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Chapter 2

I walked behind the kobold as we entered the sewer system. Various gangs, clans, and cults called this area their home. That's why small-town mercenaries like me and Zog stayed out.

We walked in darkness for what felt like an hour before we entered a small chamber. There was a throne facing away from me, probably where the new employer sat.

As I was about to ask what was going on they started speaking. The voice was feminine but other than that it was completely monotone. “Red, abandoned pet of Alice Margrave, now mercenary. Zog, an ogre who took Red in and joined the mercenary business with him. I have a proposition for you. I was hoping you could head to one of my settlements and assist them

I felt intense rage as I heard my previous master's name but held my tongue. With visible restraint I said. “And pray tell what sort of assistance do you require?”

“You will assist my soldiers in fortifying and defending a treasure trove near the empire. You and your partner are competent. Recently the local humans have been attacking my troops in the area. I need you to defend it while I gather my troops. I will pay you 5,000 gold crowns for the job. I will also give you another 10,000 gold crowns if you assist in the war efforts.

I stared in astonishment at the astronomical amount of money. Then I smiled, with this much money I could live comfortably for years. “Gracious lord of all kobolds, we would be honored to assist with such a task.”

“Then go, my servant will lead you to the army camp. You will be given command of a few soldiers to help you. Remember, no matter what I need the area to be protected, casualties are not an issue as long as my treasure is safe.”

With that, the servant once again led us through the sewer. We walked for another hour or two before exiting the sewers. After that we walked through the streets, the night's darkness keeping us on edge.

After a while, we exited the city and started walking towards a nearby forest. I was extremely exhausted by the time we reached the army camp. We walked over one final hill and I saw the army. The camps stretched over a series of hills and I could see a few tunnels most likely leading to more of the camp.

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The servant looked smug as he turned to us and said. “Over 5,000 kobolds are gathered here. We even have an elite division of drake knights.” The numbers seemed fairly normal but the drake knights were different. Elite kobolds who rode drakes into battle. Drakes were basically small dragons without wings. This meant that this was a true kobold war party.

The servant led us to one of the tunnel entrances that led to the war room of these kobolds. There were three sitting in the room. The first one was a gigantic specimen of a kobold. Easily six feet tall and covered head to toe in blood-red plate armor. This beast of a kobold wielded a gigantic greatsword resting it casually on her knee.

The second kobold was probably a mage. Dressed in fiery red robes and wielding a staff with a gem it was obvious. The third was the most interesting. He was probably around five feet tall but he commanded more presence than the warlord in full plate. The thing that drew the most attention was the large pair of wings on his back. Only the chosen kobolds, avatars of the gods, were born with wings.

I bowed to him the second I saw the wings but after a second brought myself to full height. The winged kobold stepped forward and said. “Kobold Red. I will give you your orders and you will carry them out immediately. You will take a force of a dozen kobolds and protect the small conclave. You will be given your next orders when you arrive.

After saying that he turned and went back to talking with his fellows. I grumbled under my breath at them not even introducing themselves but letting it slide. I was quickly ushered out of the cave and the second I entered the sunlight the servant from before walked up to me. “Kobold Red, your troops have been selected.” He pointed towards a group of small malnourished kobolds. They will join you in defending the warren in Sein. That is the settlement you will protect. Goodbye and good luck.”

I stared at the runts and degenerates that I would have to fight with and turned to the servant. “Is there any way I could get, I don’t know, not runts? Perhaps some actual soldiers?”

He smiled at this but I didn’t think he was happy. “Unfortunately these are the only soldiers we have to offer currently. They are acceptable.” I sighed in annoyance but nodded. “Very well, we'll embark immediately. Thank you for this generous offer.”

The servant flashed one last smile before trotting off. I turned to my new followers and began issuing orders. “You four! Yes, that includes you. Go gather supplies such as food and bandages. Move it!” The four kobolds I pointed out scurried off. I turned to the rest of them and said. “Alright, the rest of you gather your belongings and meet me here when you're done.”

After they were all gone I turned to Zog. “Hey, Zog we're gonna need… to head out now.” Zog had been quiet for a while so when I turned back I wasn’t surprised to see him munching on what appeared to be one of the kobold guards. I prepared to berate him but just shook my head.

I slapped him on the back and smiled. “Well Zog, we're in the big leagues now. Loyal followers, fighting a war and even getting 10,000 gold crowns! I could buy a whole castle with that!” I smiled as I kept talking “We’re gonna live in a castle Zog!”