by Han Yang
“Boss, don’t use her for the next group. Let a different troll do the initiation rites,” Asha said, and I rolled my eyes. “Trust me.”
“Clearly, I do,” I said.
“I should be asserting myself more,” Tarla said, and Asha nodded. “I have to grow and develop into my role more too. I can’t be the meek young woman. Will you judge me, lover of mine?”
I pulled her in tight, wanting to kiss her but avoiding doing so because of my recent vomiting. My arms wrapped her tightly, and I sighed contently. I’d never been in a relationship before, but at that moment, I could never imagine being so lonely again.
“I’ll support you however you need me to, and I’ll apologize in advance for bringing out your darker side to rule these strivians. We will adapt and overcome. Together,” I said, watching a team of goblins chop up the dead troll's body.
They’d use his corpse to set traps, feed dogs, and for whatever other uses they found. Which reminded me that I had half a fish left to eat. The naga returned with more fish than the donkey could haul, and we had to send a team of rams back and forth.
Fish, so many fish.
Nee arrived with two goblins, both cowering as if I were going to punish them.
“Can either of you revive these bones?” I asked.
“No,” the left goblin said.
“Yes,” the female goblin animal healer said. “It will consume my once a week revival.”
“Once a week?” I asked.
“If I upgrade enough, it will go down,” she said meekly. I nodded in approval for her to revive Lumpy. She hesitated and added, “Umm… The magic will explode.”
“Right, right, thanks for the warning. Give her the troll’s Z,” I ordered Asha.
He glanced at me like I was crazy.
“I want it known that I reward those who please me. Give her the Z. She’ll explode less if we invest in her. And if Lumpy dies again, I need her cooldown lowered,” I said.
He nodded.
The little female clapped, showing a lot of personality with her bouncing brows. “Any other way I can please the Boss for more power?” she asked.
“Erm… No. No thank you. That department is filled, and I would go on a rampage if something happened to Tarla. If anything, just help like you’re doing now,” I said encouragingly, hoping my rejection wouldn’t sour the goblin’s positive attitude.
Asha, Tarla, and I stepped back, awaiting her spell. The heavens didn’t split. Instead, the bark of trees whisked through the air, transforming into dust as they traveled.
The dust crashed down into Lumpy, reforming his bones in a brown billowing haze. Eventually, I couldn’t see my skeleton friend as he was rebuilt. A resounding boom split the air.
We were pushed back, and the female goblin lay among the pine needles, holding an arm broken at an odd angle.
“We need a healer,” I shouted.
Asha elbowed me, “You’re up, Boss.”
I closed my eyes and tilted my head back. “Unbelievable. I need some sleep. Heal other,” I said, ejecting vines of green healing magic from my palm towards her arm, knitting the break until smooth skin remained.
When I glanced back to Lumpy, I cursed a second time.
“Right, should have seen that coming,” I grumbled, seeing Lumpy as a jenix cat, not a skeleton. I kneeled down to our best hunter and said, “Do you want a day off to spend with Bell?”
Lumpy didn’t answer, shooting off to find Bell. A minute later, I heard my priestess squeal in delight.
“Odd turn of events,” Asha muttered.
“Yes, well, this is Nordan with a chunk of Ostriva, after all. Expect the unexpected, although I should have expected that one. Another lesson learned. I’m going to oversee the push north. We really need to get moving. Can you manage the second scout party?”
“Depends. I’ll need a live troll to help convert those we capture and likely the cerberus pack. Oh, and the nagas since they’re not fishing at the moment,” he said.
“Done. I’ll be with Quon, yanking down trees. The bear is powerful but lazy. Time to get his butt into the war effort. We need to make fast progress to avoid an army,” I said, and he winced. “What?”
“They’ll have cavalry, likely. Not a whole unit, but they may harass and fire bows from a distance, especially if we get into the open,” Asha said.
I nodded, knowing we didn’t have a choice. If we had to manage skirmish fights as we pushed north, so be it. I didn’t want the fight, but if they over extended, I’d certainly give them one.
I put a smile on my face, happy with the turn of events. We only had a few more miles of pines to go until we reached the sloping mountainous terrain that opened up before leading to the Seqa Valley.
CHAPTER 33
Seqa Hills
The gritty terrain crunched under my boots from my steep climb up the rocky slope. I arrived on the hill’s peak, coming up beside Asha and accepting his proffered spyglass. We stared down at a river that was at least four roads wide and flowing at a quick pace.
An island rested in the middle of the river, not too far uphill. The dark blue water had a chilling effect, and its width, as well as speed, spoke of deep trenches. A skeleton naga arrived, missing an arm, water dripping off its bony frame.
I connected to my minion with barely a thought, the process becoming second nature.
Minion: Hessi Nagakin
Health 5/12. Level 1.
Sapient Naga.
Memories intact.
Fighting Abilities: Moderate.
Upgrade Available. Consume 15 mana and 1.2 Zorta (YES) or (NO)
Repair Required. Consume 13 mana (YES) or (NO)
I selected ‘yes’ to both, finding the Naga worth both the mana and the investment, especially with our latest discovery. A team of trolls dragged a crab the size of a horse across the rocky, gray terrain.
I watched the dead creature with interest. However, a distraction caught my attention as the minion’s arm shot out of the water, zooming across the sky. The lost limb reconnected to the body, and the minion crumbled a moment later.
The black, smoky magic filled the bones, improving their density. The bulging magic started a rhythmic clattering dance. The process finished, and my minion grew by at least an inch.
“Wise choice,” Asha said, accepting the spyglass back.
“This is what? The seventh one we’ve found on this river so far?” I asked.
With everyone working and none allowed to sleep, we blazed a trail out of the foothills and onto the open, mountainous terrain. I constantly glanced behind us, but so far, no new threat hounded us.
Bell arrived with a smile, removing gloves that fought the brisk morning chill. The higher elevation and the early start of the shifting season gave credence to the idea that we would need warmer attire sooner rather than later.
“Eighth. Worth ten Z each. They’re a great find, and these gloves led to my request,” Bell said, wagging her gloves at me. “The goblins live in a jungle, and the trolls always have a fire. We haven’t made it to the valley yet, but if we get caught in a snowstorm, we’ll have sections of our tribe flee south when they can.”
I scoffed, folding my arms. “We’re growing faster than we can manage. Losing a few is probably acceptable. Not saying that I don’t want winter gear, though. Snow sucks.”
She grinned, bending down to pet a fluffy Jenix. “We left the dwarves a week ago, and we’re already back to seven hundred Zorta in the treasury. You sure you want to become a weaker horde leader?” Bell teased.
“Damn, I stand corrected, bring them on,” I said, seeing Lumpy eye me with boredom.
The Jenix followed his momma around everywhere, and now Quon, the bear, had become another follower of the priestess. “Hey, you sure you don’t have a second hidden magic?” I asked.
Bell leaned into the big bear’s brown fur when he laid down beside her. She bound her lengthening, brown hair into a ponytail, eyeing me with a smirk.
&nb
sp; “It’s an odd mountain chill, surely to pass,” Asha said. “Summer will return well before we arrive in the lush valley to the north. With that said, it will get colder and colder over the next month. What were you wanting to suggest, Priestess Bell?”
“Ah, a trade run.” She pointed to a section of trees to the north. “I know that’s a small grove, but we can harvest those, build a bridge, and camp on that island for a week. Three-day trip to Zozo Hold and three days back. These falzien crabs have a shell that is very versatile in its uses. We take it and trade for more weapons, shields, crossbows, and blankets. Even if we find a nice cave in the valley, there’s going to be a baby boom, and we don’t have enough space for mothers to nurse as we march.”
I frowned, eyeing the island.
I could see what Bell was recommending. The plan on paper made sense. Defensible spot, hard-ish to assault, a nice place to build a village. Settling down there would keep trading close to the dwarves. There would be no more traveling, and we could start to establish a base here and now.
For some reason, I wasn’t a fan of the idea. The concept wasn’t the worst but building a base this out in the open just felt... off.
Tarla arrived, dealing with goblin issues. She had missed what Bell had said by a few seconds.
“Give me a second, Bell. There’s a part of me that also wants to stick down roots and establish a home. But… it’s like we’re missing something. Hey, Tarla, how did the tribe managing go?” I asked.
“That second troll party never showed, but another thirty or so goblins straggled in from all directions. They’re eager to go north,” Tarla said.
“Any reason why?” I asked.
“Umm… no, not really. They joined because goblins give off a happy scent apparently, but I honestly find that hard to believe,” Tarla said.
“It is true,” Nee said, not adding more to her statement.
It certainly would explain why they were flocking to us.
“And the reason for going north?” I asked.
“That Fero goblin said there was a great danger nearing and the Seqa Valley would be a haven for us to consolidate our power and build a base,” Tarla said. I went to ask to have him summoned, but Tarla shook her head. “I turned to answer a question from another goblin, and when I went to ask him what he meant, he was gone. As in he’s not in our camp at all anymore. Even took the hounds out to find him. Literally poof, gone.”
This allowed my theories to reach a tipping point.
“He’s a god, I think,” I muttered, coming to a decision.
“Surely you jest,” Bell said.
“No, I bet he is Zozo,” I said with a huff. “Think about it. Super wise goblin comes along, about ten times smarter than the others, and he helps in small doses, vanishing after. If we set up a mine, it helps his champion, and if we die, it hurts her. I have a feeling he is a much more powerful god than Caitlyn.”
“Wait, they have different power levels?” Asha asked.
I sighed with an uncertainty. “Just a guess. Caitlyn made it seem like she had to have a champion, as if it were an inconvenience. Add to that the fact that she needs Zorta. What does that say? It tells me the gods are using us because they have to.”
“You think we’re part of something bigger?” Tarla asked.
“Now that I don’t know. Right now, I’m focused on surviving. There is no great dragon to kill that will right the world, or some spell to unlock, to restore the planets back the way they were. I do know we have a threat approaching, and we just received a tip to kick it into high gear. Also, Nee isn’t dumb, but she doesn’t know about hidden magics, nor is she guiding us to stop me from probably enforcing Nordan policies on a Strivian tribe. Now she is telling us to speed north.”
“What are your orders then?” Bell asked with a frown.
“All my life, I’ve taken orders, and now these decisions rest on me.” I tossed my hands on my hips, posing regally. Tarla rolled her eyes, gazing at me in joy. “To start, break camp. We march north at a hard pace with only three-hour rests. Rotate wagon riding so the tribe gets short naps and breaks. Cut back on hunting, increase our scouting, and we try to stop for nothing.”
“And the river or trading?” Bell asked. “Kinda thought you were going to go silly there with that pose.”
“Yeah, sorry, I pictured one thing and realized the reality was another. The trade run will have to wait. The river farming will have to wait too. We don’t slow for anything until we find this mine,” I said.
“The start of fall is mating season for the ogres. That is part of where this is coming from,” Asha said. “We were talking and planning to see if you’d wait until winter to venture north. That island will make a nice spot for a village.”
“And if we can build quick bridges, so can our foes. No, we heed the signals. Full speed to the north, and we fight through roaming ogres. As they fall, I’ll pick them up. Speaking of which, probably best for me to stay in heavy armor again since I lack any massive minion to control,” I said.
I trotted down the hill, not giving them time to quibble or debate my orders further. Spread out among the rocky terrain, the goblins and trolls rested around the caravan. I headed for the carriage resting in the middle, seeing a lot of the tribe notice my brisk pace.
Many understood we would be leaving soon and started to prepare for what was coming.
I didn’t need to holler at my troops. The unit leaders did that for me. After entering the carriage, I found a comfy spot and pulled out the bag filled with books from a side compartment.
Bell entered a minute later, taking a seat across from me. I glanced up, expecting her to come in ready to argue. Instead, she held out a hand for a book.
I flipped through the selection, finding a book on necromancy to set into my lap. I handed her a book about the monsters below the surface.
The snap of reins preceded a sharp jerk of the carriage, sending us into a jostle. I slid the window open, peering out to see Tarla on Quon’s back, commanding the goblins to get moving.
“Fine, I’ll go first,” Bell said, her tone agitated.
“Ah, the married couple routine,” I said, raising my eyes from the book I had just opened.
“We need winter supplies,” she said, ignoring my jab.
“Yes, my Priestess, we do. However, we need a home first. Want to know my theory?” I asked, returning to glance back down at the book. “The centaurs have spread the word. The trolls know I may be a champion and never sent a second patrol because their army is marching hard to catch us.”
“But we should know that,” Bell said.
“And if they’re racing to the valley to beat us, or sailing upriver.” I paused not finishing the sentence. “Anyway, I need a damn bird as a minion,” I said with a sigh. I whispered, “Lumpy, fetch me a bird, any kind will do.”
The cat heard my command from wherever he was.
“We move as one without a wagon splintering for trade. The crab shells will be abandoned, and I can accept that because I can’t afford to lose you. The second we turn the mines into a home, we will build our goddess a temple. And, Bell, there are things we can do ourselves. We have the supplies to turn our hides into blankets, and we can get those pregnant goblins in the carts with the pups to make you some,” I said.
She pursed her lips, biting back a retort.
I stared down at the book, flipping to the section on leveling stats.
“Interesting. This dwarven necromancer was different,” I muttered, reading her what the journey had notated.
Necromancer Level 1 -} Free = 1 minion
Necromancer Level 2 -} 10 Zorta = 5 minions
Necromancer Level 3 -} 100 Zorta = 10 minions
Necromancer Level 4 -} 1000 Zorta = 100 minions
Necromancer Level 5 -} 5000 Zorta = 1000 minions
Necromancer Level 6 -} 25000 Zorta = Unknown.
“You’re a champion,” Bell said as if to conclude the rationalization as to why my minion co
unts were different. I scrunched my face, and she continued, “Remember that book on gods and their champion?”
“Yeah, I gave it to the nice minotaur librarian,” I said, not sure where she was going with her train of thought.
“Champions have unique subsets of spells and boons. You can heal from afar while most have to unlock that at level twenty as a healer,” Bell said, and I raised a brow.
“Hold up. I read that book three times. All it said was that each champion is unique, created as a magus above common mages. Honestly, I just assumed a magus and a mage were the same thing,” I said with a huff. “Yes, a mage and magus are the same on Earth. They just originate from different parts of our world.”
“Not on Nordan. A magus is a superior mage. For example, I’m called a mage. If I ever reach level fifty, I’d earn the title of magus. Now, you can’t be calling yourself a healing magus because it will give you away, but you certainly are one. A few things,” Bell said, ensuring she had my attention. “Remember when you made the rams bow, healed all your minions at once, or healed the female goblin’s arm from over a hundred feet?”
“Yeah, just tried to do them and they happened,” I admitted. “There wasn’t some grand scheme to those discoveries.”
“When I studied to become a high priestess, I borrowed a book on the correlation of the divine’s proxy and their champion. I learned that a champion is a magus at a mage level with a mage’s understanding. As you grow and learn, you become more powerful than a general mage. And, come on, you're the selection of the divine—you should get two magics and have unique unlocks,” Bell said. “A head priestess gets her own boons too.”
“Um… so what else can I do? I don’t even know what I did to the rams,” I said.
“You invoked fear into them. That paladin was right. You literally cast a demonic spell,” Bell said.
“Still a human,” I grumbled.
She reached forward, patted my knee in a friendly manner and said, “Yes, yes you are. Now, how about you keep reading that book because I don’t know squat about that stuff? A dwarf grumbled what the spell was, and I doubt that you need to be level fifty to start hitting unlocks. If you get more minions, that’s great.”
