Chapter 11

Faldor walked with his team and the new trainees of the guild to their next destination through the forest of oak trees. Taking the long-worn path as they steadily made their way to the mountain range. In his seventy years he’s done this kind of work for the guild multiple times. It got the next generation ready and made sure that new people with actual potential got the skills they needed while separating those who had no business out of guild’s ranks. It was honest work and he enjoyed it when he helped the newbies get started on the right foot. So far many of the newbies he’s helped to train became fairly good adventurers. If he remembered right, three of them became guild masters in different cities on the continent.

I should pay them a visit. Faldor mused to himself, ignoring as one of the newbies complaints.

It would be a short visit of course. He never really cared much for city life. Too crowded and too many people with opinions on things they know nothing about what they are talking about. He liked country folk better for that reason. They admitted when they didn’t know something instead trying to take unneeded steps to hide the fact they didn’t have an answer. Not mention it was much more freeing out on the roads. Yes, there was risk out on the roads like raiders, bandits, and monsters. Faldor though was willing to take the risk to brave the wilds if it meant exploring the world on his terms. He was still young and there was much he wanted to see.

“Boss.” Terga, one of the tanks in his party and an orc he’d been working with for the last three years with called out to him from the back of their walk order. “We’s should make camp in a few. Dez newbies lookin pretty rung.”

Faldor looked to the newbies and saw that they were sweating pretty good now. None of them were outwardly complaining from pushing themselves this far yet he could see they were going start to falter and stumble soon. One was an aspiring battle mage, another a healer and the last two were undecided but were aiming to take on a similar class like himself. Which was fine since there will always be a need for front line fighters.

When they got the notification, the newbies wanted to run off in search of the new dungeon to get that reward. Faldor had to admit that the reward was pretty good, at least it was until he noticed that there was no listed and told them as such. That had quickly cooled them down but not so much that they didn’t want to start searching around for the dungeon.

It was an attitude that would take them far as adventurers for sure. Had the more experience, Faldor would have encouraged them to start searching. Unfortunately, they weren’t full adventurers yet and they had a lot to learn before they can start going out into the wilds to search.

It had been hours since that that notification appeared knew everyone in the guild would be searching. Especially since it was an unfamiliar dungeon that was likely unclaimed. It was only going to be a matter of time before someone found it and once it was found, people were going to start fighting to build settle near it. It might take a couple of months, but it will happen sooner or later. When it did, Faldor planned to keep his party far away from the coming chaos until the dust settled.

“Bossman.” Yagra called from the front while stopping to stop the group. Giving the for everyone to be quiet as Faldor came up next to his friend. “Wez gots eyez on uz.” The big orc growled, his face scanning around them with his voice lowered.

“What do you think it is?” Faldor asked, his hand resting on his sword. Now also scanning the surrounding trees for any signed of movement that didn’t belong.

“Not sure.” Yagra answered, the leather on his gauntlets creaking from his grip tightening on his axe. “Itsa big one bossmann. Feelz it in the ground and its gettin closa.”

Curious, Faldor kneeled down and placed a palm to the ground and closed his eyes to concentrate. After a few seconds of focusing, Faldor eventually felt it. The feeling of heavy feet vibrating the ground with each step taken. It was faint and he was not as well versed in the skill as Yagra was. From what he could feel from his limited talent in the skill, it felt as if the owner of those feet were moving at a fast pace and getting closer to them. He tried to feel for what direction it was coming from but no matter how hard he tried to feel it out.

“It’s coming alright.” Faldor said as she stood up, rubbing his hands together with the road dust so he had a better grip. “Any idea what direction and how far it is?”

Yagra was quiet as he focused on their approaching guest. His head steadily turning towards the south west. From what Faldor could see of Yagra’s face from the open helm, he looked confused and concern. Staring hard as if trying to see what he was looking for through the trees.

“Itz strange bossman. Forst it was just west, thenz it turned south thenz to uz again.” Yagra said as he stared hard in the direction of the one approaching them. “Itz slowin down, but itz still a comin. Wez got maybe a Quata hour at most.”

“Understood.” Faldor nodded, turning back to the rest of the group. “Everyone, eyes and ears alert. Something is coming and we don’t know if it’s friendly or not. Guard up, don’t attack unless whatever it is tries to draw blood first.

Everyone gave some form of confirmation before they all grouped up. Each taking position with the magic users in the middle and the combat specialists guarding them. it was a standard formation for any unknown threat, one that was tried to and true.

It wasn’t a long wait through, before they knew it, they all heard the distant sounds of metal feet marching through the forest. The they were very faint at first, then they became louder as the snapping of twigs on the ground along with the thuds of those heavy feet. It was then they all saw it.

Nearly eight feet in height, clad in some of the finest white gray armor like body with short spikes on the shoulders and bracers. This figure moved with an easy of motion that showed signs of being tired. Even at higher levels, wearing such heavy armor would but a toll on anyone. Not even people who invest heavily in building their strength and stamina could do a long-distance jog without so much as a pant. Not unless they had some serious enchantments on said armor. A suspicion that quickly died when Faldor looked closer to gauge the armor at the joints only to find more metal instead of the padding to protect the wearer inside. No, this was no person.

Faldor had heard and even seen the works of golems craft. Magic engines that were made of wood, stone, clay and, even more rare, metal. They were supposed to be powerful engines that only some of the highest nobles and rather powerful mages could have made. He didn’t understand the process of how they were made or how they worked. But from what he understood, they were undoubtable strong. At least, they were supposed to be.

From what he remembered from his conversation with researcher Alamisa, today’s golems were strong for sure. But the ones made in ancient times where a whole were a whole different story. She had shown him the one she had made and explained that one average golem of today’s make was as strong as a party of upper C ranked parties. She then explained that a golem of the ancient times, could rival a lower A rank party. The remains of the ancient golem she had shown him, though badly damaged and beyond old, was both a work of art and a monster.

The she had shown him that day was dug up from old ruins with over a hundred skeletons surrounding it. The craftsmanship looked almost lifelike and made to look almost like a dragon. She had explained that from what they learn of this discovery, that monster was involved during the fall of the Lost Ones or, as some call them, The Ancients. That it had been used to protect their creators when the elves, orcs, dwarves, and gnomes came to destroy them. That such monsters had killed hundreds before they could be brought down. When he asked if the Lost Ones had such monsters, then why did they lose. Her answer had chilled him, saying that they only made a few such monsters. More than that, the ones they often made were gifts to royalty or to magic schools. Giving many of the other race’s insights to make their own versions. Going to far as to tell him that some of those original golems were still around today and serving the decedents those, they had been gifted too. Only they had no way to fix or restore them if they ever broke. Saying that when the Lost Ones perished, they took many of their secrets with them. Burning their notes and research before they were all killed.

But now… as he stood, he found himself looking at that same monster of the past. Only now, it was in the form of an elegant yet powerful warrior and it bled an air the commanded respect. This was no ordinary golem, no.

This was a golem of the Lost Ones.

“Hello.” Came a feminine voice that Faldor was not expecting to come from the engine before him.

It took him a moment, he noticed a moment later the head of a small figure peeking out from around golem’s shoulder.

Climbing down, Faldor found that the figure was a gremlin woman who had greeted them. She was dressed better than any other gremlin he had seen in the past. She was dressed in the same kind of clothing of a trade’s person. Durable, practical, and light enough to breath to be comfortable. What was really strange though was that she had an arm that seemed to be made of the same metal as the golem she had dismounted from.

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“My teacher, and clan patron, as asked me to greet you and to speak on his behalf. Will you speak with us?” the gremlin woman asked while the golem stood close behind her.

She had was putting on a brave face and was doing a rather good job of portraying confidence. Despite noticing the slight tremble of he hands that showed her uncertainty, Faldor had to respect her for mustering her courage as she had.

Stepping forwards, Faldor began to speak when one of the damned newbies had to open their gods damned mouth.

“What is the meaning of this, rat?” one of the aspiring warriors demanded. “Who is this ‘teacher’ that would send a pest and golem out to threaten us? The houses of the local lords will hear of this clear threat to your betters.” He spat only to be slapped in the back of the head courtesy of Terga.

“Please, excuse that idiot.” Faldor apologized, making sure to keep the golem in his vision while making eye contact with the gremlin woman. “He spoke out of turn and does not know better. I promise, we mean no disrespect to your teacher and patron.”

He watched as a series of emotions played across her face as any hint of uncertainty she had before was replaced with anger. Glaring angrily at the young idiot before her attention turning back to Faldor.

“… Out of respect for you Faldor Silverroot, I’ll forgive the slight this once.” She said with much more confidence, then paused as her head tilted as if listening to something. Then nodded before she came to stand next to a sizable rock. “If he does it again though…”

Faldor watched as that metal hand clenched into a tight fist as she wound up her arm, punching the stone hard. The force of her blow breaking the stone into chunks which left everyone around stunned.

“I’ll crush his balls.” She said while giving the offender the stink eye. “I don’t care what someone calls me. But no one insults my teacher and clan patron.”

Faldor was surprised by the demonstration. He knew for a fact that gremlins weren’t nearly that strong. He knew that he was strong enough to do a similar feat as well as his two actual party members. Only they would have hurt their hands in the process unless they had some high-quality gauntlets on.

“We understand.” Faldor assured the gremlin woman who returned to her spot in front of the golem. “Please be assured, we have no intent to fight or insult. What is it that your teacher and patron wanted to speak about that he sent you and the golem to greet us?” Faldor asked, trying his best to keep things calm.

The gremlin regarding him for a moment. Likely trying to determine if he was being honest. Which he couldn’t blame her in the slightest for. The gremlins were a very slow to trust since a lot of people treated them so poorly. He had earned some good will with the gremlins and even been named as a friend. Sure, they often broke things from being too curious, often pulled pranks and had a nose for trouble. But they were also loyal once that trust was earned. And from how this gremlin was acting, she knew of him and likely trusted him for his reputation. This patron however was far more trusted than he was. he had to be careful here, especially since one of the idiots he was in charge of already put a strike against them.

She gesturing to a stump near the road. “Do you want to sit while we talk?”

“By all means.” Faldor said, gesturing for her to go first.

Taking the invitation to be polite, the gremlin woman lead the way to the stump with the golem following close behind. With their backs turned, Faldor made a hand gesture signaling his party members to be on guard and to keep the newbies in line. He then followed the gremlin woman as she pulled up a stone the stump before gesturing for him to do the same. Mimicking her, he pulled over a stone as well and took the seat across from her while the golem stood behind her.

“Thank you for speaking with me Faldor Silverroot. I hope that after today we can meet again on good terms.” The gremlin said and from how she said it, Faldor could tell that she meant it.

“I feel the same way, but again I must ask why your teacher and patron would want you to speak with us.” Faldor said again. Keeping his tone polite but to the point.

“Alright,” she sighed. “My teacher has sent use both to come and speak with you because of the world quest we know you received.” She said plainly.

“I see, I take it he is a noble that wants to hire us to search for this dungeon then?” Faldor asked.

He wasn’t opposed to taking the quest but it would have to wait if that was the case. He had already agreed to have the newbies trained so he couldn’t abandon his current one for the new one. His word was his bond after all.

At his words, he noticed that the gremlin woman said nothing for a moment and notices that her ear twitch as if listening to something some unseen person. Then she snorted while trying to cover her mouth from trying not to laugh. After clearing her throat and had the confidence to not laugh, she answered.

“Yes and no. My teacher is also not a noble according to him.” she said with still some humor in her voice before she became serious once again. “At my suggestion and vouching of your reputation, Teacher has decided that he wants you to be the first one to reach out to and know the location of the dungeon.”

Now that was news. A mysterious person that wants to form some kind of alliance and was offering the location of the dungeon. It would be a rather lucrative offer without question. Yet it was also an offer that made him worried. Was the gremlin’s teacher a fae? What would this mystery person gain from this?

No, speculation was for later when he had more information. For now, he needed to focus on the now.

“I see.” He answered back, pulling out two cups from his satchel and a flask with brandy inside. “Your teacher sounds generous. I wonder though, what is it he wants to gain from this? Not to be rude, but people with power rarely give something without gaining something in return. Judging by your bodyguard, your teacher, is a very powerful person.”

He placed one of the cups in front of her and filled it with his brandy before filling his own. once both glasses were filled, he took his own cup and sipped it. If he remembered right, it was a sign of good faith among the gremlin clans.

“He is generous and he does want something.” The gremlin woman said, taking her own cup and sipped it. A large grin showing on her face once she got a taste. “My teacher though isn’t someone to something. He sent us to ask if you would be interested in this opportunity.”

“That so?” Faldor said while taking another sip of his brandy, savoring the burn. “Tell me, as an example of your teacher’s generosity, what has he done for you?”

There as a hardness to her eyes now at that question.

“He saved my life as I was scavenging. Two elves tried to intimidate me. I refused and they took my arm.” She said with her metal fist clenched on the stump. Then her face became softer with a small smile on her face, her ears perking up. “Then my teacher came. With spells and trickiness that make any gremlin proud he killed them both.” she then started to snicker. “He even yelled at me for not running when I had the chance. Afterwards, he made medicine from weeds that stopped my pain, then he made me my new arm.” she said with a smile like a cat that just got a dish of cream.

“Your teacher made that arm?” Faldor asked, forcing himself to keep his voice calm. Not missing that the arm was a similar design to that golem guarding her.

“Yes, he did.” She said taking another sip of the brandy, mischief dancing in her eyes.

“If I may ask, what is it that he teaches?” he asked, wanting to get more information.

“That, I can’t share nor is that the reason I came talk.” The gremlin woman said abruptly. Ending the side track conversation. “Now, my Teacher would like to know what is it you would plan to do with the location of the dungeon and what is it you would be willing to trade for it?”

“Do you have this information or would we get it in a roundabout means if we come to an agreement?” Faldor countered. Seeing the current topic for what it was, bartering.

“I have the information and can tell you right away if an agreement can be made.” She said with a sly smile. “If we can come to an agreement.”

“Is that so?” Faldor said while rubbing his chin in pretend thought. “Of course, any agreement we make will have to wait until the current-“

“If she has the information what is stopping us from just taking it from the little rat?” one of the newbies asked as the rest look on at her greedily while also flicking glancing wearily at the golem who still stood with a casual ease behind the gremlin. “We out number her, and its golem. So long as she can’t say any orders it can’t do anything. To us.”

Faldor wanted to strangle the stupid little shit for his words. How stupid were they that they couldn’t see the danger they were in? if they survived this, Faldor was going to make it his mission to get the inbred little shit banned from the guild. He had already proved that he was boarder line criminal and the other newbies would likely need a similar treatment. At least the current mission was basically resolved now. He just weeded out those that didn’t belong in the guild. Such a mindset would only cause problems down the line for everyone.

“Terga!” Faldor barked, turning to glare angrily at the group of newbies.

Without further prompting, the orc turned and swung his arm in a heavy punch into the newbies face. knocking in elf out with a single strike with a broken nose.

“I am sorry about that.” Faldor said with head bowed to the gremlin woman. “I promise, I’ll have him-“

Faldor was saying until a very unamused hand raised up to fore stale him. she didn’t not break eye contact as she sipped more of the brandy. Placing the cup back down with a thunk to signify that it was now empty.

“Ok, in the words of teacher. ‘Let’s cut the bullshit.’ And I agree, if you are interested tell us once you made a decision. Once you have used this.” She said with a hand gesture and Faldor watched as the golem took a step forwards and placed a metal plate that was intricately carved and radiated magic. “You can use that to speak with us. If you are interest though, don’t bring the idiots. We held your group up long enough.”

***

Jack sat in the yard of one of the mansions he gave the gremlins to make into their homes. He had been witling some wood to make some toys for the children who excitedly inspected the wood figurines. He had wanted a break from being in his tower and it was nice to make some simple little things that brought joy the little devils. Not to mention it was a nice distraction while waiting for Frizzy and Aegisthal to reach the group.

When they had reached the group, he sent his consciousness to observe and was also surprise to find that Frizzy could hear him. Throughout the exchange he mostly watched and stepped in at certain points.

By the end, the group left while Frizzy and Aegisthal waited until they were far away before making their way back. even then they didn’t take a direct route back. now with his consciousness back in his body, sitting on the bench where he last left it. All he could was sit there dumbfounded by everything he just saw and heard. Only one thought coming to mind from that entire exchange.

… Just how fucking stupid can someone be?! Jack screamed privately in his own mind. Who the fuck is that stupid with two tons of badass in ear shout!?

Had Jack still had a heart and a brain, he’d probably have a stroke from how mad he was at the sheer level of stupidity he just saw. Barely restraining himself from cursing out loud and teaching the gremlins kids still around him a whole slew a of new colorful words.