Chapter 16 - Long Distance Call

“You know, you are really good with her.” Melody said.

Alice had fallen asleep as I was carrying her and was now resting comfortably cradled in my arms.

“She reminds me of one of my daughters. I miss my family.” I said quietly as we kept walking.

“We all do. I had a grandbaby about her age. I think all of us who are parents and grandparents miss the children. Though I am glad they have been spared this nightmare.” Melody replied.

“Yes, I am glad mine were spared as well. How did the goblins treat you all?” I asked.

“I think we were the lucky ones.” Melody said with sadness in her voice.

“How so?”

“I was with a friend of mine, Marsha, but we were separated. I saw her captured by the Bone goblins and I was captured shortly after by the Sleeping Willow. I overheard the goblins in the camp talking about how those bone guys like to eat their prisoners.” Melody shuttered.

“Yea Gr’ex was telling me they are quite cruel, but we will be dealing with them soon enough. We will get justice for your friend.” I replied.

“You are not what I expected when I first saw you coming out of that hut. I have never in my life felt something so terrifying and awe inspiring at the same time.” Melody shuttered again.

“Sorry about that. It’s a part of who I am now. I do my best to have it clamped down tight but sometimes I let up as it seems to have an interesting effect on Dark aligned creatures. I do apologize that you were caught up in that ma’am.” I said sincerely.

“Please it’s Melody, none of this ma’am stuff.” Melody looked over at Alice sleeping so peacefully in my arms. “I’m serious though you are so good with her and patient with the rest of us. Nina was a pain so good riddance there. I can’t tell you how many times I wanted to slap the woman for her comments.”

“Being a dad was one of the greatest journeys of my life. Besides, at my core I believe in being the true definition of meek, sheathed sword you use only when you must. To the world you stand as an immovable barrier to protect others, but on the other side of that barrier, where your family is, you are patient and guiding. They get to see the softer side of you that you don’t show to anyone else.” I said as I recalled my Nanuz’s words of wisdom that I tried to live by.

“Definitely not what I expected.” Melody commented.

I changed the subject. “How long have you lived in the area?”

“I was a schoolteacher for many years in town. I loved this place and had zero interest in leaving it. The place has a small town feel yet had a decently sized population.” Melody answered.

“Did you know Paul?” I asked.

“Of course. He was a crazy one. My husband and I took his money. Made our retirement all the sweeter. That is until my husband died of prostate cancer two years ago. Been angry at God ever since. I mean we just get that windfall of money so we can truly enjoy our retirement and my Daniel gets sick and leaves me.” Melody said with a clear mix of sadness and anger in her voice.

‘Man, this lady is a mess.’ I thought before replying. “We don’t know what time we have left. That is why it is best to make the best of the time you have while you have it. Those words may not help but you are here now, and it is best to make what you can of it. My understanding is as you level and put points into your Constitution stat it can extend your lifespan. Something to consider if we all get through this.”

Melody seemed surprised. “Really? I haven’t really messed with the blue boxes that have popped up from time to time. My grandsons were avid gamers. I tried to learn their lingo, but I only got so far.”

“Yes. There is always some good even in the bad. My Nanuz, my grandfather, used to say that all the time and he was right.” I quoted.

“Hmmm, I’ll keep that in mind. Oh, back to Paul. Why did you ask about him?” Melody asked.

“He left me everything. I was staying at the compound when everything went down.” I stated.

“Ha! That technically means you own this whole area. Who knew Paul would turn out to be right. Well, that means we are on your land, and I will help however I can.” Melody seemed to have shifted to be in an upbeat mood.

“I appreciate that. We should almost be to the compound.” As I spoke a goblin with a spear came running up. He dropped to his knees and practically slammed his head into the ground in supplication.

“Oh, great and terrifying one. Your humble servant brings you news.”

I groaned. “Ughh. Get up. Get up. I’m not going to yell. Don’t make me wake the child.”

The goblin hesitantly rose to his feet, but he still had his head down. Gr’ex just smirked. He had been quietly listening to my conversation with Melody. Most of the goblins would come to him out of fear of bothering me. For this one to come to me directly meant something was up.

“Speak before you displease our master.” Gr’ex chided the goblin.

“My apologies great Gr’ex. We have arrived at a structure but there are huemons inside that seem very upset. They took what we believe was a warning shot at us. We were unsure what to do. Some of us wanted to storm the place and unleash vengeance for daring to hinder your orders. Others wanted to get orders. We decided it was best to tell you directly so as to not anger you. I drew the short stick.”

Gr’ex spoke up. “You made the right choice. What’s your name soldier?”

The goblin winced. “My name is Goob’reks, but everyone calls me Goob.”

“You’ve got to be kidding me. Lead the way Goober. He, he, he.” I chuckled.

Melody and some of the other humans around giggled.

When I saw his confused look, I changed tactics. “Lead the way. Gr’ex, tell our people to not advance and that I will handle this.”

I could tell the little goblin loved being able to boss people around and the grin on his face after I gave him the order only further proved it.

As I approached the cabin turned compound, I heard shouting.

“You green-skinned bastards take one more step and I’ll fill ya full of holes! You are lucky Suzie-cue was on duty and gave you a warning shot. I wouldn’t have!” Jebediah yelled.

“Calm down Jeb, they are with me!” I yelled out.

Surprisingly with all this commotion, Alice still slept peacefully in my arms.

“Shadow? Is that you? What are you doing with a bunch of green skins?” Jebediah asked when he saw my figure come out of the bushes and into the clearing.

“Gr’ex and I were able to convince the Sleeping Willow clan to join us against the Bone Marrow clan. Now open the door. We have other people that we rescued. They have been walking for the last several hours.” I replied as I kept walking forward.

I heard Suzie speak up. “Is that a little girl in your arms?!”

“Yes. Her name is Alice, and she is one of the people we rescued. Now can you please open up. I’d use my keys, but my arms are a bit full.”

“Fine! But I don’t like it!” Jebediah grumbled out.

“Hold on.” Suzie said as I heard her move and a few seconds later undid the latch and opened the front door.

First words out of Suzie’s mouth, “How cute you two look. Awe she’s holding a little dolly! Can I hold her?”

“Sure, take her up to my room. She can sleep there, and I can take the couch until we can figure out arrangements for her.” I replied as I slowly moved her into Suzie’s arms.

All the shouting and noise she didn’t wake up at all. The moment I put her into Suzie’s arms Alice started to stir. “Huh?”

“Go back to sleep little one. Suzie is going to take you to my room so you can finish your nap, okay.” I said softly.

“Okay daddy.” Alice said sleepily.

“Daddy?” Suzie teased.

I did my own grumbling. “Don’t start. She wants me to be her new father. Whatever trauma she has been through, and I think with everything that is going on, I can keep an eye out for her.”

I wasn’t going to deny a child a feeling of security. If that is what she needed from me then I’d look out for her. She seemed like a sweet girl and for some reason I really liked her. ‘Maybe it’s the fact she reminds me of my daughter. Doesn’t really matter either way. A man protects children, period.’ I thought before turning my attention to Jebediah as Suzie headed upstairs.

“Let’s get people set up downstairs in the bunks. There is enough food for them, and the first level is relatively secure.” I instructed.

“Sounds like a plan.” Jebediah answered.

“Where is Donut?” I asked as I did not see him anywhere.

“He’s still at it with the radio. He has refused to leave since we made contact. I was just about to go down to check on him when I heard Suzie fire her rifle...” Jebediah explained.

Gr’ex walked up with a few goblins not far behind him. This stopped Jebediah mid-explanation. “Gr’ex? That you? Man, that disguise looks so real. I almost didn’t recognize you.”

“It’s not a disguise, you old crazy fool. You are finally seeing how good looking I am.” Gr’ex stated.

Jebediah looked at the goblin then back to me as a few things clicked and now made more sense.

I spoke up just to make sure the old hothead didn’t do something stupid. “How else do you think he knew so much about the goblins and the system.”

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“You knew!” Jebediah said it more as a statement than a question.

“Of course. I defeated him and bound him to my service as I needed answers, and he has been a great source of info. Not to mention he knows the Sleeping Willow clan’s chief Jek’jon.”

“But he’s a green skin?!” Jebediah said in confusion.

“Most goblins don’t have much of a choice. We tend to be fodder for some tyrant or dark ruler.” Gr’ex explained.

I spoke up. “It’s not like you guys are all that innocent.”

“Never said we were. I enjoy a good pillaging just like the next guy. The point is our culture has evolved around us being someone’s minions. Some of us are a bit more blood thirsty than the rest of us, like the Bone Marrow clan.” Gr’ex stated.

Turning my attention back to Jebediah. “As you can see these goblins aren’t exactly fans of the other clan of goblins. Plus, they all have given me their oath of fealty and that can’t exactly be broken that easily.”

“What about whomever they were working for before? Didn’t they have an oath of fealty with them?” Jebediah asked, clearly not completely convinced.

Gr’ex answered. “No Kit’erak would never bother with gaining our fealty. He just scared and threatened us into action. Fealty requires acknowledgement on both sides. It’s an oath of service and loyalty. In a way that is true for both sides as our liege must do what they can to protect us too. Most would never bother to consider goblins as worthy of such an oath.”

“Hmmm. Alright. I’ll accept that... for now. Let’s get these people settled down below and we can talk further.” Jebediah answered before heading outside.

“Come on everyone! We have cots to sleep on and food down below. Wait is that, Melody?”

“Of course, it’s me you old coot! Now help a lady up the porch, my legs are killing me from all that walking.” Melody chided.

“Yes ma’am!” Jebediah replied as I saw him offer his arm to the old schoolteacher.

“We should talk.” Gr’ex said as I watched the two elders chitchat amongst themselves as they walked to the elevator.

“What’s up? Are you not having enough fun being my intermediary and bossing the goblins around?” I replied.

“No, that’s lots of fun. Thank you for letting me do that.” Gr’ex said.

“Oh, please you stepped right into that role without me even asking.” I commented.

“True. Being the goblin with you the longest and how you treat me, they naturally came to me first. It’s a goblin thing. You try not talk to the big scary boss unless you absolutely have to. They tend to be a bit unpredictable.” Gr’ex explained.

“I can imagine. So, what was it that you wanted to talk to me about?” I asked.

“Many may see us as cowards, but I like to say we have a strong survival instinct.” Gr’ex commented.

“Uh huh, sure. So, what’s up?” I replied.

“Even though they are scared of you, several have asked to remain by your side, to be at your beckon call.” Gr’ex stated.

“I would expect you to like that idea. More goblins to boss around.” I teased.

“Of course, that is a given. No, my concern is the other huemons. They are still struggling to embrace this new reality as you have.” Gr’ex answered.

“I’ll do what I can with them. You do what you love and keep the other goblins in line.” I stated.

A wicked grin spread over Gr’ex’s face. “Within reason my crazy power-hungry goblin. We are changing things and will eventually be building a community. Be mindful of that when others are around.”

“Fine.” Gr’ex replied before heading off to find someone to give orders to.

I had to admit to myself that Gr’ex did a great job directing the goblins and in turn guiding the humans inside. The goblins that would pass by me would bow low and some would bow multiple times before they passed. I just internally groaned as I saw Gr’ex smirking.

Then I recognized one of the goblins. “Goober! Come here a moment.”

The poor goblin practically jumped as he rushed forward. “M-me?” Goob’reks stuttered out.

“Yes you. Gr’ex is busy and I know you.” I replied.

Goob’reks whispered to himself, “why did I have to draw the short stick?”

“Short stick indeed.” I replied, letting him know I had heard him.

The look on Goob’reks’ face was priceless. He didn’t know whether to run or beg for his life. I let him sweat it out only for a moment. “Relax Goob. I may expect you to follow my orders, but I do not punish or harm my people without cause or good reason. You will find I am not like the leaders you are used to.”

Goob’reks gave me a nod. “Thank you oh great and scary master.”

“Are you any good at observation while not being seen?” I asked.

Goob’reks nodded his head again. “Oh yes Goob’reks is very used to not being seen or observed. Sometimes people just walk over Goob’reks as they do not seem to see me. It is a very sad life, but I make the best of it.”

“Okay Zathras. You wouldn’t happen to have any brothers with the same name?” I randomly teased as I noticed the similarities.

Goob’reks nodded along once again. “Oh yes. Goob’reks has several brothers and sisters. All named Goob’reks. My parents were not very smart. We had to fend for ourselves very early on. Again, very sad life.”

My mouth fell open in shock. ‘This guy has got to be messing with me.’

Then I heard Gr’ex on the floor holding his sides laughing. “Ha, ha, ha, ha! You should see the look on your face! I told Goob to tell you that story. After you told me all about that show you loved how could I not?! Ha, ha, ha, ha!”

I looked between the two goblins. Goob’reks was ringing his hands worried. I then used Gravity Momentum Manipulation to lift Gr’ex up and fling him into the bushes. I heard him laughing the entire time. Looking down at Goob’reks, “Is what he said true? Did you just make up that entire story?”

Goob’reks dropped to his knees. “N-not all of it.”

I gave the goblin a hard stare. “Explain.”

“A-All of it true except the part about my brothers and sisters. I have no brothers and all my sisters are dead. They were all eaten by Orcs. Gr’ex said I should say that part to make you laugh.” Goob’reks stuttered out.

I couldn’t help it. I wasn’t truly angry. It was a good prank. I started laughing. “Ha, ha, ha, ha. It was a similar story I can see why Gr’ex put you up to it.”

Gr’ex came walking out of the bushes still chuckling. “He, he, he, he. See Gr’ex is hilarious!”

I force laughed loud. “Ha... ha... ha!” At the end I used my ability to slam Gr’ex up against a tree. “That’s what you get for messing with me you crazy bastard.”

Turning to glare at Goob’reks who was still on his knees scared. I clapped the little goblin on the shoulder. “Don’t worry I won’t punish you for Gr’ex’s little prank. It’s not your fault you have a very sad life.”

Goob’reks agreed. “Very sad.”

I chuckled again. “He, he, he. I can see how Gr’ex came up with the idea just by talking to you. Anyway, I have a job for you.”

“Job? Goob’reks serves. What can Goob’reks do for great and scary one?”

“Keep an eye on the other humans. Be discreet. It is clear they are struggling. That may be all it is and in time they will adapt just fine. Just in case it isn’t I want to know.” I explained.

Goob’reks bowed. “Goob’reks hears. Goob’reks obeys. My Stealth skill is very high. Master won’t be disappointed.”

After he finished the little goblin took off.

Gr’ex came up brushing leaves and dirt off his robes. “That was a good choice. Jek’jon told me the goblin has the makings of a good Shadow.”

That sounded like a title or class, so I asked my question. “Shadow?”

“It is a class. Goblin Shadow. It is an advanced option off the rogue class which is what he is now.” Gr’ex explained.

Interest peaked I followed up. “What is so special about a Shadow class?”

Gr’ex explained further. “Goblin Shadows as the name implies can use Shadow magic. They make the perfect spies and assassins if needed. They can partially do what your Death Shroud spell allows which is move into the Shadow Realm. The boy doesn’t have the demeanor to be an assassin but he does have an affinity to Shadow magic so there is a chance. We goblins make good scouts and spies, since so many dismiss our race as insignificant.”

“Speaking about spying. We should ask Jek’jon to have some of his men keep an eye on the town. It would be good to get actual counts and know how many humans they still have imprisoned.” I stated.

“Easy enough. Most of that was already planned, minus the tally of how many huemons are left. I’ll get it done.” Gr’ex answered.

“I was going to go check on how things are going down below and check in with Donut. You should probably come with as I’m not sure Suzie noticed you in your true form.” I commented.

“Fine. Give me a few minutes before you head down there.” Gr’ex before walking towards a group of goblins.

As I was waiting for Gr’ex I noticed Suzie coming back downstairs. “How is she?” I asked.

“She went back to sleep easily enough. It was clear she was tired. I’m guessing she didn’t sleep much.” Suzie replied.

“Sad a child has to go through so much.” I commented.

“Very much so. What are you doing just standing here?” Suzie asked.

I pointed to my friend. “Waiting for Gr’ex over there.”

Suzie looked over then did a double take. “Wait is he really a goblin?”

“Yes. Sorry for not telling you but we weren’t sure how you would take all of this.” I replied.

“It was probably for the best. When we first got here, I’m pretty sure I would’ve shot him. Now, however, he’s kind of grown on me. Plus, seeing all these goblins taking orders and helping people get to safety... it’s clear some goblins are good guys.” Suzie stated.

“Well said. Let’s hope Donut agrees.” I commented.

“The big guy is the first to give others a chance. He’s going to love Alice by the way. He had a younger sister about Alice’s age that had drowned. Duncan was the one to find her.” Suzie shared.

“Oh geez. My son almost drowned. In fact, he did drown, but his mother knew CPR and brought him back. One of the most traumatic moments of my life getting that call at work.” I replied.

Suzie looked at me for a moment with clear sympathy in her eyes. “You know in some ways it’s easy to forget we all had lives before this. Heck, I ran home because I found my boyfriend in bed with my friend from Los Angeles.”

“People can really suck.” I commented then a thought struck me. “You know... if you had been in LA at the time of the event you might never have made it out alive. You might be all ‘uhhhh’ right now.” As I made the zombie sounds, I imitated a zombie stumbling around with a lopsided grin on my face.

Suzie started to laugh. “Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha! You look completely ridiculous, ha, ha, ha! Ahhh... thank you for that. I forgot the last time I laughed so hard. He, he, he.”

“Not a problem. We all need a good laugh every now and then. Gr’ex might be a selfish jerk at times, but he makes me laugh, and I am grateful for that, but don’t tell him that. We wouldn’t want to encourage him. He, he, he, he.” I chuckled.

“Speaking of him, here he comes...” Suzie said as the little goblin approached us. She then greeted him with acceptance. “Hello Gr’ex. You know I think you look better as a goblin.”

Gr’ex beamed before looking at me. “Told you! Best looking goblin here.”

I just rolled my eyes. “Insufferable. Alright Adonis, let’s see how everything is doing downstairs.”

———-

As we rounded the corner into the Communications room, we heard Duncan excitedly say, “hold on a sec! Let me go get them!” Duncan practically bowled us over.

“Oh! Sorry guys! I heard you were back Shadowalker, and your friend is on the radio!” Duncan exclaimed.

“Lead the way big guy.” I replied with a smile.

“I’m back Mrs. Burns. I have Shadowalker with me. Go ahead.” Duncan said to the mic before getting out of the seat for me. “It’s already set to on, you just got to talk, and they will hear you.”

I could hear an older woman reply as I sat down. “Okay give me a minute dearie. Mr. Laraaq is right here.”

A few moments later I could hear my best friend’s voice over the radio. “Uh, hello? This is Laraaq. Am I doing this right Carol?”

“Yes, they can hear you just fine dearie.” I heard Carol reply.

I spoke up, a smile on my face. “It’s good to hear your voice brother. You went with Laraaq huh?”

I could hear the joy on the other end too. “It made sense. I almost went with another handle but figured you would know this one well enough. Shadowalker huh? I figured you would go with one of your other gamer handles.”

I chuckled. “Ha! I almost did. I figured the apocalypse warranted walking through shadows so why not. How are you holding up?”

Laraaq chuckled. “Ha, as good as can be expected. It’s been a crazy ride. Learned Fire magic so of course I had to learn at the very least a minor version of ‘Fireball’. Been using it to kill a bunch of undead and a few mutated coyotes.”

“That’s freaking awesome that you know ‘Fireball’ you so will have to teach me.” I replied happy for my best friend.

“Of course. How are you holding up?” Laraaq asked.

“Eh, doing good. We just turned one of the two goblin tribes to our side.” I replied before I heard Gr’ex in the background chime in, “Clan!”

My buddy proved one of the many reasons why he was my friend. “What’s the difference?”

“That’s what I said. That was Gr’ex. He’s a pain in the butt but he’s been a great help navigating this new reality. Anyway, we have rescued over a hundred people so far. How are you doing on your end?” I asked.

“With the different squads we’ve sent out... so far, I’d say about 130 people. We were going to stick around a few days to help save several more. It sounded like you would be okay with holding out that long. I read that right brother?” Laraaq replied.

“Yea, you read that right. Especially with gaining the Sleeping Willow clan, we should be good. Save as many people as you can. We will need them if we plan to rebuild a community here. Oh related side note... apparently I own the whole town and all the surrounding forest and territory curtesy of Paul.” I explained.

“Sweet! That will make things easier. Orders received my friend. I’ll save as many as I can. By our calculations we should be there in about five days.” Laraaq stated.

I shared my high-level plan. “Cutting it close but still should work out. We are going to start giving the remaining goblin tribe some trouble. Won’t go all out for a few days. I want to give our allies time to move their clan here. If you guys can come in guns blazing from the southwest in five days, we can attack in a classic pincer move. That will leave Jek’jon and the other Sleeping Willow clan members to be our surprise to spring on the Bone Marrow clan when the time is right.”

“That gives us a timeframe to work with. Hopefully we will find more fighters to join our ranks in the process. I have met some capable people who will be more than happy to help fight for a new home. It was good to hear from you and know you are okay brother.” Laraaq replied.

“You too brother. It helps reduce my levels of concern. See you in five days.” I answered.

I was excited with a strong sense of relief. I finally talked with my best friend and knew he was okay, I felt I could now focus on getting ready for our uninvited guests. I turned to my makeshift party. “Alright everyone. It’s time we started leveling. We also need to work on shoring up everyone’s cultivation foundation.”