Greenways Goblins (Resurrection Quest Book 1)

by Daniel Schinhofen

  As they rushed forward, Harry appeared with a goblin spear in hand. Tripping the slowest of the group, he reversed the point and jammed it down into the prone goblin.

  The other four never realized their ally had been dispatched. Tom knew he was going to get hurt, but he waited for them. Three more glowing orbs shot out of the trees. They dropped the two injured goblins and damaged another.

  With just two goblins left, Tom triggered body like iron right when they stabbed at him. Both spears screeched as they skidded off his skin. Tom laughed, grabbing both hafts and yanking as hard as he could on them. One goblin let go and turned to run, but the other kept ahold of his spear, which brought him right into Tom’s foot. The feeling of a body breaking under his boot made Tom’s smile widen. Letting the other goblin run, he grabbed the hurt one and began to hammer his fist into its snarling face.

  Harry was the first to reach the fleeing goblin, the liberated spear plunging into the goblin’s gut. A fraction of a second later, a thin purple ray struck it in the back, burrowing a hole into its spine.

  Dropping the dead body, Tom looked around and saw all of the goblins were dead. “Barn?”

  Harry nodded. He snuck to the barn, his posture crouched as he moved slowly toward the door. Dick came out of the trees behind Tom, patting his friend on the shoulder.

  “Damn, we’re a good team,” Dick chuckled softly. “That iron body thing was neat.”

  “It’s going to be a trump card,” Tom said. “Can only use it once a day, so I’m going to need to pick my spot wisely.”

  “You think this was the time?”

  “I think the other goblins are gone already. These are the scavengers.”

  “Clear,” Harry said, coming into view. “Barn is empty. The horses have been slaughtered. I don’t see any signs of people, so they’re either in the cabin or the goblins took them.”

  “Door is broken in,” Dick said. “They didn’t wait for this farm like they did at Rand’s.”

  “One of them mentioned a Gruk,” Tom told them. “I think we’re dealing with an expanding goblin tribe. It sounds very early campaign-esque.”

  “We need to talk to Carl,” Harry nodded. “Maybe he has some information we can use.”

  “We done here or do we want to look around first?” Tom asked.

  “Quick look. See if we can find a dagger or knife for Harry,” Dick said. “Any loose coins, too. The cabin is a lost cause, but maybe the barn has something useful. We’ll head back after that.”

  Harry stepped into the barn, the other two crossing the yard to help.

  “If this is anything like other games, we’re looking at a small village of goblins with a leader on war footing,” Tom said.

  “Depends on the setting and world,” Dick said. “Could be a large village of goblins with a new leader. Carl’s done that one to us before.”

  “Yeah, but this is a new system and he was running the premade module that it came with,” Tom said. “Carl didn’t mod this one, or he would have been way happier when we came over to game. He loves his little tweaks.”

  “Nothing of note,” Harry said, leaving the barn. “I found a knife. It’ll work for me... the only things in there are butchered horses and other barn stuff. No money that I could see, and nothing we can claim as ours without the village getting upset over it.”

  Glancing at the burning cabin, Dick sighed, “Probably would have been stuff in there.”

  “Too fucking bad for us, then,” Tom shrugged. “Let’s go back and get some food. I’m starving.”

  “I can second that,” Harry said.

  ~*~*~

  When they made it back to the village, the streets were empty. A few of the houses had lights on inside, and they could hear music and singing from the inn. They walked in and the music stopped when John noticed them. “What’s the story?”

  “Goblins,” Dick said. “The farm is burning, no sign of life. We killed six goblins who were harvesting the horses in the barn.”

  “Two farms in as many days,” the oldest villager sighed. “This can only mean that a band has moved into the forest. I’ll need people to warn the other outliers of the problem.”

  “If it pays, we’re willing to do it,” Tom said.

  “Adventurers,” the old man said, looking them over. “You are not well-equipped.”

  “We’re just starting out,” Harry said. “Luckily we were able to save Laurel and Darren, but it cost us dearly.”

  “Your brother, I’m told,” the old man said solemnly. “As elder, let me extend my sympathy for your loss; it mirrors our own. Will Rand and David Wilmirth were good men. Strong, able, and always willing to help others, even with their peculiarities. If you are willing to work for coin, then maybe we can come to an understanding. I notice your severe lack of equipment. I’m going to send you to the Dean farm to warn Charlie that goblins have moved into the area. He might be a drunkard, but he should still have some old equipment laying around. I’ll send a letter with you, asking him to hand over what he can part with. That will be your payment for letting him know.”

  Everyone in the inn listened closely to the bargaining. Dick looked at the other two, who shrugged. “We’ll agree, but if Charlie doesn’t hand over any usable gear, you’ll find a way to equip us instead.”

  He nodded, “On my word as elder.”

  “You think we should be sending these newcomers out to him alone, Elder Orbin?” Gustav asked. “You know he’s a bit touchy about who comes onto his property.”

  “That’s a valid point,” Orbin nodded. “Gustav, go with them. If you leave at daybreak, you should make it there by sunset. I’ll also ask him to put you up for the night.”

  “We’ll be happy to go,” Dick said. “We do need to get some food in us, though. We haven’t had much over the last day.”

  “Of course,” Orbin nodded. “Felix, make sure these three are cared for tonight, on me.”

  “It’ll be taken care of,” Felix replied.

  Sitting back down, Orbin motioned to John. “Continue playing, please. We need to lighten our hearts.”

  The friends sat with Marie and Carl as John went back to playing. The food was hot, filling, and not horrible, but that was all that could be said for it. Tom had whiskey while the others had weak wine or weak beer. After they had eaten, the three newly minted adventurers asked Carl to come to their room.

  Away from everyone else, Carl felt a bit intimidated by his friends. “Why did you want to talk to me?”

  “We want to know everything that you can remember about the module,” Dick said bluntly.

  “It won’t do much good,” Carl said. “Things aren’t the same. They are, but they also aren’t? The names are wrong, and things aren’t happening like the module laid them out, either.”

  “Anything could help,” Tom said. “What about the ending? What was the end fight like?”

  “Goblin village to the north,” Carl said, “fifty strong. If you had tried the frontal assault, it would have overwhelmed you guys. This module was set up for making connections with the villagers and then using a plan.”

  “That probably would have wiped us, considering how we normally play,” Harry said.

  “It was meant to shake you all up. You’ve gotten too used to me pulling my punches. I was going to let it play out as intended this time.”

  “Instead, we’re going to live it out,” Dick said, exhaling with a whoosh.

  “Tell us who we could have met and used to help us,” Tom said.

  “The brewer outside of town, I think he’s the one you’re going to see tomorrow,” Carl frowned. “The hunters, which you already met. If you could talk the elder into helping more, he has an item or two stashed away that could be of use.”

  “Okay, the hunters are good with me,” Harry said. “We should be able to talk to them when it comes time.”

  “We’ll talk to Charlie tomorrow and see if he’ll help,” Dick nodded.

  “The elder will look on u
s better if we can do this quest,” Tom shrugged.

  “Kattie is not doing well,” Carl mentioned when silence fell amongst them. “I think she’s refusing to accept what is. I don’t know what to do.”

  “Slap her until she comes to her senses,” Tom offered.

  Carl glared at him, but Dick sighed. “Carl, we tried to tell you it might not work out. You know how she can be. This village isn’t going to be able to support her if she doesn’t help out.”

  Looking away, Carl seemed to fold in on himself. “Fuck. I need help, guys.”

  Harry grimaced, “Get to a town or city? She might accept things with more civilization around her. You’ll need to find something to do to earn a living, though.”

  “I’ve got some ideas, but I’ll need a city to even start any of them,” Carl said.

  “Merchants come through town,” Dick said. “Wait for one of them, then hire on as a guard until you get to a better place?”

  Carl’s brow furrowed, “A merchant… one is supposed to be coming to town in the next few days. Depending on what’s been done about the goblins, he either makes it safely or gets killed on the road.”

  “We’ll keep our eyes open,” Tom said, stifling a yawn. “I’m going to hit the rack. We have no idea what time Gustav is going to roust us.”

  “If you remember anything else, Carl, we need to know,” Harry added.

  “I’ll try to remember as much as I can,” Carl said, getting to his feet.

  “If we do have to assault the goblin village, you in or out?” Dick asked.

  Carl paused, his hand on the door. “I don’t know yet.”

  “Figure it out. You have a few days,” Dick said, not unkindly, but also without any warmth.

  “Dibs on the—” Harry began, but Tom was sprawled on the bed already, his chest rising and falling slowly, already asleep. “Asshole.”

  “You’re small enough. You can get in there with him,” Dick snickered.

  “Fuck you, too,” Harry said as he snagged a pillow. “I’ll sleep under the bed. Probably safer there, anyway.”

  “Talk about a monster under the bed,” Dick said as he yanked the pillow out from under Tom’s head. “I’ll play doorstop.” Blowing out the candle in the room, Dick got as comfortable as he could.

  “Dude… thanks,” Harry said softly.

  “Don’t go all mushy on me,” Dick replied. “Get your sleep. You’re going to need it, shorty.”

  Any chance at a reply was lost when Tom began to snore. The other two covered their ears with their pillows and waited for sleep to claim them.

  Chapter Six

  Waking slowly, Tom yawned loudly as he ran a hand over his mostly shaved head. Frowning, his hand went back over the shaved sides and the short-cropped hair running down the middle of his skull. When did I do that? Reaching for his night stand, his hand found only air. Rubbing at his eyes to clear the gunk from them, Tom stopped wondering what was going on when he saw Dick watching him with a grin.

  “Forgot where you were, huh?” Dick laughed.

  “Fuck you, and yes,” Tom said, getting out of bed. “There somewhere to get a bath in this place?”

  “I asked one of the maids, and no. She’s bringing up a kettle of hot water and a basin for us along with a washcloth and some soap.”

  “Sponge baths? Woo-fucking-hoo,” Tom grumbled.

  “For you two, maybe,” Dick laughed. “I’m clean as a whistle. I love being a magi.”

  “Oh, right. Occultism,” Tom nodded. “Hit me with that, please.”

  “Waste my magic?” Dick asked, looking offended.

  “It’s a jinx, so shut up about wasting magic,” Harry added, sliding out from under the bed. “Now give me some of that cleaning, too.”

  “Laundry and bath, is that all you guys see me as?” Dick grumbled.

  “I can’t tell if he’s serious enough to bitch-slap or if he’s just trying to fuck with us,” Tom said. “I need some coffee.”

  “Let’s slap him and then find out,” Harry said as he threw the pillow back onto the bed.

  “You’re both way too surly this morning,” Dick snickered. “Just stand still for a few and I’ll take care of it.”

  Tom answered the door when there was a knock. “Water, thanks.” Taking the kettle and basin, he shut the door on the maid.

  “Rude, much?” Harry asked.

  “I thanked her,” Tom replied, setting the kettle and basin on the table. “Let me see that knife, please.”

  “Why?” Harry asked, pulling it from the sheath he had found with it.

  Checking the blade, Tom set it on the table. “Going to try shaving the stubble down so my buzz hawk stays as it should.”

  “Buzz hawk? Really? Man, just shave that thing off,” Dick said. “It looks ridiculous.”

  “He’s right,” Harry nodded. “I was going to leave it alone, but it really does look dumb.”

  “Fair enough,” Tom grumbled. “You’re dexterous enough, Harry. Want to shave me?”

  Harry frowned, but nodded, “I can’t see how this can possibly go wrong,” he muttered sarcastically. “Sit on the floor.”

  Dick snickered as the two got situated. Tom finished lathering up his head and waited while Harry stepped up behind him. “Just… don’t move,” Harry said before placing the edge of the knife against Tom’s head.

  A few minutes and two small nicks later, Tom’s head was clean shaven. “Thank you. I’m going to let it grow out some now, but I’ll be keeping it trimmed down to make sure I don’t have an easy handhold for people.”

  “We ready to head down?” Dick asked. “I can hear people moving around.”

  “Let’s just grab our stuff… oh wait, we don’t have any,” Tom deadpanned. “Guess we’re ready.”

  “Let’s roll,” Dick said. He opened the door just as Gustav tried to knock on it. “Yeah?”

  “Are you ready to go?” Gustav asked.

  “Got to grab some breakfast first, then yes,” Dick replied, eyes narrowing as he stared Gustav down.

  “I hope the delay doesn’t mean we’ll be too late for Charlie,” Gustav replied before he stomped off toward the front.

  “Oh boy, we get surly for a guide? Yay us,” Harry rolled his eyes.

  “Well, if there are goblins…” Tom mused, all the thoughts he had kept long buried on earth coming forth. “Accidents can happen.”

  “Let’s not murder him just yet,” Harry said. “Being a dick doesn’t mean you get killed. Just ask Dick.”

  Flipping his friend off, the magi left the room. “I’m going to grab some food.”

  The other two laughed as they followed him out. Harry strapped the knife onto his belt after checking the blade. “Need to see about a whetstone... this knife definitely needs it, and the axe could probably use some love, too.”

  “Can ask Felix.”

  Entering the taproom, they found John, Marie, and Carl talking with Dick. “The food will be out in a moment,” John told them. “We also got these for you.” He put a whetstone on the table, along with the short sword and a wineskin.

  Harry picked up the blade and slid it out of its scabbard. “A xiphos? Interesting.”

  “A what?” Dick asked.

  “Type of blade used by the Greeks. It was their back up weapon, but it’ll end up being my primary,” Harry replied, his lips pulling down when he saw the condition of the blade. “Maybe.”

  “Thanks,” Tom told John. “Singing went well last night, did it?”

  “Well enough. These are for my agreement to sing again tonight. It’s basically an advance payment for the job.”

  “It’ll make our job easier. Thanks,” Dick said.

  “Your food,” Felix said, dropping off a couple of platters.

  There were bits of grilled meat, a couple small loaves of bread, and cheese. Marie split the loaves into pieces, handing Tom, Dick, and Harry their share and nudged the meat and cheese toward them.

  “For the road. You should head ou
t soon,” Marie said.

  Putting together makeshift sandwiches, the guys got to their feet. “You all be safe here. I don’t trust this to play out like Carl’s game,” Tom said.

  “We’ll be fine,” Marie smiled.

  “If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to take Kattie some food,” Carl said, making up a sandwich with the last end piece. Snagging a cup from the table, the gnome walked away from the others.