The crowds cheered as Sir Jose did a victory lap around the streets of Essuria. The paladin on the big green dog was in his element as he waved at the adoring villagers who seemed to praise him over all others.
"So why is your master taking all the credit? If anyone deserves praise for this victory, it should be brave Sir Trent here," commented Maid in annoyance. The pretty innkeeper was taking a break from her job and relaxing with a few of her friends, namely Trent, Kit and the oddly silent Pig Iron. The group was seated in the Dragonslayer's Patio as they watched the victory parade proceed before them.
Kitahria was about to respond but she wrinkled her nose at the stench instead. Though she liked and even enjoyed the company of Sergeant Trent, the were-fox squire could not stand his scent in such close proximity. Besides the oddly friendly Greenpaw, the smell of dog that clinged to the Halfling drove her mad. Kit found their ability to trap scents in their long hair particularly disturbing and did her best to hide her revulsion while in Trent's company.
"The people praise him because he has the bearing of a true hero. Even though not everyone saw him battle those demons on the walls, many of the militia did, and the tale of his deed has ignited the imagination, "noted Trent as he waved at the passing knight.
"The demons were a distraction, the fake dragon was what actually saved the town," protested Maid as she reflexively served the groups drinks. Kit did not normally drink alcohol but accepted it graciously to not offend her friend, it was a fruity drink with a wooden sword and fruit garnish and made her gave her a slight spinning sensation in the head. Trent was drinking hard liquor of some type, not the agave worm juice that Jose enjoyed but some type of fermented potato beverage. Pig Iron seemed particularly happy as he lapped his platter full of some beer and milk mixture.
"I'm actually surprised that even worked. ", replied Kit finally as she attempted to ignore the invisible scent around them by sliding further down the table.
Trent reclined smugly on his small wooden booster chair that balanced precariously on his stool. The agile Halfling managed to tip himself at almost a forty five degree angle but due to his formidable Halfling dexterity he avoided falling on his back. " It was only a hunch, but I was pretty sure the dragon Magda was not in league with the mayor. Though my knowledge of Dragons is mostly limited to myths and legends, it doesn't take a genius to know how destructive and powerful they are. I was certain that the goblins know this as well, and just played on their fears," explained the Halfling. " Goblins are not the most clever or brave of creatures. All it took was a few slain giants by Pig Iron and yourself in the smoke , some clever acting by our talented linguist Maid here, and a large hazy shadow to spread panic into our foes. "
Kit listened to the explanation and nodded. " I recall some of this from Sir Jose's teachings. Fog of war right? I didn't realize that it involved actual ..umm fog. "
Trent laughed out loud at her comment and fell off his booster seat. Instead of dropping on his head though the Halfling managed to eject himself from his chair and landed squarely on his stool. "Hah! I see that your master's prowess in the class room is lacking compared to his skill on the battlefield. Fog of war ..Doesn't mean smoke or actual fog. It means the inability to know all the factors of battle. Fog of war is the uncertainty in situational awareness experienced by participants in military operations. I am proud to say it is a term coined by one of my Halfling countrymen , the famed Greater Pieland military analyst Carls Jr von Cakeawitz," stated the Sergeant proudly.
"Carls Jr? " , Maid giggled at his response. Trent shot her an angry look but was swiftly disarmed by the Innkeeper's charming smile. "I consider myself a soldier not a hero. Unlike Sir Jose I am more a student of tactics and strategy than a warrior like himself. " he continued.
"Oh..you study the art of war. Like the great General Monte Nabisco right?" asked Kit.
Trent nodded. "Yes , I have studied the campaigns of General Nabisco in depth. As an aside, his contributions to the development of tactics are not as important as his ability to motivate his troops . For humans, I admire the long range acumen of General Olive, the ability to maneuver troops on the battlefield like Baktu Kahn, the second guessing skills of General Dice, and of course the unshakeable confidence and will of Grand Champion Hida Franksada. "
"For humans? I thought humans were the most warlike race on the planet. I assume that all the great generals are humans, "puzzled Kit.
Trent shook his head with a chuckle."Wrong on both accounts my dear." Kit did not like his condescending attitude but over looked it . Her curiosity was peaked. "It is with both pride and sadness that my own people are considered the world's most militant race. Though humans have definitely participated in many more wars than my people, the size and scope of Halfling campaigns ...err dwarfs all others," boasted Trent while shooting a glance at Pig Iron. The dwarf seemed oblivious to the comment though as he continued to lap away at his milk beer saucer.
Kit scratched her head as she struggled to recall any Halfling wars. Nothing popped into her mind at first, but then she recalled something about a particular event that occurred a while ago in the north. "Ohh you mean the Great Halfling war right? That's where you guys had some big civil war and lined up and threw snow balls at each other till one side got all wet and cold. Then the losers went home with the sniffles and had hot chocolate, while the winners roasted weiners and marshmallows around a bon fire right? That must have been fun, "commented Kit with a wistful smile. The whole battle didn't seem much like a war , but it certainly sounded a lot more fun than the bloodshed she was accustomed to.
Sergeant Trent's humor vanished at the unintentional slight. His face contorted into a mask of rage, but a slight touch on the shoulder by Maid paused the soldier. "Forgive young Kit here. She grew up in the distant lands of Vinnraj and do not know the suffering your people endured, "explained the Innkeeper in a soothing diplomatic voice.
Trent sighed and closed his eyes. He shuddered as if he was recalling a terrible nightmare. " The Great Halfling war was not a civil war, but a thirty year campaign waged by the various Halfling nations at the time. The war was a terrible thing, that dragged the forces of the Knights of the North, the dwarves of Khazag Narg , and even the Grommish Expeditionary forces, not to mention a host of mercenaries from around the world into it. Demons, dragons, devils, devas, daemons, dinosaurs and even deities were all summoned and pressed into this terrible conflict. Roughly a million civilians and soldiers died before the conflict was ended and the Leeha Union was formed from the ashes of the shattered countries. ", stated Trent with remorse.
Kit felt small at his explanation and wisely remained silent. She was about to question the accuracy of his tale, but the look of Maid and even Pig Iron told her that the Halfling spoke the truth.
Trent took a swig of his potato spirits and continued. " Though the toll was horrifying , it did forge a lasting peace amongst my people . It also elevated our people's skill and knowledge of warfare to new levels. Many of the most famous military strategists in the world are Halflings. As mentioned before, Carls Jr von Cakeawitz was an analyst from Greater Pieland, his famous quote is 'war is a continuation of policy where diplomacy and dinner rolls have failed'. The famous Sauce Tzu was an ancient Halfling general philosopher that wrote the famous treatise the 'Ancient art of Worcestershire' that most war collages regardless of race still follow to this day. "
"Errr you mean the 'Ancient Art of War' , " corrected Kit meekly.
"I suppose that's the way humans translate it, but in its original Halfling its closer to Worcestershire,"dismissed Trent. "Also let's not forget the Great General Orange Julius Caesar and of course Emperor Neapolitan Bonbon-aparte, both Halfling leaders that shook the world to its knees with their brilliant military campaigns. Finally my personal favorite, Neapolitan's master of cavalry and the soldier I most want to emulate, the daring Marshmallow Ney ! "
Kit snickered and tried to contain her laughter, but found she couldn't. Even after receiving a swift kick under the table by presumably Maid, and biting her own tongue, she still managed to giggle at the humorous Halfling names. She expected Trent to begin a tirade on her, but he seemed focused on something else.
"I suggest you all enjoy this celebration while it lasts. I suspect we will be out on campaign soon," noted the Halfling as he stared into the mountains surrounding Essuria.
"Eh? I thought our foe broken? ", asked Maid.
"They are broken, but only temporarily. While our harassment operations were successful in routing the enemy, we only managed to slay perhaps two dozen goblins and burn their supplies. Even with the intervention of those eagles again we only managed to delay our foe, "explained Trent. At the mention of Eagles, Pig Iron ducked and hissed while scanning the skies cautiously.
"Eagles? Like the ones that showed up when we battled the dragon? "Puzzled Kit.
"Yes, I suspect a benevolent druid in the mountain is lending us aid. I have my guesses on who it is, but I have no confirmation yet, " nodded Trent. "Anyways, I counted roughly fifty goblins were slain during their first assault, another hundred during the main battle, three giants and ogres by yourself and Pig Iron here, and roughly two dozen by my Dogoons. Let's say a dozen were ripped apart by the eagles, and we still have about eight hundred and fifty goblins and forty seven giants. Not counting an unknown number of worg and wolf riders they kept in reserve. Normally after suffering such a loss like they just experienced, the goblins would scatter back into their holes in the mountains, but if Jose is correct, a higher power is controlling them and will reform their ranks soon. My best estimate is that they will hide in the low land valleys for now to forage enough food and supplies to attempt another siege. I give them one maybe two weeks before they mount another assault. The next time, the ruse with the dragon will not work I'm afraid, "sighed Trent.
Maid blinked in disbelief and slumped into her stool. " Are you telling me, all that battle and bloodshed was for nothing? Essuria may still fall, and I'll lose my beautiful Tavern?" inquired the innkeeper in a small voice . The table fell silent as the sounds of celebration almost drowned her question.
"Hopefully the other city states will notice our plight and send reinforcements to break the siege. Though I must admit that most of them are already plagued by their own problems at the moment…..", began Trent.
Kit shook her head and grinned. Then she pointed at Sir Jose who was still the center of attention of the parade. "Fear not. When tactics fail, then courage, honor, and of course brute force will save the day. After all the goblins are afraid of the dragon, and Sir Jose drove the dragon away. If the goblins aren't afraid of Sir Jose now, I guarantee you that they will be , " remarked the squire proudly. Kit thought over her statement and realized how dumb she just sounded. She regret saying it and blamed the fruity drink she had been imbibing. " I'm sure Sir Jose will think of a clever idea or something. " she added , not knowing what else to say.
Kit marched behind her master and Greenpaw. She thought this was one of Sir Jose's dumbest ideas. "So just two of us? I thought if we were going to march out and strike the enemy, we would bring as big a force as we can muster. I can understand striking them while they are still organized and perhaps razing and supplies they've gathered, but I don't see how the three of us are going to fight a thousand goblins and giants, " noted the squire.
Jose seemed lost in thought and ignored her comment. " Keeta…were you with me in Veb? And if you were did you recall me dueling a cambion demon of some sort named Maltheul or Malleus of Zeratul or Zeletar or something like that? " He asked cryptically.
Kit shook her head. " From my talks with Jimmy and the Lady Stille, I believe you were in Veb roughly a year before taking me under your wing. However , Jimmy did mention some epic battle you had with a dark skin demon , but he would not elaborate for fear that recalling that fight would…and I quote…'make him stupid'," shrugged the young squire.
Sir Jose listened to her statement and nodded. "Did he mention if I owed this guy any money or something, cause I don't remember him but he certainly recalls me. Normally that means a debt or maybe I dated his sister or something. I would have remembered something like that I think," he stated with a shudder.
Kit laughed slightly," I believe that this was during your so called, bad old days, when you would drink yourself stupid after a great victory. From Jimmy's tales I assumed you won an exceptional battle in Veb, and therefore must have drank heavily in celebration. "
Jose frowned and nodded. "I suppose you're right. " The knight fell silent in contemplation then turned back to his squire. "I've really cut back you know. It's not easy but I'm trying, " he said solemnly.
"Woof!", barked Greenpaw.
Kit sighed and returned the nod. "I know you have, " she stated. Her master was a great warrior, who had done many heroic deeds in the past. Not the least was saving her from the Rakshasa lord Mogombo. Despite all his victories, he had lost so much from his addiction of drink. She shook her head at his loss. He lost the love of his love, and seemingly he lost some of his memory as well.
As the small group continued to march, Kit's ears heard something near and hissed a signal to stop to her lord. Greenpaw halted but instead of growling he barked happily as the small form of Sergeant Trent and his own shaggy dog appeared in front of them. She cursed herself at not differentiating his dog's scent from Greenpaw's earlier.
"What took you guys so long? Fluffly and I have been waiting hours," scoffed the Halfling as he saluted the knight and the young squire.
Jose return the salute and smiled, " We didn't want to leave so soon after you did, in case the goblins are watching the town. "
"Goblins? Sentries? Highly doubtful, and even if they did place one they would probably have fallen asleep by now," commented Trent with a smile.
Kit nodded in agreement. Her own limited experience with goblins, taught her they were unreliable at best.
"They did have sentries, but don't worry. They won't be waking up," responded a soft voice from the shadows.
Kit spun and saw Maid carrying a crude goblin bow and blade stepping out from behind a rock . The young squire looked at her friend inquisitively since she did not detect her presence, unlike their first encounter. Did she fail her vigilance in perceiving the strange Innkeeper, or did Maid take more care to avoid detection this time?
"I assume you will be accompanying us my dear Maid ?", bowed Trent at the pretty young woman.
"I have my business interests to look after you know, " smiled Maid.
"Ahh, I anticipated you would be coming , so I had these commissioned for you, " smiled Trent as he rode up to the Innkeeper. He took out a wooden case and a quiver from his saddle bag and presented it to her. Maid's cheeks grew red at the gift and gasped when she opened it.
"They're …they're beautiful, "stuttered the young woman in shock. Kit peered at her friend's present and found they were a masterfully crafted short sword, a black composite bow of some quality, and a suit of light chain made of some bright silvery metal. Kit did not doubt Maid's ability to use the weapons , and was glad she was given something besides those crappy goblin weapons to use. She secretly cursed herself for not thinking of getting her friend those gifts before the Halfling did. The squire did question the reasoning behind the suit of chain though. She knew from personal experience that heavier armor made it a lot more difficult to sneak around in, which was Maid's single greatest survival technique.
"Fear not, that's Halfling silver, you can wear it under your clothes to avoid its detection," noted Trent as he seemingly read the squire's thoughts. " Wait….that's a poor translation. I believe humans call that mithral, a metal that's as strong as steel but light as silk,"added the Halfling.
Maid was flustered and in an instant hugged the Halfling tightly. Trent was caught off guard and Kit smiled as he watched the small soldier smothered against her friend's ample bosom. "Thank you, thank you! " the innkeeper exclaimed.
"If you guys are done , we have a lot of marching ahead of us. The journey will be getting a lot harder soon, we'll be going uphill for a long stretch," interrupted Sir Jose with a bemused look .
"Wait… I thought you guys said the goblin horde is recovering in the low valleys. Shouldn't we be going down hill ? ", asked Kit in puzzlement.
"Goblins? Who said anything about the goblin horde? ", scoffed the knight. " Look, Gregor says he believes a higher power is in charge of this motley band threatening Essuria. I didn't see any sign of them during the siege, or in our pursuit action. Gregor was there, but he's not the one calling the shots. I'm guessing whoever is pulling the strings is hiding out in their lair still. I figure our victory has bought us one or two weeks to flush this cowardly mastermind out and make him pay for his crimes. "
"Wait….what if the goblins attack before then? ", asked Kit.
"Trent's outriders are in town , hopefully they'll have more citizens trained and armed to serve as militia by then. Also after the last disastrous assault, they will be more careful next time. That's why Trent and I did not leave together. For all the enemy knows, we're still in town. ", commented Jose with a grin.
Kit wasn't sure if it was a clever or a stupid plan. It wouldn't take much magic or scouting to determine that Jose and Trent were not in town. Even if Maid did take out their scouts, that didn't mean they wouldn't post more. Kit then wondered if goblins were organized and careful enough to consider this, and then she wondered if she gave their foes too much credit. Before she could voice her doubts though, she raised her hand and signalled a stop. She heard something heavy and loud following them.
Maid smiled at Kit and playfully yanked one of her ears as she casually continued her march. "Oh don't worry. That's just Pig Iron. He's also concerned about his investment and decided to tag along. He's been following me for a while now," she explained. " Oh …and Kit, your ears are showing ."
Sir Jose shook his head, even as Kit grew red in embarrassment. The were-fox knew that revealing her true nature strangers could be potentially dangerous, but she relaxed when she realized that this group was now her friends.