Wanting to keep Dick safe, Tom let one of the two goblins facing him stab him. He grabbed the other by the neck, pushing aside its spear. Twisting his hand roughly, he felt the goblin’s spine break, but that was not enough for him. Turning, Tom slammed the now dead goblin into its friend. Squawking in surprise, the goblin managed to push the dead goblin away from itself and avoided being hurt.
“You did good,” Charlie laughed, swinging his axe and taking the head off their last opponent. Bleeding from a number of wounds, he grinned at the three friends. “Nothing like a little death to get the blood pumping, eh?”
“I’m done,” Harry wheezed, touching his bruised ribs.
“Need to kill them,” Tom seethed, his blood singing.
The fourth loud boom since Sara had gone on the offensive echoed in the yard. “I think woman has dealt with the others,” Charlie said, heading for the front door of the brewery. “If you want more action, follow me.”
“I’ll stay back with Harry,” Dick told Tom. “I’m basically tapped on magic.”
“Fine,” Tom replied as he followed Charlie.
Watching their friend go, Harry shook his head, “He’s different. I think he’s fully embraced his new life.”
“Yeah, I can’t blame him,” Dick said. “Come on, let’s get you into the house, then I’ll see about being artillery support for them.”
“Sure,” Harry said. “If I had a crossbow, it would be different.”
Dick just nodded as he followed Harry out the back door. Gustav lay by the side door, blood pooling around his dead body.
“Sara,” Dick and Harry said in unison as they hurried into the house.
Making it to the front room, they saw two goblins stuck in a mess of webs and Sara focusing on the battle out front. Hearing them enter the room, she turned, magic words spilling from her, but cut off abruptly when she saw them. “I thought more goblins were coming. Can you kill them bloodlessly, please?” Not waiting for an answer, she put her attention back outside.
“You’re up, Dick,” Harry said. “I can’t do bloodless.”
“Okay,” Dick said, starting up the incantation for jinx ray.
The goblins screeched just before the first ray hit one of them. Its voice cut off and its body went motionless in the webs. The one that was still alive renewed its attempt to break free. The webs around it tore away from the rest, and it lurched toward the storeroom.
“Damn it,” Harry hissed as the goblin came right toward him. Reacting to the threat, he stabbed the goblin through the gut, releasing the blade as he hopped back.
Dick’s next jinx ray caught it a moment later, ending its life and leaving it bleeding out on the floor. “Drag it out. I’ll clean up behind you,” Dick said.
By the time they had returned to the front room, Sara was standing at the stove. “They should be in shortly. The fighting is over.”
“Gustav died outside the side door,” Dick told her. “What did you want to do with the body?”
“I wondered where he went to,” Sara sighed sadly. “We’ll have to bury him and let his mother know.”
“Woman, are you okay?” Charlie asked as he walked in the door.
“Fine. Our friends killed the two that tried to come for me,” Sara said.
“They have the makings of decent adventurers,” Charlie nodded. “Where’s Gustav?”
“Dead out the side door,” Harry said. “Looks like he wanted to come help and got attacked by goblins.”
“Fool. He was never cut out to be in combat,” Charlie sighed. “Let me put my things away then we’ll stack him in the cool room tonight. I’ll bury him tomorrow.”
“Anything we can do to help?” Tom asked, his lips pulled taut as he tried not to show the pain he felt.
“Not until morning,” Charlie said, heading for the room his gear was stored in. “Have a drink and get some sleep. Woman will bring you some covers.”
“Give me a moment,” Sara said as she set five steaming mugs on the table. Coming back with the blankets, she made up three beds for them. “There you go, but first, drink.”
Charlie joined them as Sara handed out mugs to everyone. “Post battle ritual of mine,” Charlie said. “Hot hard cider; it’ll help you sleep deep.” Taking a large swig, Charlie looked to the friends. “Drink up, you deserve it.”
Tom was the first try it. The warmth of the liquid helped quench his parched throat, the spices soothing him, while the alcohol began to warm his belly. Harry and Dick followed his lead, both of them gasping slightly from the strong alcohol used in it.
“My special blend is the kicker,” Charlie chuckled. “We’ll wake you in the morning.”
Harry and Dick wobbled in place, the drink hitting them hard. Sara took their mugs and helped them to the bedding. Tom watched her help his friends and then glanced at Charlie before draining the rest of his mug. “I can help with Gustav.”
“Dwarves always hold their liquor better,” Charlie smirked. “I’ll handle it. Turn on in… and thanks,” he added after a pause. “There were enough of them that it might have gotten dicey without help.”
“That just means that wherever they’re coming from has enough to throw away,” Tom replied as he made for his bedding.
“Sharp, and you’re not wrong. Their leader is going to start getting mad. He’s lost a good number of them today.”
“Means we’ll need to find their base and take care of it,” Tom yawned. “Any help would be useful.”
“We’ll see about that in the morning,” Charlie said.
“I’ll get things ready for bed while you deal with Gustav,” Sara told Charlie from the doorway to their bedroom. “Don’t keep me waiting long.”
“Never, woman... never,” Charlie replied gently before heading for the side door.
Shaking his head, Tom was puzzled by the byplay between the couple. Being called woman should be demeaning, but she doesn’t seem to mind, and he’s been tender when speaking to her... Not my place. We have our own worries now. I doubt Charlie will leave his house with goblins about, which means that the assault on their base will fall to us. I wonder if the others can be talked into joining that?
Chapter Eight
The smell of cooking food roused Harry and Tom from their slumber. Seeing them stir, Dick chuckled, “About time you two woke up.”
“Fuck you. Damned elf sleeping habits,” Tom grumbled as he sat up. “Morning, Sara.”
“Good morning to you, as well,” Sara laughed as she continued to cook. “It’ll be ready in a few minutes.”
“Where’s Charlie?” Harry asked.
“Checking the buildings to make sure the goblins didn’t double back. Sara rebuilt the broken door before they went to bed last night,” Dick said, sipping at a drink. “There’s some tea ready if you guys want some.”
“I would love a coffee,” Tom said as he got his bedding squared up and set next to the stuff Dick had used. “Since there isn’t any here, I guess—”
“Beer,” Charlie interrupted him, coming through the door. “Leave the leaf water. I’ll bring some beer out.”
“Or I can have some beer,” Tom laughed.
“I’ll take some tea,” Harry said, setting his bedding with theirs. “We burying Gustav today?”
Charlie slowed as he came back into the room. “If you want to help, but it will delay your return to Greenways.”
“A little delay is fine,” Tom shrugged. “We can jog a bit on the way back to make up time.”
“Fuck you and your jogging,” Harry muttered. “You don’t get tired.”
“It was never my favorite time, either,” Charlie laughed as he tapped the small keg. “Tell you what, give me your sword and I’ll help get it back into shape before you leave. That should make it better.”
Harry nodded, “Works for me.” Taking the scabbard off his waist, Harry handed the sword over. “Thanks.”
“Don’t thank him. He’s going to use the sword as his excuse to make you dig the g
rave,” Sara sighed.
Tom laughed as he took the offered mug from a smirking Charlie. “Nice move. It’s fine, though. We’ve had practice at digging graves in the last few days.”
Charlie winced at the words, and Sara’s smile slipped.
“Dude, come on,” Dick said. “The dead were probably friends of theirs.”
“Oh, right... sorry,” Tom said, taking a long drink.
“Breakfast is ready,” Sara said, trying to regain her smile. “Just bacon, biscuits, and fruit.”
As everyone ate, the silence in the room strained the previously happy atmosphere. When they were done, the three men excused themselves to use the outhouse before heading out and grabbing the shovels that had been laid out for them.
Tom started digging right away. Dick and Harry didn’t even try to match his pace, and after a bit, Harry had to pause for a rest. When he got his breath back, Harry moved up to get back to work just as Dick stepped away from the slowly growing hole.
“About the fight yesterday,” Harry said, deciding to wait with Dick instead, “what can we work on?”
“I either need a focus for my spells or to see about gathering the components,” Dick grumbled. “I’ll have to think about that when I get spells going forward, too.”
“Definitely something to keep in mind,” Tom agreed. “I was curious... I know I chose my path at the start, taking brawler over the other options for being in melee. Might have done differently if I had known that we’d be here, but I think I can still do good as a brawler. What about you two? Did you have to pick a path at the start?”
“No. In fact, Sara hinted that mine is coming up when we level,” Dick replied. “Not sure what my options are, honestly.”
“I did with scout, but in a few levels, I get to specialize further. So do you, Tom,” Harry said. “The magi have to wait to specialize, I think so they can get an idea of how combat with their group will work. They only get one major path while we get the ones we took, and then after several more levels, we specialize further. When you add in the chance of picking up abilities, talents, or whatever the fuck they’re called here, it can really set you apart from the next brawler, or me from a similar scout.”
“It’s not level two,” Tom said. “I would remember it if it was. Maybe level three? Or perhaps five?”
“I don’t remember, either,” Harry sighed. “I’d ask our hosts, but I don’t know if they see the world as levels or not. No reason to give away we’re really not from around here.”
“Fair enough,” Tom grunted.
“It could be good or bad, but yeah, let’s not tempt it. But Sara did suggest that I make sure to come back before we leave the area. She’s going to teach me a new spell,” Dick said as he stretched his back out.
“Cool. You can learn from Marie, as well. That will give you a nice boost at the start. Maybe you should ask Sara if she has an extra focus around,” Harry suggested.
“I’ve been considering it,” Dick said. “Let’s wait until just before we leave.”
“Works,” Tom said before pausing. “You two can come back and help more whenever you’re ready.”
Harry chuckled, “Fine. I’ll go help him. You feel free to rest a bit more first, Dick. It’d be hard to get three of us into the grave now.”
“Sold,” Dick laughed as he leaned back.
Tom was just finishing the hole when Charlie and Sara came their way, carrying a stretcher between them. Tom climbed out of the hole and looked at Dick. Dick smirked at him, then used occultism to clean the dirt off him.
“Thank you for your help in this,” Charlie said. Setting the stretcher down next to the grave, Charlie grabbed Harry’s sword and tossed it to him. “Almost good as new.”
“Thanks,” Harry said, strapping the scabbard to his belt.
“If I can get your help lowering him in?” Charlie asked Tom.
Tom went to Gustav’s feet and saw that the body had been wrapped in white cloth and bound with rope. Taking hold of the coiled rope, Tom waited for Charlie to nod before they lifted the body and began to lower it into the ground.
Harry started to sing “Amazing Grace,” his voice firm and mostly on key. Sara wiped at a few tears during the song. When the song came to an end, Tom and Charlie stepped back from the grave.
Charlie cleared his throat and pulled out a flask. “Gustav, didn’t know you well, but you were part of our community. This drink is to you; may your next life be one of happiness. From the light you came, now into darkness you go.” Solemnly, Charlie raised the flask and drank, not stopping until it was empty save a few drops. “One more for the road.” After sprinkling the last few drops onto the body, Charlie stepped back.
Tom grabbed the shovel and began to cover the linen wrapped body. Dick joined him, followed by Harry, and then finally, Charlie. In a few minutes, the grave was filled. Sara cleaned all of them with her magic once they were done.
“Please be careful when you face the goblins,” Sara told them. “If we can do anything, please let us know.”
“We will,” Dick said.
“And remember to come back before you leave the village,” she added.
“I’ve refilled your travel skin and Sara set aside some food for your trip. If they’re feeling brave enough to attack my house, they very well might try to attack you on the road, so be mindful.”
“We’ll be ready,” Tom said.
“I’ll go get the stuff,” Sara said, leaving the men by the grave.
“When Dick comes back to learn, you two should come with him. I’ll give you both a good grounding in proper equipment care and some pointers along with that.”
“We’ll be sure to come by, but that’ll probably be after the goblins are dealt with.”
“Fine, fine,” Charlie replied. “Maybe by then, you’ll have learned some new tricks.”
“That’d be nice,” Tom chuckled.
“Here you go,” Sara said, holding out the wineskin and backpack. “Keep the pack. It’s just been collecting dust.”
“Woman, what do you think you’re doing? They’re adventurers, they don’t want free stuff—”
“We’re fine with free stuff,” Tom laughed. “Besides, I’d like to think we earned it with our help the other night.”
Charlie paused, then shrugged, “That’s fair. I should actually give you more than that.”
“I’ve taken care of it, dear,” Sara said pointedly. “Go check on your brew. I’ll see them off.”
The three friends went blank faced when Charlie about-faced and walked away from them without so much as a grumble. “See you later.”
“Good,” Sara said once Charlie was gone. “The bag contains a few items you might find a use for. Please be safe on the road. I’ll have a proper meal waiting for you when you return.”
“If the two we’ve had from you weren’t proper meals, then we’ll be in for a real treat next time,” Dick grinned.
“Right?” Tom laughed.
“Have a good day, Sara,” Harry told her.
Walking them to the gate, she said goodbye one more time, watching them go for a while before going back into the house.
“You want to crack that bag open and look inside?” Harry asked Tom.
Taking it off, Tom handed it to Harry. “Let us know what the spoils are.”
Harry grinned as he untied the flap and began to rummage around inside. “Food, a bag of caltrops, a vial labeled ‘anti-venom,’ and another labeled ‘liquid fire.’ Flint and steel, a tinder box, and a special item.” Pulling out the brooch, Harry tossed it to Dick. “Think that’s yours.”
Dick caught it and felt the hum of energy in it. “I think it’s a focus,” he said, attaching the brooch to his shirt. “I should be able to cast slip now.”
“That’ll be useful,” Tom said. “Caltrops, too, if we set up an ambush for the goblins. Need to see about getting some ranged weapons for Harry and me.”
“I can’t use the bows the villagers have. They’r
e too big and the draw on them is more than I can handle. Probably need a crossbow.”
“That’s what I was thinking. I’d love a throwing axe or two, but we’ll just have to see what we can scrounge.”
“My jinx ray will work for me,” Dick added.
“I’ve been thinking, what do you guys think this world is all about?” Harry asked during a lull in the conversation.
“Maybe Carl was right about quantum flux or aliens. I’d prefer quantum, because it means this is a random occurrence and not specifically targeted. The idea of aliens or gods watching us struggle here just doesn’t feel right,” Dick replied.
Greenways Goblins (Resurrection Quest Book 1) Page 8
