Half-Dragon Priestess gasped as she was slammed against the nearby tree, the Dragon Executioner laughed as he slowly applied more pressure to his grip. Near his feet was Wolf Brawler, blood collecting around her head staining her pink fur from the crack to her skull. On the other side was Harpy Scout screaming after having her wings torn from her back, and legs broken after Dragon Executioner had crushed them beneath his massive boots.

"Struggle all you want little dragon, you're still going to die just like these pathetic friends of yours." Dragon Executioner sneered as he sparred a quick glance down to his feet at the large furry, white body before giving it a swift kick. "And this stupid beast too."

Half-Dragon Priestess struggled to open her eyes, but she could see the body of Specter; the Dragon Executioner had snapped the dire wolf's neck some time ago as he tried to defend his owner.

"D,damn…you…"

"Defiant to the end, good. That will make you that much tastier!"

The Dragon Executioner pulled his free arm back before ramming it into the young woman's body. Half-Dragon Priestess screamed as the hand tore through her flesh and scales, before moving around through her body toward her chest. There was a wicked smile on the giant's face as he took hold of his desired prize, blood running down the side of the girl's mouth as she continued to scream. With a final grunt he tore his arm out of the wound he had made with the bloody heart in his hand, drool running down his chin as he eyed the raw muscular organ in his hand. Half-Dragon Priestess gasped over and over, trying to catch her breath but unable to get any air; the last thing she saw before her vision went black was the Dragon Executioner taking a large bit out of her heart, blood staining the sides of his mouth as he chewed on the meat.

xxxx

Half-Dragon Priestess woke with a start, struggle to catch her breath as she placed a hand on her chest. She quickly felt her body but could find no wound there, she tried to slow her breathing down as she realized that she had been having a nightmare.

"Thanks goodness, just a dream…that same terrible dream I've been having for a few nights now. Ancestors, I really thought we were better prepared for such challenges. Five years spent training our bodies and minds so that we would…or rather should have been prepared for anything."

"You alright?"

Half-Dragon Priestess turned her head to see Harpy Scout kneeling beside her, a worried frown crossing her brow as she looked over her friend. Beyond her friend she could see the others resting on the dry straw within the barn as the rain continued to fall outside. Wolf and Fang rested upon the straw off to the side, surprisingly sleeping beside each other while Talon roosted in the rafters, feeding upon a mouse it had caught. Near the saber cat was Saber Rider, though doing much better, he still had several clothing bandages wrapped around his sides to keep his broken ribs together. Padfoot Monk having recovered from his broken arm after using his spell to Heal and a couple healing potions watched over the sleeping Wolf Brawler.

After their battle the injured group slowly made their way from the broken bridge, to a clearing where Half-Dragon Priestess used her Refresh ability on the three most injured warriors. Once a bit better, they had continued on; hoping to find another village or farms and after almost a half-day of travel found a fairly good-size cabin within the woods. The family within was shocked by the appearance of the adventurers, but with a bit of quick negotiation, they had paid for use of the barn to recuperate.

"I'm fine, just a bad dream." Half-Dragon Priestess rubbed the back of her head, a groan escaping her mouth as she did so.

"The Dragon Executioner right? Yeah, I've been having nightmares too." Harpy Scout gently placed a hand on the spot where her wing had been injured. "That bastard…that was like nothing we could have prepared for. That first combined attack should have been enough, but that healing ability was insane."

"We did not go into that fight haphazardly, we planned our attack to use the best of our abilities and yet…"

"It was not a fault in our planning Noble Priestess." Padfoot Monk dipped a cloth into a bowl of water before laying it across Wolf Brawler's forehead. "That creature…there was strength and endurance to perhaps take on an army. I now understand why the runes spoke of it taking so long to subdue him, I'm not even sure if killing the beast is killable."

"Then you also believe it he is still alive?" A frown crossed the brow of the young half-dragon.

"I was told that your blade nearly cut the fiend's head off and yet he still recovered, I doubt that fall into the bottom of that gorge was enough to stop him." Padfoot Monk carefully moved his hand over toward his side to feel around for the herbs collected then dropped them into clay container filled with water.

"How is she doing?" Half-Dragon Priestess moved closer toward Wolf Brawler, over the last three days she had not fully awoken.

"Hmm. Fear not, her fever has nearly broken." Padfoot Monk smiled as he placed hand on her forehead then moved his other towards his own. "The blow she received was quite serious, I too was worried when Huntress did not fully regain consciousness despite our healing spells. In addition to the wet cloth I have been placing on her head, I have added Elderflower to the water she drinks."

"With that said, we should probably check on our other injured adventurer." Harpy Scout smirked as she moved toward the snoring Saber Rider and poked at his bandaged sides. "Hey! Wake up!"

With every poke Saber Rider grunted, a visible frown on his face every time she did this, until he finally opened his eyes.

"Why you wake? Time to…ugh…" As Saber Rider grunted as he moved too quickly and could feel the pain around his sides. "Time to eat?"

"Hey don't move around so much." Harpy Scout then felt bad for her playful poking as she looked toward Saber Rider. "Sorry about poking you just now."

"These wounds nothing. You not hurt me. I too strong." Saber Rider gave his left side a hearty slap to prove he wasn't hurt until to let out a loud groan. "Stupid manbeast."

"You're the one who just hit his own side, sounds like that should teach you a lesson." Harpy Scout shook her head as she watched him slowly get back to his feet. "Now where the hell are you going?"

"Rain. Like standing in rain. Help wash body."

"Oh no you don't, then you'll end up with a cold or fever in addition to your bruised or broken bones." Harpy Scout took hold of the wildman's muscular arm and led him back toward a nearby chair. "Easy now, you can go splash in the rain later, but not now."

"Bird Girl worry too much. I strong. Not get sick."

Half-Dragon Priestess and Padfoot Monk smiled as they saw the exchange go on between the two; while the others were talking they failed to notice Wolf Brawler wincing her eyes. The wolf padfoot let out a weak groan as she started to open her eyes, whether part of her dreams or not, she had thought she had opened her eyes before. The first time she believed she was being carried on the back of the white dire wolf and the second time she was in wooden building. She opened her eyes and could see the wooden ceiling overhead, she could hear muffled voices as she tried to recollect her thoughts. She remembered being with her friends, they could encountered a padfoot and barbarian and then they fought against…

Wolf Brawler suddenly sat up with a shout much to the surprise of everyone around her, both Half-Dragon Priestess and Padfoot Monk were quick to place a firm hand on her shoulders. Wolf Brawler nervously looked around the place trying to regain her bearings when she finally locked eyed with Half-Dragon Priestess.

"It's alright! It's alright! You're safe now!" Half-Dragon Priestess did her best to reassure her friend that the whatever she had remembered was over.

"Priestess? I…ugh, my head." Wolf Brawler placed her left hand on the side of her head, the sudden movement had caused her some pain. "I remember fighting…that Dragon Executioner…did we win?"

"We got away. That bastard fell into a chasm, it's been about four days since the battle. You, hit your head pretty hard and were out for most of the time."

"That would explain this headache." Wolf Brawler groaned once again as she looked around the barn to see the others were also alive. "Good to see everyone is alive and well."

"Speaking of, drink this Huntress, it should aid with your fever." Padfoot Monk handed the female padfoot a cup with the Elderflower and water mixed in it.

"Oh thank you." Wolf Brawler drank the mixture before lying back down to rest her head then looked over toward Half-Dragon Priestess. "So…what's the plan now?"

"Now?" Half-Dragon Priestess thought for a moment as she looked toward her friends resting within the barn. "Let's take one more day to rest up before continue on. I've had a chance to speak with the owner and there should be another village a couple days away, somewhere in the swamplands."

"Swamp dangerous? Many creatures that can eat you if not careful." Saber Rider looked toward the others, he knew full well what type of monsters were roaming the area.

"Can't be helped; if the Dragon Executioner does return, maybe we can use the swamp against him with his weight and a potential bog to have him sink in." Half-Dragon Priestess sighed as she placed a hand over the spot where she had been stabbed, the wound now healed thanks to her healing potion. "For now, let's get some rest. Though it wasn't exactly a victory, we survived and can learn from these mistakes…tomorrow's another day."

xxxx

The water ran past his body, blood still oozing from his wounds mixed with the water as it ran past his body. For days now he struggled to pull his body free from the stalagmites, broken bones had healed quickly, but trying to tear his body away was more difficult. With a final grunt he got his right arm free, chunks of the rocks still embedded in his flesh.

"Finally, that's one free. Now for the other." Dragon Executioner proceeded to hit the large rocks near his left arm to break them, a smile on his face with every impact of his fist against the stone. "Just you wait children…I'll be free soon enough and then we shall continue our fun."

xxxx

"Haven't there been any letters from her?"

Older Wolf Padfoot was normally an imposing figure standing even taller than Lizard Priest or Heavy Warrior, was now reduced to a whimpering dog as she kneeled before the front desk at the Guild.

"I'm sure she and the others will be sending us some news as soon as they can. We just need to be patient." Guild Girl smiled as she reached out to pet the young woman atop her head like a nervous dog. "If I remember correctly, she's been checking in everyday for the last week. I would probably be acting the same way if my daughter did the same thing…or rather when she does become an adventurer."

Back in the Tavern, Half-Dragon Mother and Harpy Mother were busy attending to the patrons alongside Padfoot Waitress. Harpy Mother had since moved to Frontier Town and with a small bit of convincing decided to work with her friend as a way to take her mind off her daughter. Both parents were also worried but knew their children had spent much of their time training to be prepared for the dangers that lay ahead.

Within the Tavern the various groups all happily enjoyed their meal after having returned from their own adventurers. The children would often times remain at the Guild under the watchful eyes of Guild Girl and Cow Girl, but other adventurers on their day off would volunteer to watch the children, regaling them with tales of their own. Goblin Slayer and his party had finally returned from their own quest as the children rushed to greet their father and mothers.

"Father, your back!"

"Did you defeat the goblins?"

"Yes. The goblins were dealt with." Goblin Slayer nodded his head as he reached out the pat the young girls atop their heads.

"Your father and his goblins. I'm always hopeful that we'll be able to go on another grand adventure like the one to the Capital five years ago." Half-Demon Thief sat upon the bench and smiled as helped her daughter up to sit upon her lap.

"It's thanks to that quest plus all the hard work that you and I are now also silver-ranked adventurers." Priestess joined her friend at the nearby table before reaching down to take hold of her guild tags.

The party laughed then watched as the massive wolf padfoot slowly walked into the tavern, a visible pout present on her face. Guild Girl followed behind her gently patting her back as she led her over to join the others at the table.

"Come on, why don't you join us for a meal. We can hear what the others were up to?" Guild Girl happily waved toward Goblin Slayer and the others.

"…can I have some meat?" Older Wolf Padfoot sulked as she moved closer towards the table.

"Well of course. And a welcome back to all of you, especially you dear." Guild Girl smiled as she sat at the table and reached out to take Goblin Slayer's hand.

"I have returned and the goblins have been dealt with."

"Ever the romantic aren't you Orcbolg? Well I really can't complain since I too somehow fell for your charm…or lack of, I'm still not sure." High Elf Archer chuckled as she turned toward her daughter and smiled.

"There, there lass. No need to be said, just you wait until we get some meat and spirits in you." Dwarf Shaman too did his best to comfort the large padfoot then looked toward Guild Girl. "I'm guessing that if she's here like this then no letters have arrived yet."

"I'm afraid not."

"I see. Then how about you Scaly? You and the misses also worried too?"

"I am quite confident in her skills Sir Mage and I know she has her friends with her." Lizard Priest smiled but the others could see he too was nervously rubbing his hands. "Though I would greatly enjoy reading of how she is doing."

The others laughed, these parents were of course worried about their children as anyone would; for those looking at their own young children wondered just how long before they chose their profession and what it would be like for them as older parents. It was at this time that Guild Girl finally remembered that a letter had come in, but not one from the young girls.

"Oh Goblin Slayer, I just remembered this came in for you." Guild Girl moved to retrieve the letter from her pocket place it on the table.

Everyone looked over at the letter, surprised to see the wax stamp on the back was the symbol of the King. Goblin Slayer nodded his head before breaking the seal and removing the letter to read; the other around him waited patiently for him to finish the letter, though they would have preferred for him to read it out loud.

"I see. Wolf and I shall be departing in the morning."

"Wait, what? You just got back from this quest and you're heading out again?" Priestess was a bit agitated over this sudden decision of his.

"May I see that letter?" Cow Girl reached over for the letter as Goblin Slayer nodded. "Let's see. A request from the King, asking about the disappearance of several female villagers and adventurers."

"Those are tactics goblins use." Goblin Slayer began to look through his supplies, checking for what he might need to procure before leaving. "Perhaps another healing potion and an antidote?"

"If it's a request from the King then I should be going along with you. Being the Hero and all, it might be something that is threatening the world."

"I too should accompany you, the King and I are old friends so he would disclose to me certain details he might be withholding." Sword Maiden gently placed a hand on her chest as she nodded her head toward Goblin Slayer.

"That won't be necessary. Wolf and I shall go to investigate. If it is goblins, we shall deal with them quickly and if not, we shall return."

"Goblin Slayer wait, you shouldn't…"

"Our daughters would also like to spend some time with you all. I shall return as soon as possible." Goblin Slayer looked toward the others then toward his daughters and smiled beneath his helmet. "What type of souvenirs would you like from the Capital?"

"A new sword!"

"Hey you still have your old one!"

"I want a book!"

"A book for me too!"

Everyone smiled as the young girls shouted out their requests when some of his wives, especially High Elf Archer and Half-Demon Thief, also voiced they too would like a keepsake since he never got them one before. The exchange did help in distracting the others from their concern over the young adventurers, but as they looked out at the setting sun, there in the back of their minds they hoped the young ones were doing well.

xxxx

The morning had come, Half-Dragon Priestess calmly walked out of the barn a smile crossed her face as she was greeted by the warm sun. Specter had joined her, purposely placing its head under her hand so that she would have the pet the massive dire wolf; she soon heard other footsteps and turned to find the rest of her comrades had joined her.

"How is everyone feeling?"

"Beaten, but not defeated." Wolf Brawler grunted as she stretched her neck to her left and then to her right.

"No need bandages. I too strong." Saber Rider started to tear off the cloth strips from his stomach before throwing them to the ground.

"I keep telling you, the healing spells or potions can't instantly fix up all those broken bones." Harpy Scout sighed as she shook her head remembering all the bruises he had around his stomach and sides a few days ago.

"Bird Girl worry too much. I strong like saber cat!" Saber Rider gave a laugh just as Fang let out a wide yawn then moved toward his side to which he patted the big cat's side. "See. I just as strong as Fang."

"I'm pretty sure if the two of you were to fight, he'd be able to pin you rather easily." Harpy Scout arched an eyebrow as she looked at the massive saber cat compared to Saber Rider.

"Ha! Show what you know. When we wrestle, he and I evenly matched."

"While I'm sure you're eager to roughhouse with your brother, it would probably be a good idea to avoid any strenuous activity until after a bit more time my friend." Padfoot Monk smiled as he enjoyed hearing the wildman speak of playing with his so-called "sibling".

"What Dog Face say?"

"He said no time for playing." Wolf Brawler looked toward the wildman with a smile then looked toward Half-Dragon Priestess. "So what's the plan now?"

"I want to thank the people for allowing us use of the barn and the food the provided, plus I want a look at the map of the area ahead."

The party left the barn and moved toward the cabin, Half-Dragon Priestess knocking on the door and waiting patiently for the owners to come out. The door opened and the farmer and his family stepped out to which Half-Dragon Priestess bowed her head.

"Thank you so much for the use of your barn and the food you provided us." Half-Dragon Priestess reached into her pouch to retrieve some gold coins. "I'm hopeful this will be enough to repay you for your kindness."

The farmer reached out to take the coins, surprised by her giving him ten gold coins to which he smiled and put the coins in his pocket.

"More than enough. I must admit when I saw you all come by our house I was a bit worried to see adventurers, I had heard that some could be very pushy and rude with others."

"My parents and family taught me it is proper to pay back all debts. We are indebted to you for allowing us to recover."

Half-Dragon Priestess once again bowed her head toward the family as did the others which caught the family off guard but they were all too quick to smile.

"Is there anything else we can do for you before you depart?"

"Two small things, if it isn't too much of a bother?" Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she once again reached into her pouch to procure a rolled-up piece of paper. "The first is if when you next go into town, could you drop this off with the local Guild Branch, it has instructions to deliver to Frontier Town. The other is, do you have a map of the area we could look over?"

"Of course." The farmer took the scroll then rushed inside the cabin only to quickly return with a map. "This is a diagram of the local area, it goes up to the edge of the mountains."

The group of adventurers moved to examine the map, seeing what looked like a wide forest, but in the center was the swamp or marshlands.

"There's the swamp I mentioned to you all, we can travel through their assuming the Executioner comes after us again." Half-Dragon Priestess tapped a her clawed finger against the drawing of the swampland.

"Wait? You're going to move through the swamp? I'd strongly advise against it."

"Why not? I know we're likely to encounter wildlife that could prove dangerous, but is there something else we need to be weary of?" Harpy Scout was a bit concerned by the farmer's sudden warning.

"That swamp, it is the home of a powerful witch known as the Swamp Hag. A practitioner of dark magic who can supposedly control the animals and plants of the area as she pleases to capture or dispatch those who intrude in her domain." The Farmer quickly explained all of this as his frightened child moved to hug him.

"A user of black magic? That would indeed be quite troublesome, hopefully we can avoid her if we stay towards the outskirts of the swamp." Padfoot Monk offered as he scratched the bottom of his chin between his thumb and forefinger.

"One problem at a time, be we do need to keep moving." Wolf Brawler looked toward the map and noticed what could possible several houses within the swamp area. "What's this over here…a village?"

"Yes, there is a small village located within the swamp. They survive by offering the witch offerings and animal sacrifices."

"I not sacrifice Fang for witch. I see her I kill her." Saber Rider seemed to growl as he looked toward Fang, the thought of him being offered was quite upsetting.

"And I will not offer up Specter, but let's avoid creating new enemies. We do not mean to invade her territory only to move around it. It seems that this village in the swamp will be our next destination." Half-Dragon Priestess sighed before looking toward the farmer with a small smile. "Thank you once again for all your assistance."

"Please be careful on you journey. I wish you and your companions great fortune in all your endeavors."

The farmer and his family waved goodbye as the party calmly walked away from the cabin back toward the forest and eventually the swamp. Now healed and experienced with how the Dragon Executioner battles, they would be better prepared for the time they would encounter him once again.

xxxx

The Dragon Executioner finally stood, tearing the final fragments of rock from his body as his cursed blood began the healing process. He frowned as he retrieved his war hammer then looked toward the sides of the gorge he had fallen down.

"It will take too long to walk out of here and my prey will get farther away from me. No, the only way is to go up." The Dragon Executioner though about this trek with war hammer in hand and knew it would be impossible but soon eyed the wreckage of the brig close by. "I would have thought it was washed away by the rain, but it appears that was not completely the case. That will do just fine."

The Dragon Executioner sneered as the took a good length of rope and tightly fasted it diagonally across his chest, he then placed his war hammer along his back; the rope keeping the head of the hammer from slipping. With his weapon secured he moved toward the rock wall and started his slow climb out of the gorge.

"I'm coming for you my little dragon. Just you be patient for I will find you."

xxxx

The figure sloshed through the murky waters, around its body was a filthy and tattered black robe. Its hands were sickly and boney, with a greyish color; at the end of each finger were blacked nails that almost resembled claws. In its hands it dragged a large blood-stained burlap sack when it suddenly stopped; as it dropped the neck of the bag an arm could be see hanging out. The figure looked around the area, atop its head with a deer skull with antlers as oily black hair cascaded down towards its back, through the eye sockets of the skull its green eyes almost seemed to glow. The figure calmly examined its surroundings, but could see nothing in the trees, water or through the mist.

"I sense something…something is coming."

The Swamp Hag then moved to retrieve her back as she continued to drag it further, once in the center of the marsh she proceeded to open it, tossing the severed body parts into the water.

"There. Feed. I must discover what I am sensing."

She turned and walked away, as she did so as massive creature snarled as it raised its body out of the swamp and slithered over toward the bloody pieces of meat. It thrashed about in the water loudly chewing the bodies as the Swamp Hag continued away. She soon reached what appeared to be a dilapidated wooden hut and entered; inside was burning fire place with cauldron boiled over it and several candles upon a nearby table with small bones. She then moved toward the tables, taking up the various bones in its hands before tossing them upon the table.

"Let us see." The Swamp Hag moved her hands over the bones, paying close attention to the way they laid. "Someone is coming into my swamp…no, several people. Know that those who intrude upon my lands shall never return. Either I or the swamp shall deal with you…foolish adventurers."

Author's Note: I'm hopeful everyone is enjoying the second book. Yes, Goblin Slayer and the others are now in more of a support role, which some may find disappointing, but I wanted to give this new group a chance to shine. Talking with friends, I feel this book may not be the long arcs like Howl of Vengeance but more two parts. The first half will be the Exploration Half for this group as they encounter new people and challenges, and the second part I will refer to as the Kingdom Half, where our group will discover the neighboring kingdom. Within these two parts, will be a variety of mini arcs. Dragon Executioner, as I'm sure you all read is a tough one, think of him like the Nemesis or Mr. X of the story, you can't kill him only slow him down…for now. Thanks again for all the support and I'll do my best to keep up with a regular posting schedule.