The room was so silent it nearly deafened him, only the machines keeping his little girl alive breaking the looming madness trying to claw at his mind. Sara was in the corner, silent. She probably didn’t understand the whole picture, or care, but she was there.
It was surprising how little he cared. About her, the nurses and doctors in the room, or about anything that wasn’t seeing his little girl's chest rise and fall. A nurse approached Sara, he only just heard her ask for a signature, but the nurse was turned his way.
‘If she signed her death warrant I might have lost it.’ The thought struck him out of nowhere, surprising him by the swell of emotion it brought up. ‘She doesn’t matter.’
He ignored the doctor trying to speak, or the nurse walking to the machine, explaining something, but he knew. Knew when he got the call at four in the morning, explaining something had gone wrong. He knew when no one would look him in the eye, and Sara had been waiting in the room.
“If you wish, a certified member of our staff could take this task upon themselves. It is painless an-”
Mark flicked the button, his arm seeming to move too fast and too slow, and he killed Amy as the machine shut off. ‘She’s been dead for hours. Just meat.’
He turned and left, seeing a nurse comfort Sara as she broke down. He didn’t care.
Didn’t care about his house, about the seventy thousand he’d leveraged against his mortgage. About how he was two seconds away from losing his job, even after all their assurances he wouldn't be let go.
Mark found he didn’t care about much of anything at all, getting in his car and trying to think of a good reason not to drive it off the road.
----------------------------------------
Raising his fist brought the group to a halt, quiet hissing spreading behind him as the captain relayed the signal. The fact she decided she was the only one that had needed to learn was troublesome, but he let it go. ‘Not like this’ll be forever. Sloth can heal, Greed can bargain, and we’ll get a guide. Just killing time, helping out where I can.’
He missed the time he could have told himself that and believed it, before he knew he was apparently the root of all evil, but he forcefully put it out of his mind. Mark raised four fingers, pointing left and right.
Before them spread a group of the deer things, water spitting and all. He itched to try one, but this wasn’t about hunting. It was about seeing if he could ‘awaken’ another goblin, try and find the trigger. ‘Whatever that is.’
The hunting party, consisting of the sum total of the village warriors, split in two. Language barrier or not, they knew what they were doing. Their footsteps were quiet, breathing even, and they sprung into action when they had encircled the pack.
Not possible, normally, seeing as the deer were on open ground. But they were blind as could be, operating off some sort of danger sense. Extraordinarily annoying, according to Lust, but one of the weaker monsters she’d come across.
The deer jumped into action when the two dozen hunters charged, spitting and jumping as they did. Mark himself joined them, outpacing the captain without meaning to, and rolled as water flew at his face.
A step to the side, turning halfway as he did, and he was close to the thing. He lunged, his mind conjuring images of vampires as he did, and tore out the throat of the deer before it could get away.
Vident Deer consumed. Danger sense has been improved with Minor Danger Sense Boost.
Minor Danger Sense Boost will last for five minutes.
His head itched something fierce as he caved in the thing's skull, adjusting the way his neck muscles supported his head by instinct. Looking around revealed the same thing happening over and over, deer getting cut down or managing to escape. ‘Interesting. Haven’t seen a monster that ran before.’
The captain walked up as her hunters gathered themselves, and he shook his head. Even without speaking the same language the face she made was clear, Mark shrugging helplessly. ‘Not like I promised anything.’
He watched as the captain stalked off, berating her people as she did. They folded into themselves, shame and fear etched in their faces. Only half were spared, the half that had gotten a kill, and she sent them back with the corpses. The dejected other half formed up behind her, the captain gesturing to him impatiently.
Mark nodded, picking up his own kill and tearing out a chunk of meat with his teeth. He dropped it after, satisfied when the captain averted her eyes, and put the piece in his pouch. ‘Look at me, going full caveman. Me strong, you no test me.’
Finding more tracks was easy enough, plenty of game around, and he smiled as he did. That smile slipped as the captain barked at the goblin lagging behind, the poor things shoulder drooping even further. He frowned. ‘A kind word can do more than any shouting.’
Not that he could, of course, offer that. Still, the goblin lagged behind enough he joined him without meaning to, Mark putting a hand on the little thing's shoulder to stop it from running off. He smiled, hoping it came over as reassuring.
The goblin smiled back hesitantly, Mark snorting at what must be going through his head. ‘Just the crazy giant baring his teeth, speaking gibberish. Nothing to worry about.’
Sharing food transcended language, he had too much deer meat anyway, and after a hesitant look at his captain the little thing took it. His head bobbed in thanks, scarfing down the piece and relaxing some.
Mark shouted to get the captain's attention, gesturing left, and the group turned. Another hour's walk and they found the second herd, grazing peacefully. The goblin at his side moved to join the others, but Mark stopped him with a wave.
Gesturing to follow him saw the two moving to the right flank, steps light and breath shallow. The things might have been blind as bats, but he felt firsthand how potent their danger sense was. ‘Doesn’t help if you can’t dodge, though.’
The added time to do so helped wonders, he had to admit, and he sprung forwards. The deer moved before he had, but he managed to grab the back leg anyway. It went sprawling, Mark gesturing wildly to the goblin in what he hoped was a clear invitation to start attacking.
The goblin did, raising his wooden club and bashing the deer over the head. It slowed, allowing for more bashing, and the little thing got to it with vigour. Still no popup, for his new friend or the rest, and he could see the captain's patience fraying by the second.
He gave the signal to keep moving, the woman grunting at her people after a second's hesitation. Finding a third herd was harder, taking much longer than he thought it would, but it did finally pay off.
A deer slipped between his hands, going for his new friend and ignoring him entirely. Mark scrambled to move backwards, intercept it before it could kick the goblin to death, but as he turned he saw the little thing had managed to dodge.
Not only that, but he had put the club between its hind legs. The wood splintered, no surprise there, but the deer went down. The goblin fell on it with a scream, biting and clawing as it drew a knife. Mark frowned, getting close but doing nothing, as it stabbed and gored. The goblin earned more than a few bruises, but made sure to keep the neck down. ‘Good instincts. That water fucking hurts.’
His status pinged as the deer died, a victorious but battered goblin rolling off the corpse and screaming in triumph.
Goblin Ozz can be awoken. He will be awoken as Warrior. Continue?
Ozz’s victory was interrupted as he flinched back, eyes focussing on things that were not there. Mark smiled, waving over the captain.
Who immediately started interrogating Ozz with harsh sounds, the goblin too high off his victory to be afraid. When the captain looked to smack some sense into him Mark’s hand snatched out, catching the fist before it could land.
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Squeezing hard made the captain wince, Mark shaking his head. She grunted, tugging her arm free, and he let her go. “While I try to respect cultures that aren’t my own, physical abuse isn’t something I’m going to let slide.”
She didn’t understand, of course, but he felt it needed to be said. ‘And now I have to wait a few hours until I can learn what a warrior class even does.’
Arguing with the captain to return home, mission complete, was as frustrating as anything. Limited to a half dozen hand gestures didn’t help, so he eventually just threw his hands up and turned around. The scowl she sent him was as bad as anything, but it did get them moving.
Ozz had half the hunters hanging off his word by the time they got back, the goblin basking in the attention as he demonstrated his skill. His arm blurred as he stabbed, the seventh demonstration, and his new fans still applauded like it was the first. Mark shook his head as one of the women claimed Ozz’s arm, clutching it as they got back to camp. ‘Fame and fortune. Enjoy it while you can, little one, though it would be a lie to say I know what it's like.’
Kreek joined him with Hera close behind, the adorable little goblin waving excitedly as she got near. Mark smiled at her, his mind flickering to darker memories. Kreek interrupted before he could sink too deep. “I see one of the warriors has awoken. The captain must be pleased.”
“She is not.” Mark said, shaking his head. “Guess she wanted to be the first, or if not her one of her best. Turned out to be the runt of the litter, even if he’s a vicious one.”
“Ozz. Yes.” Kreek shook his head. “Does not matter. Even with just one our village is to thrive, so I thank you.”
Hera hastily joined her mentor as he bowed, confusion on her face. Mark felt the same, scratching his head. “Didn’t do much. Just helped him fight, shared some food. Clicked a button.”
“Button.” Hera repeated, proud. Mark patted her head, looking at Kreek’s thoughtful face. “You have an idea?”
“No. Yes. Goblin kind peaked long before the seven, good or evil, came to this world. The good exterminate us at best, enslave if they are particularly callous. The evil use us as expendable soldiers. We are easy to corral, breed quickly. A ready made army, too far gone to see what we could be. What we once were.”
Mark didn’t know what to say to that, opting for silence. Kreek looked at him, piercing intelligence shining so bright it almost made him uncomfortable. “How long has it been, since one of the seven shared a meal with us? Saw us as more than fodder, taught us to build houses? How often did they take the time to understand, to learn and live among us?”
“If fourteen come every forty years, there must have been some.”
“Maybe. Look at your companions. No offence, but they dismiss us. See us as children, primitive or both. I know your world has a rather low opinion of my species, but still, see the results. Mighty Greed wishes to stay as long as he can profit, Mighty Sloth for a nap. I would not dare guess at Mighty Lusts' goal, but I do not think it involves hunting with us. Digging through the mud with us, shovel in hand. The rest of your party did not even step foot in our village before leaving again, off to hunt, and they did not seem the type to try even if they hadn’t.”
Unfortunately true, Mark had to admit. “I’m used to filthy work. A little dirt isn’t something I’m going to complain about. Good to see you coming out of your shell, Kreek, but what’s your point?”
“My point.” Kreek sighed. “I don’t know. A theory. I think Heistima awakened because her love for building outweighed her fear of the captain. That Ozz only did so when you encouraged him, and fought to impress you. I know him, before you ask. The runt of the litter indeed. And there comes Mighty Gluttony, hero of stories uncounting, and shares some meat. Shows some kindness, helps instead of berates.”
Now he was actually getting uncomfortable. “I really didn’t do much.”
“Some is enough. My theory is that the common factor is you. More broadly speaking the seven, even if so very few spare us more than a stray thought.”
Another piercing look, Kreek taking a deep breath and closing his eyes. Mark raised his eyebrow, surprise flicking through him when his status pinged.
Goblin Kreek can be awoken. He will be awoken as Scribe. Continue?
“What.” Mark stopped, seeing the grin break out over Kreek’s face. “The fuck. This doesn't work like that. Does it? The fuck, Kreek.”
“Loyalty and kindness.” The Scribe snorted. “There’s a joke in there somewhere.”
Mark grabbed the goblin by the shoulder, having to bend low to achieve that, and shook him. Something akin to panic was building in his stomach, even if he refused to entertain the thought. “This better not be what I think it is.”
Kreek seemed more amused than afraid, shaking along without resistance. “It is a chance. For us to dig ourselves out of this spiral of destruction, to be free of the whims of the gods. What’s service in the face of freedom, work with the promise of reward?”
“Don’t you go philosophical on me.” Mark almost yelled, more panicked than seemed reasonable. “You can’t just decide I’m in charge, done deal and all. You, what, think I’m some sort of saviour because I dug a pit? Had a moment of compassion? You’ve known me for a half a day!”
“Perhaps I am wrong.” Kreek shrugged, not seeming concerned. “But I know we are dead if we do nothing, and I will not pass up a gift from above. Or below, for that matter.”
“You.” Mark let go, taking a step back. “No. I’m not leading the glorious revolution of goblin kind down the mountains, to slaughter and war. Not doing it, can’t make me.”
“Alright. No war. Never said I wanted one in the first place. How about housing, or will you retract that promise?”
He hesitated. “That’s not fair. Didn’t know you were going to try and turn this into a cult.”
Goblin Hera can be awoken. She will be awoken as Apprentice Scribe. Continue?
“Figured out!” Hera boasted. Mark snapped his head down, having forgotten she was there. She pouted at him, stabbing memories assaulting his mind. He clicked yes before he could think better of it, knowing there was no way he could deny her a future. Kreek nodded at her approvingly.
“Stop that.” Mark protested. “I’m not the guy you want.”
“Guy for what?” Lust asked, appearing at his shoulder. He clicked his mouth shut, shooting Hera a warning look when she seemed eager to talk. It left Kreek free to do so instead. “We figured out how we can awaken more goblins. Gluttony does not like it.”
“And why not? Here I remember him being hellbend to help only hours ago.”
Mark sighed. “Drop it, we both know you were eavesdropping.”
Lust grinned, unrepentant. “Fine, though it's not eavesdropping if you're just standing there in the open. I took dibs on being the power behind the throne, remember?”
“You two seem to be thinking of the positives.” He said, his tone flat. “A good, healthy thing. I’m thinking of what will happen when those undisclosed civilizations down the mountain learn that goblins are awakening, organising and bettering themselves. A good natured smile and aid supplies seem less likely than a crusade, in my novice opinion. How about it, Kreek? Are the neighbours the friendly type?”
Kreek shook his head. “No. It does not matter. I will take a fighting chance over a slow death.”
“See, I knew I liked you.” Lust agreed, turning to Mark. “And let's not pretend you’re not thinking of two dozen ways to improve this place. Both sides win, right? They get prophesied leadership or whatever, we get minions to make our lives easier.”
Neither goblin present took the insult seriously, though Hera looked intrigued. Mark wanted to throw his hands in the air, seeing the worst had come to pass and Ozz had been attracted. He almost reached out to stop Hera from skipping over, knowing it would do more harm than good. He turned to Lust. “I blame you.”
She put up an innocent expression, grinning when Ozz came running. Kreek translated before Mark could ask, wishing he hadn’t. “If you are raising a warband, I would join!”
“No. I’m, fucking hell. Kreek, stop whispering. No war, no glorious uprising.”
“Maybe later.” Lust agreed. “We’d need more numbers. Supplies and weapons, stuff like that.”
Mark glared at her. “Stop that.”
“Nope. Too late. Look, your newest minion is running off. Gosh jolly, I wonder what he’s in such a hurry for. Not going to talk to the other hunters, I’m sure.”
“Enough.” Mark hissed, Lust shooting him an amused look. “Kreek, this really isn’t going to go as you hope it will. But, and I’m stressing how little business I have of being in charge, if you want me to take a few weeks to knock heads together and get this village organised, fine. Don’t like it, though.”
“Unity will be enough.” Kreek agreed, smiling. “Who knows, you might enjoy it.”
The captain came stomping over, looking about ready to stab everyone present. Mark sighed, scraping up what little patience he had left. “I doubt it.”
“You are not elected to lead my warriors.” Kreek translated. “The deal was for one hunt only, no more.”
Lust appeared behind the woman, throwing her arm over the captain's shoulder. Her fingers lightly grazed her neck. “But what if I think this’ll be really funny?”
“Stop threatening the captain.” Mark ground out. “And as for you, look around. If it makes you feel better, I’m making a council and abdicating as soon as possible. You can be in charge of all matters military, as long as you don’t give any indications of incompetence.”
The captain looked, seeing Ozz and his new band standing to the side. Mark saw the moment her mind caught up, scowling fiercely. ‘How quickly loyalty shifts. Stop beating your people, and they won’t defect to the first alternative that comes around. Sun Tzu, probably.’
Kreek and the captain held a short, if heated, conversation before she nodded grudgingly. Lust smiled, no doubt pleased with herself, and Mark wanted to scream.
A great yawn came from behind him, seeing Sloth had awoken from her nap. She blinked twice, taking in the scene. “What’d I miss?”
“Glut took over the village.” Lust explained, smiling broadly. “Just up and took it, damn what everyone else thought on the matter. Quite ruthless of him, really. We’re all very proud.”
He was about to explain when Pride broke through the tree line, battered but satisfied. He stalled, half the village having gathered in the time that had passed, and his smile dropped. “He did what?”