Padfoot Mother winced as she heard the cries and howls of pain from outside her home, she hugged her children tight as the fear of the attack weighed heavily on her. She thought back to what the adventurers had asked earlier, though at first the tasks seemed so unusual.
"We need two small trenches and then have them filled with oil, once these…whatever they're called cross the spot, the oil will be ignited and will consume them. The trenches will not be too deep, so there will be no fear of setting the forest on fire. The spots I marked along the fence, we will place sharped stakes inside the fence, as they come over the side they will be impaled by their own weight. I will pay for the extra service required."
"Will it be enough?"
She suddenly felt pressure on both hands and looked down to see her two children smiling back at her.
"Don't worry mommy." Padfoot Daughter patted her mother's hand.
"Those adventurers will beat the monsters! Wolf is really strong, he can't lose!" Padfoot Son yelled as he jumped up.
Padfoot Mother looked at her children, feeling such shame for being afraid while these two young ones had such faith in these adventurers. Perhaps it was young childish innocence, but at that moment, Padfoot Mother could not help but smile and too put her faith in these adventurers.
"You're absolutely right."
xxxx
Wolf may not have been as big as a horse, but he sure moved as fast as one. High Elf Archer grabbed onto the tuff of fur, making sure not to pull too hard, but had no desire to be flung off as Wolf raced forward. As they drew closer, she then steadied herself and ready her bow and arrow, then fired. The arrow flew fast and struck the nearest demon in the back of the head, easily piercing through the skull, the demon fell forward with a thud drawing the attention of the others. Five of the demons turned to see the elf and wolf approaching, but the rest continued to rush forward, determined to take the children and taste the flesh of the villagers. The five that remained roared as they prepared to attack the elf and wolf.
"Got to keep the rest of them busy." High Elf Archer leaned toward her right hoping Wolf would veer right as well. "To the right boy, we'll circle around them."
Wolf could not understand the words the elf was saying, but could determine what she was requiring. Wolf moved around the five snarling demons, while the elf let loose another arrow, killing another one of the demons. He then made a large arching motion and charged forward snarling himself, but this easily set them up as she let loose three arrows in rapid succession, each arrow killing a demon with ease. The final demon was actually afraid and hesitated, allowing Wolf to sink its teeth into its left arm and drag the screaming demon to the ground. Wolf growled, still running forward with demon in tow, the demon panicked looking at the wolf then back at the elf who was smiling at him with arrow drawn. She let the arrow loose and watched as it killed the demon, whose body was still being dragged along the ground until the arm was finally torn off the rest of the body.
"Now this is how an adventure should be!" However she couldn't just keep these thoughts to herself and made sure to give Wolf's side a few good pats. "Good job Wolf."
High Elf Archer looked to her right and saw the remaining demons had already reached the fence and began to climb over it, they would soon enter the village, but they would be in for one hell of a surprise.
"We'll leave them to Orcbolg's trap, let's back to the others."
Wolf dropped the arm and let loose a howl as it rushed back toward the other party members. The demons climbed the fence and leapt over the side, only to find a field of sharpened stakes below. Gravity took control as the demons plummeted onto the stakes below, horrid screeches filled the night as those that did not die instantly were left to suffer. At that moment, the Padfoot warriors rushed toward the sounds and found two of the demons still writhing in pain, taking spears in hand stabbed the demons repeatedly until they stopped moving.
Unknown to anyone, three demons had remained hidden within the trees watching as the others were killed by the adventurers. When more than half of their number had been slaughtered, they knew their master would punish them if they were to return empty-handed, but could not charge forward as the others had. They snuck off, staying low to the ground, taking the long way around toward the village and heard as those who leapt over the fence cried out in pain. The trio climbed the fence to see the others being killed, not wanting to make the same mistake, leapt toward the rooftops of the nearest houses. Each demon used their claws to tear through the roof to break into the houses beneath them. Padfoot Mother and her children screamed as the demon snarled at them.
"Stay behind me!"
Padfoot Mother stood before her children with arms stretched out, only for the demon to strike at her with its horrid claws. A splash of blood, a cry of pain, and Padfoot Mother was thrown to the ground. Her children screamed as the demons large hands gripped each around the waist and effortlessly lifted them into the air.
"N, no…my children!"
The demon roared before breaking through the door to rejoin the other demons. The Padfoot warriors rushed toward the screams and roars to see the demons holding five children among the three of them. Before they could cut the demons down, they leapt toward the top of the closest house then leapt once again over the fence. Padfoot Mother crawled forward, despite the pain and blood running from her wounds only to see the demons spirit away with her children.
"Please…give them back!"
Goblin Slayer and his friends finished with the last of the demons just as the flames were beginning to die down. The battle had been long, but at the very least none of them had any injuries to worry about.
"Well then, that's five for me, what about you Scaly?"
"I claimed seven demon heads myself Master Spell Caster."
"Seven."
"Then that makes me the winner with thirteen."
"I told you already Long-Ears, those first five don't count, not to mention Wolf here easily killed a couple himself."
"Even with that, I'm still winning dwarf!"
"I'm just glad everyone made it through unharmed."
Suddenly a scream rang out from the village, as the party turned they happened to notice three surviving demons running back into the forest.
"Damn cowards! Run all the way back to hell with your tails between your legs."
Dwarf Shaman frowned as he watched the demons disappear into the darkness, but he and the others knew there was more to this than them just running away in fear. Another scream could be heard from the village, a sudden sense of urgency swept through the party as they quickly rushed back toward the entrance of the village. Once back in the village, they saw the Dog-Faced Padfoots tending to the injured Padfoot Mother and two corpses covered in blood close by them, then Padfoot Elder and the others turned to see the adventurers.
"The demons?"
"They have been slain."
Goblin Slayer's response was dispassionate as ever, but did bring them all a sense of relief, that is until Priestess added the final bit of news.
"We did see three run back into the forest."
"No! My children! You have to get them back!"
As Padfoot Mother cried out, a look of horror and shock crossed all the faces of Goblin Slayer's party, though Goblin Slayer's expression was hidden behind his helmet. Before Priestess, or any of the others could say anything to him, they saw him clench his fists so tightly they could hear his knuckles crack. Padfoot Mother looked toward Goblin Slayer with tears in her eyes, and pleaded with him once more.
"Save them…I beg you."
"I will."
He turned toward his party and saw the determined look upon all their faces, whatever fatigue they might have been feeling was replaced with anger.
"Let's go."
The party followed behind Goblin Slayer, quickly making their way toward the forest. Wolf paused to allow Priestess and Dwarf Shaman to climb up on his back before running forward and taking point.
"How do we plan to find these demons Milord Goblin Slayer? If we waste too much time, those young ones will be lost."
"We'll follow Wolf."
"Wolf? How would he know where the demons came from Orcbolg?"
"He can track them. Find the smell Wolf."
Wolf continued forward, the smell of the demons was easy to track, their stench filled the forest air so clearly that Wolf would have no problem finding them.
"Try to steady your breathing, we'll need our strength to finish this fight."
"No need for fear Milord Goblin Slayer, these claws will tear through those beasts with ease."
"I've got plenty of strength left Orcbolg."
"Riding Wolf here will give me and the young lass time to catch our breath."
"We'll be ready Goblin Slayer sir."
Goblin Slayer nodded as he continued to follow behind Wolf, torch in hand to guide him so he would not have to worry about tripping on a tree root or landing incorrectly. Every quest he'd undertaken involved those already taken for some time, but this time was different, this time he would be there to ensure nothing would happen to those children. Just as he alone had protected that village that rainy night long ago, he would make sure that no more lives would be lost, these children had endured enough.
"No child deserves to go through that hell." It was low, almost a whisper, but still empty of emotion.
Only High Elf Archer could hear him, she looked toward Goblin Slayer, wondering what was going through his mind, with his face hidden beneath his helmet, all she could do was guess. She continued to ponder as she turned back to focus on the trails when a thought crossed her mind.
"Does he mean himself? No one should have to follow the same path he did? You're so busy saving everyone else, but what about you?"
"We'll save them Orcbolg, don't you worry."
xxxx
"Master, they return."
Demon Priest smiled a toothy grin at the news, soon the sacrifices would be here and then his great lord would return to rid this world of those deemed unworthy. He followed behind the robed men toward the pit, and sure enough the demons came in carrying the screaming children, but there was a problem…there were only three demons present.
"Quickly, take the children."
The robed men took the children, still crying and screaming, and carried them away toward the sacrificial chamber. Demon Priest frowned as he looked back toward the remaining demons to determine what happened.
"Where are the rest?"
The demons replied in a strange language to which Demon Priest grew enraged.
"How could five adventurers wipe out my demons? You ran away in fear, you, wait…did you kill the adventurers?"
The demons replied once again, and Demon Priests face fluctuated from rage to fear.
"They're still alive? You damn fools made have led them here. I must finish the ritual, you will hold them until then!"
Demon Priest rushed back toward his followers and motioned for them to take up weapons to kill the defilers who would seek to stop their ritual. He looked to the children, with wide crazed eyes, knowing that time was running short.
"I must hurry…I must not fail!"
xxxx
After running for what seemed like forever, the party came upon a large stone structure deep within the woods. Priestess and Dwarf Mage dismounted and stood by Goblin Slayer and the others. Priestess prayed to the Earth Mother to watch over there group and continue to protect the children until they got them out of this awful place.
"Let's go."
The party broke through the large wooden door only to come under fire from arrows. They quickly moved for cover, Wolf making sure to once again stay Priestess and High Elf Archer. He growled as he attempted to move forward, but was held back by both girls.
"Damnit Wolf, you trying to get yourself killed?"
"There."
Goblin Slayer pointed with his sword toward the top of a nearby stairs and find robed men raining arrows down upon them. Before they could really ponder on it, they heard loud chanting and found more men moving toward them carrying jagged daggers in their hands.
"Who the devil are these men?"
"It doesn't matter, we need to move."
Priestess took it upon herself to use her miracle, she had two left, and knew right now they would need to disorient their attackers.
"O Earth Mother, abounding in mercy, grant your sacred light to we who are lost in darkness…Holy Light!"
The light filled the chamber, blinding the robed men, allow Goblin Slayer's party to visibly see where the archers were and determine just how many adversaries they would have to deal with. High Elf Archer quickly let loose an arrow to hit one of the robed men watching as he toppled over onto the floor below.
"Get moving Orcbolg, get to the children!"
Goblin Slayer and Wolf rushed up the stairs, knocking back one of the still disoriented men before moving on to the next room. Goblin Slayer paused as he looked around, the next corridor led to three possible hallways, choosing the wrong one meant the children might be killed. Wolf's ears twitched as he heard the distant sound of the kids crying and barked toward the hallway toward its right.
"Good job."
Goblin Slayer and Wolf pushed forward, until Goblin Slayer was tackled by something, the demon dug its claws into Goblin Slayer's left arm, fortunately his chainmail minimized the damage he was receiving. Wolf turned and growled as the demon pinned Goblin Slayer to the ground, but soon yelped as a set of claws dug into his fur, growling once again he shook his entire body trying to get the demon off his back. Goblin Slayer used his shield to keep the demon's jaws from biting through his flesh, then quickly drove his sword into the demon's throat. As he tossed the demon corpse aside, he look over to see Wolf struggling and rushed to strike the demon. As the demon was knocked to the floor, he once again plunged his sword into demon's chest and continued to push until the demon finally stopped moving. A third demon rushed in, but Wolf tackled the beast to the ground before it could get to Goblin Slayer, sinking its teeth into demon's throat tearing away the flesh before devouring it.
"You okay?"
Wolf took another bite from the demon flesh before turning toward Goblin Slayer, his tail slightly wagging.
"Good."
xxxx
Demon Priest was in a panic as he heard the sounds of battle, he needed to finish the ceremony quickly. With the final runes drawn on the floor, he turned his wild eyes upon the children. A twisted smile crossed his face as he saw them cower in fear, two of them having already wet themselves.
"That's good, that fear will bring about my Master's return that much faster!"
Demon Priest stalked forward with knife in hand, the knowledge that he was going to succeed was thrilling. He would be a hero to the demons, the one who did what everyone else failed to do, his master might even share power equally with him, and all that was needed was just a little more blood. Then he heard the growl of a beast and as he looked up saw a shadow looming over him, he paused then growled as he turned with knife raised high ready to attack but stopped. He dropped his knife and his face broke into a hysterical smile as he saw the sight. Before him within the doorway was a large shadowy figure with a glowing red eye and beside him was a monster whose eyes also seemed to glow as it growled at him.
"My vision…you've come…Master!"
All that joy was gone as the shadowy figure hurled something toward him, knocking him on his back with intense pain. Demon Priest gasped, the taste of blood in his mouth, as he looked toward his chest saw a sword planted deep within. He then looked up to see the shadowy figures enter, a man in filthy leather armor and a shield attached to his left arm and a large dire wolf. Wolf approached the children who happily cried and hugged the giant beast while Goblin Slayer approached the fallen Demon Priest.
"How…how did you do this…my plans…my ambitions crushed…by a pathetic adventurer." Suddenly, as Goblin Slayer stood over him, a terrifying realization hit him. "It you isn't it…the one from Water Town…the one at the Frontier Town…it's been you all this time. Who are you?"
"I don't know what you are talking about, nor do I care." Goblin Slayer tightly gripped the sword still glaring at Demon Priest with his glowing eye. "I am Goblin Slayer!"
Before he could even comprehend what had been said to him, Goblin Slayer pushed the blade deeper into his chest and gave it a violent twist; Demon Priest cried out before his body went limp. Goblin removed his hand from the hilt, the sword was covered in too much blood and fat to be of any further use. He then turned and began walking back toward the children and Wolf. The sight of this armored man scared the children at first, but that soon disappeared as the adventurer knelt down to check on them.
"Are you unhurt?" The kids nodded their heads which made Goblin Slayer nod his head once. "Let's get you home, the others are awaiting your return."
Padfoot Son and Daughter rushed forward to hug Goblin Slayer and cried in relief as the adventurer had saved them all.
xxxx
The rest of the party had finished with the demon cult followers then turned to see Goblin Slayer walking down the stairs carrying two of the children in his arms while Wolf allowed the three other children to ride along his back. The party smiled at the sight of all five children unharmed and rushed to check on their companions.
"Are all of you okay?"
"We're all fine here Goblin Slayer. Is it over?"
"It's done, let get them back."
The party quietly exited the fortress and once again entered the dark woods but now they would be heading for the village. The sun had risen, the Padfoots had moved the demon bodies to a pit and lit the bonfire to burn away the monsters. Padfoot Elder sat with Padfoot Mother as they waited, when he happened to look up and see the party emerge from the trees with the kids in tow. The Padfoots cheered as they rushed to greet the adventurers and gather up their missing kids. The rest of the day was treated as a celebration, there was singing, drinking and eating (especially cheese) as they celebrated the night away. The next morning, the party met with the villagers one last time to say there final goodbyes, the kids happily hugging Wolf and thanking the adventurers. Padfoot Mother walked toward Goblin Slayer and took his hand in hers and bowed her head.
"Thank you, thank you so very much."
Goblin Slayer nodded his head before he and his party walked away from the village, hearing as the villagers continued to praise them for all they had done. As they walked away, High Elf Archer thought back to her earlier thoughts about Orcbolg and frowned.
"Fourteen."
Everyone turned toward Goblin Slayer, not sure what he was talking about while they continued to walk away.
"There were four more in the village, and two more of those…whatever they were in the in the fortress, plus their leader. That makes fourteen. I did not count Wolf's kills."
It took a moment for them to register what had been said, but soon enough they all broke out into a big laugh. Priestess and High Elf Archer smiled at one another as they were happy to hear Goblin Slayer talk about something other than goblins, and it helped to dismiss High Elf Archer's prior concern.
"We'll save you just as you save others Orcbolg."
"Now wait a minute, did you also count those robed men as well Beardcutter?"
"I'd almost forgot about those weirdos, so how many did you kill Orcbolg?"
"None, but you did not mention them earlier. I was only counting those…demons right?"
"Correct as always Milord Goblin Slayer."
"So Beardcutter, how was this adventure?"
"It wasn't bad, but villages like that will continued to be threatened so long as goblins are about."
"Some things never change, but a deal's a deal. The next quest will be goblins Orcbolg."
Goblin Slayer nodded then gave Wolf a gentle pat on his head which brought another smile to both High Elf Archer and Priestess as they recalled riding on him earlier. Lizard Priest and Dwarf Shaman discussed the recent quest, wondering what the sacrifices were being used for, but then settled on just being able to stop it as enough. None of them had any idea just how important this quest truly was, and no one else even knew about this demon sects plans, but the party could take comfort in the fact that they had been successful once again.