The Tarns

The Battle With The Tarns

BlackHawke is traveling near the bluffs only a days ride from his Hall. BlackHawke winches and comes alert as he spots three Tarns stirring up a commotion near a small caves mouth. BlackHawke starts to swing around these three lest they see him when he spots something. BlackHawke stops and looking he sees a small child crying as she stands there scared in the caves opening. BlackHawke's every fiber comes alert as the Tarn claws at the opening .. its eyes shining with desire to kill. BlackHawke without even a blink of thought rushes forward as he is drawing the Dragonslayer from his back. BlackHawke is at a full run as he charges the nearest Tarn. BlackHawke ducks as the Tarn's head falls to the ground as his sword whistles through the air. BlackHawke without ever breaking stride wheels to face the Tarn as his back covers the cave opening. BlackHawke takes an attack position as the Tarn eyes this intruder into their meal time. BlackHawke slowly realizes that he now faces two hungry Tarn each bent on tasting that morsel of a child. BlackHawke shouts to the young girl to hide deep inside the cave and not to come out no matter what happens. BlackHawke breathes deeply .. his breath short from his run.

BlackHawke now realizes that he had charged at a full run covering nearly a mile. BlackHawke welcomes the rest as he watches the two remaining Tarn tear into the unfortunate third one. BlackHawke realizes this rest will come to an end as they finish their meal and seek more ... the girl and even him. BlackHawke stands at the ready Dragonslayer held tight and the shield held high, his heart sinks as he realizes that circling above are four more Tarn. BlackHawke is ever aware the feeding call is spreading through their ranks. BlackHawke slowly and unconsciously starts to work his boots into the soft ground .. his eyes never moving. BlackHawke has chosen his ground .. the girl will live if he has anything to say about it. BlackHawke hears her cry out ... Master, I have found an opening on the other side. BlackHawke shouts without hesitation .. Girl ... start digging and get free. BlackHawke hears the words that chill his heart ... Master it is too small for you. BlackHawke with exasperation .. Child .. please go now ... save your self .. the Hawke will ok. BlackHawke swallows hard and turns back ..his eyes scanning the feeding Tarns.

BlackHawke breathes deeply his mind set .. his eyes counting ... 6 Tarn ... his heart knows ... I am but 1. BlackHawke hears the girl sobbing as she digs furiously at the small opening. BlackHawke whispers a small prayer ... God let her escape and help me to remain brave in the face of the enemy. BlackHawke shifts his shield as his hand brushes the crystal collar hanging on his belt. BlackHawke stands there his heart at rest .. linna my love .. I face the Black Dragon .. and your love is safe. BlackHawke's spirit's raise as the girl's voice shouts ..Master I am free .. I will dig some more for you. BlackHawke shouts ..NO girl go free now ... as two Tarns ... still hungry turn to him .. ready for more. BlackHawke pleads to her ..save yourself ... please go now .. tears in his eyes .. go now ..his voice trailing off. BlackHawke braces himself for the attack as he hears the girl crying and saying, Master, my father, the Administrator of KoRoBa will save you ..I promise he will come. BlackHawke hears her footsteps and voice dying as she runs to her home. BlackHawke steels himself for what is to come ... child, his heart speaks ... Home is but a hard days run. BlackHawke eyes tear up and he hopes for her safe journey ... child .. be well .. safe travels. BlackHawke is brought back to reality as the first Tarns claw slices his side. BlackHawke takes a deep breath as he feels the blood run down his leg. BlackHawke starts to say "A knight is Honorable and vows to ....

The Dragonslayer whistles through the air ... the battle has begun. BlackHawke steps into the fight, his heart singing and his skills honed by many years of experience. BlackHawke's eyes are narrow and focused, as he swings the great sword sparingly and accurately. BlackHawke smiles weakly as each blow draws blood, but he knows they are too many and time short. BlackHawke allows his mind to drift to the girl .. is she safe, but he brought back to reality as a beak or talon bites his into his skin. BlackHawke's vision blurred by blood, his own and that of the Tarns quickly swipes his face, wondering long can he can hold out. BlackHawke grins .. a rest as a wounded Tarn draws the attention of the others. BlackHawke kneels, his sword planted in the ground hilt first .. the blade acting as a giant spike, his shield slung over his back. BlackHawke kneeling there, breath labored, the aches of many wounds, searches for an escape ... but sees none. BlackHawke's heart knows the truth ... there is only one way out ... through those great birds. BlackHawke rips his tunic and stuffs the piece into his left side, stopping the flow from his deepest wound. BlackHawke holds his defense as he watches the Tarns rip the wounded one into pieces .. his eyes winch as his mind considers what the future may hold. BlackHawke quickly comes alert as a younger Tarn advances ... full of eating but hungry for blood.

BlackHawke stands, his legs weak and arms sore, takes the sword in hand and his shield at the ready ... the plan is made. BlackHawke steps into the bird striking hard, the Tarn screaming as the blade enters its chest. BlackHawke spinning to his left, his whole body screaming from the pain in his side continues the attack. BlackHawke's mind racked with pain drops to his knee and swings Dragonslayer with his whole body. BlackHawke feels the impact throughout his shoulders as the blade bites deep into the birds leg, severing it, the Tarns wings flapping wildly in pain. BlackHawke slowly returns to his feet, stepping back, smiling at his quick kill. BlackHawke's eye glass over as he feels his whole left side explodes in pain, his breath stolen from him. BlackHawke's mind fights for control and consciousness as his shield falls helplessly to the ground. BlackHawke reaches for the shield but his arm hangs there ... darkness covering his thoughts as he fights to hold on. BlackHawke slips to his knees, breathing labored like his lungs were on fire, his left arm unresponsive. BlackHawke falls further down .. his chest feeling like hot brand is run through him, blood at the corner of his mouth. BlackHawke feels the coolness of the ground on his cheek as he lays there, his body unresponsive .. his eyes still fighting ..but little else. BlackHawke softly whispers ..linna .. girl .. you are safe .. your Master loves you ... as darkness wins. BlackHawke squeezes the sword hilt desperately trying to regain control ... but the pain is greater and he knows that now the fight is over ... his journey complete.

"A Tarn is a Hawk-like animal except it stands some 30' tall"