"Something that is a goblin, but not a goblin…hmm?"
Goblin Slayer had returned from the fields with the others to contemplate the monsters they had battled. The King and the Guild Manager had mentioned informing the knights and other adventurers to be on the lookout for these creatures and potential kidnappings that were connected to them. For the time being, the matter had been settled for them as they of course had more to focus on than just the orcs, but that was not the case for Goblin Slayer.
Within one of the stables, far away from the others, Goblin Slayer studied the corpse of the creatures. He had made sure to close off the doors and had warned others he would be dissecting the body. In the past he had done something similar with a goblin body and was then reprimanded for his actions, to avoid bothering others he would seclude himself from the others save Wolf.
"Body structure is like humans. Possessing parts for reproduction. Height and build similar to humans as opposed to smaller goblins. Perhaps a variant of a Lord or Champion." Goblin Slayer looked over the nude form of the creature before taking a knife to cut open the chest to stomach to examine the contents. "Nothing unusual about organs. Nothing different but still unknown."
"Do require assistance Beloved?"
The ghostly form of the Lich Queen materialized beside him, floating around toward the front of the examination table to study the body and looked toward Goblin Slayer.
"I have never seen a creature such as this. It acts similar to goblins, but the appearance and certain aspects are different."
"Could you not say the same about most creatures though? Demons, ogres, trolls, humans…they can all act the same. Capture defenseless women to use for their own pleasure before discarding or devouring them."
"Perhaps, but something else does not make sense. Something is lacking."
"What you are lacking is the answer!"
It was an energetic voice that drew Goblin Slayer and the Lich Queen's attention toward their right; within the shadows was a figure but the form suggested a woman. The figure stepped forward with a large smile present on their face, medium length blonde hair, and a pair of red glasses on her face.
"Who are you? You were not here in this stable with us until a few moments ago!" Lich Queen was immediately on edge as she eyed the suspicious woman, especially one who continuously starred at her Beloved.
Goblin Slayer was calm as he looked toward the woman, he soon was able to recall having met someone that shared her appearance long ago.
"You are that woman who I spoke with about goblins."
"I am so excited to see that you remembered me. Though you may not remember my name perse. It was Arc Mage assuming you had forgotten." The Arc Mage calmly removed her glasses and placed them within her blue cloak before moving closer toward Goblin Slayer. "Truthfully I don't need the glasses anymore, just thought it would help you remember me."
"…the statue in the castle."
"You saw that I see. Yes. Leaving the board was quite insightful and now I too can be counted among the gods." The Goddess of Insight, the former Arc Mage, happily maneuvered by Goblin Slayers side. "My look how far you've come. Now a hero who saved the world…complete with your own harem no less. Perhaps I should have snatched you up when I had the chance."
"BELOVED! Who is this unwelcomed harlot?" Lich Queen was clearly upset with the sight of the foreign woman being so familiar with Goblin Slayer. "I've been polite enough to put up with the other women but this one will be too much."
"Oh so you're the infamous Lich Queen. I've been watching you as well. I was quite fascinated with how you changed your demeanor over those few months being bound to Goblin Slayer. His…charisma is quite intriguing, is it not?" Goddess of Insight smiled before examining the body of the orc. "Rest assured I only tease. As a god I can no longer get directly involved with mortals. Oh by the way, the Earth Mother sends her regards Goblin Slayer. She's quite happy with the family you've raised. More importantly…tell me about this creature."
"I am told it is an orc. Its body structure is quite like a human but there are familiar traits to goblins."
"Fascinating. So a human goblin then?"
"I'm not sure. This creature can speak fluently, devise appropriate battle tactics, but does not act as cowardly as a goblin would."
"I would think not, look how large and built it is. A single creature could easily match any experienced warrior. So you found something that is a goblin but not a goblin…am I correct?"
"Something that is a goblin, but not…something is missing."
"How delightful! To see one's mind working to solve a problem." Goddess of Insight smiled as she walked around the table, much to the annoyance of Lich Queen. "Too many give up because a problem is too difficult but not you. You, from personal experience, are far too stubborn to quit."
"Stubborn…like a surviving goblin. If it survives it will learn and adapt, it will…"
"Evolve."
"Evolve?" Goblin Slayer raised his head away from the orc corpse to look toward the smiling Goddess of Insight. "A goblin who survives grows and can become a wander, eventually a champion or a lord."
"Surely there must be something after that right? If only there was some text that could help provide the missing information. Where ever could one find such information?" Goddess of Insight chuckled as the grin on her face grew even wider.
Lich Queen growled in frustration; this woman clearly knew something but would not directly say it out loud. In a way this "goddess" reminded her a lot of the God of Knowledge she used to pray to back during her days as an adventurer. Goblin Slayer however was busy pondering what was said, he rested his chin upon his left thumber and forefinger as he looked to the body and thought about what had been said.
"Something that is not a goblin but like it. Evolve…to change…to adapt. Goblins are smart but they aren't complete fools. They can be shown something and they'll learn…imitate. The Lich Queen mentioned it was related to the goblin…not just related, but it was a goblin! It changed to become this. I remember reading something similar to…" Goblin Slayer raised his head as he finished his thinking to voice his answer. "The farm. A book I saved that spoke of goblins."
"A book Beloved? I had known you to not write anything down, should the goblins ever learn it."
"Not I. The Arc Mage had…"
Goblin Slayer turned to look back toward the Goddess of Insight but found that she had disappeared; he and the Lich Queen had looked around the stable but find no trace of her, yet a disembodied voice carried through the air.
"I look forward to seeing your continued adventurers Goblin Slayer. Oh…I would gladly accept a bottle of apple cider by my shrine if you wouldn't mind."
"Hmm."
Goblin Slayer returned his gaze to the orc body, a sense of dread washing over him as he pondered if this truly was an evolved goblin; he'd consult the text at home before continuing his investigation.
"We're done here."
"So we are returning back to Frontier Town then?"
"Yes. Back home I there is something that may tell us more." Goblin Slayer walked toward the armor and weapons he had removed, checking if there was anything worth taking or might offer clues when he heard something metallic clatter to the floor. "Hmm?"
There upon the ground he had found a small, silver metal disc, perhaps part of a medallion he thought, the back side was quite plain but on the front was a picture. A red picture of an odd creature with four limbs, reared up on it hind legs, with wings upon its back and a strange beak on it head.
"A bird? No, it had four legs. It's not a goblin."
"That is a griffin Beloved. Not everything is a goblin." Lich Queen chuckled to herself as she smiled toward Goblin Slayer. "It appears to be a crest of some kind. Perhaps for a certain house or kingdom."
"Is that so? But we don't have time to waste, we must return home."
"Before you do that Beloved, there are two things you must do."
"What is it?"
"First, do not forget to get the presents you promised for the others; they would be quite disappointed should you forget. Second, I recommend you wash up before meeting with anyone else; not everyone is used to seeing a blood-stained adventurer casually strolling the castle grounds."
xxxx
"Finally! Fresh clean water!" Harpy Scout smiled as she dipped her cloth into the water to wash her skin. "The cold feeling is so refreshing!"
Now out of the swamp, the party was quick to find a way to clean their clothing and wash away the smell of the swamp, that came in the form of a stream. The girls eagerly rushed to wash their bodies, making both Saber Rider and Padfoot Monk promise not to sneak any peeks at them.
"I feel I would not be able to even if I wanted to Huntress…uh, not that I would do anything so shameful."
"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't mean to imply so rude." Wolf Brawler felt rather bad for having brought up something in relation to Padfoot Monk's disability.
"Think nothing of it Huntress, I take no…"
"What you mean I can't go wash at stream!"
"Damn it Rider, you can wash up once were finished. I we just need some privacy. Surely you understand that much." Harpy Scout groaning as she felt like a mother explaining thing to a child.
"Why need privacy? What you try to hide?"
"Dumbass!" Harpy Scout with a flushed face instinctively slapped him across the face. "How dare you ask such improper questions! You just stay here and I'll tell you when it's your turn."
"Ouch! Stupid Bird Girl, that hurt! Why you hit me?"
"You're the stupid one! Just stay here!"
Harpy Scout turned with a huff, allow her wings to fluff up a bit before storming down toward the stream. Wolf Brawler and Half-Dragon Priestess chuckled to one another before joining their friend down by the stream, Specter instinctively followed along with his master.
"Stupid Bird Girl. Hit me for no reason. Always mad because I not call her Pretty Bird. I not understand." Saber Rider sat upon the ground, leaning his back against a nearby rock as he sulked.
"Now. Now. She's not angry with you just…in need of some alone time." Padfoot Monk chuckled as he allowed his ears to take in the calmness of the area, and the occasional laughing of the girls by the stream. "I forget that he's been living in the woods by himself like a beast. Those social norms that we are taught, he has obviously never gone through."
"Girls all act weird. Want be left alone at times…they go pee?"
"WHAT!" Padfoot Monk was completely caught off guard by his friend's sudden comment.
"I know of animals that go off by selves to pee or poop, unless they go to mark territory. That why girls go off alone?"
"No they…uh…they are…worried about their bodies being seen. So they go off by themselves so that others won't stare at them."
"Oh. Dwarves mention that too. They say wear pants unless they need washing. But if they go to wash themselves they unprotected." Saber Rider grunting as he slowly stood, Fang also stood and followed after him.
"That is why you and I are here to make sure that if anything was to occur, we can spring into action. So we must wait patiently and then we can use the stream while the girls keep an ear open for us. Don't you agree my friend?"
Padfoot Monk waited for a response but none came, his ears still picking up the voices of his girls by the stream.
"Rider?" He looked around the area, though this he new was futile; he reached out with his arms toward his side where Saber Rider had been standing when his ears suddenly picked up the heavy footsteps of Fang moving away from them. "Oh hell…"
xxxx
" "What you try to hide?"…what a stupid thing to ask a girl." Harpy Scout fumed as he dipped the cloth in the cool water and rinsed her body.
"Oh? You sure you don't want him over here looking to see what you were hiding beneath your corset?" Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she teased her friend while splashing water upon her body before taking a wash cloth to wipe her body as well.
"Huh? To have a wildman like that fawn over me? I think that weight in your tail has gone straight to your head."
"Oh I don't know, he's a bit on the crude side, but he's got a good heart…and he's pretty easy on the eyes." Wolf Brawler lowered her body into the stream and as she stood up, gave her body a vigorous shake, smiling as her tail puffed up.
"Hey stop that!" Harpy Scout frowned but soon smirked as she looked over at her short comrade. "Speaking of gaining attention, Huntress, I've noticed the monk has been keeping a close watch on you. Though maybe that was a poor choice of words."
"I…I keep telling him to just call me Brawler." Wolf Brawler turned her head away, hoping to hide the blush that crossed it.
"Oh that may have been in the beginning, but I don't hear you complaining anymore."
"I don't mind if he calls me Huntress." Wolf Brawler growled as she then dunked her body back into the cold water. "I'm supposed to be the older one, the more mature one and yet I'm here acting like a damn fool. I do wonder why he calls me Huntress, it certainly not a bad title."
"Oh stop all the teasing. Let's just enjoy the calm and the fact that we can enjoy clean, flowing water." Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she cupped the water in her hands and splashed it over her head.
"Woohoo!"
The sudden cry startled the girls as they quickly covered their exposed bodies, they turned to see a figure plunge into the water. Saber Rider emerged from the water with a hearty laugh, only for the girls to see his bare backside facing toward them.
"Water nice and cold! Ha Ha Ha Ha!"
"What the hell are you doing here?" Harpy Scout furious as she dunked the lower half into the water while keeping her breasts covered.
"What?" Saber Rider turned to face the girls, either not realizing his front was exposed or not caring. "I want wash body too. I also here to keep watch."
The girls were quick to turn away from the exposed wildman, anger and embarrassment clearly visible on their faces. Specter and Wolf calmly lying on the grass watching this; Specter wagging his tail as the sounds appeared to indicate a sense of fun, Fang looking at the group before laying its head down, completely disinterested.
"Rider! Don't turn this way!" Half-Dragon Priestess still covering her body, though like her mother, her scales carefully hid her more sensitive areas.
"And don't look at our bodies!" Harpy Scout growling as she looked around, trying to see how close her bow or dagger were to her.
"I not here to stare at girls. I hear to bathe body and stand guard." Saber Rider grunted as he moved toward the side of the stream to retrieve his axe.
"What do you mean you're not here to look at our bodies?" Harpy Scout had an angry scowl on her face, her wings opening up as she glared at Saber Rider.
"I don't think that's the point Scout, also cover your breasts." Wolf Brawler sighed as she carefully moved to avoid showing any more of her body.
"Apologies! I had not heard him moving away from my side." Padfoot Monk carefully maneuvered down the small hill to get closer toward the stream.
"Monk you stay away too!" Wolf Brawler using her right arm to cover her chest used her left arm to throw water at her approaching comrade, also turning her face away.
"Ah! That's a bit cold." Padfoot Monk raised his arm to stop the water from hitting his face. "Pleas rest assured, I did not come to spy on any of you. Nor would I be able to."
"Oh right. Sorry about that."
"Perhaps it would be best for us to go ahead and get out and dry up. As much as I have enjoyed the water and this…distraction. It would probably be better for us to warm up and get out clothing back on."
"Huh? You all done washing?"
"Yes and don't look over this way!" Harpy Scout quickly turning her head to the side, angry about something but it was lost to Saber Rider.
"You can use the stream now, no one will bother you or Rider."
Half-Dragon Priestess smiled as she nodded her head toward Padfoot Monk, the others doing the same as they moved to gather their drying clothing. Padfoot Monk himself smiled as he moved near the stream to enjoy the cool water; as he went about removing his own clothing Wolf Brawler lingered a bit as she allowed her eyes to wander.
"Brawler you coming?"
"Uh! On my way Priestess!" Wolf Brawler sighed as she continued onward to gather her clothing.
"My aren't they having fun?" Dragon Executioner sneered as he watched the party casually bickering while enjoying the water. "I could easily attack them now, but what fun would that be to just slaughter them in an instant? No, after all they've put me through, they need to suffer quite a bit."
Specter ears began to twitch as he heard something, he took in the nearby smells when one put him on edge, the scent of the large man who had attacked them. Half-Dragon Priestess could see the dire wolf was upset over something, she quickly finished dressing and moved to join her companion.
"What's wrong boy?" Half-Dragon Priestess gently stroked the dire wolf's head before looking into the same direction he was. "Something about the woods over there. I don't see anything right away but…I feel a slight unease."
Half-Dragon Priestess continued to stare at the forest, somehow feeling that something was looking back at her when a sudden cry drew her attention away.
"Yeah! Cold water feel good!"
"You damn idiot! Don't walk over towards us while you're still naked! Someone get me my bow!"
"Come on Specter, we better stop those two before she actually does shoot him." Half-Dragon Priestess had a small smile as she gave the dire wolf a few pets along his side. The dire wolf still on edge reluctantly followed beside his master as the others continued their animated banter, all the while Dragon Executioner carefully watched them. He would wit for the right opportunity to attack, wanting for them to fight back and struggle before he eventually broke them.
With the brief break out of the way, the group of adventurers continued across the sloping grassy plain. There was a gentle breeze blowing through the grass as they moved, to their left was overhang of a nearby hill with a lone tree beside it.
"It is rather nice to be away from the swamp. A warm breeze, clear blue sky and nearby forest, such a more inviting sight that the murky humid marsh." Wolf Brawler chuckled to herself as she happily took in a deep breath then exhaled.
"I'm hopeful we'll soon find a settlement to resupply and gather new quests. If not, we'll never raise our ranks." Half-Dragon Priestess let out a bit of a sigh as they continued onward. "Almost a month into our journey and all we've done is hunt the jackalope and locate those three adventurers. True we did deal with the Swamp Hag and the remnants of the Necromancer's followers but there was no one to verify our accomplishments."
"Not know about ranks, but Talon overhead say he see buildings, but they far away." Saber Rider looked up to see his bird companion flying high overhead before it began to frantically circling about. "Something wrong? Talon scared? What you see?"
Talon frantically flapped its wings to keep itself in place as he let out screech after screech; the others were clearly concerned by the behavior but Saber Rider's eyes grew wide as he stared up the hawk.
"Giant man from before coming! From ledge! Move!"
Even without saying his name, the party knew of whom Saber Rider was speaking of and quickly scattered. They spared a quick glance back to see the hulking figure leap off the overhang with warhammer in hand and a sadistic smile on his face. He slammed his hammer down upon the ground where the party had been moments ago, to the young adventurers it felt as though the ground was shaking with the strike. The party quickly regroup, weapons ready to counter as Dragon Executioner got back to his feet, a wicked smile present as he effortlessly lifted his Warhammer and placed it upon his right shoulder.
"Hello children. Did you miss me?"
"Dragon Executioner. I had hoped that you had died in the fall or were at least were incapacitated in the process." Half-Dragon Priestess readied her weapon in right hand while maneuvering her left hand to draw out her catalysts.
"Oh I was greatly injured in the fall. Broken bones, impaled by the sharp rocks below and blood all around my body. It was terrible." Dragon Executioner offered his best mocking laughter as he patted his chest where the rocks had pierced him.
"The only terrible thing was you survived! This world is enough turmoil without evil like you hanging around." Harpy Scout carefully readied an arrow aimed for the Executioner's face.
"And how do you plan to end me? My curse of healing is quite durable."
"I'll burn you to ash and scatter you to the winds, then we'll see if you can heal from that!" Half-Dragon Priestess put forward a rave face but knew they could not repeat the same mistake as before as she carefully whispered to her friend. "Best case scenario, we stagger him then make a break for it. You and I take to the air while the others ride on Specter and Fang."
"Good plan, but where do we run to?" Wolf Brawler nervously eyed the Dragon Executioner waiting for him to make the first move.
"Anywhere that isn't here for starters?" Harpy Scout added as she thought about the small vial of liquid in her back pouch. "If I can get some poison on these arrows, that might slow him down…maybe even kill him."
"Secrets, secrets, secrets. What are you all conspiring about over there?"
"How best to slay you!" Padfoot Monk finished his chat as the ends of staff were engulfed in flames. "I'm ready to follow your plan Priestess."
"I pay you back for damage you cause me. New weapon smash your skull in!" Saber Rider had not focused on what the others were saying, only on the opponent before him.
"How fun, then let us begin!"
Dragon Executioner rushed toward them and with a mighty swing brought his Warhammer crashing down upon the ground once again, the party having scattered before the incoming blow. Unlike being stuck in the forest where the trees kept them from being able to freely move about, the open plain would prove quite advantageous. Harpy Scout quickly took to the air where she could apply the poison she received from Half-Demon Thief to her arrows while the others moved in to attack.
Half-Dragon Priestess covered Dragon Executioner with her flames, forcing him to use his free hand to block the flames while he pushed forward. As Half-Dragon Priestess began to take a couple steps back, Padfoot Monk rushed in and swung his staff at his unprotected side, watching as his flames burned with the hit. He then moved back was the executioner wildly swung his hammer around, but soon enough Wolf Brawler moved in struck him across the face with her right fist.
"Insignificant worms, you just don't know when to quit do you!"
Wolf Brawler's eyes were wide as she quickly rolled away, barely avoiding the swing of the hammer as it crashed upon the ground once again. Specter and Fang leapt forward and sank their fangs into his right leg and left arm, viciously shaking their heads.
"Damn beast get away from…"
Saber Rider leapt onto the Executioner's back, using his clawed gauntlet to secure his grip on the giant's flesh while smashing his spiked club against his head.
"Stupid giant man! No trees for you to crush me this time!"
Saber Rider continued his attacked, every hit against the side of the Executioner's head cracking bone and causing blood to run down his face. Half-Dragon Priestess rushed forward with Wolf Brawler and both went for the giant's left leg. Dragon Executioner grunted as he was forced to drop to one knee, placing his left hand upon the ground to keep from falling forward while the adventurers continued their combined assault. Harpy Scout let loose two arrows which struck the left side of his chest while Padfoot Monk slammed the tip of his staff against the injured left leg, holding it in place as it burned the flesh. Harpy Scout quickly descended to join the others who continued their attack, waiting for him to drop before they could make their escape.
"Enough!" Dragon Executioner violently flung his left arm to the side, sending Fang flying to the ground and knocking Padfoot Monk to the ground. "Enough!"
Saber Rider and Specter quickly removed themselves to check on their comrades while avoiding the Dragon Executioner's rage. The party moved away as the Executioner repeatedly smashed his hammer against the ground before rising back to his feet, the injuries to his leg were healing and he tore the arrows out of his chest.
"You pitiful insects dare to struggle against me! You continue to humiliate me with your combined tactics! Accept your fate!"
Dragon Executioner once again slammed his war hammer upon the ground, no longer amused by the party's tactics. Just as the others readied for his next attack, the ground around them began to shake violently. They assumed it was an earthquake, several cracks appeared in the grounds around them all before finally giving way and the party and the Dragon Executioner fell into the abyss. They hit the ground rather hard, groaning as pain moved through their bodies, looking up they could see the bright blue sky, it was clear they had fallen pretty deep as it would take some work to climb out of this hole.
"Bastard caused the ground to give way with his strikes." Wolf Brawler grunted as she slowly got back to her feet. "Everyone alright?"
The others followed her, grunts escaping from them as they too got back up, Harpy Scout grimacing as she reached for her left wing.
"My wing…not sure if I can fly out of here."
"Don't force yourself, I can help you…"
"You're not going anywhere you damn dragon!" Dragon Executioner threw aside one of the massive boulders near him as he looked at the party. "I grow tired of this game and I am hungry for your flesh."
The party, though slightly injured, readied to continue the fight when they suddenly became aware of various sounds around them. Wolf Brawler and Padfoot Monk's ears began to twitch as they heard the sounds, there was chattering sounds, angry grunting and even laughter coming from around them. Even though they were bathed in light from above, they allowed their eyes to adjust to the darkness around them and then they saw them.
Dozens of goblins stood around them with weapons ready, many snickering as they looked at the women and what fun they would have with them. Above them came a deeper grunt; Half-Dragon Priestess scanned the area above and upon a ledge where five larger goblins, four of them she recognized as goblin champions, but it was the one in the middle that had her worried. This goblin had a strong build, not as muscular as a champion, but very similar to a large human, around his neck and flowing down his back was a black tattered cloth like a cape and atop his head was a silver helmet, the spoils of a defeated knight.
"A goblin lord. My brother told me about them…we well right into the middle of a goblin nest."
