Blade Maidens: Closed Fist, Open Hand – 16

“Strangest job I’ve ever had, blossom.

The contract wasn’t anything unusual. Ran through the guild, typical muscle job. Some Bousean reach-lord needed a few strong sword-arms to bolster his claim against some common folks. Not my favorite, but the pay is reliable and it’s a hell of a rare thing to die during. Trying to take more of those since our little potato, like we talked about.

Once we arrived, the lordling was exactly as arrogant as you’d think. Said the lands–rich in some crop. Turnips maybe–were his by right of legal domain, while the villagers have had it pass down their family for ages. Some of the boys roughed a few of them up when things got heated. A few bruises, maybe a broken bone or two. Not much they could do about it.

Then he showed up. Never got his name. Orcish man. Lean, but hard as diamond. No blade. No sorcery, even. Mad bastard didn’t even have any armor. He asked the lordling to listen to the farmer’s demands, find an accord that leaves both sides fulfilled. He refused, of course. Asked us to remove him.

Never seen anyone move like that.

He had Gareth and Tyla on the ground before I even drew my sword. Nothing but his fists, yet the dented steel. Shattered blades. By the time I felt the pain in my nose (sorry, love, it’s even uglier now) I hadn’t even realized he had disarmed me.

The pain drew my focus, but once we were all flat on our asses, the orc asked again. “Will you listen?” This time the lordling did. Don’t know the details of their discussion, but the farmers seemed right pleased.

By the time you get this, I’ll be a couple weeks out from home. I can’t wait to see you and the little one. I’m sure she’s gotten even bigger by now. Might be time to find some steady work closer to home.

All my love,
Tarv”

– A letter from a mercenary to his wife, copied and stored in the Academy’s archive of records regarding the Order of the Twin Fist.