Chapter 22 – Well, That Happened

I awoke to Gr’ex pulling on me as he attempted to drag me along. “I knew I should’ve put more points into strength. Freaking huemon has to weigh so damn much! I still don’t know how he destroyed that thing.”

“I’m awake you, grouchy gremlin. Stop pulling me.” I called up to him.

Gr’ex immediately dropped my arm. “I am not a gremlin. Those little bastards are total chaos and mayhem for no reason. We goblins have reasons. Bout time you are awake.”

Even though my mind felt a bit addled from the mana and stamina deprivation that caused me to pass out, I still couldn’t ignore the chance to throw in a dig. “What reasons? Pillage and steal just so you can have it instead of them?”

“If you already knew the answer, why did you ask?” Gr’ex retorted.

“I forgot, no shame.” I said as I sat up. “What happened?”

“I was going to ask you that. I felt unimaginable pain and must’ve passed out from it. When I came to, you were unconscious and there was a giant scorch mark where that Greater Totem used to be.” Gr’ex replied.

“Greater totem?” I asked.

“I keep forgetting you don’t know anything about magic. That magic item was a higher-level totem. Such things act as conduits for energy or entities. Greater totems can mix more than one energy together. I think the Eldritch being that used it as a conduit subverted the demonic energies and used it as door into our reality.”

“So, the demonic energy may not have been a part of that willingly?” I inquired.

“Oh, I’m sure it was at first, until whatever Eldritch being took control. Demons rail against order and though they will serve other more powerful entities, they do not like Eldritch beings. It is one of the very few things that the Light and Dark agree upon.” Gr’ex further explained.

“Good to know. I have a bad feeling that won’t be the last time we hear from whatever that was.” I commented.

Gr’ex talked out what he was thinking. “The question is how Tek’tar got his hands on it. I wouldn’t put it past Tek’tar to make a pact with such a being but finding it is not some simple thing. Plus, he’s not the sharpest knife in the kitchen. If Kit’erak gave it to him, then that implies Kit'erak may have betrayed the Dark pact. It would explain why he was trying to establish a foothold on some backwater planet. This is bad.”

“Well yea, of course it’s bad.” I chimed in.

Gr’ex shook his head. “No. Kit’erak is a powerful lich necromancer with knowledge of opening portals to other worlds. If he has sided with any of the eldritch, not only your world is in danger. The Dark cannot be trusted but even more so that rings true for the eldritch.”

“In other words, after we deal with the goblin invasion, we have to figure out a way to stop Kit’erak.” I said in resignation.

Gr’ex nodded. “Exactly. Kit’erak is not likely to just give up if this invasion fails. Knowing my old master, he will not give up.”

The conversation had allowed my initial grogginess to pass. “Where are we Gr’ex?”

“That’s what I was originally gripping about. When I woke up, I found you unconscious. I may have smacked you a few times, but you were completely unresponsive…”

‘No wonder my jaw was sore. I’m going to have to get back at him’ I thought as I listened to him continue his synopsis.

“I figured it was only a matter of time until someone came to investigate. So, I started dragging you as best I could. I at least got you outside and into some grass and bushes near the town hall. It’s not much cover but it’s something.” Gr’ex explained.

I stood and crouched down. I was just about to cast my spell to hide us in shadows when five goblins surrounded us.

“I’m not with him. I just found him here.” Gr’ex quickly said.

A goblin with a good-sized belly and muscles spoke up. “Nice try, but you no fool Gr’onk. I am smarter than that. You are not from clan, nor do you wear colors of weak Sleeping Willow. Throw them in with other slaves. If huemons do not kill them then we wait for terrible Tek’tar to wake up. He will decide what to do with you.”

The remaining goblins with spears approached. I was about to cast my spell when Gr’ex gave me a subtle shake of his head. Deciding to trust the self-preservation instincts of my companion, I let the spell fizzle out.

Our captors led us to the slave pens in town. Gr’ex started to gather some intel. “You said Tek’tar is asleep. He, okay?”

Gr’onk spoke up. “Terrible Tek’tar always okay. He is our chief. Most powerful one out there. He just tired from all the happenings earlier.”

Gr’ex followed up on that nugget of information. “Happenings?”

“Yes, you must’ve sensed it. Great power washed over the whole town. We all heard a great voice speak and say they have authority. Gr’onk was so scared he soiled himself. Many of our clan do so as we are brought to our knees. Then we hear the voice get louder and say one word.” Gr’onk shivered.

“What did the voice say?” Gr’ex asked.

“It was like a roar from a great dragon. It roared ‘PURITY!!!’ then Gr’onk go blind from bright golden white light. When stars from eyes cleared, all the goblins helping rituals were knocked out, including Terrible Tek’tar. Now Gr’onk highest ranking goblin until one of the others wake up.” Gr’onk declared.

At Gr’onk’s words, Gr’ex just turned and glared at me. His mind clearly piecing together what caused the events Gr’onk described.

“You are not worried the one that claimed authority might return?” I curiously asked.

Gr’onk scratched his head with one of his fat fingers. “Uh, not really sure. Figure someone else wakes up first, then that their problem, not Gr’onk’s. Me no want to deal with that again.”

I looked back at my companion with a look I hoped conveyed, ‘how about I activate my Dark Mantle ability?’

Gr’ex just stared back at me and shook his head. His signal told me to let the matter go for now. Soon we were at the slave pens and our captors were opening a cage door, pointing for us to enter. After promptly locking the door, the goblins left.

We found ourselves in a rather large cage that held about twenty humans. They looked rather healthy and clean, especially for being trapped in a dirty slave pen. The humans seemed wary of Gr’ex and myself, which is when I remembered I was still disguised as a goblin.

‘Man, my bell sure got rung. I should not be this slow.’ I thought before I loudly said to Gr’ex, “Buddy, I just realized I still have my disguise on, maybe you should do something about yours too.”

Gr’ex caught my meaning and activated his disguise as I turned mine off. Some gasps came from the other prisoners.

“They’re human!”

“Could be a trick.”

An older well-built man pushed the others aside so he could walk up to us. “Let’s not be rude especially after what we all just witnessed.”

The man extended his hand in greeting. “I’m Mar but everyone just calls me Bunyan on account of my size and the fact I used to be a lumberjack.”

I took the man’s hand in greeting. His handshake was firm but surprisingly not overbearing, sign of a man who knew he was strong but also knew the importance of restraint. I instantly liked him. “I’m Shadowalker and this is my companion Gr’ex. What are you referring to witnessing?”

A young woman, maybe mid-twenties with red hair and freckles on her face spoke up. “He’s talking about the miracle that just happened.”

“Miracle?” Gr’ex asked in confusion.

The girl gave Gr’ex a look that screamed ‘you have got to be kidding me.’ “What miracle? You know the bright golden white light that healed all our wounds and somehow cleaned our clothes. You know, that one!”

Gr’ex just glared at me again.

“Don’t say it. I’m not in the mood.” I replied to my friend as I could feel his eyes bored into me.

Turning my attention to the pretty redhead, “Ah, yea sorry. I guess that could be seen as a miracle. Sorry, my head is still a bit fuzzy.”

“Goblins hit you on your head as part of capturing you I bet.” Bunyan commented.

“Oh.” The redheaded woman said before speaking up further. “My name is Emily. I’d introduce you to the others, but they are a little standoffish with strangers. They mean well enough. Just give em time.”

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“Fair enough. Do you think if we broke them out, they would come with us?” I asked.

“Boss what are you doing?” Gr’ex questioned.

Bunyan chimed in. “I think so. They are scared but no one wants to stay here as a slave or end up as food.”

Emily shuddered. “We’ve seen some of them eating what are clearly human body parts. Some even taunt us about it.”

Hearing that, I turned to my companion. “You think we can just leave these people? With most of their higher ups out of commission, now is the time to get them out.”

Gr’ex groaned. “Damn bleeding hearts. I had us get captured so we could gather information and when Tek’tar least expects it, strike. If we leave now, we won’t get another chance like this.”

I considered his words.

“You can’t be serious. If you have a way out and can free us, how can you not take it?” Emily chastised.

“As much as I agree with you Gr’ex, Emily is right. We have to get these people out of here. If we do, we won’t have to hold back for the final assault for fear of hurting innocent people.” I reasoned.

“There are no innocents in the apocalypse. Do not lose sight of that.” Gr’ex retorted.

“Okay, bad choice of words, but you get my meaning.” I replied.

“I do... and I begrudgingly agree with you, but only because it means we can go all out when the time comes.” Gr’ex answered.

“That is all well and good but how do you guys’ plan to get us out?” Bunyan chimed in.

“Easy, we walk in the shadows.” I deadpanned.

Gr’ex groaned. “Not again.”

“What does that mean?” Emily asked.

“Before we get to that, we have to get everyone out of these cages. I’m going to form a large group.” I stated.

Gr’ex spoke up. “There are too many. You will have to form a raid.”

“What’s the difference?” I inquired.

“Raids distribute more of the experience but as you are all new to the system and the world is still integrating it will not do much more than let you designate them as friendlies.” Gr’ex explained.

“Well, that’s all that matters. Can I designate sub commanders or captains?” I asked.

“Not at your level. Normally you would need a War Leader skill for such things. The most you can do is designate group leads that can invite people to their group.” Gr’ex answered.

Emily spoke up this time. “How many can be in a group?”

“It depends. For now, assume ten at the most which by my count means we will need ten group leads.” Gr’ex replied.

“Make Bunyan and I group leads. We will talk to the rest of the people and get people invited.” Emily suggested.

“Works for me.” I replied as I mentally called up the system commands.

You have invited Bunyan and Emily to your party.

You have converted your party into a raid group.

Bunyan has been designated Group 1 Leader.

Emily has been designated Group 2 Leader.

You have granted your Group Leaders authority to invite other members to the raid.

That done. Bunyan and Emily got to work talking with the rest of the prisoners. While they were busy organizing the survivors, Gr’ex and I flagged down a squad of goblins.

We were thrilled when we found a Sleeping Willow squad moving through the town. The Bone Marrow goblins had left us alone after depositing us here. My guess was the ones that remained were busy trying to guard the ones unconscious.

“How did you get captured great Gr’ex?” One of the Sleeping Willow goblins asked.

“What a stupid question. How else? We let ourselves get captured.” Gr’ex retorted.

The Sleeping Willow goblin bowed his head. “Of course. Please forgive my foolish question.”

“We don’t have time for that. You are going to help us free the other humans.” I ordered.

“As you command dark one!” The whole squad said as then bowed their heads.

“Pay deference later. Release us now!” Gr’ex grumbled.

One of the goblins rushed to the cage and unlocked it.

Emily had heard the conversation as she was wondering why we would intentionally call over goblins. “What are you doing? Why are those goblins following your commands? Is this a trap?”

I pointed to the different colors on their leathers. “See those colors. That identifies them as Sleeping Willow clan. Their clan is our allies. It’s a long story but their chief works for me.”

Emily looked unsure.

“Look you can all stay here if you want, but now is the time to get you people out of here. So, what’s it going to be?”

“Fine. I’ll tell the others. I was coming over here to tell you to invite the eight people raising their hands to the raid.” Emily said as she pointed in the direction of the other survivors and eight people raised their arms.

I quickly invited and promoted those eight people and refocused on the goblins.

“Tell me. How goes the evacuation of your clan?” I asked while waiting for Bunyan and Emily to get everyone invited and organized.

“The evacuation is going well, master. We believe we should be done sometime tomorrow.” The Sleeping Willow goblin answered.

“That is far ahead of schedule.” I commented.

“Rumors of your horrific power has spread quickly among my clan. No one wishes to anger you, master. Among the goblin people, there are legends and stories about the one who gains the Dark Mantle. This has only further fueled our zealous commitment to serving you!” The goblins kneeled and bowed their heads to me again.

“Ugh. I really am not very comfortable with this.” I commented under my breath to Gr’ex.

My goblin companion cut me off. “Don’t complain. Suck it up. Embrace it! You are the luckiest person I know. I’m already jealous of you. Don’t make me hate you because you do something stupid like not own your responsibility or try to ignore the mantle of authority placed on your shoulders. Still can’t believe of all the...” the rest of Gr’ex’s grumblings were under his breath, and I had long learned to tune him out.

Emily, Bunyan, and the other eight group leaders came over. Sure, I could’ve tried to learn their names, but my mind was still distracted. I had notifications that called for my attention that I was actively suppressing. I did not want to get distracted while in enemy territory. For that matter, over the last couple days I have been so busy that I still haven’t distributed my stat points.

‘Worry about that stuff later. Focus.’ I mentally told myself before giving out instructions.

I waved to the goblins. “Release the others.”

The squad jumped up and ran to execute my orders.

Turning my attention to all the humans looking at me with a mix of shock and trepidation at seeing the goblins follow my orders, I began to explain my plan. “I have a spell that I can cast on myself and party members. It allows all of us to be hidden by the shadows. Once hidden, I can make a series of jumps or teleports through shadows until we are far enough that I can drop the spell.”

Some seemed very uncomfortable with this statement. Several expressed their concerns.

“Is it safe?”

“How do we know it’s not some trick?”

“Where can we go?”

“Nowhere is safe.”

I raised my hand to get their attention. “I understand you are all scared. I have a compound not too far from here that has plenty of space underground. This place is probably the most secure area in the whole state. It’s your best chance for survival until we can resolve this conflict with the goblins.”

I heard the voice of what sounded like a young man speak up. “But the goblins listen to you.”

“There are two goblin clans in the area. I have command over the ones called Sleeping Willow. The others, the Bone Marrow clan, are the ones that have imprisoned you. That is why we need to get you out of here now, while they are distracted and weakened. We must go now. I’ve never tried this on so many people at once so everyone group up close.”

The crowd did as instructed and moved closer to one another. They didn’t seem pleased, but they at least knew they didn’t want to be stuck in cages anymore.

I cast my spell, Shadow of Death. The shadows began to move and warp around the crowd of prisoners. Some were about to scream but clamped their hands over their mouths. More started to do the same thing when they started to see things moving in the shadows.

Not wasting any time, I started to teleport us through the shadows. Luckily the town had plenty of tall trees providing a plethora of shadows to choose from. Each teleport sucked away a good chunk of my mana pool. So much so, that after five jumps, I had to take a break to let my mana slowly recharge.

After each jump, more and more denizens of shadow could be seen. There were already a significant number of shadow creatures even on the first jump, but each time more and more showed up. They appeared to want to approach our group but remained just out of reach. Several of them hissed or growled at the humans, but one look from me, and they fell silent.

‘This is so weird. Man, I will have to find time to explore this more too.’

Mana somewhat recharged, I completed two more teleports before I dropped the spell all together. I was already exhausted and that just took more out of me.

“We should be far enough away from town now. Gr’ex lead them to the compound. I’ll catch up in a minute after I give myself a moment to recharge.” I instructed.

“Alright everyone. Follow me. We don’t have time to dally.” Gr’ex ordered.

Emily stayed by me. As I leaned up against a tree and watched my mana bar increase, she spoke up. “No offense, but I don’t trust you, so I’m just going to stay by you to make sure you aren’t trying to pull something.”

“Not a problem. I always appreciate the company of a pretty lady.” I replied.

This statement seemed to make her blush as her cheeks turned red. “Don’t try to distract me.”

“I wouldn’t think of it, cutie.” I responded.

“I’m being serious, it won’t work!” She retorted and almost pouted.

I stood up from leaning on the tree. “Oh, you look so cute when you pout.”

“Ah!!You!” Was all Emily said before she stormed off to catch up to Bunyan.

I just chuckled to myself. ‘No one tells me what to do. She is kind of fun to mess with. I’ll have to let Gr’ex know, he seems to take special pleasure in messing with people.’

Catching up to Gr’ex I was in front as we approached the cabin. Suzie and Alice were sitting on the porch. The moment Alice saw me she made a beeline for me and jumped up into my arms. She gave me a big hug. “I missed you, new daddy!”

Suzie chuckled as she approached the group. “She has been going on and on for the last several hours. Something about you playing without her and she wanted to go join in the fun. I had to pull out all the stops to get her to just wait on the porch for you. She has really gotten attached to you quickly.”

“Yea, she has grown on me too. Now let me put you down and I’ll tell you all the gruesome details later.” I told Alice.

“Okay, but don’t leave anything out.” Alice said.

“Such a weird huemon.” Gr’ex commented.

Alice just turned to the goblin and with her finger, bopped him on the nose. “Silly Gr’exy.”

She then giggled and ran into the cabin with Gr’ex chasing after her.

“I see you picked up more stragglers. I thought you were only going to go scout?” Suzie commented.

I rubbed the back of my neck. “Well, you see what happened was…”

Emily’s voice interrupted me. “Suzie-cue?”

Suzie turned to the voice. “Emily? You’re alive!”

The two girls embraced each other in a hug.

“It is good to see you again my friend.” Suzie said as tears started to form on her face.

“I didn’t know you were back in town. Last we talked; you were in LA.” Emily replied. She too was crying.

I coughed. “I take it you two know each other.”

“Emily was my best friend since second grade.” Suzie replied as she wiped away her tears.

Smiling, I replied, “Glad you two could be reunited in such circumstances. I do not mean to interrupt your reunion, but can you work with Jebediah to get these people settled down below.”

“You follow him too Suzie-cue?” Emily asked.

“Who? Shadowalker? Yea, he’s been a great host. Your group is actually the second group he rescued from goblins. Come on inside and I can tell you everything as we help get everyone safe down on one of the sub-levels.” Suzie stated.

I called out to everyone in the back. “Alright everyone! Head on in and down the elevators to the sub-levels! Suzie and Jebediah will help you get situated!”

With Emily’s help, Suzie guided everyone inside without any problems.

I had notifications to see to and wanted to lay down in my room so as to not be disturbed. As I got into my room, I took off my shoes and plopped on the bed. Just as I was about to pull up the first notification Alice jumped on me.

“You promised stories. I want to hear what I missed.” The little girl said as she stared at me with those big eyes. ‘Man, her eyes look cool.’ I thought before I asked, “Where is Gr’ex? Wasn’t he chasing you?”

“Oh, he got tired and was all huffing and puffing after a few minutes. So, I got bored and came to find you.” She replied innocently.

“Alright, alright. I will tell you all about my scouting mission.” I replied.

“Including any gory or scary parts. Don’t leave anything out.” Alice retorted.

“Fine, fine. It all started when I used the Minor Illusion ring Gr’ex gave me…”