At least I got to sleep for a while.

“How did they move camp so fast?” Daldrag asks.

Nobody seems to care about the couple of black goblins found dead. The others killed them in less than a minute, then somehow packed everything up and left. Efficient.

“Magic?” I sigh.

“How long are they going to carry you?” Daldrag growls.

“I honestly do not know.” I respond.

Usually, there is a scolding Julie healing me right about now. But, I am alone.

“Which trail do we follow?” Snaray asks.

“We do not follow any trail. We lost them.” I say.

Maybe not completely alone.

“Shut up. One of these must lead us to our target.” Daldrag says.

It seems that in addition to leaving within a minute, they also covered their escape by leaving multiple footprints, all going in a different direction.

“You think they can pick up multiple tents and other equipment in about a minute but they cannot conjure a couple of footprints with magic and hide the real ones? They are all fake.” I explain, still held in a carrier by six goblins.

“Still, they must have gone somewhere. We should move south.” Snaray says.

“Do not forget who is in command.” Daldrag says.

“Never gave an order.” Snaray smiles.

I could try and get some information out of them.

“They talked about the Old Guard or something like that.” I say.

“Chasing legends. Necromancy… What did they say?” Daldrag asks.

“That the Old Guard is here. Somewhere. I think these people are looking for them.” I explain.

Give me something. Anything. I am tired of being in the dark.

“They would not be here. We would be dead. The ones that freed the Hungry Shadows, only to purge them forever? Power like that can be seen from across the world.” Snaray says.

“Enough. They might have arrived recently. If anyone could master the lost art of teleportation again, it would be the Old Guard. What else did they tell you?” Daldrag grunts.

“Mentioned the Ruinous Mountains, crossing them. I imagine they are like the people you fight on the other side of these mountains? There are way more of you than I thought. Sent the gray hobgoblins to fight them… Weaken the gray goblins’ influence in these parts. The Queen is really smart, considering-”

“Not another word out of you.” Daldrag says, leaning over me in a fit of rage.

I knew it. The Queen is constantly making moves. It is probably why the rest of the tribes can still work with Snaray. The gray goblins are not the only ones being manipulated into a weaker position.

“Get Zamayular here. If we have any hope of tracking them, we need someone who can use magic in ways different than ours.” I say.

Daldrag grabs a small stone, from his pouch, with runes carved on it and whispers to it. That is probably a way to communicate when long distance is a problem. I need to get one of those. It would be so helpful.

“It will take him hours to get here. We should get moving.” Snaray says. “We are wasting time.”

“You can walk.” Daldrag says.

“I cannot. And I am sure your Queen would not like you risking it just because of your anger issues.” I sigh.

I love this dynamic of ours.

“Wake me up in a bit, Snaray.” I say, tilting my head back.

I can try what I wanted. If there ever was a time… I unlock the magic in my eye, concentrating on my breaths. If magic is everywhere, I should be able to regain some of my strength just by inhaling the air.

The constant rocking back and forth caused by the six goblins carrying me manages to relax me. I fall asleep rather quickly, opening my eyes in a completely different location, yet feeling as if I just blinked.

“Where are we?” I say, finally getting off the carrier.

“We are lost.” Snaray says.

“Lost as in we do not know where we are or lost as in we cannot find them or any clue as to where they are?”

“We always know where we are.” Daldrag responds.

That answers the question. Just, in a way that seems totally hostile.

We were in the middle of a forest. Now, we are in open plains, looking south to another distant forest. There are a couple of hills breaking the monotony of even land. A river is flowing southwards, going out of sight. I wonder where it ends.

“We should follow the river. If they want to spend the night anywhere, it will probably be near water.” I explain.

“We are open targets out here. We are not following anything. Fall back into the treeline.” Daldrag says.

“What? I thought the whole point was that we find them and stop them.” I say.

“If you want to go out there and be killed by a crossbow or that wizard’s magic, you can. We go back to the trees.” Daldrag turns his back on me.

“How long was I out?” I ask.

“A couple of hours. Zamayular should be here soon.” Snaray explains.

“Good. We need to get moving and we cannot do it with this coward here.” I growl.

“I can sever your head, just ask.” Daldrag grins.

I hate the fact that I like this. This constant bickering. It is better than being in chains. I want my old group back. I want Sylvar. I want Meuko and Julie. I want Sylvie, even with her disgusting breath.

“Wait. What if I can find out where they are?” I ask.

“How?” Daldrag asks.

“Give me a moment.” I say.

I use my eye to focus on the magical aspect of things. Traces all around me. In the earth, the water, the rocks.

Snaray follows me, as I move further ahead, trying to find a pattern in the flow of magic.

“Are we sure my friends got the message?” I whisper.

“Yes.” Snaray responds.

I can only hope they are somewhere around here.

I was right about the magic. There is a faint drifting movement. further south, along the river.

“I got something. We can follow them. But we have to do it now.” I say.

“We are waiting for Zamayular.” Daldrag says.

“Look, you were afraid because they are too strong and they are doing necromantic rituals. They are using magic from all over the place, remember? It is why the weather is so frantic. They are pulling magic from the earth right now. I think we scared them into doing another ritual. We have to stop them. Now.” I explain.

“If he is right, Daldrag-”

“I know.” Daldrag interrupts Snaray. “We are going. Stay around the human, call out if you see anything.”

He gives orders as I am following the traces. The goblins take formations around me, protecting my flanks. Some are moving slightly ahead of me, making sure they can see any threats from a distance, since I am focused on the ground mostly.

“Down this river. Where does it lead?” I ask.

“A lake.” Snaray responds.

Daldrag informs Zamayular of our movements through the stone. At least we are not without reinforcements.

Snaray speaks goblinoid to Daldrag.

“What? Anything I should know, Snaray?”

“No, Volter. No worries.” He chuckles.

I do not like this. Very reminiscent of a certain ambush.

As we move further along the river, one of the goblins in the front raise their hand, signaling us to stop. They are seeing something. We all crouch and move closer to the goblin, except for Daldrag, who stays back.

“There.” It points out.

While they are looking at the group, I cannot help but look at my own body. Breathing in the magic from the air, focusing on recuperating. It is going better than I imagined. All the magic I lost is back. I am ready for another fight.

“So, are we going?” I ask.

“Are you mad?” Snaray says. “They will kill all of us.”

I take a look only to understand the dread.

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Tiaj seems to be chanting, pale green energy gathering around his staff. He is overlooking the lake. We are on a small hill, with an open plain leading to a forest on our right, while the lake itself is on our left.

The rest of the enemy group is looking around, making sure nobody interrupts Tiaj. Wait, where is Higaun?

Daldrag finally joins us, looking ahead.

“Look around, there is someone with a crossbow.” I say.

“Whe-” Snaray is interrupted by a bolt.

It flies straight for Daldrag, who instinctively reinforces his hand with magic, deflecting the bolt going for his head. It instead lands on a black goblin next to Snaray, killing it instantly.

“Left.” Daldrag says, taking out his sword and shield.

The goblins have given me extra equipment for this fight. One sword, seven throwing knives, one axe and five javelins in a special holding pouch. I do not know how they make them able to hold half the length of a javelin without falling over when there is movement.

I grab a javelin and throw it in the direction of where the bolt came from. My guess is good, because Higaun is forced to jump out of his camouflaged position and rush towards his friends.

“They are here.” He shouts.

“Silence.” Daldrag responds, rushing after him.

“Wait.” I say.

Think? What is the plan for this fight? I have only one hope of beating these overqualified warriors with a bunch of goblins and one hobgoblin.

“Tiaj.” I shout, my voice vibrating with magical enhancement.

The whole area heard that. Even the lake ripples in response.

He does not pay me any mind. Oh well, who said I have to give up now? I can risk using my magic a couple of times.

“Tiaj.” I scream, letting my magic carry my voice as far as possible.

The old wizard is focusing on the ritual, trusting his companions to deal with us. I guess they are strong enough to do that.

“Watch out.” Snaray jumps on top of my head, pushing me down.

A bolt flies over us. Daldrag has not reached Higaun.

I look at the people we have to fight.

“Daldrag, do not go there.” I shout.

“I know.” He responds, having stopped a few steps away from us.

He is surprisingly level headed about this. I mean, he did use a trap on me and a couple of feints to control the momentum of our fight.

Higaun shoots another goblin down, this one writhing in pain behind me. He is trying to kill all the goblins first. The one aiming for me was just an opportunity attack.

“He wants the goblins down. We need to charge. Get within javelin range.” I say.

Daldrag barks a couple of orders in goblinoid, then moves to our right. He is responding to the orc’s movements.

“Keep the man with the crossbow pinned down.” I say, moving straight down the middle.

Zordel and Zhaleh are waiting for me. Five black goblins are accompanying me, while seven others, Snaray included, are going against Higaun. Daldrag faces Nibwen on his own. I like this formation.

They have set up their camp equipment surrounding Tiaj, a makeshift barrier Higaun is also using for cover.

Daldrag clashes with Nibwen, who is using two hammers this time. He immediately realized Daldrag is a fast fighter, so he went with more mobile weapons. Daldrag uses the shield to bash Nibwen, only to be pushed back by the orc’s strength.

I have to deal with my own fight for now.

“Is that a cracked bone you have on your shoulder?” I chuckle, drawing my sword.

“I will kill you.” Zordel snaps.

“You deal with her.” I say, charging at Zhaleh.

The goblins attack Zordel, giving me time to kill the dwarf.

This time, she is covered in armor, helmet and all.

“Not going to end like last time, kid.” Zhaleh says, feinting a thrust only to go for a slash.

“True.” I say, deflecting the strike. “This time, I am not running.”

We exchange blows, only to have my elbow hit by the shield. The one-arm thing is really annoying right now. I take a step back, only to have my thigh slashed. Not a deep cut. The armor took most of the hit.

“You are good.” I say.

She purposely clashed with me, clinching my blade and gaining a free attack on my legs. I cannot protect my entire body with one weapon.

Each limb protects itself, my dear friend Volter, you know that already.

Could always make sure they are not breathing long enough to hit you, Volt.

Right. Each limb protects itself and once in a fight, be as ruthless as possible. Sylvar’s advice first, then Meuko’s. I got this.

“Come on.” I urge her.

A second exchange of blows. I go for her shoulder, only to have my sword deflected by the shield. She goes for my leg again. I raise it in time and step back as soon as possible, avoiding the hit.

Not going to work again. I think.

She channels her magic in her weapons, shield vibrating and sword humming. This is not good.

“Come on.” I shout at her, the arcane reverberation pushing her back a few feet.

It is not as effective as the previous time I surprised her with it. The shield manages to keep her safe but I still give myself an opening.

I stab the sword on the ground, grabbing knives and throwing them as fast as possible. The first one is a feint, aiming for the higher part of the shield on purpose. She covers her head, just like I want her to. The second one flies straight at her thigh, penetrating her armor.

She charges at me, growling. She does not want me to throw another one. I grab my axe, avoiding a sword strike and attacking the arm that is holding the shield. The axe finds better purchase than the sword, digging itself inside the armor.

I leave the axe embedded in her arm, kicking the sword with the thick part of my boots before her swing reaches maximum speed. Snaray’s blacksmith really gave me some functional boots. The metal reinforcement on the inside is extremely useful.

I push the sword back but her magic activates, knocking me back as well, with my back hitting the ground.

The strap of the javelin pouch breaks, and my ranged weapons fly out of reach.

She grabs the axe, takes it out and throws it back at me. I roll away, dodging it. But I do not dodge the thrown knife, which lands on my hurt shoulder. The pain makes me lose it for a second, forgetting where I am.

Zhaleh rushes me, only to be surprised by my move. I spin my legs around, giving myself enough momentum to get up without struggling, allowing me to pull a knife out of a holster at the same time and throw it at her.

The shield not only deflects it but sends it back at me, narrowly missing my head. I pull the knife out of my shoulder, realizing that this magic of hers enhances not only her attacks but her defense as well. Avoid her equipment, aim for the parts between the armor.

I mean, I should do this anyway, despite her magic.

She delivers an overhead strike, one I manage to deflect with my knife. Even with the magic enhancement, my arm is strong enough to withstand a strike. Still, I cannot find an opening and finish her off.

I look at Zordel, who has already killed three goblins, as she impales the fourth with her arm. They are only trying to delay her. I have to move fast. If Zhaleh is making it this difficult for me, the two of them will be impossible.

I rush Zhaleh, aiming to clinch her blade and deliver a kick so hard, that it breaks her leg. Instead, the moment we lock blades, she uses her shield to hit my injured arm so hard, I cannot help but step back because of the pain, gasping in reaction.

“You are mine.” Zhaleh says, sending my knife away with her sword.

I spin around, kicking the arm that holds the sword. She drops it in response but tackles me on the ground. Zhaleh is trying to hit me with her shield while I am trying to keep her from using it. I scream in pain, using even my suffering arm. The searing pain is enough to give me endless motivation. I am not dying here.

“Just die.” Zhaleh barks.

“Screw you.” I respond.

I look at Snaray, who is using five dead goblins as cover, along with one other goblin. They are still fighting Higaun, who is still shooting at them. Only one javelin has managed to hit him but it does not seem to hold him back.

A bash on my head draws my attention back to my own fight. I react with a punch to her belly, only to remember why only Meuko can punch metal.

Wait, Meuko uses magic with her punches. I can do that too. I can probably do one punch without going catatonic yet, as Sylvar says.

Another bash, this one cracking my nose. My head is a mess. Do not think. Just wait until she gives an opening. I drop my injured arm, breathing shallowly. This is your chance, Zhaleh. Take it.

She does. For the third attack, she winds up a powerful strike, holding the shield all the way above her head.

“Thanks.” I growl, putting all the strength I have on my legs, pushing my waist up.

I lift her just enough that she loses her footing. My magic concentrates around my fist, as I deliver a swipe with my left hand. My fist rends the metal, as Zhaleh’s ribcage cracks against the might of my attack. She gasps, dropping next to me and shouting in pain, holding her chest.

She is having difficulty breathing, while I use every moment I can to rest. Zordel is not after me yet. The last goblin she is facing is dodging her, focused on jumping away and using weapons from its dead friends.

“You think.” Zhaleh growls, grabbing my leg and mounting me again. “I stop that easily?”

My fist gets bursts in cuts and cracks, all around my skin. They reach all the way up my elbow.

I used enough magic to hurt myself but not enough to render me unable to move. Good.

Now is not the time to be excited, Volter. She is still moving.

I try to kick her away but her grapple is strong. Even with an injured lung, she can move in this heavy armor.

Tough dwarf. She plans on killing me with just her fists.

We are both growling, using any stamina we can muster to gain the upper hand. She delivers a flurry of blows, aiming for my chest and my head. I do my best to blow or deflect the strikes but some get through.

I hit her neck, hoping it will send her back. We are both trying to catch our breath. My magic usage is keeping me from finishing this fight and she is injured enough that she needs a moment.

She suddenly hits me with a headbutt and grabs my final knife from its holster, trying to stab me with it. I stop her in time but this is not looking good.

She is going to overpower me.

Shit.

There is nothing I ca-

An arrow flies straight through Zhaleh’s neck. Her grip instantly weakens and I push her off me. I already know who just saved me. I know these arrows.

“Volter.” Sylvar shouts.

Meuko jumps in front of me, exchanging blows with Zordel, pushing her back.

“What took you so long?” I shout in pain.

“More of you? I will cut all of you down.” Zordel grins, breaking the final goblin’s neck.

“Try me.” Meuko responds.

“Volt.” Julie runs at me.

“Sylvar, help Snaray.” I point at Higaun.

While this reunion is everything I hoped for, we have more important things at hand.

“Get behind cover. There is a crossbow aiming.” I shout, taking cover behind Zhaleh’s body.

Julie slides behind a rock, while Sylvar shoots two arrows at Higaun in quick repetition. I look at Daldrag, only to see him struggling against Nibwen. He has dropped his shield and instead covers his arm with his weird, thorny magic. Nibwen is now using only one hammer, wielding it with two hands.

“Zhaleh is dead, old man.” Higaun shouts.

Tiaj utters the final words of some ritual, in a language I do not understand. A green pulse quickly runs through the lake, as mist covers the top of the still water. The area grows chilly in a flash, our breath turning into a small cloud right in front of us.

I always found this little reaction funny when I was a kid. I would always breathe in as much as I could, making the biggest cloud I had in me. Is it a cloud? It disappears quickly after exhaling. Clouds tend to stay in their weird formless shape for quite a bit.

What am I thinking about right now? I swear, my mind wanders away in the most unnecessary times.

“What I bring is the future. The second coming of Caltrech’s hero and the Old Guard. I will not allow you to disrupt the world’s evolution.” Tiaj says, raising the ground around him, levitating high enough that he separates the ground he is standing on from the rest of us.

He stabs his staff on the ground, locking it in place with a flick of his fingers. Magic flows through his coat, seeping from the earth he stands on and falling on the crater below him, creating a wall of intense gray energy, encircling and further reinforcing his position.

Still, they are outnumbered. We can figure something-

Multiple growls draw our attention to the lake, as a literal dead army marches towards us.

“Are those goblins?” I shout, pointing at the creepy lumps of diseased flesh and creaking bones.

“This is quite the predicament we find you in, Volter. Undead goblins and necromantic rituals.” Sylvar says.

“That hobgoblin is with us but he cannot help.” I nod towards Daldrag.

“I can handle her.” Meuko says, bracing herself for a fight.

“We need a plan.” Julie says, using a sling to hit one of the dead goblins before hiding behind her cover.

“Help.” Snaray shouts, running away from the pile of now active dead goblins.

The other goblin is grappled and quickly stabbed repeatedly by the five dead goblins.

“They can use weapons? What the actual-”

A bolt interrupts my screaming, deflected by Zhaleh’s armor.

“They are getting closer.” Sylvar says, shooting an arrow.

Twenty. Thirty. They keep on coming. I have never faced so many goblins at once, even if they are dead. Their mobility seems to be severely worse, able to deliver basic attack strikes but they have plenty of advantages in the sheer number of forces. Fourty and counting.

Think.

Even if we kill these ones, more could be coming from the depths of that lake.

The ground in front of us erupts, hands grabbing Meuko. Thankfully, she easily breaks them apart with a couple of swift moves. More goblins are trying to come out of the earth.

“Really, Daldrag? A graveyard? Here?” I shout at him.

“Shut up and fight.” He responds, exchanging blows with Nibwen.

Tiaj. We need him. He is holding a book, reciting more words.

Shit. He knew we would reach him before he could finish whatever ritual he wants, so he spent all that time doing this army thing. Could not risk a stray shot or a sudden show of force disrupting his ritual.

Think. What do we have in our disposal? Come on.

The bodies are coming closer.

“Got it. Wha-”

Zhaleh’s cracking sounds terrify me as I realize that a body is right next to me. I quickly grab the arrow embedded in her neck and use it to stab her face in the ground. I hope this keeps her immobilized.

Sylvar covers Snaray’s retreat, not letting Higaun take a free shot.

I rush to Meuko’s side, grabbing the sword I had left earlier.

“We need Meuko for this. Sylvar, deal with the crossbow. Julie, stay behind me. And get my arm fixed.” I raise the blade against Zordel.

“So, there is a plan?” Sylvar says.

“Always.” I chuckle.

“Say it.” Meuko sighs. “You know you want to.”

“Shall we?”