Within the back of the wagon, the sound of the tiny whines could be heard as Snow nursed her three young pups, those around were smiling as they continued down the path, well nearly everyone.
"You and your blasted pets Goblin Slayer." Spearman grunted as he shook his head, walking alongside the wagons while keeping an eye out. "We're supposed to be making our way to the Capital to deal with the Necromancer, but now we got three extra mongrels to tend to. These things make so much noise, any surprise attack will be in vain."
Spearman's attitude only brought a smile to the others, he like all the other adventurers, would sneak over to give Snow some extra food from time to time during their meals. A week had passed since the battle for the village, the group had successfully repelled the force of nearly a hundred, and now it was time to make for the Capital and deal with the Necromancer.
"If what that bastard said was true, then the Hero and her party are also in pursuit. It would be nice to know that we are not the only ones fighting against his horrid creations." Half-Demon Thief smiled as they continued down the path, sparring a quick sneak peek to check on Snow in the lead wagon.
"Then perhaps the Supreme God has sent her a message to deal with the Necromancer directly." Priestess thought about all they had seen and recalled the rumors of the army of demons ready to raze the Capital. "This evil man could easily be considered a demon lord in his own right."
"Which would mean that if she is going to be the one to kill this Necromancer, then all we're doing is just dealing with the small fry." Spearman was a bit resentful that what had happened in the north during the Lich Queen fight would happen again.
"So what, we should just stop and return back to Frontier Town?" Heavy Warrior turned to look toward his colleague, a frown visible on his face. "After all we've been through and dealt with, you think we should just quit?"
"Not quit, but I wouldn't be surprised if all we get after this is a simple "thank you" for all the hard work."
"None of that matters, the Necromancer's death is the only important thing for us." Goblin Slayer continued on with his bold stride, Wolf by his side. "Regardless of who defeats him, we only need to confirm that he is dead. If not, then he will continue to transform the goblins and many other villages will suffer."
The others smiled, even in the face of world-shattering news, his devotion to protecting the others from goblins would seem him through this quest. The Necromancer may be human, but so long as he was using tactics the goblins implemented and mutating the small monsters into massive giants, then Goblin Slayer would not stop until he knew that this man was dead. Ahead of them, they could hear the sound of rushing water, they were nearing the river and there they'd find a bridge to cross over to reach the Capital.
"Look at that torrent below. You might be swept out to sea with how fast it's moving." High Elf Archer marveled at the sight of the rapids below.
"Must be due to the two days of heavy rain we saw these past couple nights, now it's rushing ahead. Why so surprised Long-Ears, I'm sure you elves had rivers in that kingdom we visited for your sister's wedding?"
"That waters were always so calm near the village. Yes they would move fast in certain spots, but nothing as fast as what I'm seeing below."
"The river is nice and all, but I'm more concerned with the bridge ahead of us." Female Knight stepped onto the bridge and stomped her foot down several times. "It seems sturdy enough, but I don't think it would be wise for us to run all three wagons across."
The bridge was of an older design, still made of wood where as the others much closer to the Capital were made of stone. The bridge was wide enough that two wagons could pass by one another if need be, down below the could see the massive wooden piles used to support the bridge and on the side were wooden rails that came up to a man's waist in place of a small parapet.
"Then…we should…send one wagon…at a time…yes?"
"That would be the smart line of thinking, but that also means if we're ambushed, one or all of our wagons will be left vulnerable." Spearman frowned as he looked around the bridge, there were small clusters of trees all around them as well as massive bushed in which two or three men could hide in or behind. "I think it would be best to send a couple of us over to the other side first to act as guards if trouble shows up."
"Agreed. I'm in." Heavy Warrior smirked as he rested his massive sword upon his right shoulder.
"As if I'd let you hog all the glory." Spearman frowned as he tightened his grip on his spear. "What about you Goblin Slayer?"
Goblin Slayer was silent as he nodded, Wolf gave a quick bark by his side before the small group crossed the bridge, they spread themselves out wide enough to cover much of the bridge.
"Been a while since it was just the three of us?" Heavy Warrior smirked as he calmly looked around the area while conversing. "When was the last time…was it dealing with that Wizard in the White Tower?"
"Would you focus on the trees and bushes! This is not time to be idly remembering foolish things." Spearman huffed as they continued across the bridge before sparing a quick glace toward Goblin Slayer. "Besides, I doubt this hack would even recall such…"
"You both had invited me to drink with you. It was sometime before our battle to slay the goblins at the training ground."
Heavy Warrior and Spearman were both surprised to hear Goblin Slayer actually remember that little exchange nearly a year ago.
"Those things that do not concern me, I tend to forget. Those that do matter, I do not forget. Such as a friend's birthday, a promise to my comrades…or enjoying a beer with colleagues."
"Ha ha ha! When this is all over, we'll have to get another at the bar!" Heavy Warrior laughed as they finished reaching the other side of the bridge. "We'll have one hell of a story to tell the others who stayed behind to defend the town."
"You mean I'll have to be there to boast about my accomplishments, if it were up to Goblin Slayer, he'd bore everyone with "goblin this" and "goblin that". They'd never know of how big a threat the Necromancer is." Spearman smirked as he could already see the younger adventurers gathered around him eager to share in his wisdom. "But I will admit that it will be nice to share a beer with you two when this is done."
"Agreed." Goblin Slayer scanned the immediate area but did not detect any visible dangers. "Wolf."
Wolf sniffed the ground, there was no scent of these strange men in dark clothes, but his instincts told him the area was not completely safe. With his mate and litter in one of the covered wagons, he would remain vigilant to protect them where he failed the others. Within the shrubs, downwind of the large wolf watching them, the Faceless Man watched as the three wagons were ready to cross.
"Master mentioned encountering a group of adventurers at one of the villages he personally visited. I must not allow them to interfere with his work any further." The Faceless Man watched as the first wagon started to make its way onto the bridge, his hands already on the beak of his mask. "Once it's in the center, I'll destroy the bridge. The Hellhounds will tear the others to shreds."
Spearman motioned for the first wagon to begin crossing the large wooden bridge, on the other side Lizard Priest, Female Knight and Dwarf Shaman stood on the ground also checking the area for any signs of an upcoming ambush. The Faceless Man watched, and the moment he saw the wagon in the center of the bridge he crushed the vial and downed the contents before letting out a horrendous bellow. The adventurers all looked ahead as the figure of the Faceless Man tearing through his garments as it took on the appearance of a massive wolf-like monster.
"Attack!"
From within the nearby cluster of trees two Hellhounds charged forward while four of the harpies burst forth from the treetops. The adventurers quickly went to work into action fighting against the beasts while defending the wagons and the noncombatants. The Faceless Man snarled as it rushed forward, moving away from the adventurers in an attempt to push the wagon over the edge. Cow Girl nervously looked on as the massive creature drew closer, within the wagon was Snow and her pups, she reached for a nearby sword, not sure how much good she could do but was not about to abandon Snow to this monster. High Elf Archer saw the beast rushing toward her friend and let loose three arrows, all three hit their mark in its chest but this did little to slow it down. The Faceless Man had a ghastly sneer on its face as it stomped onto the bridge with arms raised to crush the small woman in its claws.
He heard the sudden howl and growl from directly behind him, he turned to see an armored animal lunge toward him. Wolf leapt toward the monster angrily snarling and snapping its jaws as the Faceless Man struggled to hold it away from him. Wolf would not allow this thing to come near his mate and litter, his instincts telling him to protect his mate and litter, he continued to snap his jaws as he moved closer towards the creature's neck. The Faceless Man stumbled backwards until he collided with the railing of the bridge, his weight and that of the armored wolf forced them to break through and fall over the edge.
"Wolf!" Cow Girl was horrified to see Wolf topple over the edge of the bridge still being held by the monster.
Goblin Slayer and the others turned their attention back toward the bridge, they heard the cracking of the wood and the splash of water as both figures fell into the raging torrent below. With the other monsters dealt with, Goblin Slayer took off down his side of the river while Half-Demon Thief and High Elf Archer followed on their side.
"Goblin Slayer wait and we'll…" Spearman was ready to follow behind the others but was interrupted by Goblin Slayer.
"Stay with the wagons! There may be others!"
Half-Dragon Daughter took to the air despite her mother and father calling out for her to stay with them. The trio rushed down checking to see for any signs of Wolf, when suddenly both he and the Faceless Man exploded from the water, Wolf still snarling as he struggled to fight with the mutated human. The two in the water continued to rush ahead of the others, the current pulling them further away from Goblin Slayer and the others.
"Hang on Wolf! We'll get you out of there!" High Elf Archer nervously watching as they slipped beneath the water once again. "How the hell do we get them out? Have to think! Have to think! Please Orcbolg have some plan already set!"
"Hey above us!" Half-Demon Thief looked up when she saw a shadow, there she found the young half-dragon flying along with them. "Sister, what are you doing here? Get back with the others!"
"Wolf! Wolf!" Half-Dragon Daughter did not hear her sister below as she looked for Wolf among the water.
Goblin Slayer continued to push himself both checking ahead of him and towards the water as both broke through once again. Ahead of them they could see a large collection of rocks and trees, something they would not be able to easily get around, Goblin Slayer knew that this would be their only chance to get to Wolf. He quickly pulled out the rope from his back pouch waiting for them to emerge once again, they broke through once again and Goblin Slayer acted.
"Wolf! The rope!" Goblin Slayer threw the rope toward the dire wolf, not knowing if Wolf could fully understand his instructions, he would have to leave it to luck that Wolf would respond.
The rope went towards the two, but they both rushed past it just as the rope went slack in Goblin Slayer's hands. The two slipped beneath the water once again, Wolf finally moving closer towards the monster's throat but at the moment the Faceless Man's claws reached for the wolf's neck. Goblin Slayer and the others suddenly stopped themselves before colliding with the trees and rocks and watched as the surface of the water suddenly went red, though it was brief, they saw the massive stain spread across the water, before being swept away with the current. The three figures stop as they looked toward the water, watching the fading red stain rush away from them, there was no way to continue chasing them directly and going around would take too long. The three stood near the trees, Goblin Slayer silent as he looked ahead while High Elf Archer and Half-Demon Thief were than panting heavily as they struggled to catch their breath, their eyes wide with disbelief. Up above them, Half-Dragon Daughter flapped her wings as she flew in place, her hands covering her mouth as her eyes began to water.
"Go…go and tell the others we'll be there in a while." Goblin Slayer's mechanical tone was directed at his sister above as he looked up toward her. "Can you do that?"
"Wh, what?" Half-Dragon Daughter did not hear the instructions the first time and flew lower to hear her brother. "Can you say it again please?"
"Go back and tell them what happened." Goblin Slayer turned his attention from the half-dragon back to the river. "We'll be there shortly."
"I…yes sir." Half-Dragon Daughter, still crying, nodded her head as she took back to the air to return to the others.
High Elf Archer and Half-Demon Thief watched their little sister flying away and were quick to turn their attention back toward the silent Goblin Slayer.
"Are you going to be okay Goblin Slayer?"
"Orcbolg…what do we do now?"
Goblin Slayer looked toward the water once again before turning to walk back toward the wagons where the others were.
"We need to head back." His tone lacking any emotion as he slowly walked away from the trees, his fists tightly clenched as he did so.
Though they had taken off at full speed, the walk back had taken longer than anyone would have imagined. Goblin Slayer and the others now saw all three wagons had cross the bridge as the party of adventurers patiently waited for the trio to return. Half-Dragon Daughter could be heard crying as her mother and father tried to comfort her; everyone of the others had a sadden expression on their face as they saw Goblin Slayer and the others. Priestess covered her eyes as the tears ran down her face, Cow Girl and Guild Girl had come to comfort the young adventurer even though they themselves had been crying as well.
"Milord Goblin Slayer, how…how are you doing?" Lizard Priest was deeply sadden at the thought of having lost a respected comrade this day.
"Were there any other creatures around?"
"Nothing else around us Beardcutter, but you shouldn't be changing the subject. We heard what you saw, so how are you doing?"
Goblin Slayer was silent as he looked over everyone then turned his attention back toward the river, seeing the broken section of the bridge where Wolf and the monster had fallen.
"We shall stay here through the night, we'll see if he is able to make it back." Goblin Slayer turned back to face Cow Girl. "It tried to attack you and the wagon? How are you, Snow and her litter?"
"We're fine, Wolf saved us before that monster could reach us. And Snow…" Before Cow Girl could finished there was a long howl that could be heard from the wagon, Cow Girl could feel the tears in her eyes forming once again. "She's been doing that some sometime now…she knows."
Goblin Slayer was silent before looking back toward the bridge, Snow's mournful howl piercing the air around them all.
"We shall wait here and see what will come."
xxxx
"Magnificent."
Necromancer and his mount Cerberus calmly entered into the capital through the entrance on the eastern side and smiled at the sight before him. Much of the city could be seen ablaze, buildings collapse as dozens of his lovely creations could be seen running about the busy street slaughtering the struggling knights and citizens. It had only been one week since the signal had been sent, to disperse all of the elixir to the water supplied to the Capital, and the results were far better than what he had expected.
"Master."
The Necromancer was approached by two of the Faceless Men who were quick to bow their head to their master.
"Is it not wonderful my master? Your gift to the world, delivered to all the people here."
"Surely now the citizens, no the gods above can see the magnificence of your genius."
"You give me too much praise, I am only able to come this far because of my loyal followers." Necromancer firmly placed a hand on each man's shoulder as a small smile crossed his face. "Remember, this gift is for the people, they who suffer shall now be free of such torment…at least those who are willing to accept it."
Necromancer and his followers continued to calmly walk through the city amidst the screams of people and roars of the monsters. They paused as they heard the sounds of crying, looking around they found a woman cradling a body in her arms. His followers were ready to kill this woman, but Necromancer held up his hand for them to wait.
"I shall tend to her, remember no one should suffer." Necromancer calmly walked past the rubble of toward the woman and knelt down, gently placing his hand on her shoulder. "My dear, how may I help you?"
The woman turned, tears streaming down her face, she was surprised by the pale face before her yet he had a warm smile for her.
"My…my husband! Those creatures killed him!" the woman turned her attention back to her husband's bloody body, covered with deep lacerations. "There's nothing anyone can do!"
"Not true my dear, even death can be conquered." The Necromancer maneuvered around the woman towards her husband's body and removed a small vial from within his coat. "May the Miracle of Life be upon you sir."
Necromancer knew this man could not ingest the elixir directly, so he poured the green liquid directly into the man's chest wounds, directly above his heart. He took a step back, and both waited, the woman was ready to scream at the Necromancer for defiling her husband's body when she felt his body begin to convulse. She too quickly stepped away and with wide eyes saw her husband's body violently spasm before he opened his eyes and roared. His teeth began to deform becoming jagged fangs, four extra appendages violently grew beneath his arms, two on each side, and the wounds across his chest were healing. The woman collapsed in shock as her husband now stood, transformed into one of this horrendous Arachne that had infested the nearby district. Her former husband turned her attention toward his wife, any memory of her gone, as he prepared to attack but was held back by the Necromancer.
"There you are my dear, your husband has been restored. Wonderful is it not? His weak, broken body now made strong! You too can join him." The Necromancer removed another small vial from his coat and extended it towards the frightened woman. "As the God of Resurrection, I offer you the same gift I have bestowed upon your husband."
The woman stared at him and her husband for a few moments, still shaken by what she had seen, when a scowl crossed her face as she slapped his hand away from her. The vial shattering as it hit the ground, the Necromancer was stunned by the action, though he was more concerned by the loss of his formula.
"You monster…no, you're worse than these creatures. All the destruction, all the chaos around us, it's because of you!" The woman glared at the Necromancer as angry tears ran down her face. "You haven't saved my husband, you've made him into one of those abominations! I refuse to acknowledge you as a god, no if anything you are a God of Death and Destruction!"
The Necromancer was silent as he looked toward the angry woman before him, a slightly puzzled look about his face as he tried to comprehend her words. His followers had seen this and were ready to punish this woman for her insolence to their master, how dare she refuse his gift after he saved her husband.
"I see now." The Necromancer was calm in his delivery, an indifferent expression on his face as he continued to look at the woman. "You are incapable of comprehending why I am doing this, that is most unfortunate."
The Necromancer shook his head as he walked away from the woman to rejoin the others, the Arachne still standing as it awaited instructions from its master.
"It is truly regretful that you are so ignorant of the gift I tried to give you, fortunately you won't have to suffer long." The Necromancer turned his attention toward her husband and nodded his head. "Devour her."
The Arachne roared as it attacked his former wife, she screamed as the beast tore her apart, limb from limb before feeding upon her flesh. While this was happening, the Necromancer turned toward his followers and shook his head.
"I had hoped that people would see the wonders of my gift. My genius cane cure death, it can make a weak body so much stronger than before and yet these fools still reject me." The Necromancer frowned before he carefully examined his men. "This city if unfit to receive my gift. There will be a change of plans."
"My Lord." Both Faceless Men bowed their heads toward him.
"Send this command, we shall raze this city to the ground! The Capital shall serve as a warning to the other kingdoms, those who are unwilling to accept my gift shall be destroyed. I shall drag them into the light, into my new world, even if I have to do it with their corpses!"
"At once my lord."
The Faceless men rushed away to begin sharing the new information with their brothers, by the end of the day, everyone would know the new instructions that were given to them.
"We shall make them see my pet." The Necromancer smiled as he moved to pet his hideous Cerberus. "We shall view the Capital and the Castle burn to the ground and perhaps after that is done, then the rest of this country will see how benevolent this god can be once his followers have willingly accepted him."
xxxx
It was late into the night as Goblin Slayer stood by the fire, still staring out at the bridge and the visible spot where Wolf and the monsters had fallen. Many of the others were already asleep, but those closest to Goblin Slayer were restless as they lay in the grass, they'd look over to see him standing in the same place for several hours. Snow had exited the wagon to relive herself and began to anxiously look around for signs of Wolf.
"You should get some rest."
Goblin Slayer turned to see Cow Girl approach him with a small wooden bowl in hand, the steam wafting upward from the reheated stew.
"I'm fine."
"No you're not. You've been like this for hours, you haven't eaten all day, everyone is worried about you." Cow Girl looked down toward the ground, she too had spent much of the day crying in silent. "I know he doesn't handle loss well, but to lose Wolf. He's been with us almost an entire year and now a father. Oh poor Snow."
The Rest of Goblin Slayer party heard her, they too had been hurting with the loss of Wolf as they waited in hopes that he would return to them. Everyone suddenly turned as Snow once again let out a long mournful howl, she waited in hopes of hearing a response from her mate but after a few moments howled once again. Snow continued to look around the area but was then distracted by the cries of her pups, she quickly trotted back towards the nearest wagon and using the small ramp provided by Dwarf Shaman rejoined her little ones.
"Set the bowl down on the ground, I'll eat it in a bit." Goblin Slayer removed his sword from his sheath and set it on the ground near the fire. "I'll return in a few minutes."
"Beloved?"
Goblin Slayer calmly walked away from the fire in the opposite direction of the campfire towards the nearby trees.
"Where are you going?" Cow Girl was immediately distressed to see him walk away from them, even leaving his sword behind.
The rest of the party slowly rose up to see Goblin Slayer walk away from them, wondering where he was going with only his mace at his side but then noticed him stop, still keeping his back to them.
"You don't have to worry. I'll return in few minutes."
Goblin Slayer continued to walk away from the others, his friends and colleagues watched with worried faces as he moved further into the darkness by the trees. Spearman and some of the others figured he'd want a few minutes to himself, but those closer to him knew this was not a good sign. Goblin Slayer walked past the first few trees until he found a good, thick oak tree before him, there he stared up at if for a few minutes before grabbing his mace with his right hand. He repositioned it in his hands once again staring at the oak tree, he took in several deep breaths before he raised up his mace and struck the tree. He continued to strike the tree over and over, regardless of the pain in his hand from striking the heavy object. Everyone could see and hear him grunt as he hit the tree over and over, venting his rage against it as if this tree was the one responsible for the loss of Wolf. Some of the younger adventurers were afraid to see him act in such a manner, others looked on with sad expressions as they watched him deal with his grief in a way only he knew. Goblin Slayer must have struck the tree nearly fifty times before he finally dropped the mace, his hand trembling from the constant impacts. Goblin Slayer stood there for several minutes slowly breathing in and out as he tried to calm himself.
"Wolf…I'm sorry."
Goblin Slayer then reached down to pick up his mace and reattached it to his waist before walking back toward the others near the campfire.
"Goblin Slayer, are…are you okay?" Guild Girl was not sure how she could help him ease his frustrations as she too mourned Wolf.
"Fine. Thank you." Goblin Slayer nodded his head toward everyone before bending down to pick up his sword and sheath it. "You should all get some rest…we'll be departing in the morning."
There was a look of shock upon many of the faces of the party members, shocked that he would suggest such a thing after only a few hours.
"Orcbolg, we can't leave! I mean…we don't know for sure if…"
"Please Goblin Slayer, can't we stay at least another day or so? I'm sure he'd be able to make it back. Just give him some more time." Priestess clasped her hands together as she pleaded with Goblin Slayer.
"What if he comes and we're not here? Snow is already whining for him, surely we can…" Half-Demon Thief remembered seeing the blood in the water but was not ready to completely give up hope.
Cow Girl and the others were also concerned by this, Half-Dragon Daughter squeezed her mother's hand, she was ready to cry as the thought of leaving without knowing was quite upsetting
"If we lose too much time, other villages or the towns will be affected by the Necromancer. If we hesitate, more lives will be lost." Goblin Slayer was calm in his delivery, sparing one final glance towards the bridge before looking back the others. "It is not an easy decision, but it must be made."
The others were silent as they heard him, though they knew it was the wisest decision, is till did not make it right.
"You're right Beardcutter, we need to see this quest through. That bastard is going to pay for costing us a fine comrade."
"Well said Sir Mage, this purveyor of maliciousness will know the fury of the lizardmen when next we meet."
"Not before I put an arrow through his heart." High Elf Archer tightly clenched her fists as she nodded in agreement.
"We will avenge Wolf. I swear to slay the Necromancer." Goblin Slayer clenched his fist before looking toward the wagon with Snow and her litter.
The party begrudgingly decided it was best to get some sleep before they started off in the morning, there was still quite some way to go before reaching the Capital and they were sure to encounter more of the Necromancer's minions along the way, but now they would be one short in their party.
xxxx
He lay there on the bank of the river, slowly opening his eyes to see the bright shining sun above. Wolf struggled to get back to his feet hacking water it had ingested while fighting the monster that threated his pack. There was no sign of the monster, the last thing he remembered was sinking his teeth into the monster's throat and tearing away as they continued to fight. Much of his armor plating was gone as he was banged up against the rocks again and again, the only real armor still on him was the think chainmail. Now on his feet, and the excess water out of his system he gave his body a shake as he took in his surroundings. The trees, grass, and bushes had a different scent than where he had been some time ago, he was not sure how far away he was from the others, every time he sniffed the area there was no scent of his mate, his pups, or his pack. All he could do now was try to get to higher ground and try to track them down or at least find a more familiar scent that would lead him in the right direction. He rushed up the hill and through the woods, determined to find his pack, he would not abandon them like the last time.
Author's Note: Sorry for the delay, was a bit distracted but now got back on track with the story. A reviewer made mention a while back that the story seemed to be moving focus away from Wolf, so now we'll fix that. The next couple chapters will focus more on Wolf and his encounters as he tries to find his pack, but not only is there trouble on the horizon for Wolf but the Capital has only begun to enter a hell unlike any they've ever seen before as the Necromancer is now hellbent on destroying the city. I want to thank GrimmBear for acting as a beta reader for many of the most recent uploads and helping me bounce ideas around. A Happy New Year to everyone, we're getting close to the end of Howl of Vengeance and I promise you I'll see this story through…I have several plans ahead of me for the future of our characters.