Charge The Fucker

I charged at him and he ran at me. "Ignis." I said and a bolt of fire shot out of my hand at his head. He dodged as the bolt flew by him but it blinded him enough for me to get close. He swung and I slid going under his blade and drove my blade into the back of his knee and yanked it sideways cutting into muscle and tendon. I grabbed the maul from the ground as he to get up and used it to shatter his other knee cap. He feel to the ground as he let out a roar of pain and I brought the hammer down on his head is it buried into his helmet and skull. I saw a lone goblin soldier look at me and raised a crossbow.

“Ventus.” I yelled sending him flying as he fired. A bolt hitting my shoulder. He landed in the water below. I saw the king make a break for the woods along with with a chest under his arm. Sura was cleaning up goblins and Willow had just drove her sword into the orcs skull then pulled it out and spun cutting off his head. I pulled the arrow out and saw it wasn't barbed luckily. “Mendus.” I said touching my shoulder as I ran after the fat fuck then healed my arm the best I could through my armor. I found his fat ass trying to crawl into a borrow of some animal to hide but his fat ass was stuck. I **** him out as he clung to the chest.

“Going some were your majesty.” I pointed the sword at him as he was holding onto a small chest tightly.

“Here you take. All the coin I have. Buy many women, drink, clothes. Many nice things. You let me go and many things all yours.” He said offering the chest to me.

“That isn't going to happen but were taking the chest.” Sura said as she came up behind me. “Up.” She growled and he jumped to his feet. She ended up gagging him so he would shut up crying on the way back. Willow was standing over the few goblins who had surrendered with a crossbow The rest lay dead or had run for it.

“One shit king as promised.” Sura said as she kicked the king into the mud at Willow's feet.

“And now lets see what he was hording.” Sura said as she pulled the key from around the kings neck and opened the chest.

“Well I'll be. Seems like you were getting rich off of your own people.” I said bending over and taking a bag and looked inside. Maybe a few gold but more then half were silver, with some copper thrown in. “One bag should hold me over for awhile. The goblins can have the rest of my half.” I smiled.

“I only came to kill orcs so same.” Sura said grabbing a bag and never even looked inside.

“That is all you two are taking. You two have to be either the best or worst mercenaries I have ever meet.” Willow shook her head at us.

“My job is done. I owed that one a favor so were even. Now I am going to find a place to get really drunk, fill my belly full of food, and with any luck find someone to fuck.” Sura said as she walked toward the bridge.

“Charming friend you have there.” Willow shook her head.

“She grows on you. Use the rest of the coin to clothe and feed this lot when they get to the city.” I shrugged. Willow healed up my wounds though I had some nice scars I could tell stories about. We rode back to Goblin Town were the town was under human control. The battle had only lasted minutes as cavalry units managed to rush the gates before they could close it while the infantry came in through the west. Part of the city had caught fire though it had started in the kings house so it could have easily been the goblins themselves who started it as a fuck you to the king. I was sure some made off with everything of value he had left behind

Come first light we started herding the survivors. Those who had been slaves who wished to leave were given safe passage. Many of whom were women and children. It took four days and several dozen wagons to move over five hundred goblin refugees. By the time we arrived home the tent town had expanded ten fold. I didn't envy whoever had to organize this mess any but it wasn't my problem. After getting them to the city me and Willow rode for Hunterrest. Willow took my hand and we passed through the barrier. When we entered the kings cabin I saw the Queen sitting with the Goblin prince.

“Captain Willow. I take it our newest citizens are safe and sound.” The queen smiled.

“Yes my queen. We rode here immediately after reaching the city.” Willow nodded.

“And the goblin king, he dead?” The prince asked.

“No. We spared his life though he rode back the whole way in a cage to keep the other goblins from killing him” Willow smiled. I was sure that had been a possibility but I was sure that wasn't the only reason she had kept him in a cage the whole trip.

“Good. Now bastard know what it like be in cage.” The prince nodded.

“A fitting punishment though I can assure the new king here that his father will spend the rest of his days carving stones in the quarry.” The queen shook her head The quarry was were they put repeat criminals or those who committed crimes like ****. A large pit with only one way out which was guarded.

“Me no want be king. To much headache. They have a great king and queen now. Kind to my people you been. Fair and just you is. Me just want goblins to be okay and me live simple life just helping.”

“Very well. Ambassador then.” The Queen smiled.

“What is ambassador?” he asked.

“Speaking of helping. Your fathers treasure should go a ways toward helping the goblins.” I said and untied the sack I had put the chest in so I could tie it to the horse but keep it hidden.

“You no keep? Me offer you and orc for helping.” The goblin looked up at me.

“They took a bag each, they wanted the rest to go to the goblins.” Willow nodded.

“And so it shall. I will see to it personally.” The Queen said as she closed the chest and smiled at me.

“Thank you my queen.” I nodded.

“I hope you spend some of your reward on new armor.” She said as she stood up and touched my shoulder where I had taken the bolt. “Be a shame to loss such a noble young man.”

“Thank you majesty. I will.” I smiled.

“My queen your daughter and husband are back.” A guardsmen said as he came inside.

“Excellent.” She smiled and we headed out. I smiled as I saw the princess.

“Your back.” She smiled and jumped off and ran over. “Were you hurt?”

“Only a little. Willow healed me good as new. My armor not so much.” I smiled.

“Sarcio.” She said touching my armor and the ripped leather mended it's self. Then she did the arm. It left small scars in the leather were it had been damaged but was almost as good as new.

“Thanks.” I smiled.

“Ah. Our heroes return.” The king said as he dismounted and held out his arms.

“Your majesty.” I bowed.

“I hear you captured your quarry.” He smiled.

“Yes. Though not as big as yours my lord.” I looked at his dear.

“They got everyone back safely. I am sure Captain Willow will be glad to give you a full report after she has rested from her trip. Speaking of Quarry it seems our daughter beat you dear.”

“Yes. All of us actually. Seems she has mastered the long bow as well. She will be running the kingdom next.” He smiled.

“Well you know the rule my King. Who ever catches the smallest one loses.” The Queen eased,

“Very well. I will give it to Aaron. He can cure it and see it delivered to goblin town.” The king shook his head. “Want to accompany me to town. Listen to the bard in the Tavern you like so much.” The king offered his arm. A small smile crossing my lips.

“I would be honored my king.” The Queen said and took it and off they went.

“Thank you for your lesson. You were right. I just had to slow down.” Princess Rosalyn smiled.

“Glad I could help.” I nodded.

"Walk with me to bring this over to Aaron." The Princess smiled.

"You giving up your kill as well?"

"They need it more then we do. We actually extended our trip here to hunt for meat. Not like they can go buy any." She shook her head.

"Well I gave the queen all the coin the king was hording so that might help a little." I shrugged. It wasn't a long term strategy but it was a start.

"You didn't keep it?"

"Only a little. I am a hunter so it's not like I need a lot." I shrugged. I would buy some armor. Maybe splurge a little and put the rest in the bank.

"Thank you." The princess said and stopped and gave me a kiss on the cheek. Her breast brushing up aginst me as she had to stand on my toes. She blushed slightly as she looked at me and then away.

"Your very welcome your highness." I smiled. We talked for a bit then I left looking forward to sleeping in my bed after the week I had had. Sadly I had missed my chance with Gwen but there was always next year I suppose unless they changed their mind. I rode into town where Hannah was working from the porch.

“Thank you come again.” Hannah said to some customers as she took their coin then looked up at me and smiled. “Hey you. I am so glad to see you are okay.” She said as she came around and gave me a hug.

“Thanks. Good to be home.”

“How was your trip?” Hannah smiled up at me.

“The goblin king is on his way to a dungeon cell.” I nodded.

“Good. Bastard deserves it.”

“See you found truffle girl.” I smiled as I saw a sign written in lowlander, elven, and gnome.

“Her and her grandmother come in every couple of days with more. Gypsy buys a lot of them. Says it goes great with wine. Nothing else it gets people to stop and look around in the shop.” She smiled.

“Master.” Terra came running at me and gave my leg a hug as she held on tight.

“Hello Terra. You been helping out?”

“Yep. Me keep shop clean and stock shelves.” She smiled up at me.

“She has been a big help.” Hannah nodded.

“You kick many orc asses.” Terra smiled as she let me go.

“Just one.” I smiled and ruffled her hair.

“Good. Sure ass kick he needed. Me make new friend. Root. She sell mushrooms to Hannah.”

“Glad to here it.” I smiled. Guess it was better then truffle girl. Hell it was better then most goblin names I had heard.

“It's getting late. Me go to tavern now?” Terra looked at Hannah.

“Okay go ahead.” Hannah nodded.

“Can I help you take stuff in? I asked.

“That be great thanks. So glad to be home?”

“More then you know.” I smiled. I could do without any adventure for awhile.

The next morning I went over to see Heidi and Gwen to apologize for not being able to knock up Gwen as strange as it sounded but they understood. I had money to burn so I decided to share the wealth and asked Heidi to make me some pauldrons for my jacket. I might have found some metal ones but I would prefer something not to shinny, didn't make noise, and had some flexibility to it to not limit my range of motion. I wasn't the type for heavy armor.

Next I went down to the docks were I met up with Sura. She told me she had stayed in Stonehills for a few days before coming back here. I asked her about making some chain mail but she told me it be shit if she made it. She did agree though to make me some plate armor braces to fit over the forearms and grieves for my lower legs. I was on my way to Emeralds when I heard a voice call me.

“Hey kid.” A man waved.

“Vignar right?” I smiled finally remembering where I had seen him from. I had only ever seen him once before at Stonehills.

“Thought that was you lad. Didn't know you lived here in town.” He smiled.

“It's growing on me. What brings you here?”

“My ship.” He glanced over. It wasn't the biggest of boats but looked like it might have some speed to her. I myself didn't know much about boats.

“Giving up smithing?”

“I was never a smith.” Vignar shook his head. “Just served as quarter master for the kingsforge. Buying ore and selling metal while saving up for this beauty.” He smiled and looked at the boat.

“Sailor?”

“Merchant. Though I worked as a sailor for several years. I plan to sail down to Stormhaven and load up on stuff from across the Sapphire Sea and bring it back here to sell at a tidy profit. Start my own trade company eventually but one ship is a good start. Still got to crew her mind you. You wouldn't be interested in a job would you?” He grinned.

“Pass. Me and the ocean don't fit well.” I shook my head. One day maybe but no time soon.

“Shame. Could have used a man who can get things done and keep the crew in line. Once I get one that is.”

“How much that run you?”

“Crew is pretty cheap plus some will work for a percentage of the cargo so I don't have to pay them till we sell the cargo. Never a shortage of men here looking for work. The cargo's the catchy part. Need about ten gold to load the ship. Just got to find an investor or go to the bank.”

“I could help provided it is worth my while.” I smiled. I had two thousand and eighty hundred copper or twenty eight gold from capturing the goblin king. Truthfully I hadn't expected that much was in the bag but their was some more gold to the bottom of the bag I hadn't seen.

“Well hell son. You want to come aboard and we can discuss price.”

“Pass. I quickly shook my head. “How about you and me go talk business and have a drink or two. I have some coin that I was going to stick in the bank.”

“Sounds good to me. A true gnome never turns down a free drank.” He shrugged.

“Then I know just the place.” I said and we headed for Astrid's had had a seat at one of the tables.

“Hey handsome what can I get you two gentlemen.” Heidi smiled as she came over.

“Gnomish Ale good?”I smiled at him.

“Damn good kid.” He nodded and smiled.

“Two please.” I help up two fingers

“What are you going to drink kid?” He laughed.

“Who is that lovely creature at the bar?” He nodded toward Astrid who smiled at us.

“Astrid. She owns the place.” I shrugged.

“Any old man?”

“No she is a widower.”

“Good to know. So on to business.” He smiled. We talked it all out.

“I will want it in writing but I will give you the coin to fund you and in return I will remain a silent partner in exchange for a share of the profits and discounted rate on imported goods for the store I own and the deeds to your ship and warehouse will be used as collateral until the initial investment is repaid with interest.”

“Sounds about right. What all do you think your store will need?” He nodded.

“I don't run it. A gnomish woman I know does. I just own the building?”

“As pretty as the one at the bar?” He nodded with his head,

“Her daughter actually.”

“Ah. So if I get in good with the daughter I might have a shot with the woman?” He gave a little chuckle under his breath.

“Who knows. They have been good to me. Her son runs the stables out back and has his own carriage so I am sure he can handle pick ups and deliveries of goods from the docks to the store. You would have to talk to Hannah about the details but getting on her good side couldn't hurt.” I shrugged.

“I will treat her like she is one of my own.”

“One more thing. I am looking to buy some chain mail armor” I smiled.

“And you figured I would know the guy to talk to. I can get it for you at a far better price then the kingsforge would charge you.

“So yes. That would be great. Though I need it top open in the front.” I nodded and he headed over to see Heidi and they talked shop.

Come the next day the papers were signed and I handed over the coin and put the rest in the bank and I gave Heidi the chain mail. Gwen said she could make some canvas to fit inside that would muffle the noise. I finally managed to make it over to Emeralds though Inanna the orc whore directed me over to the new place. I was a little surprised to find it was a bath house and their was no such thing as a dress code it seemed as some of the women inside were completely naked. They swam and lounge around the pool while entertaining several men. Their seemed to be some private baths off to the side for any man who wanted a little more intimacy with one of the girls.

“Hello dear.” Emerald smiled as she came over and offered me her hand.

“I was coming by to see how you did but looks like everything worked out.”

“Yes. Thanks to you. The pearl more then covered what I needed as you can see.” She held out her arm.
“The hard part was letting go of the pearl” She gave a little laugh.

“Least someone was looking out for them.” I smiled.

“I heard a rumor you helped take down their king?”

“I had a small part in it.” I gave a little shrug.

“I am glad to hear it. You know. I have some time if you want me to show you just how grateful I am for what you did for the goblins.” She smiled slyly.

“I am glad to hear it. You know. I have some time if you want me to show you just how grateful I am for what you did for the goblins.” She smiled slyly.

“Some other time maybe.”

“My doors always open for you when you get tired of saving the kingdom.”

“I will keep that in mind my lady.”

I went to the bank and deposited my other eighteen hundred. The banking guild head was more then happy to see me again. Trade was up this year and the bank was turning a hefty profit. Next I went out to Huntersrest to find the king and his troop had left so that meant so had the princess. I got a little hunting out of my system and brought home some ducks being more then happy to shoot something that didn't shoot back for a change then headed home.

The next month flew by and it was mid spring before I knew it. Goblin town was ultimately abandoned with not enough goblins willing to stay since most of the women had left who could blame them. Goblins calling themselves goblin king popped out in other settlements but none would ever have the same power as the last given how isolated each settlements were from the others. The goblins in the city found work were they could. Some turning to crime while others tried to make an honest living. I kept myself busy hunting and exploring new places around the city. Little did I know then how much my life was going to change and where my journey would take me next but that is a tale for another time.

The World Of Eros: Into The Woods