“Go to the middle one.” The daughter guides me.

This is the third intersection we come across. According to the red piece of shit, there will be some guards visiting the place of my torture.

The guards.

The Queen.

What if she wanted to work with me?

What if there was a deal there?

Some agreement?

The distant echoes of various goblin noises snaps me out of my own thoughts. For the better. I need to focus on getting out.

“You are sure this is the right way?” I ask, realizing that we are moving towards the screeching, growling and shouting.

“Yes. Just be careful. Camp ahead. We stick left side and then go up.”

I think about all the turns and intersections we came across. Thank my luck that it is the left side this time and not the right.

She must be under a lot of stress. Can barely say all the words.

“How deep in the mountains are we?”

“Not a lot. For goblins?” She hesitates.

“Great.”

“Nothing to worry about.” She says, still clutching onto me.

I keep moving slightly upwards, using my arms to lift my body. Moving out in the forests is easy compared to these caves. We keep getting closer to the sounds, finally spotting what looks like torchlight.

The magic I have in my body seems to help with the breathing problem I had when I was captured. Those chains blocked my already weak powers. As long as I get to breathe properly, I have no complaints.

“Hide as soon as possible.”

“Sure.” I respond.

The light is overwhelming, blinding me as soon as I pull myself upwards. I blink, letting go of the magic inside my eye.

After spending days in cold, terrifying darkness, the warmth of dozens of torches is a welcome reprieve. Before I even have a chance to get used to the light, I duck behind some boxes.

“What about my equipment?” I ask.

“Somewhere in camp. But we have to…” After much frustration, she gestures with one arm what I think means run away to general safety and out of this deadly place.

Still, I would like to get my armor. It could prove useful if there is any fight happening.

Her sudden doubts about talking makes me paranoid. I try looking around.

There is a main fire. Bonfire, I think, is what Sylvar calls that. Entire groups of red and purple goblins have gathered there, throwing some bones on the ground and shouting in excitement or anger as soon as they land.

Where does the smoke go? There are dozens of holes in the ceiling, as well as magic circles that seem to shimmer every time smoke passes through them. Through. That is what Blago is using to make the smoke go away.

I am on the left side of the hole I came out of, near a few boxes and tents.

The enemies are further ahead to the right of the center of this area.

I look above, only to realize there are wooden buildings up there. There is only so much time for all this information.

“They are drunk, playing games.” She says.

I keep moving to the left, making sure that if anyone comes out of the hole I just came out of… Well, hopefully they cannot see me. I look inside the boxes. One has rope, nails and other bits of metal, the other has what looks like rocks, small enough to be thrown with three fingers. The last one has hides.

Hides.

I carefully pick a few of them up and give them to the daughter so she can tie them around my shoulders. At the very least, they should help hide my not-goblin-physique.

A surprised grunt turns my attention on the other side of the boxes.

A purple goblin, looking right at my face.

All three of us freeze, as if we do not know what the next moment is supposed to be. As if there is nothing for us to do, except stay absolutely still.

As soon as the purple goblin moves, I manage to take out a surgical knife and stab it below the jaw. All in one swift move. I raise it off the ground and throw it behind the boxes, right next to me.

It twitches, face shocked at the result of this encounter. The daughter hastily puts her hands on the dying goblin’s mouth, ensuring it cannot scream in its final moments. It finally stops moving, much to our relief.

Not having a usable second arm is frustrating.

I focus on my surroundings, trying to remember Sylvar’s lessons. Check their vantage points, stay low, use anything you can find and always, always fight. No. Matter. What.

The wooden buildings are suspended high over the ground. However, this cave opening is huge. I am not sure how to describe the things I see. I really need to have Sylvar teach me a few cave words. Anything a person learns is useful.

Focus.

These wooden buildings seem to connect with holes above. Meaning what exactly?

If anybody wants to attack this place, they have to worry about attacks from all points of view. Goblins can also climb way better than people like Meuko and I can, so it gives them more ways of movement. A goblin could easily throw a javelin while hanging on from the ceiling.

Luckily, I do not see any movement up there. I am sure they are all down here, playing those games the daughter mentioned. They have to be.

That is why the fires are all on the right side. They do not want the smoke to go to places where goblins can regularly pass through. Why do they not just make a bigger magic circle? Probably hard to do. Magic is weird.

I realize that I just killed a goblin. Others might come looking. I have to move.

The ground is not even. The central area is higher than the sides. The lowest parts of this place is where the walls meet the ground.

It could be another defensive measure. Goblins are small and they like ambushes. If I am entering through a hole, the darkness makes it harder for me to spot corners. Which means it is easier for someone to stab me from below.

Eadwald said, if I remember correctly… If someone is bigger than you, aim for the neck or the lower legs, like the calves and ankles. One of these is always less protected than the rest. Unless they use magic. In that case, I am sure she told me to run. I have no hope. Something like that.

The memory of the hobgoblin beating Meuko to a pulp and impaling me invades my mind. Not. Now. I am in the middle of an escape here.

I can use the height difference to my advantage. I stick to the lowest parts of the cave, making sure my body leans against the slightly heightened ground. That way, I get to keep even more parts of myself hidden.

I move around the tents, only to find benches and what looks like dried pieces of food. I can find no desire within me for food. It must be the stress. And the imminent feeling of death. Are they the same? Does not really matter.

I move past this area, only to find two goblins on the ground. Sleeping.

Thank. My. Luck.

My feet are cold. They are also silent. This is one of those times that the lack of armor helps. At least they are hardened from all the training. It means I do not have to worry about excessive bleeding. I still need to make sure I do not slip.

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I slowly make my way around the drunken goblins. If they wake up and see me, I will have to fight everyone in here. They are not wearing any armor but they do have their equipment just lying there on their side. I move closer, grabbing a belt with a shortsword on it. The daughter tightens it around her belt.

I make my way further ahead, reaching a few more tents. Looks like the entire left area is used for housing.

The disorganized and random footwork of sloppy drunken goblins gets my attention. Some of them start moving this way. I hide, trying to get my breathing under control. The only thing I can find close enough is a wooden platform that seems to serve as the foundation of a future building. I move closer towards it, tilting it over my body.

The slits between the parts of the foundation help me keep watch over the goblins. I notice their desire to sleep. Is it night outside?

For some reason, I am expecting the goblins to somehow change colour or something. Of course, nothing like that could happen. Red and purple. Can it mean anything in terms of position? Maybe abilities? I have not seen any gray hobgoblins yet. At least, I think so.

Giggles. Close to me. All they have to do is look behind a tattered tent. The wooden foundation is not where it is supposed to be. If they figure out I moved it and surround it, they will find the prisoners. Us. No more Snaray. No more venturing out. No more training.

Do I really miss training? I guess I do. But, is it the improvement or the single-minded focus of repetition that I miss?

Sudden clanging and screaming draws my attention towards the hole I came out of. This is not good.

“We move. Now.” The daughter whispers, tapping my hand.

Six armored goblins, weapons out, screaming and wailing. The goblins are starting to wake up.

“Now, before the bell.” The daughter says.

“The what?” I ask.

“Warning bell. There.” She points at the center of the area.

I see it. Past the tents, near the middle. Next to the multiple tables with food, shields and armor. The goblins are dancing around what looks like half a pillar. The bell is on that pillar.

They are not aware of the armored goblins yet, thanks to their festive mood.

I have to run away, now. Where?

I have a better idea. Risky… But better.

“What are you-”

The daughter is interrupted by my pushing of the wooden platform. Right where the goblins are hastily getting up. I run across the platform, grabbing a goblin and throwing it towards another one, clearing my path.

I cannot just run. As soon as they use the bell, every creature within these caves will start looking for me. I cannot risk any enemy above us hearing alarms.

“Get ready.” I shout. “I throw you there, you cut down the bell chord. Jump back on me.”

“W-What?” The daughter says.

The armored goblins throw stones on the groups around the bonfire.

I kick a goblin that is trying to grab me. I run up on a table and throw the daughter.

“Now.” I shout.

She lands on the pole, knocking it down. Pretty weak for a structure.

I run in her direction, grabbing a knife that a goblin is trying to wield. Twisting its wrist is effortless. I headbutt it and it immediately loses consciousness. The purple goblins dancing around the bell start laughing as the daughter cuts the chord.

“Help.” She shouts.

The daughter stabs a goblin that is trying to hug her or something. She climbs the head of another, jumping towards me.

I throw the stolen knife, aiming for the first of the armored ones. It blocks it with its shield but it loses its momentum, having to steady itself. It was not expecting such a strong throw.

As soon as the knife is out of my hand, I extend the arm towards the daughter, catching her. My right shoulder feels like it is burning my entire body, making me sweaty. Might also be the running.

The confusion that ensues is the only reason why we are not openly fighting with every creature in this space.

“Run.” The daughter shouts.

The confused goblins slowly realize that it is a human and a gray goblin that is causing this entire mess. They all start screaming and throwing plates. Good thing they are not holding axes or javelins.

I slide over a table, knocking it down in the process. Anything to slow down these feral hunters. Because it is a hunt. They are after the daughter’s life and mine.

Not catching us while I still draw breath.

All the snarling and clicking noises. They are communicating and I cannot understand. I turn around, only to see the armored group being faster than the rest. The drunk ones stumble into each other, dragging the others down with them.

I sharply turn to the left side, running through a tent. The moment I pass through, I cut some ropes, causing the tent to fall in itself. I throw a knife in there, just to make sure. A sudden scream of pain confirms an accurate throw.

“How many knives?” I ask.

I reach the path I need to take upwards.

“Five.” The daughter responds.

“Make them count.” I say.

She instantly understands what I am saying. For a kid, she is doing all right.

I use my good arm to propel myself upwards, grabbing any nook I can find within these cave formations.

Five barely functioning knives. These are made for torturing, not combat. They cannot withstand the weight of a proper attack.

A goblin’s eyes, glowing red. Right ahead. Normally, I am scared of encounters such as these. Now, though, I am glad.

I rush it screaming, unable to properly see what it is holding.

“Crawl.” The daughter shouts.

Crawl? I make myself as small as possible, touching the sides of the wall. The distinctive sound of wood rushing through the air lets me know that the goblin is throwing javelins.

I dash with everything I have, reaching the goblin before it can throw another. I raise it up from the jaw, as it claws away at my flesh. Screaming, I slam it down. The head smashes against the floor, blood flying everywhere.

I swiftly grab what I think is a pouch. Before I can even inspect it, the threatening arrival of armored clanking moves my feet faster than any will of mind can.

“Are they gaining on us?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“Here.” I offer the pouch.

The daughter climbs up my right shoulder, much to my shouting pain and fury. The path gradually turns to even ground instead of upwards climbing trail. She throws a knife.

Good. Must mean I am reaching the exit. Must finally mean we can get-

Instinct forces me to halt, saving me from falling down. There is a river below us, as well as broken remains of a rope bridge.

I cannot make the distance. I am dead. I cannot believe this. After all this time.

“Why stop?” The daughter asks, throwing a javelin.

I grab her by the back and throw her across, much to her shouting pain and confusion. She lands lower than the bridge line but manages to climb back up. Thank my luck for not killing her.

“I cannot make the distance. Run.”

“No. I cannot make it alone.”

I immediately draw out a knife and throw it towards the indistinct group of goblins. I am simply aiming for somewhere on their bodies. One head seems to recoil and slow down.

I draw the sword, which is bigger than a knife but smaller than my actual swords. I miss Blago’s weapons.

This is it. Final stand.

After every decision, every doubt, every painful night.

Five armored goblins rushing me. Three of them are on the right wall, one of them on the left and only one charging me directly.

I let out a roar. Meuko’s rage and strength. All I can muster. I hold the sword in a stance similar to Sylvar’s, ready for a counter stab. If only I could muster Julie’s magic.

Magic.

I remember the laughter in front of the Queen, once I realized I can use a good portion of it without breaking my body.

The flashing images of my friends run hectically through my mind, reminding me of my goal. It is not to let my rage control me.

Keep. The. Village. Safe. Always.

No matter what.

“Reveal.” I scream with the same ferocity, throwing the sword in the wall with the three goblins.

The sword glows blue and purple, as it spins with a humming sound. It lands on the wall, exploding and sending debris all around it.

The magical shockwave knocks them out of the wall, as they scramble back up. The other two hesitate, seeing the sudden change of the fight’s dynamics.

I twist my leg, rush towards the broken bridge, take two giant steps and leap into darkness. Only, tt is no longer darkness. My eyes are glowing with energy, offering me better sight. I focus on the final fight. My moves, they are too obvious. Sloppy. At least the magical ones. The leap, though, is a very strong addition to my techniques.

I have to find a way to activate my magic without shouting.

I channel all my magic towards my legs, releasing the energy as soon as I reach the highest point of my jump. The boosting wave sends me flying towards the other side of the bridge. I try to roll, only to land harshly and skid off the surface of the rock.

“Come on.” The daughter says, trying to drag me.

“Got it.”

“Here they come.” She says.

How? There is no wall between this side and the other side. Probably because of the water.

The ceiling. The goblins are coming from the ceiling.

The daughter grabs a knife from my holster and throws it, destabilizing one goblin and causing it to fall in the water.

I pick the daughter up and focus on one thing only. Running. Nothing else matters.

Run.

Make it out alive.

The daughter throws another knife.

“One left.”

“Do not use it. We might need it.” I say, noticing light ahead.

“Guards?”

“Probably.” I respond “I take the right side, you take the left side.”

“I cannot-”

“Aim for the neck or the eyes. You did it before. Just one more.” I say, preparing her mentally.

If I remember correctly, there is a way to make the slit of the cave widen enough for me to pass through unhindered. There is no time to waste on that, however. I have to go through the small opening, even if it feels like serrated blades running free inside my right shoulder.

How long? How many days? To feel the sun hit my face again.

As my arm makes the final effort to pull me out of the cave, I immediately realize that it is night. Torches are the source of my happiness. Misguided happiness.

The sun will have to wait.

Two goblins are already looking at us, drawn by my loud gasping. They draw out their weapons. The left one is holding an axe, the other a mace and a shield.

The daughter shouts, imitating my rushing techniques. She wrestles with the left goblin, grabbing the axe with one hand and the enemy’s neck with the other.

The right goblin is good. It feints a strike for my right shoulder, then redirects the attack to my knee. I am not quick enough block it but I do manage to raise my leg slightly, taking the damage in my shin instead. Thankfully, the strike is not powerful enough to break my bones.

I would kill for those greaves of Blago’s right now.

I try hitting the goblin with a pummel strike but it deflects it with the shield. I follow the strike with an elbow attack, pushing the shield against the goblin’s face. Before it has a chance to react, I pull the shield away from its arm and headbutt it.

The goblin manages to hit my right shoulder with the mace. Even a weak attack seems to make me scream, feeling searing pain that assaults even half the side of my face. I use my knee multiple times, then smash the goblin’s face in the ground.

“Run.” I shout.

The daughter has somehow managed to throw away the axe but is still fighting the goblin, which has now put a knee on her chest and is trying to choke her.

I kick my goblin in the stomach. The pain is enough to send it back, writhing in pain.

Shit. I can hear the armor clinking near the slit.

I tighten my grip on the shield and throw it at the goblin on top of the daughter. The opening is enough for her to rush towards me.

I grab her, looking behind to make sure that the goblins are not hunting us. Wishful thinking. They are already out of the slit.

“We are dead.” The daughter cries out.

“Not now.” I say.

If they are having difficulty catching up to me in caves, they will never catch me in a forest. Sylvar’s lessons, Eadwald’s and Blago’s. This is where I use everything I know.

Finally. A chance.

Things are getting better.