The Stranded Barbarian
AN: Hey there! Here's another upload for you, my dear readers. Though I'm sorry to say that this one on the short side and it doesn't have any action in it. That is reserved for the next one where you'll get plenty of it. I promise.
Now to reviews.
Dungeon Wyrm: That's an interesting thought but not very likely to happen. Thak doesn't seem like the type of villain suited for this story. If anything he was a villain by circumstance than anything else in the original story while Khotan and the others are more traditional villains.
Dracus6: Not really at the moment. I already changed so much from the original canon that things that happened in the actual Goblin Slayer story may not end up happening at all in here. I'll see later.
Jose19: That he certainly is.
Very true. This is why I wanted to bring this up in here since I haven't really seen that being brought up in Goblin Slayer before.
Guest: To you as well, friend! And yeah, she did but people really wanted to see her, myself included, so I included her as well. It will somewhat explained what happened.
27 The End is Nigh
Thugra Khotan stood on a rocky hill, his green royal robes fluttering in the wind as he looked over his mighty army, his arms crossed and a smirk plastered on his face in confidence. A great collection of monsters of various kinds and human soldiers would make quite a frightening sight for his enemies.
It was time for an attack. These many months of preparation were finally going to come to fruition. First, he was going to attack the human kingdom, which from what he learned held the mightiest military force out of all others, mostly because of their numbers. He was sure that others would come to their aid, but would only serve Khotan because that would weaken their armies before he went after them as well.
Finally, he would taste the grand victory, he would become the ruler of this continent, and after that, he would take his even greater army back to his old one and conquer it as well. He would fulfill his desires and his duty as the high priest of Set, making the chaos god's worship spread out and the only one people would follow.
However, his mind went back for a moment to Conan, causing his confident smirk to falter. He remembered how he came back to the dungeon where he put him, only to find over a dozen dead guards and the panicked rest, the barbarian's cell empty and the chains Khotan crafted laying on the ground.
That damned barbarian has caused him more headaches than anyone else, even the other barbarians that invaded his palace over three thousand years ago. Khotan's hand went to his chest as if he could still feel that jackal's sword penetrating his chest. And now, this same man that felled him was here and roaming free.
However, Khotan became confident that he wouldn't be a problem after Conan's failed attempt at disrupting his ritual, but his confidence began to falter when the man escaped. He figured Conan for a brute, a man who slashes and cleaves without much of a thought, but he had proven to be quite cunning.
In any case, he pushed those thoughts to the side. He would deal with the barbarian at a later date. He needed to focus on the present and on his invading force.
"Master," Khotan heard Zaporavo say behind him, an eager look in the pirate's eyes. "Shall our troops begin marching?"
Khotan turned and smiled at the former captain. "Yes, give them the order."
Zaporavo gave him a wide grin before retreating down the hill.
Khotan then held out his hand and snapped his fingers. Suddenly, a loud neighing could be heard followed by flappings of wings. In the sky appeared a black stallion with red eyes and huge demonic wings and behind him, he was dragging a chariot colored in green and gold.
The demonic horse descended from the sky and landed in front of the mighty wizard, who got into the chariot and took hold of the reins. The horse then neighed again and spread its wings as he flew, while Khotan rode in the air with him his army began marching.
Conan rode on a brown stallion, the army almost a hundred thousand strong behind him, the King and other generals and commanders. They rode for the better part of the day now, the sun was high and aside the marching hooves and feet nothing was heard.
Not too long ago they were informed of a large army suddenly gathering in a single spot, hundreds of kilometers east of the Human Kingdom. Many were surprised by this sudden turn of events but the King was ready with his army. Many people who were skeptical of him gathering his troops in such a hurry were now grateful for it. And soon, the army consisting of humans and many of their non-human allies began their advance to meet the demonic army head-on.
Conan was wondering about his comrades from the Adventurer's Guild. The King called for a gathering of adventurers throughout the country so they could join them in fighting Thugra Khotan. Most if not all of them agreed, and Conan knew that Goblin Slayer, Amazon Warrior, and the others were there. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to see them due to so many adventurers being there and very quickly organized into groups.
Conan then once again glanced at the new armor he wore. When he was discussing strategies with the generals the King had ordered for him to be equipped in an armor befitting of a warrior general. The armor was also enchanted, capable of increasing his already impressive physical attributes, making him stronger, faster and more durable than before. Normally he stayed wary of enchantments but his experiences in this land eased him into it. He also got an enchanted sword, which was powerful enough to cut through stone like paper.
His thoughts then went back to Thugra Khotan and how his full magical power returned. Perhaps these magic weapons and armor will be capable of evening the odds since Conan wasn't sure he could take him on normally.
"Is something bothering you?" Conan heard the King say as he rode back until he was next to Conan.
"Just the future battle," Conan said as he glanced at the King. "I hope that those generals will know how to listen. Last time I fought Khotan a count named Thespides rode out to meet him straight on, saying it was a 'knightly thing to do'. He didn't realize it was a trap before Khotan destroyed him and his knights."
"I assure you, Conan, my generals aren't blinded by pride. They will be reasonable," the King reassured. "But that's not all that's on your mind, is it?"
"And what else would be?"
"Perhaps there is someone waiting for you to come back from this war. Someone special to you," the King suggested.
Conan just chuckled. "If you think there is a fair maiden waiting at a house with her hands clasped in prayer for my return then I can safely tell you that it isn't the case," he said with a smirk. "Though, I can safely say that they are a part of this very army."
The King was surprised for a bit. "I see. So she is one of the adventurers?"
"Who said it's only one?"
The King's eyes actually twitched at that. He definitely wasn't expecting it to be that kind of relationship. "You have to excuse me, I was only assuming since that's not usually the norm," he said to which Conan just gave a shrug. "Then let me ask you something else. Aren't you worried about them?" That actually got the Cimmerian curious. "In war, death is possible for anyone. Aren't you worried about what might come to be?"
Conan's grip on the reins slightly tightened. He honestly didn't think about it. He has been to war many times but actually having people he cared about being a part of the troops he led to almost certain death wasn't really something he experienced all that often. Not only the women he was in a relationship with, but Goblin Slayer and others were also a part of this and are in equal circumstances.
"Conan, are you alright?" he asked seeing Conan's sudden silence.
"I'm fine," Conan said in a tone that indicated he didn't want to continue this conversation.
The King read the tone clearly and understood. "Well then… I hope I didn't bother you too much." And with that, he resumed his position of riding in front of the others.
Conan gave a slight groan before rubbing his face. "By Crom, when have things become so complicated?"
Nightfall soon came, and tents were set up all around the open field and hills for the large army, the largest on accommodating the King and his generals. Some fires were also started for those who stayed awake longer at night.
Conan got out of the main tent, without his armor, dressed in a simple blue shirt and dark pants, and looked around, seeing the field illuminated with campfires. He then went to look around, inspecting people who sat at those fires. He was trying to find anyone who he was familiar with, as he most likely wouldn't be able to see them tomorrow.
He passed many campfires, most of whom were adventurers, many in similar multiracial combinations that Goblin Slayer's usual team was. After looking some more he noticed someone at one of the campfires and a smile crept up to his face before walking there.
Amazon Warrior sat with some other amazons around a fire. All of the women had muscular physiques, though Amazon Warrior on the more muscular side. Some had similar dark skin she did but others had a lighter tone.
"So tell us, sister, how were your adventures these few years?" A blonde amazon with a sword asked.
"They went really well, had lots of fun, too," Amazon Warrior said with a smile before that smile settled back in a thin line. "Well, except the… you know."
The blond amazon looked confused for a moment before her eye widened in realization. "Oh, I'm sorry, I… I didn't mean to…"
"Ah, don't worry about it," Amazon Warrior said. "Man, I wish we could have brought some good drinks here, something to lighten the mood."
Another amazon laughed, this one being the oldest of the group as she appeared to be in her forties and sporting a mid-length black hair. "You really think alcohol would be good for this situation? When we are about to face hordes of monsters?"
Conan coughed, getting the attention of the amazons, and also making Amazon Warrior grin at seeing him up close.
"Well, if it isn't the mighty general Conan?" Amazon Warrior said in mock respect before rising from her sitting position. "And why would someone of your renown grace such lowly warriors as us with your presence?"
Conan couldn't help but laugh at that. "Well, at least you're still amusing."
She scoffed at that. "Only amusing, am I?"
"It might take some time before you actually become entertaining."
"Entertaining? Why you…" she lightly growled out before grabbing him by the shirt and pulling him to her eye level, all the while Conan simply grinned. "If I didn't know you were joking I would have pummeled you already." She then smiled. "But, at least it's good to have you up close." She then gave Conan a kiss on lips.
The other amazons looked surprised at what the two were doing.
"Wait a minute," exclaimed a short-haired amazon with a war hammer. "He is the lover you were talking about?"
Amazon Warrior broke the kiss and looked at her amazon companion with a prideful expression. "What's the matter? Jealous?"
"Just… curious," that amazon said but it was clear she actually was jealous.
"I must say," the older amazon spoke. "He is quite a catch. And a general no less."
"I was only recently promoted. She and I met way before that," Conan explained before turning back to Amazon Warrior. "Tell me, do you by any chance know where the others are located?"
"Sorry, I can't say I do," she answered. "After we were stationed with different groups we lost track of each other. I can't say where the others are."
Conan sighed. "Well, at least I was able to find you among this rabble."
Amazon Warrior grinned before wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "Aw, I knew you cared."
"Are you two going to start tearing your clothes or are you going to sit down?" the blonde amazon asked.
Amazon Warrior got an annoyed look on her face. "You're no fun."
Conan then sat among the warrior women with Amazon Warrior joining him. After that, the night was filled with talks of adventuring and fights.
At another part of the camp, Goblin Slayer sat among a few other adventurers who he never actually met before, he was just placed with them. He took his helmet off but remained in his armor and he made sure to at least carry the saber, as he thought he should at least be ready. So far he didn't really say much as he wasn't really familiar with these people, so he mostly just sat and watched the fire, getting lost in his thoughts.
He thought of the upcoming battle and he honestly wasn't sure what to make of it. He was placed as an infantry soldier, along with Female Knight and other knights who weren't on horseback so making strategies wasn't exactly something he would be doing. He didn't like it. In his mind, such strategies were necessary for survival, but he would be following orders of somebody else, and he wasn't sure if they would make the right decisions.
It was somewhat funny since now that he thought of it, it seemed like his paranoia made it look like he was full of himself. Perhaps that was one of the reasons he wasn't so liked at first.
"Hello there," he heard a voice behind him and saw that it was Arc Mage, and she also got the attention of the others but he didn't notice. "I hope you don't mind if I borrow him for a moment," she said pointing at Goblin Slayer.
"Oh ho, looks like we have a lucky guy here," one of them teased with a knowing smirk causing some them to laugh and others to roll their eyes. "Sure, go ahead."
"Splendid!" she exclaimed before grabbing Goblin Slayer by the arm. "Come, we have a lot to talk about."
He rose without any resistance, even he was eager to talk with her.
Once they got a good distance away Arc Mage swiftly turned around and smiled at him. "So, tell me. How have you been these days?"
"Well enough, I suppose," he answered.
Arc Mage arched an eyebrow at that. "And what's that supposed to mean?" she asked. Goblin Slayer proceeded to explain to her the whole situation with Thugra Khotan and what he did. "Oh, that's…" She then rubbed the back of her head. "I'm sorry about that."
"That's what this whole war is about," Goblin Slayer said. "We will kill him." The hatred and determination that showed in his eyes surprised Arch Mage a little bit. She could see something similar when he was so determined to destroy goblins but this seemed different. Like he had a lot more to lose this time. "But tell me, how are you even here. Last time I saw you we were at that tower and you disappeared."
"Yeah, that thing happened," she muttered under her breath. "As it turns out, being at the 'edge of the world' really isn't all it's cracked up to be. I honestly didn't find as much as I thought I would." The disappointment in her voice was so clear Goblin Slayer could almost smell it. "But I'll tell you later about it. Just so you know, I've returned a while ago. Why didn't you make any contact with me?"
Goblin Slayer blinked at that. "I was… occupied."
"Let me guess, killing goblins." He gave her a nod to which she sighed. "You could have at least asked around. Even Witch knew I was back. You were such a good company before and I missed you."
"I didn't see a reason to. I assumed you wouldn't return."
Arc Mage puffed her cheeks in annoyance. "I should be hurt by that remark," she said before her expression settled. "But I suppose I can't blame you." She then gave him a wide smile. "Still, it's great to be able to work with you again. Well, not actually work but you know what I mean."
Goblin Slayer smiled before nodding. "I can say the same."
Arc Mage laughed. "You know, I really like it when you're not so serious all the time," she remarked.
"I've been told," he said to which she laughed.
"So, tell me," Arc Mage began before leaning towards him teasingly and a smirk adorning her face. "Have you found someone… special?"
Goblin Slayer was at first puzzled by what she meant but the gears in his brain quickly picked up on what she was insinuating. "Well, I did," he said leaving a small pause before continuing. "Several actually."
Now it was Arc Mage's turn to be surprised. "Really? Several?" he gave her a nod. She then gained a seemingly thoughtful look as her eyes looked at the ground for a moment before smiling widely. "Well, I might as well jump that wagon."
"Wha-" he began but was caught off guard by Arc Mage giving him a surprise kiss on the lips. One which was quickly followed by her tongue.
Morning came and Conan, back in his new armor, sat on his horse with other generals and the King looking over their army. Besides Amazon Warrior, he couldn't find anyone else that night so he decided to go to sleep before staying up for too long. He needed his rest if he was to properly fight in this war.
It was a real shame. He would gladly have spoken at least a few more words with them before the war.
One of the scouts quickly came up to them and bowed. "We saw a massive army of many monsters coming our way from the east! They'll be here in a matter of hours!"
The King nodded before looking at Conan. "This is it. Let's hope that you're right about this."
"It's too late to doubt me now," Conan said before narrowing his eyes at the direction where Khotan's army approached. "My lord and generals! Gather our troops! It's time we faced this snake of a wizard and his pitiful army!"
Conan's proclamation was met with positive exclamations from the people around him as they prepared for war.
AN: And that's all for now. Sorry for the shorter length but I promise you the next chapter will make up for it and then some. I hope you are prepared for that!
And I hope you check out two of my other stories as well. I assure you it's not a waste of time.
See you next time!