"This is quite the surprise indeed. I did not expect to see you here Elder Sister." High Elf Archer smiled as she greeted her sister.
"I believe I should try to be a bit more spontaneous from time to time just as you are. I'm more surprised to see you awake before noon, motherhood must have had quite the change on you."
High Elf Archer was getting ready to leave the house to meet the others at the Guild Hall when at her front door was her sister, the Forest Queen with a small dispatch of archers to keep her safe. The two smiled as they embraced one another only for the children to come running out, the young half-elf daughter eager to hug her aunt.
"Why hello my dear. Goodness how big you gotten." Forest Queen laughed as she picked up her young niece and hugged her tightly before setting her back down. "I'm happy to see my niece is doing well as are her sisters. Are your mothers here as well?"
"No. Mother and the others have gone to the guild to see if papa has arrived." The young child with pink hair replied in a monotone voice yet had a smile present. "We were told to make sure our other mother eventually got up to meet the others at the Guild."
"Hey when you say it like that, I sound like a terrible parent."
"Mama is not a bad parent, just lazy." Half-Elf daughter smiled as she looked over toward her mother.
"Oh good, I was worried that too much had changed over these five years." Forest Queen smiled as she looked back toward her sister who sighed as she shook her head.
"Betrayed by my own daughter. I guess that old human saying is true: keep your friends close and your enemies closer." High Elf Archer frowned as she looked toward her daughter but soon relented and smiled as she tousled the girl's hair. "Okay, let's all go to the Guild."
The detachment of archers positioned themselves so that three walked in front of the group of children, princess and queen, while the last three followed behind the group.
"So your husband is off on a quest?"
"Yes. Orcbolg was summoned by the King to investigate a possible goblin threat. We offered to come but he insisted we should remain so that our daughters had some interaction." High Elf Archer took in a deep breath and sighed as she looked toward her daughters then back toward her sister. "It is a bit troublesome that even after five years and having children that he is still so fixated with giblins."
"But I believe it is for a different reason now yes? Rather than solely seeking their destruction for revenge he wished to protect his family. He wishes to ensure these children don't go through the same fate he had to endure."
"That is true, but I wish he'd confide in us a bit more. We are his wives, and there are times we are able to accompany him on various quests, but he is still so distant."
"I did get that impression from him those years ago. As you know, for most elves, what humans see as a long passage of time is but the blink of an eye to us." Forest Queen smirked but then had a bit of a frown on her face. "Not to sour your mood but…you know this can't last forever."
"You're referring to my marriage with Orcbolg and the life I'm leading right?"
"Yes. It was centuries before I could even tolerate you're Elder Brother and even more before I finally agreed to marry him."
"You're worried I rushed too quickly into this?"
"I trust your judgement. Though brief, those two years away from our village must have been quite enjoyable for you. You even fell in love with a human despite them not having a long life-span."
"Yes. I'm fully aware of the burden I have undertaken." High Elf Archer frowned a bit as she thought about what the future might hold for her. "I know that he will eventually pass on, as will many of the others. My own daughter will have to suffer through the same as she outlives her sisters…and even I shall out live her."
High Elf Archer made sure to keep her voice down, the last thing she wanted to do was upset her daughter with such an idea. The Forest Queen could see this frown on her sister's face but soon watched it change to a warm smile as she looked up toward the sky.
"It will be sad to lose my friends but the memories I have made make it well worth. Assuming nothing goes wrong, and I live to be as old as you dear sister, then I shall be able to recount the stories of my friends and family to my grandchildren and their descendants. If that happens, then those wonderful memories I made will ensure they are never truly forgotten" High Elf Archer chuckled as she then looked back toward her older sister. "I have already made a promise to visit a dragon to reminisce about all the goblins slaying quests we have undertaken."
"Then when I too have a child or children of my own, I shall be happy to know that they will have not only a wonderful aunt to care for them but several cousins as well." The Forest Queen too smiled as she continued to walk with her sister, any other concerns having washed away knowing her sister was truly happy.
The large group finally entered into Frontier Town, the city had grown quite large since Forest Queen and her husband had come by to visit their newlywedded sister.
"It seems like only a few days ago when I came here to see you and look how large this city settlement has gotten."
"Well we're no Water Town, but the announcement of the Hero and Sword Maiden now residing here must have certainly helped in attracting attention."
"And tell me how is this…"marriage" going? I was certainly shocked when you told me that the odd adventurer who had visited us suddenly found himself with seven brides."
"We each share him, though I'd like to keep him for myself, I must think about the others. If you worried about personalities, that is thankfully not problem as all of us are very pleasant and able to compromise."
"You? Able to compromise? I never thought I'd live to see the day." Forest Queen chuckled as she enjoyed teasing her sister.
"Laugh all you want but I'd like to think that I've become a bit more mature. Then again, I was pretty mature to start with."
"Ah, there's the arrogance my sister is so well known for."
"Hey now, I…"
"So you finally got up and out of the house then." A new voice called out to High Elf Archer, Forest Queen and their small group.
Both turned and smiled as both Hero and Sword Maiden approaching them, the young daughters eagerly rushed to meet with their mothers.
"You make it seem like I do that every single day! It just happens to be a day off for me so I thought I'd sleep in a bit." High Elf Archer crossed her arms and turned her head from her partners, slightly upset as she noticed her sister laugh.
"Apologies, just a bit of teasing." Sword Maiden chuckled then bowed her head toward the Forest Queen. "A pleasure to see you again your majesty."
"Likewise Sword Maiden. It is always enjoyable to visit with you all. I trust you're all doing well?" Forest Queen returned the bow toward Sword Maiden and Hero.
"We finished our bit of business with the magic academy and our heading for the Guild to see if our dear husband finally returned." Hero chuckled as she hoisted her young daughter up into her arms.
"I was on my way as well. Let's go see if Orcbolg finally got back."
The large group casually continued on their way toward the Guild, greeting the people along their way, happy that all seemed peaceful around the building.
"It looks like it's going to be another fine, calm…"
The door to the Guild was thrown open, the cause of which was Dwarf Shaman hurriedly backing up with his arms outstretched toward the Guild. Forest Queen's guards were quick to ready their weapons as High Elf Archer and the others were shocked by the dwarf's sudden movements. They would not have time to question his actions as the door once again was forced open, this time it was Lizard Priest growling as he struggled to move out the door but was slowed down by Spearman and Heavy Warrior grabbing his arms while trying to hold him back.
"Easy Scaly. You got to calm down."
"I would ask that you both release me this instant! I do not wish to hurt any of my friends! I must find my daughter!"
"Sorry but if we let you go, you'll end up hurting yourself and maybe others." Heavy Warrior grunted as he pulled back on the lizardman's arm to keep his friend under control.
"Damn it! Just take a moment to think things through! You're usually the more rational of your group." Spearman too struggled to keep the lizardman from charging forward. "You don't even know where she is."
Forest Queen frowned a bit as she looked toward all of this before fixing her sister with an unsure look.
"Another calm day you say?"
"I'm sure there is an explanation for all of this. Let's just take a moment to…"
While Lizard Priest slowly trudged forward with Heavy Warrior and Spearman held his arms and Dwarf Shaman holding his arms out for his friend to calm himself, the door to the Guild was once again for open, a growling snarl escaping from within. A clawed hand gripped the side of the doorframe as the tall padfoot with bright pink fur slowly emerged from within. Like Lizard Priest, several familiar faces took hold of the padfoot to keep her from charging out like a wild animal. Female Knight wrapped her arms around her waist, Half-Demon Thief wrapped her arms around the padfoot's neck as she dangled down her back, lastly both Priestess and Cow Girl clutched as her arms but with all four working together, they only slowed her down. Guild Girl soon rushed out from the guild hall to beseeched both adventurers to calm themselves and act more rationally, in her hand she seemed to be tightly clutching at a letter.
"Dwarf, just what the hell is going on? Why are they both acting like this?"
"We just got a letter in from our little dragon priestess and apparently things have not been going quite as well for them. Scaly and Pinky here were quite shocked and angered by the sudden news; it would seem their immediate reaction was to go on find their loved ones." Dwarf Shaman took hold of his jug of firewine, part of him contemplating using Stupor to put them all to sleep.
"Letter? May I see?" High Elf Archer looked toward Guild Girl and stretched out her arm.
Guild girl nodded and passed the letter to the elven ranger who quickly scanned over the words before reading it out loud for the others who could not see it with her.
"Mother and Father, I hope this finds you well. It has been nearly two weeks since our departure from Frontier Town, though it has not been easy it has not been boring.
We did stop by the town of Long Field to check in with the guild to see what tasks were available. We had encountered some rather rude individuals, adventurers of obsidian rank, but thankfully made a friend in a fellow porcelain ranked adventure, Rabbitfolk Warrior. Together we had undertaken a quest to seek out a strange mythical creature, a rabbit with horns called a jackalope. We did finally find the creature, or rather found a group of them feeding on a deer, rabbits with a single horn like that of a unicorn. Having quested together with her, we asked if she would join us long term, but it seems that she has already found a party.
We were next tasked with locating the group of rude adventurers we had first encountered in Long Field. We begrudgingly accepted thinking it would upset their loved ones if there was no closure concerning their disappearance. On our way through the forest we came across two in individuals fighting. One was a blind padfoot, he appears to be a monk from a tribe far to the south but he is a fellow adventurer like us. The others is quite the unusual one, a wildman or barbarian, with a large saber cat and hawk as his companions. Saber Rider, as he referred to himself, is much like big brother, he lost his family to the goblins and was taken in by saber cats, Fang is considered his brother and Talon his friend. We managed to stop them and they are now part of our party, so we have made some good allies.
Now comes the most troublesome part, the three adventurers were killed by a giant of a man. He is known as the Dragon Executioner, a former adventurer from the age of the gods who has allowed his hunger for dragon flesh to corrupt him. We followed his trail of destruction; his victims included a small band of goblins who were ready to attack a village…then Dragon Executioner destroyed the village. After properly burying the villagers, we finally encountered the fiend and battled him. We managed to slay him with our team work but then saw him rise back up, healing his wounds, even a deep slash I had given him across his neck. The Executioner proceeded to attack, and in that battle each of us was gravely injured. Brawler had been knocked unconscious after being thrown against a tree and hitting her head on a large rock. Monk had his arm broken and Rider had been slammed against a tree repeatedly, breaking his ribs. Harpy Scout had a wing injured by the Executioner's war hammer and I had been stabbed. We were forced to run and managed to have the Dragon Executioner fall into a deep gorge after destroying the bridge we crossed. Even though we could no longer see him, I still worry that the fall did not kill him, and he may yet return.
It has been three days since that battle, and we have all recovered from our various wounds with healing potions and magic. The battle was certainly enlightening and was quick to humble us, but we will not be deterred. Should we encounter him again, we will be ready for him. We shall send a new letter once we have reached another large settlement."
"That's certainly something to be concerned with but thankfully she has new comrades to aide her and her friends." High Elf Archer frowned as she looked over the letter then was quick to look back toward the angry Lizard Priest and Wolf Sister. "You both need to calm down. They've got friends with them and have recovered from their injuries."
"How can I be calm Lady Ranger when my little one is being hunted by a seemingly immortal creature who hungers for the flesh of a dragon?"
"My little sister was beaten and left unconscious by the beast! I shall find him and spill his blood! No one hurts my packmates!" Wolf Sister was practically roaring as she raised her arms upward, effortlessly lifting Cow Girl and Priestess who clutched at her biceps.
"I understand your concern! I'd probably be acting the same way if my daughter or her sisters were injured, but for now we need to keep a level head." Half-Demon Thief tugged at the padfoot's neck, not really want to choke out the padfoot but unsure of what else to do to keep her from rampaging.
"Where are the two mothers? I don't see them out here. Did they already take off?" Hero looked around, also expecting to find both Half-Dragon Mother and Harpy Mother to be just as agitated.
"They're inside the Guild. Both sitting at the table with a worried expression on their face." Guild Girl too was worried about this Dragon Executioner, but at the moment she needed to calm her friends down.
"We don't even know where they are at the moment! Where the hell are you going to start?" Spearman dug his heels into the ground as the lizardman continued to pull. "Damn he's strong! If he uses that Partial Dragon spell, he'll toss aside like ragdolls."
The scene was certainly chaotic, many of the townspeople stopping to watch as these two figures continued to struggle to free themselves from their friends. All their attention was drawn toward the lizardman and padfoot that no one saw the figure in dirty leather armor and large black dire wolf approaching the guild behind them.
"Quite the scene here Beloved."
High Elf Archer could hear the voice of the Lich Queen over the crown of people and turned around to see him standing nearby, a smile immediately crossed her face.
"Orcbolg!"
Everyone stopped in their struggles and turned to see Goblin Slayer and Wolf moving forward as the crowd of people parted and allowed them to walk forward. Once past the crowd of onlookers, his seven daughters rushed past the elven archers to hug their father and pet the large dire wolf.
"I have returned."
"W, welcome back." Cow Girl smiled as she continued to dangle from the padfoot's arm.
"Oh dear, I'm so glad to see you've returned." Guild Girl nervously smiled as she looked toward her husband while still keeping an eye on Lizard Priest and Wolf Sister.
"Hmm. Is something wrong?" Goblins Slayer grunting as he looked toward the group trying to hold back the others.
"Oh no. Everything here is perfectly under control." Half-Demon Thief smiled but that soon turned into a frown as she yelled back at him. "Of course there's a problem! Does this look normal to you?"
"Hmm. I've been told before that I am strange and those who associate with me can also be a bit unusual."
"You pick the worst time to tell jokes my love." Sword Maiden brought a hand to her mouth to hide her laughter.
"Is something wrong? They both seem upset." Goblin Slayer ever calm examined the situation concerning Lizard Priest and Wolf Sister.
"Here Orcbolg! A letter came in from your little sister!"
Goblin Slayer calmly looked over the letter written by Half-Dragon Priestess, silently reading it to himself while the others waited patiently.
"I see." Goblin Slayer lowered the letter to look back at Lizard Priest and Wolf Sister who tensed up. "They should be fine."
"W, what?" Wolf Sister was in complete shock of Goblin Slayer's response.
"Milord Goblin Slayer! How can you also say that we do nothing?"
"We don't know where they are at the moment. Also she and the others were trained well by you and the others."
Lizard Priest and Wolf Sister were silent as they carefully thought about what Goblin Slayer had said, they along with High Elf Archer and Half-Demon Thief had spent five years carefully training them to be able to stand on their own. Compared to other porcelains those three were more comparable to Steel ranked adventurer, perhaps even Sapphire. They of course were worried but that was no excuse to be acting in such a manner, especially when they taught their young family members to be calm and poised in even the gravest of situations. Lizard Priest spared a glance back and could see the worried expression on both his wife and Harpy Mother's face and now realized he was only adding to that worry.
"Apologies." Lizard Priest exhaled and relaxed his body so that Heavy Warrior and Spearman weren't struggling to hold him back. "Apologies to everyone. I overreacted after reading of this Dragon Executioner."
"No need to apologize. I'd be acting the same way if something happened to my kid." Heavy Warrior released his grip and placed a hand on the lizardman's shoulder.
"I'm sorry too." Wolf Sister whined a bit as she lowered her arms, setting Priestess and Cow Girl back on the ground. "I'd be ashamed is my sister or packmates had seen me just now."
"Aw come on, you didn't hurt anyone. Just got a bit worked up." Half-Demon Thief smiled as she reached up to pet the padfoot atop her head while still dangling from around her neck.
"I know, let's get something to eat. Something with meat and cheese! That should put everyone back in a good mood." Guild Girl smiled as the atmosphere finally seemed to be returning back to normal. "You'll be joining us too right Goblin Slayer?"
"There is something I need to…"
"Oh no you don't." Hero rushed over and quickly took hold of her husband's arm. "You just got back and we're not about to let you get away again."
"She right papa!" Hero's daughter followed her mother's lead and took hold of her father's free hand. "We want to play and talk with you too papa!"
Goblin Slayer grunted a bit as he was led into the guild hall along with the others, he had wanted to head directly for his house and look for the book he collect from the Arc Mage but the others would not let him go.
"It should be fine Beloved. Take a few moments to rest and enjoy a delicious meal with friends and loved ones won't stop you from seeking the answers you need." Lich Queen knew he wanted to continue in his research but needed to remind him that he had to step back every now and then.
"Besides Orcbolg we have a guest with us." High Elf Archer smiled as she looked over toward he still surprised sister.
Goblin Slayer looked toward the Forest Queen, he nodded his head as he remembered her from the wedding in the forest some time ago and visiting his wife when she was expecting. There was a smile on everyone's face as they entered the Guild, those outside had finally returned to their usual business.
xxxx
"Wait! You fought giant goblins? That's amazing! Were they tough?" Hero's daughter was in awe that her father had encountered a new type of goblin in his journeys.
Goblin Slayer's daughters were also excited to hear this and see him and Wolf returned without injury, in their minds this just meant that their father was that much better than these new goblins. The rest around Goblin Slayer were less excited abut the prospect of a new breed of goblin.
"These creatures, their behavior was similar to goblins but so much was different. They were taller, had better armor, knew proper defense formations…they could speak fluently." Goblin Slayer let out an angry exhale as he poked at his food with his fork.
"What did you call these creatures again?" Sword Maiden frowned as she believed she had heard the term before in her countless studies.
"I was told they were called Orcs."
"If memory serves me correctly that term was used long ago during the age of the gods. A group of creatures who were said to be fallen elves who served the Dark Lord in the wastelands. Most adventurers these days have never even heard the term before let alone see an actual orc." Sword Maiden frowned as she took a sip of her wine while thinking about what she had read in the library in water Town.
"This does not bode well Milord Goblin Slayer. Perhaps some new threat on the horizon with the demise of the Demon Lord some five years ago." Lizard Priest finally since relaxed as he sat beside his wife. "Then in that regard I am glad our daughter is not having to face such creatures and has a good set of comrades to assist her."
"I'm sure Scaly is more worried that these two new additions are of the male species and could prey upon his young daughter." Dwarf Shaman chuckled as he hoped to change the subject away from the concern for his granddaughter and these orcs.
"Orcs is a word in elvish which we use to describe what you humans call goblins. I didn't know they were supposedly fallen elves. Just how deep is the connection I wonder." High Elf Archer took a bite of her pasta as she thought about what Goblin Slayer Had mentioned.
"Given how you described these creatures, I'm surprised and impressed that you've returned unscathed. You must be quite the warrior and strategist yourself." Forest Queen smiled knowing that he sister had found quite the capable husband.
"I was not alone when I battled them. The King and a small detachment of his solders were with me as well. Oh, there was that woman too."
The table went quite as soon as he finished that statement; for seven particular women, Goblin Slayer's comment left a bit of a bad taste in their mouth.
"Beardcutter. There are certain things a man should say tactfully, especially one who has seven wives."
"Hmm? Something wrong?" Goblin Slayer looked toward the dwarf unsure of what he meant.
"Um, darling…would you care to repeat that last part? Who else was with you?" Cow Girl offered a smile but was gripping her fork rather tightly.
"The Guild Manager. She came with us to fight these orcs."
His wives let out a collective sigh when he mentioned the Guild Manager, they had met with her back at the Capital and all seemed well and professional…until Goblin Slayer opened his mouth again.
"It was quite impressive. Her movements and skill with weapon was far superior than my own. I had seen it before but it seems she has gotten even better since then."
"What do you mean she was impressive?"
"You've seen her before? When? How long ago?"
"Just how many more women do you need? Aren't we more than enough for you?"
The barrage of question came at him rather quickly and he was still unsure of what had them so mad, but his kids seemed to be laughing at watching there father get in trouble. The others laughed as Goblin Slayer got an earful from his happy family; the Lich Queen, feeling a bit mischievous herself, felt that now was the best time to bring up the woman who appeared before them in the stables.
"Beloved aren't you forgetting something?"
"Forgetting something? Hmm…I did make sure to buy the gifts everyone had requested and made sure my armor was not covered in blood as you had reminded me."
"Not that Beloved…aren't you forgetting about that little visit by that Goddess? You know, the rather buxom woman with blonde hair and red glasses that danced around you?"
Everyone went quiet as they heard the Lich Queen; though shocked Dwarf Shaman, Spearman, and Heavy Warrior covered their mouths to hide their snickering. Lizard Priest sighed as he closed his eyes and brought his hands together to ask his ancestors to pray for his friend.
"WHAT GODDESS!?"
Once again, his wives bombarded him with various questions. Half-Demon Thief, Hero and High Elf Archer taking turns shaking him as they demanded more information, the rest of his wives upset as they shook their heads trying to determine should they constantly accompany him everywhere he went. Their children laughed, it was lively in the Guild, and they had their entire family back so for them it was just amusing to see their dull father being yelled at by their mothers.
xxxx
"Damn. No sign of the little dragon or her worthless companions." Dragon Executioner growled in frustration as he continued to move through the forest. "Days now and still nothing. They could have gotten that far from me. But I'm not seeing any signs of…"
He paused as he looked upward toward the night sky, in between the trees he could see a small trail of smoke wafting through the air.
"Well now. Looks like I found some kind folks who can give me directions."
Dragon Executioner moved with purpose to determine the source of the smoke; it was far in the woods so he believed it to be a farm or some family trying to get by. Whoever was living there, they had unfortunate luck to run into him this evening. He soon stopped as he came upon a large building, it was much large than a normal house, he did spot a stable with various horses within but no other livestock.
"Hmm. Not a farm, seems to have more than one story. An inn perhaps…but what idiot would build one all the way out here in the deepest part of the woods? Well, I'll soon find out."
Dragon Executioner moved closer, the sounds of laughter and music emanating from inside. He was now able to peer into one of the windows and could see figures laughing and drinking, other groping women who also laughed as the drank their liquor. A couple of them laughing as they made for the nearest stairway to enjoy themselves in their room. Off in the corner was a sadden figure, he wore a tattered and patched green leotard and shirt, sitting on a stool playing his lute, around his left ankle was a shackle and chain leading to the nearby wall.
"I see. A den of thieves happily enjoying their ill-gotten loot. Normally, these would be my kind of people…but I do need something to work off my frustration."
Those inside continued their merriment, someone throwing an empty wooden mug at the minstrel, demanding a better song. Suddenly the door was knocked in, the thieves and rouges quickly stood readying their weapons while pushing the whores aside. They all watched as the massive figure entered, so tall he could not full stand inside the rundown tavern, having to tilt his head to the side.
"Not the most accommodating of buildings now is it?" Dragon Executioner frowned as he bumped his head along the ceiling
"Who the hell are you?"
"Yeah? You with the adventurers? The King's guard?"
"Me. I'm just a fellow traveler looking for information…and a bit of fun." Dragon Executioner chuckled as he eyed the women around him.
"Get the hell out of here before we kill you! No one gets to enter the Den of Thieves as they please!"
"Oh come on, I've been nothing but polite. Do I have to be rude with you?" Dragon Executioner smiled like a shark, many who viewed him grew more nervous as he looked toward them.
Suddenly a lone rouge rushed in and stabbed the giant with his knife deep into his right side. The Dragon Executioner grunted in annoyance as he looked down at the man who stabbed him and moved to grab him. The rouge was surprised and struggled to break the giant's hold on his neck when he was slammed into the ceiling. The Dragon Executioner chuckled as he heard the crack of the man's neck, his body instantly going limp in his hands before he tossed it aside, watching it crash upon a nearby table.
"See what you made me go an do." Dragon Executioner tore the man's blade out of his side and tossed it before drawing out his own dagger, he'd hold off on using his war hammer. "Who's next?"
