Once again, the gods looked toward the board, there was a mixture of unease and anxiousness for many, but the dark gods looked toward the board and saw opportunity. The current Hero and the legendary Sword Maiden were on their way to deal with the cursed warrior in Frontier Town and back in the capital, the Necromancer drew closer toward implementing his plan against the people.
"The cursed heroes should be reaching Frontier Town within a day." The God of Evil growled in frustration as he stared at the board.
"How fortuitus for us, two heroes in the same location, I could not have asked for better if I had been the one to do this." The Goddess of Chance chuckled as the wheels in her head.
"What in the depths of your stupidity are you spouting now?" The God of Evil directed his glare toward the Goddess of Chance.
"I only wish to speak with those who have a calm head on their shoulders." Chance irritated at Evil's response turned her attention toward Chaos. "How about it Chaos, you interested in making this point of the game more interesting?"
"What do you propose?" Chaos looked toward her with a raised eyebrow.
"Just something to liven the game up a bit, perhaps another obstacle these adventurers must overcome." Chance looked at the token what now had more black coloring on its body and smiled. "If I recall correctly that contaminated token is Goblin Slayer yes?"
"That's correct. What did you have in mind?"
"Abundance?" Chance turned her attention to the monstrous god and put on her best smile. "Would you be so kind as to give us a horde of goblins?"
Abundance was silent as he placed a hand upon his chin while thinking about the situation, then looked back toward the board and smiled.
"I can create a horde for you."
The dark gods with their plan set approached the board where Truth, Illusion and the others were still eagerly watching would happen in the game.
"The stakes are quite high given the current predicaments." Evil had a smirk on his face as he looked over the board.
"What of it?" Truth glared towards Evil.
"Wouldn't it be more interesting if there were another task for our tokens to encounter?"
"Just what are you up to, we all know full well that intelligence is not one of your strong points."
"Truth, you wound me, you only take out your frustrations because there is the strong possibility that the token you secretly despise may become something far worse." Evil did his best to hide is contempt for his fellow god.
"All we propose, is a minor obstacle for the party to deal with. It will be completely up to the roll with what they decide to do." Chance stepped forward with a handful of token in her hand.
"Just what are you all up to?" Illusion frowned as she looked over the dark gods.
"A minor threat close by…let us see what these little adventurers will decide for themselves." Chance continued to smirk as she held out the tokens for the others to see.
"Are those…goblins?" Earth Mother frowned as she eyed the gods suspiciously.
"As you know, we can't directly influence the mortals, we'll just have them nearby and see what they decide to do? I chose goblins due to the one affected…it does seem appropriate does it not Truth?" Chance smiled toward Truth for she knew he disdain for the armored adventurer.
"I have no qualms with this decision." Truth turned his attention back toward the board.
"Then let us have the goblins attack…here!" Chaos pointed to a spot directly on the board within easy travel from Frontier Town.
The others gods looked at the spot he pointed to and many gasped at the suggestion while others smiled in approval.
"The site where much of this first began for the adventurers." Chaos sneered as Chance set the goblins down to assault the village.
"Will they wipe it out in one go?" Truth now arched an eyebrow at the new game pieces on the game.
"Oh no, that's be far too easy, they attack tonight and prepare for a final assault the next evening!" Chaos chuckled then turned his attention toward Illusion. "Now my dear, roll the die and let us see how this unforeseen encounter plays out."
Illusion still frowned at the thought of the dark gods getting so much enjoyment out of their simple suggestion but relented in her decision and threw the dice down.
xxxx
Lizard Priest stood at the center with his dragontooth blade in hand, to his right was Dwarf Shaman with a hand ax at the ready and Half-Demon Thief with both daggers drawn. To his left were High Elf Archer with bow and arrow drawn and Priestess with sounding staff ready to cast Protection. There enemies in front were Hero and her party members who also stood ready with weapons drawn. Behind Lizard Priest and the others were Half-Dragon Mother and the two dire wolves growling as they prepared to fight and further behind them were Cow Girl, Guild Girl and Half-Dragon Daughter nervously standing before Goblin Slayer who still sat upon the bed. Behind Hero and her party were Sword Maiden and Noble Fencer surprised by the sudden actions taken by both parties in this small room.
"I don't care that you've already saved the world several times, nor do I care that we fought side by side before…if you even attempt to kill Orcbolg I will put an arrow through you before you can use your first magic spell."
"Beardcutter is our friend and comrade, no matter how much we're cursed by the gods we'll stand ready to defend him."
"Did you not hear the Hero, this is a message from the Supreme God, a task that is needed to save the world!" Female Swordmaster was growing impatient with their constant defiance.
"And my handout was from the Earth Mother to find and save him, I shall stand by what she has told me and will protect my teacher!"
"Your selfishness knows no bounds; we have been charged with saving the world and you want to risk that for one person?" Sage frowned as she had her staff pointed towards the group.
"You're damn right we'd let the world fall to save this one person." Half-Demon Thief tightened her grip around her weapons.
"If you are truly the famed Hero, surely you know the value in protecting your comrades." Cow Girl thought nervous in this situation would not step back from protecting her friend. "I know of what happened in the north with the Lich, you all know that he has aided in saving the world! Don't take him from us!"
"This human has helped saved me and my daughter from salvers and aided in destroying their encampment and blood sport in the desert, he does not deserve to be slain like a dying animal." Half-Dragon Mother was adamant in her plea to spare Goblin Slayer.
"Enough!" Hero glared at the group still not lowering her sword. "Do you really think this is an easy decision for me? That man has saved me twice now, but I have to think about more than just one person. I'm the hero of this world, I have to protect it!"
"You're no hero, you're just a monster looking to take my brother from me!" Half-Dragon Daughter screamed at the human with tears present in her eyes.
The sudden response caught Hero and her party completely off guard, never before had they been accused of being villainous, and by one so young who knew full well what was happening to the human she called her brother.
"W,wait…"
It was a weakened voice that called out to everyone, they all turned to see Goblin Slayer struggle to get himself off the bed and on his feet.
"Your sword…will it really be able…to stop the wraith?"
"Y, yes." Hero was slightly surprised by the remark, but then steadied herself should he become a wraith and attack.
Goblin Slayer calmly walked past the others, despite their shocked expressions until he stood before the trio of heroes, not a single weapon in his hand.
"Then…do it."
Goblin Slayer's response took the wind out of everyone as they saw him stand there almost defiantly challenging them to come and kill him. Sword Maiden and Noble Fencer were also shocked to hear this come from the armored man.
"Goblin Slayer, you can't…" Cow Girl was quick to try and stop her friend but was cut off as he spoke.
"If the curse consumes me…I will not be able to stop myself…and this body will hurt those I wish to protect."
"Milord Goblin Slayer, we'll find a way to aid you, just…just be patient."
"My fault…took too long to tell you…have to be ready to do what must be done."
"Big Brother no!" Half-Dragon Daughter rushed forward to hug her brother tears in her eyes. "I don't want to lose you! I know you're a good person, you won't let that evil beat you!"
Goblin Slayer turned to look toward his little sister, everyone save the dire wolves, looked as though they might start crying after hearing the little girl's pleas. Even the Hero and her party's faces began to soften as the heard the little girl, the group lowered their weapons as they looked on to see Goblin Slayer gently reach out to pat the girl on the head.
"I'm sorry…I haven't been the best brother…but this is something that must be done."
Goblin Slayer turned his attention back towards the Hero's party only to see the group put their weapons away.
"I can't…even if it was handout from the Supreme God, I can't bring myself to kill you." Hero looked toward the armored man with eyes of concern. "I wanted to be someone worthy of him and that was my first instinct was to slay him. I should be ashamed of myself."
"I've seen enough to know that you are not corrupted by the evil." Sword Maiden walked past the party of adventurers to carefully examine Goblin Slayer. "Though slaying you would definitely stop the curse, that should be only used as a final option. I'm not ready to give up that easily, now…let us see what we can do."
For the moment the tension had eased up and Sword Maiden went to work carefully looking over the curse that surged through Goblin Slayer. From what she could see Goblin Slayer's own shadowy vision was smaller and was being swallowed up by darker blob of darkness.
"You say the Lich Queen was the one who cursed you and yet she is somehow trying to help you?" Sword Maiden was a bit upset, and somewhat jealous, to know that one of Goblin Slayer's enemies had cursed him and was now trying to aid him.
"That is what I know so far."
"Hmm…then perhaps it is best if we have a chat with her ourselves."
The adventurers and the others in the room were stunned by Sword Maiden's words, it had never even entered the minds to try and speak with Lich Queen.
"What do you mean communicate with her?" High Elf Archer was surprised by the sudden suggestion.
"Sword Maiden, are you capable of such a feat?" Priestess was also surprised by what Sword Maiden had suggested.
"As an Archbishop, there is much that I am capable of little one." Sword Maiden had a smile on her face as she looked toward the group. "Since we are in the temple of the Earth Mother, is there a chamber of worship with water blessed by your deity?"
"There is, please follow me."
Inside the large chamber was the statue of Earth Mother and around her was a pool of water as the essences filled the room. Cow Girl and Guild Girl helped support Goblin Slayer as they all filled the room and Sword Maiden with sword and scales in hand began her incantation.
"You who are no longer among us, allow your voice and presence to be felt once again to guide us who are in need of your wisdom…Commune."
Sword Maiden tapped the bottom of her sword along the floor and a bright light began to glow from within the pool of water.
"I wish to speak with the Lich Queen."
From within the water, an unusual vapor began to float upward and slowly this vapor began to take shape, after a few moments the vapor took on the form of the Lich Queen in her human guise.
"I am not accustomed to speaking with you directly, in fact there are many among you that I still hold some animosity towards, but now is not the time for that. I am obligated to answer three questions."
"That's the Lich Queen alright, or at least the form she took to try and seduce Beardcutter."
"My first question, why did you do this to Goblin Slayer?"
"In the beginning, it was to curse Beloved as retribution for having been defeated." Lich Queen had a sad expression on her face as she said all of this. "In him…I saw my past Beloved and selfishly I wanted him to join me, his body would then become the wraith that would slay the mortals for me."
"Be, Beloved? Why is she calling him by that name?" Guild Girl was immediately on guard as she heard the Lich Queen refer to Goblin Slayer in such a familiar manner.
"My next question, if you are the one who cursed him, why are you now trying to save him?" Sword Maiden too was upset by how the Lich Queen referred to Goblin Slayer.
"Regret. As I said I was selfish in wanting to keep his soul for myself, but as time passed, I came to regret what I had done to Beloved. I truly love him and wanted to make sure he could be saved from the curse."
"But now he's come close to truly becoming the wraith you wanted in the first place. That's love! That's…I don't even know what that is!" Cow Girl was angry at the creature and all she had done to her friend.
"My final question, if we save Goblin Slayer, what will become of you?"
"If you are able to remove the curse, my soul shall fade from existence and I will undoubtedly return to Hell for all that I have done…but if you can save Beloved, then I have no regrets with that decision. Before I fade away please hear this final request…save beloved where I was not able to."
The vision of the Lich Queen faded, leaving the group of adventurers surprised by what they heard. It seemed like Goblin Slayer was correct in his assumption of the Lich Queen wanting to help him, but now came the question of how they could help him.
"What can we do to help Goblin Slayer? Mother Superior and the other acolytes have tried to undo the curse for nearly a week with no success."
"Ordinarily an exorcism would be required to aid someone, but given Goblin Slayer's weakened condition, performing such a feat may lead to his demise." Sword Maiden frowned as she thought about what they could do when something came to mind. "There is something we try but the risk will not only affect Goblin Slayer but the rest of us as well."
"What is it your thinking?" Lizard Priest was intrigued by this new development.
"This curse has taken physical form, in order to remove this evil from Goblin Slayer, we must destroy it directly."
"Destroy it directly? How do we do something like that?" Half-Demon Thief could not even fathom what this would entail.
"The same way I aided the Hero and her party in defeating Hecatoncheir, we travel to the astral plane to destroy this evil directly."
"To the astral plane?"
"Yes, the astral plane works as an in-between domain that connects beings to not just the physical world but the great Inferno and Paradise. Sometimes known as the Netherworld, this is where the Lich Queen and the physical form of the curse will be, from there we can destroy this entity and save Goblin Slayer, but if we are lost in this domain, our souls shall be torn apart for all eternity." Sword Maiden had a frown as she cautioned the others around her. "There is no shame in wishing to remain here, but it is the best bet for saving Goblin Slayer."
Without a moment of hesitation, the rest of Goblin Slayer's party was ready to do whatever was necessary to help their comrade. Hero and her comrades would assist Sword Maiden and Goblin Slayer's party as they had experience in the astral plane, while the others remained behind to watch over Goblin Slayer. With weapons ready, Sword Maiden began the incantation and as she continued a bright blue circle began to surround the party, little by little the light grew brighter and brighter until it enveloped them, when the light vanished those that stayed behind could find no trace of the adventurers.
Xxxx
The light around the adventurers faded away and the party found themselves in a bleak desolate environment, there was nothing but rock and desert around them as far as the eye could see. Above them they could see dark swirling clouds with streak of red lightning that were followed by the roar of thunderclaps; every so often the clouds would part enough to reveal a blood red sky above.
"We are here…the Astral Plane." Sword Maiden had a frown upon her face as she took in her surroundings.
"What a frightening place." Lizard Priest remarked as he looked around the area.
"You can say that again Scaly. I shudder to think what kind of beings live in a place such as this?"
"This is but one of the many layers of the Astral Plane." It was a feminine voice that called out to the party.
They all turned to see a buxom figure in a rather black revealing gown, with long black hair flowing in the wind. Her skin was rather pale and her eyes were black as the darkness of the clouds above save her bright red pupils, yet there was a sadden expression on her face.
"The Lich Queen." Half-Demon Thief glared at the figure as he placed her hands on the grips of her daggers.
"I am not here to fight, as I mentioned earlier, I wish to save Beloved." Lich Queen was calm in her tone as she approached the party and bowed her head toward them.
"Why do you continue to refer to Goblin Slayer as your beloved?" Hero was also suspicious of this woman.
"In him I saw the man I once loved long before I became a Lich and grew to love him for who he is not just what I thought I lost." Lich Queen had a smile on her face as she thought about this then looked over the girls. "If anything, I have been more honest with him about my feelings, than other's I've been watching."
Many of the women immediately tensed up as they heard her remark, but the Lich Queen gave a shake of her head.
"I am not here to judge, I have already committed enough sins to earn my spot in hell, perhaps in saving Beloved, I can redeem that part of myself that was human. I've been watching all of you for some time…often times with jealousy as you can physically interact with him, while I remain a voice within him. Here, I can be of use to you and hopefully help save him."
"You're going to help us? Why should we trust you after all you did to us not long ago?" Hero was angry and pointed her sword directly at the Lich Queen.
"Killing me will sever the only thing keeping the darkness from completely consuming him, like it or not, you need my help and I begrudging ask for yours."
There was a moment of silence among the party, but they had to relent as the Lich Queen would be their best bet in finding this physical form of the cruse.
"Can you lead us to where this "curse" is?" Sword Maiden was curious as she looked around the desert-like terrain.
"The Slayer? Yes, follow me." The Lich Queen began to walk off toward what looked like a set of mountains in the distance.
"Slayer? Is that what this darkness refers to itself as?" Priestess had a hard time trying to dissociate this entity from her teacher.
"Ever since the Hell Games, and the other salves chanting the name over and over, my curse has taken on this identity." The Lich Queen continued as she and the others walked further on through the desert. "Time is different here in the Astral Plane, what may seem like hours to us may be mere seconds in the Physical World."
"Those mountains in the distance…what are they? I feel a tremendous evil presence from them." Sword Maiden grew worried as they continued in that direction.
"That is his fortress, the minions of this layer serve him as he has promised to set them loose upon the world once he has gained his true physical form."
"So when we fight, it won't just be against the Slayer but whatever monstrous entities he has waiting for us as well?" Dwarf Shaman angrily sighed as they continued forward.
"Correct."
After what felt like several hours the group stopped to decide on what their plan would be when they approached the stronghold, due to the malevolent energy that permeated the air, they were completely unaware of the figure that approached them.
"If possible, we should try to find a way to avoid conflict with these minions and focus directly on the Slayer himself." Hero suggested as she began to trace a rough sketch of the mountains and the possibility of climbing them.
"The same way you all managed to infiltrate my castle?" Lich Queen looked toward the Hero curiously.
"Yes, why do you not agree with the plan?" Hero frowned as she looked at the Lich Queen. "And why do you assume that form, we all know it isn't your true shape!"
"My are you jealous. I'll have you know that I am quite comfortable in this form…and this is the form Beloved saw quite often as I guided with my wisdom." Lich Queen chuckled but was quick refocus on the task at hand. "My only concern is you all are unfamiliar with the terrain, you were able to infiltrate my castle because there was someone who knew the layout."
"And I'd help them again without a moment of hesitation." Half-Demon Thief knew who the Lich was referring to and grew angry.
"I am not going to hold a grudge against you my former thief, but not even I know the full layout of the stronghold. Slayer has shaped it to his desire, and I think that many of you are underestimating him."
"Then perhaps it would be best if I were to speak with them."
The voice carried with it such malice that everyone, save the Lich Queen, was immediately filled with a sense of dread. They turned to see a figure in black leather armor, a sword of strange length sheathed on its side and attached to its left arm was a small, round shield.
"My, my…I would never have imagined you'd come to me, and what's more you've brought not one but two legendary heroes for me to destroy. If you were all patient enough, I would have eventually taken control of the body and then I'd hunt you down from there, I guess this does save me a bit of trouble."
"Slayer!" The group immediately stood with weapons ready to attack.
"Oh please, there's no need for that. Unlike you all, I am patiently waiting for you at the stronghold, this is but a mere shadow of myself." Slayer chuckled as he looked over the group. "Though you're free to try and slay the Slayer if you wish."
High Elf Archer let loose an arrow which easily flew through his head as if it were a puff of smoke, Hero then leapt forward and slashed at his mid-section but met with the same result. Slayer stood there his chuckle growing into sinister laughter as he continued to walk around the group.
"I told you it was futile, though I will acknowledge that had I been a physically here that probably would have been the end of me." Slayer paused as he stood within the center of the group. "Don't forget that this is a game of time…one which you don't have the luxury of wasting. Very soon, by the end of this day I'd say, he will be consumed. You, my dear Lich Queen, will have your human's soul to take with you to hell and I shall do what not even you could accomplish…I will slaughter the mortal races."
"I will not allow you to take him!"
"You realize that if I am destroyed, your tie to him will be gone too right? You'll be brought to hell, removed from your precious Beloved."
"If that is the price I must pay to save him then so be it!" Lich Queen gritted her teeth and clenched her fists. "I have been selfish for far too long, even I am capable of doing one good thing with this wretched life."
The others were shocked to hear the Lich Queen say this, but their attention was soon brought back to Slayer who continued to laugh.
"My how noble, but that doesn't matter. Surely you can all feel it, not just from here but in the Physical World as well." Slayer threw his hands up into the air and gave a grand gesture. "There is change on the wind, a great evil is on the verge of revealing itself to the world. Very soon, two new dark gods will join the ranks of those who watch the game, only we will be active players. The God Resurrection will bring life to the lifeless, not mere undead, but thinking monsters stronger than what the gods have created. Then I, the God Destruction will be unleashed to slay all the mortal races! What fun it shall be with the two of us loose on the world."
"The God of Resurrection, you mean the one responsible for those odd monstrosities that we have seen?" Priestess remembered the massive creature assembled from the bodies of four different races.
"Oh you've already seen them, just wait until you are unable to determine who exactly is your enemy from the ones you're trying to save." Slayer continued to chuckle; the others could only imagine the sneer on his face under his helmet.
"You seek to become a god? How foolish!" Lich Queen sneered at the Slayer before her.
"That's funny coming from you. I'm only here because of your spiteful nature. You cursed that human, and now that I'm so close to fulfilling your wish do you actually intend to stop me."
"I don't know about this God resurrection, but I will tell you now I'm going to crush your ambition here! You will not become a god this day!" Hero Tightened her grip on her sword.
Slayer chuckled once again as he looked toward the party of adventurers partnered with the Lich Queen and faded away.
"I look forward to your arrival at my stronghold. Hurry now…Goblin Slayer doesn't have much time remaining."
xxxx
Only a few minutes had passed as Guild Girl and Cow Girl helped Goblin Slayer back towards his room. Noble Fencer, Half-Dragon Mother and Daughter, and the two dire wolves followed along with them to ensure Goblin Slayer was able to rest. There of course was worry all around not just for Goblin Slayer's wellbeing, but the possibility of him turning into this wraith and attacking those around him as well as the wellbeing of those who had gone to remove his curse personally. Just as the ladies were about to make their way down the hall to the room he had been occupying, several of the acolytes came rushing down the hall.
"I need cloth strips and medicinal herbs quickly!"
"Yes Mother Superior."
Cow Girl and the others watched as the acolytes carefully carried in two unconscious individuals; one was a young man in his 20's while the other was a young boy, possibly 10 or 11 years old. What both had in common was the horrid wounds that covered their bodies, much of their clothing was stained in blood. Noble Fencer and Half-Dragon Mother rushed forward to offer what aid they could as they helped carry the injured boys towards their room, when suddenly the young boy awoke with a scream, thrashing about frantically as the others tried to calm him down.
"Calm yourself, your safe." Half-Dragon mother held the boy tightly to keep him from hurting himself but restrained herself from injuring him further.
"No…they're coming back tonight…my brother and I, sent as messengers! You have to save our village!" the young boy cried from his one functioning eye as he looked toward everyone around him.
"Please calm yourself." Guild Girl held up her hands and slowly approached the boy. "What happened to your village? Who attacked you?"
"It was the goblins!"
Author's note: Sorry if this isn't quite as exciting as some of my other chapters, I want to set up for the two battles that will be fought in the Astral Plane and Physical World in the coming chapters. Next chapter will have our group of adventurers attack the Slayer's stronghold in the Astral Plane but what of the goblins in the Physical World? Who could stand up to the horde that plans to attack this particular village this very night?