cut some lengths in vine from a tree and used them to tie a couple of saplings down. Across them he laid branches close together, tying them with lengths of vine, then covered it all with as many twigs and dry leaves as it would hold. The first drops were starting to fall when he called, Can you make it over here? I've made a shelter.

The young Giant managed to get there, groaning at every step. Codragor said, If we shuffle in backwards we should both be under cover. Eventually they managed to get inside, but there wasn't quite enough room for their legs. The Giant was looking around, clearly not believing that this would stop the rain. Well, at least most of us are going to stay dry.

Are you sure? The Giant asked. Before he could say any more, the rain came down in torrents. Pressing the leaves flat, the water quickly ran off. Codragor just looked at him. All right, you win. He was quiet for a few moments, then, Did your Dad show you how to do this? Codragor nodded. Mmm. All my Dad seems to be good at is shouting. Minutes passed while the lightning flashed, and the thunder rolled across the sky, almost drowning out the sound of the rain. Maybe…er..maybe you could show me sometime?

OK. Codragor looked sternly at him, and I'll show you how to make box traps.

The Giant looked uncomfortable, saying, That was Dad's idea. He said the ones he used were proper traps, and I had to go out and set them because that was part of learning to be a man. He looked down at his injured leg, but now I know what it feels like, I don't think they are such a good idea. He looked at Codragor, My name's Munukcher. My mother calls me Munch for short. He smiled, I think it's because I'm always eating.

Codragor laughed, That's how you get so big? And my name is Codragor. He thought for a moment, but I don't think anyone has ever called me anything else. Except when I drop a plate that is. They both laughed. The cold rain soaking through their trousers had the effect of numbing the pain, and the one or two odd drops that penetrated their cover weren't enough to be a nuisance.

While the rain lasted they talked, each asking about the other's life style. Codragor seemed to do most of the talking, Munch hadn't really learned much, and was now finding out just how little. So engrossed that they didn't mark the passage of time, it was only when the rain eased off and the sky lightened that they realised how long they had been there. Munch's stomach gave an almighty rumble. Sorry. It's a while since I got up, and we didn't have any breakfast.

Me too.

Before either could say any more, there came a distant bellow, Munch!

That'll be Dad. They sat quietly waiting as the shouting came nearer. As his father came closer, Munch called, Here!

His father soon found them, and when he saw them sitting together under a shelter he didn't know what to say. So he tried a bit of bluster. Ha. So you caught him then? I knew you would.

Munch looked at Codragor as if to say, 'see what I mean?' and said, No Dad. One of your traps caught me.

His father then saw the blood on his son's trouser leg,