The Iron Kingdom was changing. As William walked along the path some days later, he could feel it in the air. Everything he looked at bore new life. Birds began to chirp. He saw animals scurrying here and there; a doe fled from him as he walked. A brook he passed was gurgling merrily, and flowers were starting to bloom along the side of the road.
The black pillars seemed to be struggling. It was as if some mighty power had arisen in the Iron Kingdom to contest its king's will. Sometimes the hopelessness would return, then be driven back, then return again. In other places, it still stood dominant over the land. In still others, the pillars seemed to have given up, and the majesty of nature had gained it.
It was like he was watching a battle or even a war. Yet there were no soldiers or generals to direct conflict. It was the spirit of the land itself that was at war.
Yet when he came to Calacosh, he knew that the war had not yet arrived here. Misery and horrible depression were well-established. Stronger even than any place he had seen until now. A palisade of stakes surrounded the village. Yet it had been broken in several places. Several of the stone buildings looked to have been broken inward. The entire site radiated despair of such purity and depth that it hurt.
He wanted to lie down and wither away. Or draw out his sword and fall on it. Or better yet, turn and run. William had become well accustomed to horror and despair in his adventures. He knew there was a difference between wanting to do something and doing it. But it was sorely tempting.
How did these people stand it?
As he approached the gate, he saw a lone man hacking firewood on a stump. As he approached, the man looked up and raised his axe. "Stop! Who goes there? Don't come any closer now, you hear me!"
"Calm yourself," said William. "I am not your enemy. I am here to help."
"Help?" asked the man. "We've had none of that since those damn cultists raised an altar to Elranor. Now giants are devouring us one household at a time, and the Iron Kingdom has sent no aid. Who are you that wants to help?" He practically spat the last word.
"I am William Gabriel," said William. "Elranor has sent me to slay the demon." Not true, of course. But Elranor would probably be fine with taking the credit. Probably.
"That is mighty dangerous talk," said the man darkly. "You could be crucified just for saying it."
"Perhaps," said William. "But that would still leave the problem of the giant."
"That it would," said he, and the man lowered his axe. "Well, if you want to die trying to stop it, you can be my guest. But you won't find any hospitality from me. You'll be better off trying some way up. Old Chief Anna is the sort you are looking for. He lives by the pillar at the top of the hill."
"My thanks," said William, and he walked past.
"Just don't go telling no one I directed you to him!" called the man. "Last thing I want is to be associated with your kind."
"A friendly welcome if ever there was one," murmured William as he entered the village. The first thing he noticed as he entered was the black pillar. It stood at the very center of town, and it was far larger than normal. It almost seemed to leer at him. "There's the pillar. I wonder if I might get that thing torn down somehow. A question for later."
He saw a single building right behind the pillar. It was larger than the others, with an upright horizontal shape. It had a pointed, shingled roof instead of the straw that other buildings had. The stone was less rough, and bells were hanging from the doorway. The aura of the pillar seemed less in that place. As if some power within kept it back.
William came to it. He knocked on the door lightly and waited.
Eventually, a slit opened before him. Two eyes, one maimed, stared out at a wrinkled face. "Yes?"
"Are you Chieftain Anna?" asked William.
"I am," said the man. "Who are you? Dressed like an Einheroth?"
"I am William Gabriel," said William. "I have come by the will of Elranor to protect your village from the giants."
The slit shut, and the door opened. Out came a very thin, old man with braided white hair. He breathed in relief and set his hands on William's shoulder. "Thank Elranor. I knew salvation would come sooner or later. Many others had lost hope. Come in, come in, I'll provide you with what hospitality I can. Though it isn't much."
He let go and walked in. William followed into a room with a floor of wooden boards. There was a table at the center and a fireplace at the far end. Stone steps led upwards to the second floor. Anna had him seated, and William took off his helm. Anna brought him wine, and William awkwardly drank it as the man sat down across from him.
"My thanks," said William. "Perhaps you can describe these giants for me?"
"They are led by a half-demon," said Anna."One bred from Fortenex's union with an ogress, or so I guess. He is nearly ten feet tall and has claws like daggers and teeth like speartips. Every night it comes to devour someone, sometimes two or three.
"His two friends come less frequently. They are smaller and have hands more like you or I. They wield clubs. No one who has opposed them has thus far lived."
"Well, I suppose it is left to me then, isn't it?" said William, liking this plan less and less. Then he noticed something in one corner. It was an altar, and beyond it was a clay image of Elranor. "Tell me, how long have there been shrines to Elranor?"
"Every since the Iron Kingdom abandoned us," said Anna. "When they catch you once, they burn the shrines and make examples of worshippers. When they catch you twice, they leave you for the wolves. Or the giants, as the case may be."
"And why did you choose to continue?" asked William.
"Our faith was more important to us than our lives. Or some of us," said Anna. "Some of us liked the idea of surviving on our own, without fear of the Iron Kingdom taking men and money from us. We had a brief period of prosperity after they left, but then the giants came."
"Well, I hope I can help with that," said William. "When does this monster usually come?"
"He comes through the eastern path one night every week," said Anna. "Sometimes, on bad days, he brings friends, and they feast. If you sleep now, I will wake you when he is about to arrive. Then you will be well-rested when you face him.
"But, would you like to make a speech?"
"Make a speech?" asked William.
"Yes, boast of your future deeds," said Anna.
"I'd rather not get anyone's hopes up," admitted William. "I'll boast when the creature is dead if I'm feeling up to it." Which he probably wouldn't. "And if he comes with several giants, I may need to use some pragmatic methods to win."
"You are not like the warriors of Viokinar," noted Anna.
"No, I am not," agreed William.
"Then, I shall prepare a bed for you," said Anna. "It is late."
William slept comfortably that night. He hadn't realized how exhausted he'd become from traveling on the road. He was wakened by Anna later. Looking out the window, he saw the dawn coming out on the horizon.
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"Are you awake?" asked Anna. "The time is nearly here."
William nodded. "Very well. Help me with my armor."
And that was how he found himself standing in the town square, blade in hand and a shield on his arm, waiting. Nothing seemed likely to happen at once, but the air had a tenseness. Anna stood by him. "Tell me, why do you wear armor like that of an Einheroth?" he asked suddenly.
"Coincidence," admitted William. "This armor is supposed to inspire fear in my enemies. It was made far away from Viokinar."
"I see," said Anna.
"Do you suppose the creature will be willing to fight me?" asked William.
"What do you mean?" asked Anna.
"Well, if he is much larger than me, he probably has a faster stride," mused William. "He could try and snatch someone, then run off before I could fight him."
"...It is possible," conceded Anna.
The conversation died as he heard a thudding sound. The ground shuddered beneath him. Then it came again. And again. And out of the forest emerged a humanoid creature ten feet tall or more. Its feet were bare, and it was totally hairless with a large belly and many muscles. Its jaw was wide, and its eyes were small. He lumbered forward with a massive club in hand. And then came goblins. Dozens and dozens of goblins.
They swarmed toward Calacosh, and William looked at Anna. "You didn't say he had goblins with him."
"He never has goblins with him," said Anna. "This is the first time!"
William remembered the goblins descriptions of what they got up to. "Get the people to safety. I'll try to stall them."
And he rushed down to the breach in the wall. Coming to a halt, he raised his sword and muttered an incantation to the Sun Spirit. His sword let loose a wave of light, and the goblins screeched and fled backward. As they did this, the huge creature lumbering behind them began whacking one with his club. The goblins turned and ran back toward William.
They halted, spears in hand, trapped between their master and an enemy. But he'd have to fight them now. Unless...
"Foul demon!" cried William. "I am William Gabriel, son of Duke Vanion Gabriel! I am a paladin of Elranor and servant of righteousness! I challenge you to single combat! Or are you so craven that you must cower behind the shields of goblins!
"Come forth! Come forth Lord of Slaughter! Come and face your end as men should!"
There was silence as the tallest of the giants lumbered forward and scratched his head. "Grendesh not understand tiny Einheroth. What he saying?"
William paused. Perhaps he had been too verbose. "I wish to face you personally without the assistance of outside parties."
"Grendesh still not get," said Grendesh.
"I want to stab you to death, and you're too scared to fight me fair," said William.
"Grendesh not need cheat!" cried Grendesh. "Grendesh send goblin slaves first, then eat bodies!"
"Goblins not sign up to be eaten!" screeched a goblin.
"Grendesh only eats if goblins fail," said Grendesh. "If goblins kill, Grendesh let goblins eat what he not eat!"
"Whole village?" asked the goblins in wonder.
"Yes. Whole village," said Grendesh. "Now kill tiny Einheroth!"
The goblins scuttled forward, and everything seemed to go in slow motion. At the very least, the giants seemed content to watch. He couldn't fight them all at once, and the breach was too wide to use a chokepoint.
William raised his shield. Swinging his sword, he cleaved one of the goblins in twain, then backed away, warding off their spears. He slashed down another and kept on moving, doing his best to try and keep from getting hemmed in. His sword flashed in the light, and two more goblins fell headless.
At this point, the goblins stepped back. Looking at the bodies of their fellows, they did the intelligent thing and ran for it. William let them go. At least this way Grendesh might just eat his fill and leave. Assuming William lost. Which he probably would.
"Come back, tiny goblins!" cried Grendesh. "Or you get no food! Get back!"
The goblins did not listen. They were now more afraid of William than Grendesh, and they scuttled off into the woods. Grendesh turned to look at William with narrowed eyes and slapped his club against the palm of his hand. William walked forward and brandished his sword.
"Your minions are destroyed or put to flight," said William. "Depart now or face their fate."
"Grendesh not understand again," said Grendesh in annoyance.
"Leave now, or I will cut you into pieces," said William.
"Grendesh, no fear! Grendesh son of Fortenex!" cried Grendesh "GRENDESH SMASH!!"
Then Grendesh roared and charged forward with his club. William ducked under the blow and slashed at his enemy's leg. But Grendesh moved aside with surprising grace and brought around his club again. William nearly lost his head at that time. He jabbed at the huge beast; he found his enemy once again stepping aside.
They circled each other, and Grendesh's club fell again and again. Whenever he struck the ground, it made a small crater within. Meanwhile, William could not hit him. The giant was just too swift.
Finally, Grendesh brought up a leg and kicked him. William caught the leg on his shield but was thrown back. He rolled away just in time to avoid being crushed by the club. Slashing upwards, he caught Grendesh in the arm. His blade sank deep into it, and the hand came off at the wrist.
The giant reeled back, screaming in pain. Turning, he fled weeping into the forest, leaving behind him a long trail of blood. William stood and saw the bloodied hand lying at his feet. Without healing magic, Grendesh would probably die soon.
At that moment, the people of Calacosh were coming out. Seeing the massive dead hand, they cheered aloud. "The demon is dead! Elranor's servant has slain him!" cried Anna. "I told you our prayers would be answered!"
"I wouldn't celebrate just yet. I only cut his hand off," muttered William. "We should be on our guard in case he returns."
"Still, it is our first victory!" said Anna. "We shall mount the hand at the gates so that all can know of what you have done. We will tell tales of your victory here today."
"Well, that is very nice, but can I have some water?" asked William, feeling suddenly parched.
"Um, yes, of course," said Anna.
He was brought a cup of water and downed it quickly. Then he drew off his helmet and wiped the sweat from it. "Thank you. Fighting these creatures is thirsty work."
"You are not at all as we expected," admitted Anna.
"I suppose not. I don't enjoy boasting of my achievements. If I were you, I would be careful about how you boast of mine," said William. "Elranor has delivered you, but it is not his will that you should die by the hands of the Iron Kingdom.
"Be silent in your faith. Serve him through your deeds and in your hearts, and talk only where and when it is safe to do so.
"Now, if you could cast down that pillar, I will heal any injured or sick people in this village."
Dead silence. "You would have us cast down the pillar?" asked Anna.
In his heart, William felt as though the pillar must be cast down. Now, and not later. Something urgent was about to happen, and this village could suffer terribly. "Yes. It is keeping out the gods. Only once they are destroyed can Elranor, and the Gods return."
"But, if we break it, the Iron Kingdom will destroy us all," said a woman. "They'll kill every man, woman, and child. The last time someone did that, they didn't even stop at the village responsible. They crucified everyone in the region!"
"I see," said William. The persistence pressed him further, but he could see no reason to argue further. "You could say that the giant did it." There was that feeling that he was making a mistake. But they were uneasy. "Instead, pray to Elranor for deliverance. In time he will find means to free you."
"Anna, soldiers approach!" cried someone. "They bear the symbol of the Iron Kingdom."
"Elranor helps us," said Anna. "Quickly, everyone back to the village. William, you will hide within my home. You must not let them see you."
William followed him without thinking, and it wasn't long before he saw a troop of men approaching. Yet only a few were soldiers like those he had seen with Byran. These men went clad in leather armor. They held spears and knives and some axes meant for wood rather than necks.
As he reached the doorway of Anna's home, he halted and cursed himself. "Damn it. I should have made for the forest while I had a chance."
"Too late now," said Anna. "Stay hidden. I'll go and meet with them, and you may make your escape later." Then he shut the door. William went to a window and peered out of the crack. The soldiers had reached the house now. They were led by a dwarven woman wearing a long curved sword at her side. Anna approached and prostrated himself. "Soldiers of the Iron Kingdom, we are honored by your presence."
"I am Lady Raka Asteem," said the woman. "My men and I have come to assist you against the demon terrorizing this place." Her gaze turned to the sight of the battle. "However, I see someone has already beaten us to it."
"A wandering hero," said Anna. "Long since gone from here."
"Really? I beg to differ," said Raka. "Those bodies are recent. Freshly killed. Whoever did this would still be nearby. Which begs the question, why are you lying to me, chieftain?"
"...He was fearful of discovery," said Anna. "After he killed the demon, he requested I claim he was long gone to any who asked. Since he had just saved our village, I chose not to question him. We did not think any help was coming."
"That was foolish. One must always question everything," said Raka. "Where is he now?"
"I..." began Anna. "I do not know."
"I disagree," said Raka, setting a hand to her blade. "I must insist you tell me."
"He has-" began Anna.
William had seen enough. If he waited any longer, someone could die. He opened the door and walked out, sword sheathed. "That's enough. I'm here."
Raka glanced up. "Who are you?"
"I am William Gabriel, son of Duke Vanion Gabriel," said William. "I have traveled far. This village was in need and on the way, so I assisted them. My only goal is to get home."
"And why did you request they lie about your presence?" asked Raka.
"An old enemy of mine has a position of influence in this place," said William. "I do not want to alert them to my presence."
"That is unfortunate," said Raka. "While I appreciate you defending the Iron Kingdom's subjects, I must take you into custody. Throw down your sword."
William drew the blade and eyed the men around him. Then he cast it down and, with it, his shield. "As you wish. But first, know that I am being tracked. My Father is a man of immense power. I have no doubt he knows of everything that transpires. If I am killed, then he will know."
Raka drew up the sword and eyed the blade. Then her eyes widened. "You've put me in a difficult position."
"That was the intended purpose," said William.
"Take him into custody. But see to it that he is treated with all dignity," said Raka. "Tomorrow, we'll send him to the Iron City for the Council to decide on."
It could have been worse. Not much worse, though.