Recruiting

A new purpose filled Jason, a strength and vigor that he had not previously known. He had not been a man of ambition before, but with the strange power he felt surging through his veins ideas of all sorts began to swirl around and take shape. Sort part of his **** mind may have been vaguely aware about how odd his current thoughts were, but it was smothered underneath the power and strength his new drive had brought him.

The axe hung from his belt, it’s presence strangely comforting as he returned to his camp. He could not sleep now, not when there was so much yet to do and the power to do it. Whisper seemed confused by his master’s current presence, but the horse did not disobey once he was mounted up. Jason urged his horse back the way they had originally come, some preternatural sense guiding him through the dark and snowy night.

Jason thought back to all the years of aimless wandering, the small bounties and quick skirmishes he had endured. It all suddenly seemed like wasted time when he could truly make his mark upon the world.

The various lights of the village stood out in the darkness of night and Jason urged his horse on even further, riding down the clearing and towards the small settlement. There were no cautious faces now watching him now, the streets deserted save for the few gathered around the small inn that passed for the village’s main source of libation. The noise and light drew Jason in almost hypnotically and once his horse was hitched, the warrior moved in through the inviting doors and into the warmth.

Locals had gathered about, drinking ale, dancing, singing, laughing as they enjoyed the warm company while the outside world frozen around them. Jason made directly for the bar, looked at the moustachioed bartender and ordered himself a mug of ale. He consumed half of it right away and tossed a coin on the bar.

“So you’ve reconsidered ey?” The sheriff moved himself up beside the young warrior, a grin on his face, “a bit of cold air can do that.”

Jason glanced down at the man. “How many men have you got here that can fight worth a damn?”

The sheriff blinked in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Of all the people who live here how many can wield a sword?” He frowned down at the sheriff, “how many would be useful if it came to a fight?”

The older man blinked again, frowned, looked away in thought and said, “well, all up? About a dozen.” He waved to a few of the more drunken men, “most of em are here tonight, and they’re all good men who look out for their own.”

Jason considered the words, and then looked at the crowded and lively room. “All of you listen up!” His voice was cold as the snow storm outside and it cut through the pleasant atmosphere quickly enough. Jason made sure he had their attention. “From this day onwards, you’ll all work for me. You’ll fight for me and by the gods you’ll die for me.”

There was a pause of confusion, followed by a round of laughter, drunken or otherwise. “Had a bit too much have you?” The sheriff placed a hand on Jason’s shoulder. “Come on lad we’ll see if you can’t sober up in one of the-”

He was cut off when Jason took hold of his throat and lifted him off his feet. His face was turning blue and his feet kicked wildly as they dangled just off the ground. Jason’s face was unmoving as he turned and tossed the man into one of the nearby tables, sending ale and food everywhere. All eyes returned to Jason, and suddenly the mood of the room turned to ****.

Seeing their sheriff hurt, several men advanced on Jason, intent on ****. Jason patted the head of his axe softly and felt a surge of power once again. He caught the first blow in his hand and with a violent twist broke his attacker’s wrist and tossed him aside. The next lunged at him with a piece of broken glass. Jason watched the attack come, almost as if time had slowed to a crawl and the jagged weapon moved at a glacial pace through the air. He side stepped, and threw a punch to the man’s throat. Three men came at him all at once, but with a surge of strength he threw them all down and made sure to keep them down.

The warrior observed the carnage before himand spoke again, this time with more purpose. “You will serve _me, _and if you are brave enough...I shall give you this world.”

There was caution in the air, mixed with pain and fright, but there was ambition as well. Jason beheld the sight, and smiled.