Chapter 14 - Goblins, Goblins, Goblins

It didn’t take Gr’ex and I long before we spotted a goblin patrol. We slowly and quietly followed them from the shadows and bushes. The goblin patrol seemed to be either completely oblivious or we were being exceptional at sneaking around.

After about 30 minutes of this, I was rewarded with a new notification.

Congratulations! Your ability to stalk your prey without their notice for an extended period of time has earned you the Stealth skill.

Skill: Stealth

Description: To go unseen or walk so softly you can sneak by an enemy or strike a foe without knowing what happened is only possible with a high enough Stealth skill.

Passive effect: Increased muscle and breathing control. Reduce the possibility of detection while moving by 10%.

Active effect: Use the shadows to help reduce detection. This effect can reduce the chance of detection by an additional 10% in normal lighted areas, with an additional on top of that for low-lit areas.

Congratulations! Your Stealth skill has a natural alignment with Dark and Shadow affinities. As you possess these affinities, you can now influence Stealth with Dark or Shadow magic to increase skill efficiency by an additional percent per point of Dark mana used and two additional percent per point of Shadow mana used.

I immediately felt more in control of my movements. Without realizing it I had started to pull the light out of the area I was in as my mind had subconsciously extracted or converted the Omni mana into Shadow mana. If I can figure out how to consciously control this, I could figure out other benefits with my other spells, skills, and abilities.

Further blending into the shadows, Gr’ex and I moved past the patrol and headed further into enemy territory.

Our path southeast led us to the edge of a clearing. What we saw in the clearing brought us up short. A series of camps and simple wood huts and canopy tents dotted the clearing. In the center of the haphazard encampment were multiple pens or cages filled with people. Out in the distance I could see another portal shimmering in the light of the sun. Near the portal was the start of a walled fort in mid-construction. Past the partial fort multiple fields could be seen with humans and undead tilling the soil.

I crouched down low to whisper to Gr’ex. “Thoughts?”

Gr’ex looked at me. “Turn around and run far away.”

“Be serious Gr’ex.”

“I am being serious. The Sleeping Willow clan is dangerous with their poisons and sleeping draughts. Their skills with small blades are not to be underestimated either. I don’t see a winning strategy here.” Gr’ex replied.

“What else can you tell me about them?” I asked.

“They are smart and cunning. Like most goblins they respect strength and power. They hold no oaths to my master, rather they serve out of fear. Their leader is no fool and our clans have been allies for a few generations.” Gr’ex explained.

“By my count, I’m seeing well over a hundred goblins. If there are this many Sleeping Willow clan members here, and our guests said there were more Bone Marrow clan members...” I let my question trail off as a party of three level 15 goblin scouts were mere meters from us.

‘It doesn’t look like they see us. Must be just heading out on patrol. Crap their path is going to cause them to pass right next to us!’

I thought about my Stealth skill. ‘If I could funnel more Shadow mana into the skill... no, I need something to hide both Gr’ex and I. There seems to be a lot of Death magic in the area. Maybe I can draw that in and start to convert it. No time like the present!’

Concentrating on pulling in the Death mana in the area and converting it into Shadow to hide us. Focusing my visualization, I realized I didn’t have time to convert all the Death mana into Shadow I wielded both types to push us from their vision. I felt the mana gathering and I felt Gr’ex grab my arm so tight I almost lost my concentration.

Gr’ex knew he couldn’t say anything with the goblins so close but worry and confusion were clearly written on his face. Then I felt something shift and my Dark Mantle seemed to respond as the magic took hold. Notifications popped into my vision almost making me fall back startled.

Congratulations! You have created the spell: Death Shroud!

Death Shroud (Tier 5)

Description: This tier 5 spell was created from the combination of primarily Death and Shadow magic with some Space magic. Death Shroud wraps targeted in a blanket of magic and shifts them into the veil between the Shadow realm, the reality you are in, and the Realm of the Dead. This thin veil prevents others from seeing or interacting with you. Caster’s intent can move targets into either realm. Attacking will bring you out of the effects of this spell but increase the chance of a critical strike. Be warned both the Realm of the Dead and the Shadow Realm are antithetical to life, do not stray too far.

Congratulations! You have gained the achievement: Spell Creator! This achievement grants you the Title of Creator or enhances the existing title if you already possess it.

Congratulations! Your Creator title has increased from double to triple the applied bonuses to all abilities, spells, and skills you created.

Congratulations! Your Dark Mantle ability has gained a new effect: Shadow of Death!

Shadow of Death effect: Your Dark Mantle ability now resonates authority with those realms. You can now move those within your aura into either the Realm of the Dead or the Shadow Realm. The denizens of those realms will heed your call.

Additional Passive effects: Increased influence with Dark aligned and undead creatures. This effect is increased while in either realm.

Additional Active effects: Move you and others within your aura’s range to and from shadows. This uses both mana and stamina. Call denizens of those realms to your aid and/or service. Please Note: If you use their motivations in your call this can increase success.

The world around us grew darker and a cold chill ran down my spine. When the goblin squad walked right by us without any notice, it was clear we were not in their field of vision.

Gr’ex sounded a bit panicked. “What did you do?!”

“I created a tier 5 spell called Death Shroud. It brings us into the veil between our reality and the Realms of the Dead and Shadow. They can’t see or interact with us.” I replied distractedly as most of my attention was on the squad of goblin scouts.

“You just nonchalantly announce you created a tier 5th spell that brings right smack between the realms of Shadow and Death! Do you know how dangerous this is?! The creatures of either of those realms despise the living! As a Dark and Death Caster they are less inclined to kill me as I will ‘smell’ of their magic but you!!!” Gr’ex exclaimed, clear fear and worry in his tone.

“Oh, about that... apparently in the process of creating this spell I accidentally upgraded my Dark Mantle ability. I can now call on the denizens of those realms to aid us.” Again, I replied partially paying attention to Gr’ex.

“Of course, you can, cause why not?! You are the luckiest person I have ever met in my life. You...” Gr’ex replied but I stopped paying attention to him all together.

“Hold on I’m going to try something.” I replied before I willed myself to appear behind the trio, coming up through their shadows.

“What the?!” Gr’ex exclaimed as I disappeared from next to him only to then appear behind the squad.

I immediately struck out with two branches I picked up off the forest floor. Both flew true as I hit two of the three goblins on the back of the head, knocking them out and making them crumple to the floor. Dropping both makeshift clubs, I wrapped my arm around the third goblin’s neck as he was turning around to see what happened to his squad mates.

“Ah-kkk!” The goblin choked out before my arm around his neck silenced him. He could no longer breathe as I lifted him off the ground. A few moments later, the third goblin was unconscious as well.

No longer surrounded by shadows, the world around me brightened back to daylight.

Gr’ex walked up to me, also no longer wrapped in darkness. “Now what? We cannot exactly just leave them here.”

“Let’s hide them in the bushes over there. We don’t have much time and need to finish our recon.” I replied as I started moving the unconscious goblin into the denser bush.

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“Aren’t you going to help me?” I asked Gr’ex as I noticed he wasn’t moving.

“Your mess. You clean it up.” Gr’ex said in frustration.

“Fine! Give me a minute and while I’m doing this, make yourself useful and come up with a plan.” I replied as I continued to hide the scouts.

After I was done, I rejoined Gr’ex who had returned to the edge of the clearing to watch the goblin camp. “Come up with a plan yet?” I asked quietly as I crouched down to join him.

“Yes and no. Our biggest problem is the portal. Every day it is opened the invading force is allowed to send more forces through. That is why you are seeing so many from the Sleeping Willow clan here, they have had two days now to bring more forces through. Each day that number increases.”

“Well, that sucks.” I commented.

“Yes, it does. The problem is if you close it there is a possibility the Bone Marrow clan will be notified. There is also the chance they won’t. It’s a crap shoot really.” Gr’ex complained.

“You said you had a plan.” I encouraged.

“I said yes and no. I have an idea. My clan and the Sleeping Willow clan have been amicable over the years. I say we just walk right into the chief’s hut and...”

“And what?” I asked.

“And that’s about as far as I got okay!” Gr’ex said in frustration.

I thought about using Death Shroud again to hide us when I thought about the upgrade to my Dark Mantle ability. “Okay, let’s do it.”

“What?!” Gr’ex asked in confusion.

“You gave me an idea. Get me into the hut and make introductions and I’ll handle the rest.” I answered.

Gr’ex gave me a dubious look. “Alright... if you say so. But, let me go on record that I think this is a really bad idea.”

“Noted. Let’s go.” I said as we rose from our hiding spot and walked into the clearing.

I whispered to Gr’ex as a followed behind him, still disguised as a goblin. “Walk like you’re the badass goblin necromancer I know you are.”

Gr’ex didn’t reply but rather his unsteady movements became more sure-footed. He stopped slouching and seemed to have a surer gait to his walk.

Meanwhile I slowly released the hold on my Dark Mantle aura. The ability was a part of me. I could hold it back and contain its power, but it was always there. I only needed to release my hold to let its effects spread.

I only allowed the barest trickle, but it was enough for any of the goblins thinking about stopping us for questioning to reconsider. More and more heads turned our way. Even the humans in the slave pens seemed to turn our way. Most were in their twenties to early thirties, with a few older men and women.

Then my eye caught a little girl. She couldn’t have been older than 10, maybe twelve. She wore a cute little dress and was absolutely adorable. My rage began to peak at the sight of a child being held as a prisoner, but I clamped down on that rage as I felt my Dark Mantle flare in response and more onlookers found a reason to suddenly look away. For some reason I could feel the little girl’s stare. It felt like she couldn’t take her eyes off of me.

‘I will rescue that little girl and these other people, but for sure the poor helpless little girl. What sicko imprisons a child!’ I thought as we entered the larger chief’s hut.

“What is this intrusion. Can’t you see your chief is busy!” Jek’jon jerked to his feet and moved what looked like a farmer’s almanac under some papers.

“Is that anyway to greet and old friend?” Gr’ex asked.

Jek’jon’s eyes widened as recognition dawned on his face. “Gr’ex! You are alive!”

Jek’jon ran up to Gr’ex and embraced him in a hug. “I thought you died!”

Gr’ex was a bit surprised by the sudden display of affection. They had been friends, but goblins didn’t show weakness for fear it would be exploited.

Jek’jon realized he might’ve overstepped with Gr’ex not returning the hug. He then saw me and immediately let Gr’ex go. “My apologies old friend. I was just excited to see you alive. Who is your friend? Is he the only one left of your unit that survived?”

Gr’ex realized he might’ve inadvertently hurt his friend from his shock and gave Jek’jon a quick hug in return. “Sorry my friend, I was just caught off guard. We will get to him in a moment.” Gr’ex said as he waved back to me before pointing at the partially covered farmer’s almanac which had a picture of a farm on it. “I see you are still dreaming of farming.”

Jek’jon gave Gr’ex a sour expression and whispered. “Why would you reveal that to a goblin I do not know?”

“Him?” Gr’ex waved at me again. “Oh, he’s not a goblin.”

I took that as my cue to drop my illusion.

“Hello. I am Shadowalker. Nice to meet you.” I replied in a friendly tone.

“Huemon?!” Jek’jon exclaimed.

Gr’ex clamped his hand over his friend’s mouth.

“Look away Gr’ex.” I said as I released more of my Dark Mantle aura in Jek’jon’s direction.

Gr’ex saw the horror on his friend’s face. He imagined it was similar to his own terror. Even though Gr’ex wasn’t facing Shadowalker he wanted to drop to his knees in supplication. The only thing holding him back was that he knew he was in service to the man. Gr’ex spoke softly to his friend and Jek’jon dropped to the floor. “You have nothing to fear if you do not challenge him. I have chosen to serve him.”

Jek’jon whimpered and wet himself. Gr’ex took his hand off his friend’s face and stepped away from the growing puddle. “Don’t worry, I did the same thing.” Gr’ex admitted.

“You-you... serve him?” The terrified goblin asked his friend before looking at me and asking, “what-what-what are... you?”

I withdrew my aura, and I could see the visible relief in Jek’jon’s face, and I also noticed Gr’ex’s shoulders seem to relax a bit too. ‘Man, I’ve got to be really careful with the ability.’

I cast my PURITY!!! ability on the goblin to remove the stinky puddle that had formed before I reached down and offered my hand.

The goblin scooted away from my offered hand. It was very evident the goblin was still attempting to regain control over his emotions.

I took it in stride and walked over to the desk and pulled out the farmer’s almanac book. “Good book. It has some great tips in there. So, you like to farm huh?”

That question seemed to get Jek’jon’s mind to reboot, and the goblin stood on shaking legs. “I do not know what you are talking about. I am an apprentice necromancer like my friend Gr’ex here.”

“You can trust him my friend. He does not see such things as a negative.” Gr’ex advised his friend.

Jek’jon looked at Gr’ex for a moment before he spoke. “You serve this... being?” He then realized I might take offense to that and spoke quickly. “I-I meant no disrespect terrifying one. I just do not know what you are. You look huemon but no huemon could make me so horrified.”

“For now, you can consider me a huemon with authority and I expect you to respect my authoritah!” I chuckled to which both goblins just stared at me in confusion.

I waved them off. “Forget it. Guess it’s a human thing.”

Gr’ex shook his head at me and picked up the conversation as I had turned back to thumb through the other papers on the desk.

“Yes, I have given Shadowalker an oath that I will serve him and teach him what magic I know. He has treated me well and is an exceptionally quick study when it comes to magic.”

“You have taught him your magic?!” Jek’jon asked incredulously.

“Not all of it. We have been busy after all. He has potential System Authority over this territory. That is why we are here.” Gr’ex explained.

Jek’jon’s eyes widened once again. “System Authority is exceptionally rare. Usually most only hold provisional authority over an area.”

“What’s the difference?” I asked.

“Provisional authority is limited and only granted by some ruler or chief. However, System Authority is as it sounds, the universe itself recognizes your authority. Some say that power comes from God the Creator himself and as such holds more impact to what you can do with a territory.” Gr’ex explained.

“Wait... can Dark aligned beings have authority? If God is the originator...” I asked as my thoughts wandered.

“Yes, of course. God has the System impart Dark authority over their domain. They can also subvert but that isn’t the same thing as System granted Authority. It’s different and would take too long to try and explain at the moment.” Gr’ex answered.

“Fair enough.” I said before turning to Jek’jon. “So, how about it?”

Jek’jon looked at me with confusion. “How about what?”

“Oh sorry, guess I jumped the gun there. I’m offering you and your clan the chance to join me. I plan to close the remaining two portals and that means either you join me or...” I said as I once again released some of my aura. “Or I would have to wipe you all out... starting with you.” I said the last part with a wicked grin.

“Careful boss, your monster is showing.” Gr’ex commented in the hopes I would reign in my aura.

I gladly did so, having made my point.

Jek’jon sighed. “Well, you are much more terrifying than my current master and if we can kill Tek’tar I am in. I cannot stand that pompous jerk!”

“Done.” I replied.

Gr’ex chimed in. “Make the oath.”

Jek’jon did as his old friend instructed. “I Jek’jon pledge myself fully in service to my new master Shadowalker! His enemies become mine. His allies shall be given aid. I bind myself and, as chief of the Sleeping Willow clan, bind my people in service to our new Master Shadowalker!”

A thrumming began in the tent.

I replied. “I accept your oath of service and fealty. I shall do what I can to give you sanctuary in my lands and protect our people!”

The thrumming of meaning washed out from the tent and every Sleeping Willow clan member received a similar notification.

Congratulations! Hark and rejoice! Your chief has pledged an oath of service and fealty to Shadowalker. You have been bound to his authority and service. He has pledged to provide you with sanctuary as long as your people remain loyal and in service of your new liege.

I received my own notifications.

Congratulations! You have gained the fealty of the Sleeping Willow clan. The clan consists of 893 goblins. Only 180 goblins are on this side of the portal. Please Note: Goblins tend to be one of the most commonly enslaved and persecuted races. There is an increased chance your Dark Mantle ability will turn this goblin clan into fanatics doing everything they can for you, especially if you treat them fairly.

Congratulations! You have resolved another contested portal. Due to the nature in which you resolved this conflict you are being given a choice. Rather than immediately closing the portal you can choose to allow your remaining goblin followers on the other side to join you on this side of the portal. Any number restrictions have been temporarily removed. They have up to four days to cross over. Any rewards will be delayed until the portal is closed. You can of course choose to close the portal now. Warning: Your goblin followers are not the only ones that can come through the portal during this time.

I spoke to my new follower. “Jek’jon. Interestingly enough, I am being given a choice to keep the portal open so the rest of the clan can cross over. Oh, and it says the number restriction on forces has been temporarily removed. How long do you think would be needed to bring the rest of the clan?”

“That is great news master! I would figure two days. My biggest concern would be keeping our numbers hidden from Tek’tar and his Bone Marrow clan. They already have double our numbers and in two more days I would expect them to have over 500 goblins here.” Jek’jon explained.

“Well, that is a problem. How big is their clan?” I asked.

Gr’ex was the first to answer. “I would guess a couple thousand. They are one of the largest and most consolidated goblin clans I know of.”

“Damn. We are going to have to come up with a way to start picking them off to reclaim the town. I doubt all of your remaining clan members are warriors.” I stated.

Jek’jon shook his head. “Not many warriors left. What we do mostly have are herbalists, alchemists, healers, some hunters, rogues, with a few assassins mixed in. We have our women and children and elderly which will take most of the time to transport.”

“Waiting two days before we start doing anything sounds like a great recipe for getting overwhelmed by numbers. We will need to come up with a few plans.” I replied.

Jek’jon smiled. “Come it is time for the clan to meet you, master. Oh, and I recommend you not hide your ability. It will go a long way to gain their understanding on why we are changing sides in the conflict.”

“I think he just wants to laugh as you make them soil themselves.” Gr’ex commented.

“I have no idea what you are talking about my friend. This is about results.” Jek’jon stated.

“Yea results on how many people wet themselves. I got twenty silvers on over 100.” Gr’ex said with his own smile plastered on his face.

“I will take that bet.” Jek’jon answered before pulling me along to exit the tent.

I heard Gr’ex whisper, “Don’t hold back and I’ll split the money with you.”