The Stranded Barbarian

AN: Happy New Year, my readers! I finally got to writing this story and here it is, the new chapter of The Stranded Barbarian. I'm sorry if I made you wait too long, but there is much going on in my life to have a consistent schedule. I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

Now to reviews.

Guest: I understand what you're saying and yes, normally that would be the case but Conan was in a similar situation before in the Black Colossus story where he was made a general and he didn't seem to be all that hindered in commanding foreign troops so this isn't new territory for him. Not to mention Sword Maiden is the reason he ended up caving.

Dracus6: We'll see about the second one.

Guest(2): Not sure if I made him more reasonable. I just write him the way I think he would act based on what I read.

banditobane: I'm very glad that this story pleases you so much. I hoped that I would get Conan and the interactions right. And you're mostly right about what will happen in the end. And sorry, but there will be no discussion about The Riddle of Steel since that has nothing to do with the original Conan stories.

Kian Xki: Yes, I get your arguments but they are all addressed in the story. Sure, many failed tp dissuade GS from his goblin obsession but Conan is the one that made the discussion hit on a personal level and he is more forceful than the others, which is a tactic I think would be most effective.

And how exactly is Conan being OP meaning that it is a self-insert? And I didn't make Conan any more powerful, I just write him with the strength he showed in books and comics.

And besides Spearman's boasting, what is there to prove that he is indeed the strongest? No one seems to think so. And yeah, Heavy Warrior is based on Guts, but that's all. That doesn't mean that he is Guts or that he can do what Guts can. The same way that while Spearman is based on Lancer from Fate he isn't Lancer. And I still don't see them performing any feat that surpasses Conan.

And yes, Conan can certainly do that.

Zaraki6: As I said before, it isn't NTR since they're not together. Still, glad that you enjoy this.

26 Beginning of the End

Conan was currently sitting in a royal carriage that was headed towards the Capital city of the land. In front of him sat the King himself as he impassively stared at Conan before his gaze went to the carriage's window so he could look outside.

The two men didn't speak a word since the journey began, silence filled with only the stomping of hooves belonging to the horses that pulled the carriage and slight creaks and rattles of the wooden carriage when it found itself on an irregular part of the road. Outside the carriage, there were several mounted knights that served as the escort of the king as they rode behind the carriage.

After the King proclaimed that he agreed to have Conan serve as a general came as a shock to the barbarian and his guildmates, making Conan wonder, what has suddenly changed his mind as the King seemed adamant in his previous decision? The King only said that the Sword Maiden convinced him that Conan was good enough for the job, which made Conan even more confused as to why she would vouch for him since he only met her a day earlier. He didn't ask as the King requested that Conan came with him to the carriage so they could ride to the Capital where they would discuss strategy.

The rest said that they would go back to the Adventurer's Guild to inform the others what happened and so they could prepare to fight in the inevitable war, which the King appreciated. They said that they would meet Conan at the Capital.

But after that, the two men just rode in silence. Conan just leaned back on the cushioned seat and was deep in thought, thinking of different scenarios that might happen in the future. While he remembered the battle strategies employed by Thugra Khotan he wasn't sure how big of a part his restored magic play, though he was familiar with his use of explosive seeds.

The King also just sat there and thought of what the future battle was going to be like. Though he honestly brought Conan here hoping they would strike a conversation about it but they haven't said a word yet, which made the King feel somewhat awkward.

His thoughts then lingered on what Sword Maiden said to him, how Conan was chosen by the gods to fight against Khotan and this was the part where he would definitely be crucial. But the King then though, what exactly was Conan's history with this evil wizard? He was awfully curious especially when the large man claimed that he had far more experience in warfare then him.

"If you don't mind me asking," the King began, finally breaking the long silence and gaining Conan's attention. "How exactly are you familiar with Thugra Khotan? Is he some sort of mortal enemy to you?"

Conan 'tsked' at the man's words. "He isn't a mortal enemy. He is just someone I killed, at least I thought I did when princess Yasmela of Khoraja named me a general for her army."

The King raised an eyebrow at that. "Made you a general? For what reason?" he asked, wondering how this man could have been named general in yet another instance.

Conan just shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not really sure. Maybe she heard of me or maybe she was desperate. I was only a part of the mercenary group at the time."

The King wasn't sure what to make of that. The fact that royalty made Conan a general out of the blue seemed very unlikely. He thought about it before a thought came to mind. "Tell me, was that princess religious?"

Conan shrugged again. "I honestly have no idea. The subject never came up. Why do you ask?"

"Maybe her reasons had something to do with that."

Conan chuckled. "Yeah, because a religion would have a law where when a certain circumstance comes, you should appoint a barbarian from the north as your general," Conan said before chuckling again slightly. "I honestly doubt that was the reason."

The King wanted to ask more but thought that it would be pointless. Conan seemed to be as ignorant as he was in the matter. But there was one thing he was curious about. "So what happened after you defeated Thugra Khotan?"

"Well, the princess proclaimed her affection for me and I began living at her castle," Conan explained to which the King looked surprised. A princess fell in love with Conan and he lived in her castle?

"If that so then… what are you doing here exactly?" the King asked making Conan raise an eyebrow.

"And just what exactly do you mean by that?"

"I mean, what are you doing here and adventuring? As you said, a princess fell for you and had you live with her. Shouldn't you be a king by this point?"

Conan once again chuckled. "It wasn't so simple. It was obvious she was infatuated with a man who saved her. However further down the line, I wasn't 'acting' like royalty so she seemed to reconsider. When she met a prince who came talking for an alliance she fell in love with him since he suited her tastes more. After that, I left Khoraja and became a mercenary once again."

"Oh, I see," the King spoke. Though he supposed that was a more realistic outcome. Perhaps he read too many of his mother's romance books. "I'm sorry to hear that. It must have been hard. You must have been disappointed when you were this close to being king."

"Hah, simply marrying is hardly a worthy cause of being a king. If I ever become king it will be by the work of my two hands," Conan proclaimed with a smile as he clasped his fist.

The King found Conan's proclamation… somewhat admiring. He also sometimes felt that he didn't really deserve to be king simply he was born to a royal family. He missed his days of adventuring but he had duties as a king, a fact which, he had to admit to himself, annoyed him. As much as he longed for the past, he had to focus on the present.

"Though I wonder," Conan said with an amused smile on his face. "I wonder how that prince reacted when he found out that Yasmela wasn't a virgin anymore."

And now the situation became awkward as the King blushed at the man's implications. He figured something like that happened but he really didn't need to be told.

"Um, I right. It… must have been amusing," the King said, not feeling this awkward since his mother teased him about girls when he was younger.

Conan laughed. "Looks like even a king can blush like a suckling."

The King groaned at that. Of all the things he was expecting to deal with, this wasn't what he was expecting.

"If this is too much for you, I can go outside with other riders. I honestly feel a need for more fresh air."

The King shrugged his shoulders, once again donning a serious expression after composing himself. "Suit yourself."

After that Conan asked the rider to stop the carriage and took a ride with other guards, which was a position he was more comfortable in instead of being in the scented carriage. And for the rest of the trip, Conan rode that way to the Capital while the stayed in the carriage.

Goblin Slayer was currently trying out the new armor that he bought for the upcoming war. He was currently busy fastening a few straps on a gauntlet as he suited up.

After Conan went with the King he came back to Cow Girl's farm, though not before saying goodbye to Sword Maiden and Priestess, deciding that it was time for a much-needed change considering the current circumstances.

His old armor laid at the side of his room at the farm. His old helmet with broken horns, greaves, gauntlets, chest plate, buckler, all discarded and laying there as he donned his new armor. Even his shortsword was put next to them.

Goblin Slayer now finally put the last piece of his armor, the helmet.

His new gear was similar to his old, in a sense that pretty much covered the same parts that his old one did. However, all of his armor parts were now of a much higher quality. Instead of iron, his armor was now comprised of high-quality steel, even discarding most leather from his equipment. His helmet wasn't as bulky and had a more rounded shape and a T-shaped opening for his eyes and mouth. His chest plate was now a single metal piece instead of three segmented plates.

All in all, his armor provided a more durable defense than his last one, but it didn't compromise any of his mobility and the craftsmanship made it just as light if not lighter than his old one.

His shortsword got the same treatment, replaced with another one made of high-quality steel. The thing he definitely kept was the saber that Conan had bought him since it was made of more or less the same material.

A few months ago he wouldn't have considered wearing such equipment, justifying that if he was killed by goblins they would rob him and use it to become even more dangerous. But now it wasn't such a time, and he would need better equipment for the war. Before he wouldn't have bothered with such a thing, thinking goblins took priority. But after everything, he has been through, and everything Thugra Khotan did, he was definitely getting involved.

A sound of a turning doorknob could be heard before Cow Girl entered the room, and she saw Goblin Slayer in his new appearance and was taken aback by what she saw. He definitely looked more like 'proper adventurer' as many other adventurers like to put it.

Goblin Slayer then turned to her. "Is something wrong?"

"Well, it's just that… I can hardly recognize you like this," she commented as she took in his new look.

Goblin Slayer undid the knot beneath his chin and took off the steel helmet, revealing his head. "Better?"

Cow Girl just chuckled at that. "Well, at least now I know it's really you," she jokingly said to which he smiled. She really liked seeing him smile, especially after so long of him just being stoic. But her expression dropped and the atmosphere seemed to drop with her. "But, is it going to be enough?"

"It'll do," he simply said.

"But… will it guarantee that you'll come back alive?"

There was a pregnant silence that prevailed for a few moments before he responded. "I'm not sure."

"I see." Her eyes began to water slightly before she enveloped him in a hug. "I'm not going to ask you to promise me to come back alive. I know that it could go either way," she said through some sobs as tears flew down her cheeks. "Just… do your best to come back alive. That's all I ask for."

Goblin Slayer wrapped his arms around her and began rubbing her back in comfort. "I'll definitely try."

"Thank you."

Conan and the King finally arrived at the capital, a huge city surrounded by a wall. Once they went through the main entrance Conan took in his surroundings.

The city was grand, no other way to describe it. He only knew of several cities that might compare to this one, like the capital of Aquilonia, but still impressive nonetheless. He passed many buildings and marketplaces, all of which were populated by various races from the land, not just humans. There were some elves, people with animal-like features, similar to the waitress at the Guild, a lizardman here and there.

He was sure that people from his continent would have very amusing reactions if they saw something like that.

However, he mainly focused on a single target, the palace that was located within the center of this city. To the regular man, the palace would be one of the most beautiful structures ever seen. There were towers whose tops gleamed with golden colors. The white stone of which the palace was comprised gave the palace a certain shine in the sun. There were also several banners hanged at different sides, all in different coloring.

"Quite a sight, isn't it?" said the King as his head peered through the carriage window.

Conan shrugged his broad shoulders. "I suppose it is. Though, if I was in charge I would prioritize more practicality and fewer decorations."

"Normally I would agree, but this palace has been here for centuries and it was maintained in such a way," the King said. "But let's not focus on the outside. I'm sure that you would be more focused on the inside."

Conan gave him a nod. He was definitely going to be more focused on what was inside. And it wasn't about the decorations.

King and Conan soon found themselves walking through the palace hall. Like expected, it was decorated with paintings, fancy furniture, and carpentry, suits of armor and such, but all of it was ignored by Conan as they made their way to the meeting room, all the while being greeted by the servants.

The King led him through a hallway of the left wing of the palace before they reached one of the doors and the King stopped, which also made Conan do the same.

"Just so you know, things won't go smoothly from the beginning," the King said.

"I'm well aware. Just go in."

The King nodded before opening the door and entering. Within it stood three people at a table. Two men and a single woman. The woman was dressed in all black plate armor with only her head exposed, showing her purple hair and green eyes.

Another was an elderly man with silver hair and grey eyes, dressed in a black uniform instead of armor.

The last one was a man, who was dressed in gold armor, a sword with a jeweled hilt was hanging off his hip. He had long blond hair and blue eyes. Conan hoped that armor wasn't made of real gold otherwise this man was an idiot if he planned to wear it in battle.

The Old General looked at the new arrivals and smiled. "Well, look who came back," he then paid attention to Conan in particular. "And who is this?"

"That's not important right now," King deflected the question. "Have you sent out the messages?"

"We have," the Young General answered. "And we have received some answers. Half of our allies within the human kingdom have decided to join us. The rest either defected or remain out of the fight."

"We have also received support from the Lizardmen tribes, most of the demi-human leaders and the dwarves," the Female General said. "We still have yet to receive the answers from the elven kingdoms."

The King gave them a nod. "So far the situation isn't dire. However, the inclusion of the elven forces would definitely make things a lot easier. Let's hope we get an answer soon," he said before turning. "Now for another subject of the day. This man is Conan, a silver-ranked adventurer from the frontier, and the man I recently appointed general."

The reactions that followed were predictable.

"What?!" exclaimed Young General. "Have you gone mad?!"

"You appointed this man a general?" Female General asked, baffled by what she heard. "Why would you do such a thing? And at a doorstep of a war?"

"The reason he made me general is simple. I have experience in fighting Khotan's forces," Conan answered.

"You can't be serious," Young General said to the King. "For all you know, this man could just be lying to get a high position within the kingdom."

"Oh, I hardly have any reason to lie. There is no use in a high position if I end up. And I'm certain I've seen more battles that you have," Conan said which made the Young General glare at him.

"While I am skeptical about this," the Old General began. "I've lived long enough to see a man who has been on a battlefield. And you certainly seem to have it in drones. You have that look in your eye."

"Regardless of what you think, we can't just have him here," Female General said before turning to the King. "I'm sure that you didn't do this without a good reason but we still need to see if this man is good for such a title."

"Trust me, I've held that title before," Conan said before approaching the table. "So why don't we talk battle strategies? I'm certain that will prove to you that I'm truly worthy."

Old General rubbed his chin in thought. "Now that's a valid proposition," he said before smiling. "Alright then, I say we try."

Young General scoffed. "Fine then."

And so they began, talking about military strategy, battle positions, and many scenarios for quite some time, almost an hour and a half. The King also joined in discussing, wanting to judge Conan for himself. Sure he got assurance, but he needed to be sure that Conan was capable.

And so after that, the discussion stopped.

"Well, I hate to admit it," Young General said. "I must say I'm impressed. Perhaps you weren't just talk."

"I knew you were a commander the moment I saw you," Old General said with a smile. "But I must say I'm really impressed."

"You're certainly knowledgeable, if not anything else," Female General said.

"That I assume your doubts have been put to rest?" The King asked getting nods from his generals. "Then we should finally discuss how to combat Thugra Khotan. Conan shall share his knowledge about him with us."

"Finally, a reasonable decision," Conan said. "Shall we begin?"

"We shall," King said before turning to Conan. "But there is one thing left to take care of."

Goblin Slayer, dressed in his brand new armor, now stood within an open field along with many other people, ranging from warriors to wizards, scouts to healers, and many others from different races. All of these were adventurers that were called by the King to gather so they could be stationed in the army.

Alongside him was his team, Lizard Priest, Dwarf Shaman, High Elf Archer, and Priestess. Amazon Warrior, Female Knight, Witch, and Spearman were also there.

All of them arrive after the announcement came that the King was gathering his troops for war several days after Conan left with the King, and they immediately responded along with every adventurer within the Adventurer's Guild.

"Nice to see you wearing something other than that rust that you call armor," Spearman commented as he looked at Goblin Slayer.

"Really, you're making such comments now?" Amazon Warrior asked.

"Hey, it's true," Spearman defended. "That armor was of really low quality. This is certainly an improvement."

"It does look nice," Priestess commented.

"That it does," High Elf Archer agreed.

"New armor… aside," Witch began. "Are you all ready for this?"

"We most certainly are!" exclaimed Dwarf Shaman.

"I'll use all my skills to fight," Lizard Priest said.

"My blade shall slay our enemies," Female Knight said.

"You bet we are!" Spearman joined in.

Goblin Slayer smiled behind his helmet as he looked at them. He honestly felt like he was a part of a family.

"Well, if it isn't fancy meeting you here," a new voice came, causing the group to turn to the source. When Goblin Slayer saw who it was, he was honestly surprised.

Approaching them an attractive woman with short yellow hair and green eyes, over which she wore red glasses. She was dressed in a shirt over a black dress and a necklace with five red stones. Goblin Slayer recognized the woman as Arc Mage, someone who was also interested in goblins which caused them to become close companions during the time they worked together.

"You may have changed armor, but I can still tell it's you," Arc Mage said with a smile as she approached Goblin Slayer. "I thought you weren't the type for such things. The whole thing about fighting in an army, it just doesn't seem like your style."

"Normally it wouldn't be, but the circumstances have changed," Goblin Slayer said. "Though I'm glad I could see you again."

Arc Mage raised an eyebrow. She was familiar with the man's mannerisms and how he spoke with the time they spent working together. He was mostly quite serious and on the edge, but she hardly saw any of that in the man that stood before her. His tone was soft and relaxed, and the lack of tenseness seemed to suggest he wasn't as paranoid as before.

Arc mage once again smiled. "Well, you seem different from before. What happened to you exactly?"

"I had a… friend that helped me sort things out," Goblin Slayer said somewhat vaguely.

Spearman then leaned into Witch's ear. "Hey, isn't she that mage that you mentioned before? The one that was also curious about goblins?"

"Why yes… she is," Witch said as she watched Goblin Slayer and Arc Mage talk.

"Heh, and to think that Goblin Slayer has yet another babe that fawns over him," Spearman said. "Should I also be stoic and wear crappy equipment to have women just come at me?"

"Oh will you please be quiet, your jealousy is getting annoying," Female Knight said.

"I'm not jealous!" Spearman countered though nobody believed him.

Witch then approached Arc Mage and Goblin Slayer. "It's good to… see you… after so long," she said to Arc Mage who turned to her before practically she practically squealed and wrapped Witch in a hug which she returned.

"Oh, it's great to see you too! Why aren't you writing to me anymore? Did you finally get together with that spear guy?" she asked while the said 'spear guy' muttered a complaint under his breath.

Witch chuckled at her behavior. "Well, I've had… other things… planned. And no I… didn't get together… with Spearman. There is… someone else."

"Oh, now that's interesting," Arc Mage said with a curious glint in her eye. "And who might that be?"

"That friend that… Goblin Slayer mentioned."

"Hm, that man must have left quite an impact. Is he here, I'd very much like to meet him."

"You'll see him… soon enough."

"I can't wait," Arc Mage said before grabbing Goblin Slayer by the shoulder. "But it's nice to meet before we get stationed in different groups. I wonder how much time we have."

"Not much by the looks of it," Goblin Slayer commented as he looked in a certain direction which the others to look as well.

They turned to the podium that was located in front of the big group of adventurers from many kingdoms were now five figures. The first was the King and alongside him his three generals, but there was one that got Goblin Slayer's and other's attention.

That man was definitely Conan, but he wasn't dressed in his normal chainmail and tunic getup. Instead, he was now wearing silver armor, which consisted of a breastplate, gauntlets, shinguards over some black trousers and a helmet that hid some of his face which is why they had some trouble recognizing him. At his hip, he also had a single-handed sword that was different than the one used before.

Arc Mage saw that they were all looking at Conan. "Hm, I assume that this is the guy?"

"Yes, he is," Goblin Slayer answered.

The King then walked in the middle of the podium. "Adventurers!" he called out, his voice amplified courtesy of magic so he could address them all. "I thank you all for coming here! Your aid will be most appreciated and rewarded! Because today, a war begins!"

AN: And that's it for now, my readers! The stage has been set and our heroes are now preparing for war against Thugra Khotan. And next time we'll find out just how exactly that's going to go down.

And I thank you all for your patience. Leave a review to tell me what you think about this chapter, and maybe check out my other story.

Hope you enjoyed! See you next time!