smiles. “Continue.” He reclined on a log as a few began to clean up. They were careful not to make much noise so that they could still listen in.
“That night was bitter cold as we huddled around a small fire for warmth. Though not a wise idea, we respected our need to escape the cold and prepared a delicious, if improvised, stew for the evening. The aroma of salted meat and wild vegetables filled the clearing we stayed in but the wind and snow dominated the evening. Twas not a full blizzard but the howling gale that whipped the trees above was enough to make us all bundle closer together to escape the bite of winter.
What came tomorrow was the most harrowing adventure I’d ever been part of. The trek to the lair that we sought, what we knew as the primary fortress of the goblins, was short enough. The conquest of that area, though, was far more difficult. The open area was filled with circular buildings of all sizes. I assumed they were mostly houses and angry red eyes gleamed out from small windows. Others, loitering about in the clearing, either ran for cover or for weapon racks that were placed around the crude village. The effect of our presence was immediate as no less than two dozen of their warriors moved out to meet us. Others were getting ready. Riun and Algan charged forth, blades ready as they clashed with the goblin forces. Rusga opted to use his massive bow and Kunya protected us all with her defensive magic. The clang of steel on steel and the dull thud of metal against leather and wood rose over the battlefield before me. Several robed figures moved from behind buildings and projected fiery rays and bursts of light toward us. The fire missed for the most part, singeing the ground around our feet. The bright, crackling blue light struck true, the frontline fighters took the brunt of those spells as bruises erupted on their bodies. Kunya, in her versatility, worked to recover their wounds and I paused in admiration; my gifts weren’t so useful as that. I retaliated with my own missiles of magical energy; the same blue orbs as had been used against us now took down one of their mages. While they were busy preparing to defend against another volley of that spell, the warriors closed in.
The tide had turned decisively and great numbers of the creatures lay motionless on the ground. We marched onward, toward the largest hut of them all. As we did, we felt a faint rumbling in the earth underneath. Kunya explained that it was probably the rest of the goblin forces, hiding underground and waiting for us to storm into their lair. Riun and Algan both were eager for more combat, a faint hint of bloodlust in their eyes. The large building was poorly made as the others and cluttered with various odds and ends: tables; chairs; shelves full of books, trophies, and trinkets; and two large trapdoors embedded into the floor on the far side. Each was made of sturdy oak and reinforced with iron bands, unusual for goblins. Were it not so disorganized, the place may have appeared cozy!
The trapdoors were bound to be secured somehow so I, being trained in how to deal with locks and traps, checked each. There were no surprises or locks, paving the way for our armored personnel to go down into whatever dangers awaited us. Fortunately for them there was no welcoming party. A large empty chamber greeted us and pitch torches lined the walls often enough to provide total illumination. Shadows danced at the edges of the room, tunnels branching outward in all directions. They looked pretty much the same all around, so we arbitrarily chose one and would go to the left from there once we cleared each passage. All but the last two were pretty much the same as the first: several goblins in a tunnel that did not branch out, with a small amount of supplies of various sorts. The goblins fought bravely but were no match for the giant humans that sit with us now.” She paused and waved toward them. They stood and took a bow as they followed Rusga's lead. The merchants cheered and whooped, those in reach patting the two on the shoulders.
“The second-to-last hallway had no guards posted. It terminated in a stone door with an iron-barred window. Kunya peeked inside while I worked the lock. What she saw was a small humanoid figure, no more than a meter and a half in height. It stood against the cell wall draped in a cloak and peered up at us with angry, yet sad eyes. Kunya negotiated and explained that we were there to slay or drive off what had captured him. Xron, eager for revenge against his wardens, joined our cause.” The dark elf sat motionless, not eager to make his presence known. Kida foiled his efforts as she gestured to him.
“The last hall was the most surprising of them all. It continued onward much further than the rest and suddenly shifted from a tunnel through the earth to a stone-lined hall. Iron braziers dotted the walls instead of torches and a large door of the same metal stood at the bottom of a staircase. In its face were gruesome images and carvings that I couldn't make sense of. Xron and I checked the iron monstrosity for danger and locks, disposed of what barred our way, and let our heavy hitters take the lead. What awaited us sent a chill down my spine. A tall humanoid figured stood at the center of a semicircle of two orcs and four goblins. It dressed nicely in black silk but had sickly gray skin, bulging eyes, and eight tentacles where a chin should be. It pointed our way to send its six fellows after us and vanished from sight. The prickling hair on my neck told me that it could have easily slain us but instead simply left the minions to do that job instead. They gave us a hard fight. Four defended their comrades with spears and maces while the other two used spells against us. We overcame them, tired and weary, gathered the supplies from within, and made our way back to the town victorious. The spoils were ours to divide and return to the residents, then we got to relax and drink after an exhausting but satisfying week! After a few days of rest we came across your organization and now we're here!” Everyone raised a glass or a fist and cheered as Kida finished the tale, taking a bow and grinning widely. The caravan was packed in full just as she stood upright once more, and Mr. Farstride took her hand.
“Thank you for the riveting story, young kitsu. Perhaps I hadn't given credit where it was due.” He bowed to Kida and backed away after a moment. “Now it's time to move forward again. Ready your arms and let us march onward!” The wagon wheels creaked under their movement as the train moved once again, horses panting heavily and hoofbeats on the road filling the air once again. The sun sank through the sky as the road carried them far toward the horizon, the tops of pines and firs peering out over the forest in the distance.
“Wow, I didn't think we'd get this far on the first day!” Kida said in wonder as she walked alongside the lead wagon. Kunya sat atop it in deep thought and Mr. Farstride rode on the seat, looking over the fields and into the wood from time to time.
“We pride ourselves on speedy travel; that is our business. We're safe, efficient, and swift. That is why we're hired,” he answered, not looking the kitsu in the eyes. A thin ray of yellow moved across his face and disappeared as the sun sank below the distant hills. “Make camp! Our daylight is fading quickly so work fast!” The other wagons creaked to a halt as several dashed into the forest for firewood while the rest positioned the cargo in a circle on the side of the stone highway. With light retreating across the ground the wood-hunters returned with armfulls of tinder while the others had prepared the uncooked meal. It was much the same as lunch and the familiar scent rose over the encampment as the umbra of night fell over them all. The clear skies kept the prospect of snowfall minimal and the light breeze didn't penetrate the outer ring of wagons to much effect. Combined with ample embers from the dinnertime fire, it was a very pleasant sleep for all and a frost-crusted ground made the morning refreshing and noisy.
“How much longer until we arrive in Deswern?” Kunya inquired, her mind occupied with a book that she had brought along. “I'm not familiar with the region at all and I'm curious as to what we might have to worry about on the way.”
“Usually it's about a week's travel, if nothing happens. The most common things we come across, aside from wandering animals, are orcs. Their raiders are persistent and the town is close to the mountains on the northern edge of the forest.” Mr. Farstride stated. He looked weary this morning, as though his sleep was fitful and limited. “It's a rare occurrence that we are bothered however. Our reputation for being able to hold our own is known through their tribes.”
Kunya's eyes narrowed. “That is not necessarily a good thing. If you are known then you can be a target for up-and-comers in their numbers as a test of pride.” She shifted uneasily on the seat before she hopped off to walk alongside the caravan. “Be on your guard.” Without looking back to see his reaction or to wait for an answer, she strode toward the back of the train where most of her companions walked.
“What did