Book 4: Chapter 49_The Wandering Inn

Book 4: Chapter 49

 Outside of Invrisil, a battle was being fought between an army of Goblins and an army of Humans. The cold, muddy ground was warmed with blood and fresh bodies. Both sides struggled against each other, shouting, and the sh of arms filling the air. The battle had been long. The battle had been short.

 To Osthia ckwing, held captive in the heart of the Goblin army, it felt as though the battle had gone on for a week, and yet, at the same time, it had felt like it had rushed by in the course of minutes. She estimated that the true length was just over two hours. She had been forced to watch it all, as Goblins crashed into the ranks of Humans with their undead allies.

 Crashed and broke. Despite their superior numbers, the thousands of elite Hobs and the presence of the undead, the Goblins had failed to overwhelm the Human army time and time again. And indeed, they had been forced back, humbled by one figure who had made the battlefield swirl around him.

 Zel Shivertail.

 Now Osthia watched him streak back across the battlefield, carried by a pink magical carriage that scythed across the Goblin front-line, running down any Goblin careless enough to get in its way. She was not the only one with her attention on the Drake [General]. The Goblin Lord sat astride his massive Shield Spider mount, staring at Zel Shivertail with narrowed eyes. He spoke, his voice filled with hatred and frustration.

 Why is he so strong?

 Silence greeted his question. The Goblin Lords lieutenants stood around him. Eater of Spears, Snapjaw, the Goblin [Beastmaster]none could say it aloud. Their numbers had been cut down by Zel already. Now the Goblin Lords eyes turned to Osthia. She red at him, her mouth gagged.

 What is he doing?

 Coming for you. She red, her jaw working against the tight leather strips holding her mouth shut. The Goblin Lord nodded. He stared at Zel, and then turned to his lieutenants.

 Prepare. He ising.

 The Goblins shuddered. He wasing. The hero of the Antinium Wars, the famous [General of the Line], the Tidebreaker. Those titles had been just words before. Now they were all too real. The Goblin Lords army was superior to the Human one, but the Goblin Lord had yet to meet Zel Shivertail on the field of battle. Now that was going to change.

 Osthia could feel it. Zel Shivertail was not the kind of [General] who would risk a prolonged battle against the Goblin Lord, whose army was matched against his. He wasing.

 She hoped he knew he was walking into a trap.

 -

 Faces. That was what you saw in a battlefield. Faces. Even if you didnt want toat close range, that was all you could see. You saw the enemy as you gutted them with your ws or with a sword. Their faces, sometimes covered beneath helmets, sometimes full of hate or despair. It was easy to see only the enemy in them, but it was strange how there was a person behind each [Soldier]s face. The Goblins looked like people sometimes.

 Zel Shivertail gripped the side of Magnolia Reinharts carriage, feeling the wind sting off his scales. He saw the battlefield sh by him. Hundreds, thousands of faces turned his way. Human [Soldiers], cheering as they saw the Drake [General] sh by, Goblins, drawing back in fear and hatred. Zel nced ahead and saw Reynold driving the coach with minute flicks of the reins. The [Butler]s face was pallid and his hands shook a bit, but he was still upright, still driving with impable uracy.

 Good man.

 Zel waited until he saw his target in the crowd. Another man who stood out in the sea of armored bodies. The [Chevalier] Thomast fought in a doublet of red and gold cloth, much of which had been stained a deeper crimson still by blood. Not his. The clothing was probably enchanted, but Thomast had yet to take a blow. The [Duelist] and [Chevalier] fought with rapid thrusts and lunges that took down his opponents before they could strike. He turned as Zel leapt, scattering enemies and allies with hisnding.

 Get ready to execute the n! Turn and pick me up!

 Zel roared at Reynold and saw the coach speed off and turninto the Goblin lines. Again the green-skinned monsters scattered, screaming and crying out in pain and horror as the carriage crushed them mercilessly.

 Monsters. People. Zel turned his head and looked at Thomast. The [Duelist] was breathing heavily, but like Zel, he was ready to fight. They were the highest-level warriors on the field, or so Zel sensed. Funny, he didnt know if hed ever said more than a few words to the man.

 Im turning over control of the left nk to you! Hold your ground or well be overrun!

 Leave it to me.

 Thomast nodded as Zel pointed, shouting over the roar of Humans and Goblins shing. There were a thousand things that he could have said. The [Duelist] could have pointed out hisck of experience or Skills in battlefieldmand, the dangers of turning over strategy to someone else, or simply asked what Zel was doing. He did none of those things and instead turned his attention back to the battle. Zel was grateful. He ran forwards, cut down a charging Hob with a sh of his ws, leaptand caught hold of the carriage as it streaked by the other way.

 Three Goblins had grabbed on as well and had been crawling towards Reynold with daggers in hand. They took one look at Zel and let go. Zel saw their bodies disappear into the mass of Goblins as the coach turned. He gritted his teeth as he pulled himself closer to the front. All the pieces were in a row.

 Lets do this. You ready?

 Reynold nodded. The [Butler] flicked the reins and the two spoke at once. Reynold uttered amand as the carriage sped towards the edge of the battle.

 [Flying Wheels]!

 Zel felt the coach lift up, and felt his stomach drop. He ignored the sensation and raised one w.

 [Rapid Maneuvering]! [Hold the Line]! [Vanguard of Steel]!

 He felt the Skills take hold on the Human army below him immediately. Zel looked down as Humans changed formations, obeying orders he had given. Below him, the battlefield began to shift.

 -

 Whats he doing?

 From her vantage point apart from the battle, Magnolia Reinhart saw the established lines of battle break and Human [Soldiers] adopt a strange formation. They pushed past the undead and Goblins, encircling them from the right with cavalry and infantry alike crashing into the Goblin formations. A thin wave of Human [Soldiers] trapped the Goblins from the right, but so few that they were a single linepared to the green mass that began pushing back against them.

 That cannot be sound strategy. Sacra? What is General Shivertail thinking?

 He used a Skill. [Vanguard of Steel]cant you feel it?

 Sacra turned her head, breathing heavily. Magnolia frowned and pinched herself.

 No, I cant.

 I can. General Shivertails Skill islook!

 Sacra pointed. Magnolia saw the thin wave of Humans that should have been immediately overwhelmed by the Goblin numbers holding their ground, roaring as they traded blows with the Goblins. She saw a young woman in armor take a sword strike to her unguarded neck. But rather than drop, the sword bounced off her skin.

 Steel bodies. Magnolias eyes widened.

 I say, how long will the effectsst?

 Not too long. But they dont need to.

 Indeed, the Goblins were in disarray as their opponents suddenly became immortal foes, almost impervious to harm. They drew back, and Magnolia saw another strange event take ce. Pink, armored [Knights] began striding across the battle lines, hacking their way through Goblins, spacing themselves out across the center and left nk where the undead were pushing at the Human [Soldiers].

 Hes broken up my Knights of the Petal again. What is he doing? The Goblin Lord will begin attacking them again.

 Bethal stared as her Rose Knights began pushing the Goblin lines back. Magnolia nced up, towards a flying carriage moving across the battlefield.

 I believe the Goblin Lord is about to have his hands full, Bethal.

 Every head looked up. They saw the pink carriage flying over the Goblin Lords army. A ck bolt rose to meet it. Magnolias hands clenched as she saw Reynold frantically swerve to avoid it. But then they saw the carriage dip, and dive. A secondnce of death magic shot forwardsa wed hand blocked it. Zel Shivertail clung to the side of the carriage. He was right over the Goblin Lords head now. Magnolia saw his arm tensethen he let go and dropped.

 -

 A hundred feet. Fifty feet. Twenty. The ground

 Zelnded with an impact that knocked the wind out of him. The thud was more like an explosion. He could feel dirt fountaining up around him, feel the crushing pain of impact. For a second the Drakey there, stunned. Then he moved.

 Up Zel rose. A w shot out and shed a Hob whod tried to swing at him, thinking Zel would be too slow to react. Zel felt his ws shear through the Hobs armor and flesh like parchment. He withdrew his hand and the Hob fell.

 Goblins. Zel stood and looked around. There were thousands of them, all staring at him. Many had open-mouths. Some were still staring at Reynold as the [Butler] carried his carriage out of danger. They were stunned, unable to believe Zel had survived the fall.

 Strength. Zels body hurt a tiny bit from the fall. But he had fallen further and survived. Hed fallen off a cliff once. And the danger of dropping into the middle of an army of Goblins? Zel had fought against Drakes, Humans, Antiniumall without more than basic steel armor and his ws. What was thispared to fighting a Drake Lord of the Wall?

 And yet, they stared as if he were the monster. Zel wanted tough at them. They were afraid of him for surviving a fall from the sky? This was normal. This was what high-level battles were like. The first breath of air in Zels lungs was sweet. He inhaled, and then roared.

 Goblin Lord!

 His voice caused a hush across the battlefield. Zel turned, staring around for the Goblin Lords figure, or that of his spider. He saw neither. The Goblins were moving to surround him. Where was the Goblin Lord? Zel twisted around again as he heard a voice.

 General Shivertail!

 Someone was shouting his name. And the voiceZel saw a bound shape. A Drake with bright yellow scales was fighting on the ground, her arms and legs bound.

 A Drake? Zel stared, shocked. She was an Oldblood Drake. A captive? Shed managed to loosen a leather muzzle on her mouth. Now she screamed at him.

 Its a trap! Get away, sir! The Goblin Lord

 She turned and sprayed acid from her mouth at a Hob. He screamed in agony and another clubbed her down from behind with a mace. Zel looked around. All he saw were Hobs. And they had enchanted weapons, wands, bows

 The first arrow Zel blocked on an arm. The other eight nced off his scales. The bolt of lightning made his side tingle and ache, but his armor caught most of the magic. The Drake turned and caught a sledgehammer blow to the side. He grabbed the Hob whod hit him and pressed his ws into the Hobs eyes. Digging deep. She screamed and died.

 Turn. A sword shed across Zels face. He felt the tip cutting through his outer scales, drawing a line of blood. An enchanted de. Zel twisted before it could keep cutting andshed out. Another killing blow. The Goblins stared as two Hobs fell. Zel wiped the blood from his scales and looked around.

 Goblins all around. They closed in, their faces afraid, staring. Zelughed and spread his arms wide.

 For Izril! Sserys and the Drakes!

 They were afraid toe to him, so he went to them. Zel charged alone, into the ranks of the Goblins. He cut them down, trying to find a single figure in the midst of the army.

 Where was the Goblin Lord?

 -

 Incredible.

 Sacra breathed the word, her eyes wide. Magnolia saw the ze of golden-red armor, the sole Drake in the center of the Goblins army. Zel Shivertail was a whirlwind, cutting Hobs down as they rushed him from every angle.

 It was a sight to motivate the Human army, which was pushing back the Goblins, riding on the momentum of their [Vanguard of Steel] effect. And yet, Magnolia felt nothing but anxiety as she stared into the heart of the battle.

 Where is the Goblin Lord? General Shivertail is alone.

 No one answered. Bethal, Sacra, and the other servants were transfixed, staring at Zel. Magnolia looked around and then kicked Bethal in the rear. The other woman stumbled.

 Magnolia!

 Stop gaping and look, Bethal! If the Goblin Lord escapes then General Shivertail will be well and truly cut off. I dont think Reynold can get back to him!

 It was true. The pink carriage was under attack as Goblins loosed arrows and spells at it. Magnolia knew that the carriage wasnt that invulnerablethe enchantments might well be breaking. Reynold was already trying to steer it away from the battlefield. She kicked Sacra and gave the same order.

 Find the Goblin Lord! We are the only ones who can look!

 The other servants and Bethal turned their gaze to the battlefield. Magnolia stared through the sea of Goblins, trying to connect the Goblin Lords visage to the milling crowd of Goblins. It was damnably hardand not least because the Goblins did look alike at this distance! And yet, he had to be out there. If only she could find out where before he escapedpletely. Zel Shivertail had been nearly on top of him and the Goblin Lord couldnt have moved that far

 A swirl in the army caught her attention. Magnolia saw the Goblins moving slightly, eddying around something. The [Lady]s eyes narrowed. She was no battlefield expert, but shed seen more than one ballroom where one person was at the center of attention. She was the attention most of the time.

 There!

 Bethal had seen the same thing. She pointed a finger and Magnolia saw the Goblin Lord. He was dismounted, leading his Shield Spider away through a screen of Hobs. He hadnt gone more than fifty feet in the chaos and he was moving slowly, confident that Zel couldnt spot him through the waves of Goblins surrounding him.

 What arrogance. For a second Magnolia could almost admire his casual retreat. Then she smiled and a glint appeared in her eyes.

 A shame you and I will never meet in the realm of politics. You might have done better there than on the battlefield.

 Sacra nced at Magnolia, only having heard thest of what her mistress had said. She stared at the Goblin Lord, her hands clenched on her mace.

 There he is. But how can we get General Shivertails attention?

 Oh, thats quite simple.

 Magnolias fingers raised and she carefully flicked her hand at Zel Shivertail as he cut down another Hob with his ws. She pitched her voice so and tilted her hand as if she was cupping his chin in her hand. She turned her hand and whispered.

 Look over there.

 Across the battlefield Zel Shivertails head turned. Magnolia saw his body jerk and his eyes widened. He stared for a second and then charged into a Hob who was running at him. The Drake lifted one hand as he used the Hob as a shield. One hand, raised in thanks. Then he was charging. And she heard his voice.

 Turn and face me, coward!

 And the Goblin Lord turned. There was only a hundred feet separating the two as Zel Shivertail and the Goblin Lord locked eyes. The Goblin motioned and a wall of Goblins surged forwards. Zel Shivertail roared and charged.

 Golems!

 Magnolias voice was distant but the two War Golems heard. They raised their heads and abandoned their posts, charging into the Goblin army and heading for the Goblin Lord. She heard Bethal shouting at her Rose Knights and saw them slicing into the army. Suddenly, the Goblins were trying to hold back pink [Knights] and a pair of armored giants and Zel Shivertail himself. All headed straight for the Goblin Lord.

 To his credit, he held his ground. The Goblin Lord refused to run. He mounted his Shield Spider and began firing ck bolts of magic at Zel Shivertail. The Drake absorbed the magic, letting it ssh over his enchanted armor, dodging others. Charging.

 Unstoppable! The Goblins tried to block him with spears, grabbing at the General, throwing their bodies in front of him. But nothing worked. Zel came on, roaring, and Magnolia saw a pair of Goblins moving forwards to stop him.

 -

 He wasing. Snapjaws mouth was dry with fear as she heard Zel Shivertail roaring. He was cutting a path through her people like they were made of grass! And he was heading to the Goblin Lord, her hope, the hope of her people.

 He had to be stopped. She ran forwards with Eater of Spears. The two Hobs were ready to die to stop the Drake. Snapjaw raised her enchanted sword.

 Go left!

 She screamed at Eater of Spears. He roared and charged towards the Drakes left. Snapjaw ran right. She could stab him from behind. Shed poisoned this de. All she needed was one good strike and

 Snapjaws legs carried her past Zel Shivertail as he spun to face both her and Eater of Spars. Snapjaw blinked, tried to turn, and failed. She ran past the Drake [General], unable to turn. It was as if someone was holding her in ce! And then she heard a voice.

 A Human womans voice. It whispered in her ears.

 This way, my dear.

 Snapjaw fought against the voice, tried to slow her legs. But the voice was powerful and it held her. For three seconds. That was all. But in the time it was toote. Snapjaw turned, weeping, and saw the end.

 -

 There he was. The Goblin Lord was sitting across his giant Shield Spider, only a few paces in front of Zel. The Drake [General] clenched his fists.

 A huge Hob blocked his way. Zel looked up as Eater of Spears blocked his path. The Hob was a giant. His face was set, his eyes locked on Zels face. The two paused for a second as Goblins drew back, seeing one of their heroes facing the Drake [General].

 Zel spoke.

 You cant stop me.

 Eater of Spears paused. He stared at Zel, his face solid, grim, unflinching. He spoke, a bass rumble.

 Can try.

 He charged forwards, fist swinging fast. Zel leapt forwards as well and the two met in a sh of fist and w. The Drake [General] slipped around the Hobgoblins fist and shed left-right across Eater of Spears chest. He tore the Hobs front open but the Goblin refused to fall. Bleeding, his body staining crimson, heshed out and hit Zel in the chest with a mighty punch.

 The Drake grunted and spun with the impact. He shed againthis time Eater of Spears made a sound like a groan and Zels ws bounced off bone. His ribs. Flesh sundered, the Hob was too slow. Zel sprinted past him and Eater of Spears fell backwards, grasping weakly for thest healing potion at his belt. Only, Zel had crushed it sometime during the exchange of blows.

 Unstoppable.

 There was onest wall of Hobs between him and the Goblin Lord. Zel counted. Sixfourthreetwo

 Thest two Hobs fell back, fighting furiously, until they heard a voice. They moved backwards, and Zel saw the Goblin Lord staring down at him. The Goblin was tall as a normal Human man, and proportioned in much the same way. He was no giant, no inhumanlyrge monster. But then, Vn hadnt been either.

 This Goblin was no Goblin King. But he still faced Zel, unafraid. His hands grasped a ck de of magic. He pointed it at Zel and the [General] opened his crimson ws. They stared at each other for a second.

 And then Zel charged. He roared as he came, and in the distance the Human army screamed and shouted. The Goblin Lord charged, and the Goblins around him howled defiance.

 The Shield Spidershed out at Zel, trying to trap him with its legs, biting. The Goblin Lord swungZel ducked under both ck and legs and found the Shield Spiders belly. He cut into its center and tore pieces of carapace from its body.

 The Shield Spider screamed. It bled as Zel dodged back, a pale blue ichor. The Goblin Lord raised his finger and shot a st of death magic at Zel. The [Deathbolt] pierced Zel at point-nk range. He stumbled. But did not fall.

 Not enough. [Titans Cut]!

 Zel raised his ws and shed. The arc of his ws traced through the air, and the air itself bent as he cut. An imprint of four w marks opened up across the Shield Spiders entire body and it screamed. The massive strike severed one of its legs, crushed another at the base and opened up its bulbous abdomen. The giant spider copsed in a bloody pool and the Goblin Lord tumbled from its back. Zel walked forwards, ws ready.

 The Goblin Lord had fallen behind his spiders abdomen, out of view. Zel walked around the side, trying to get a good look. He saw a footthen the Goblin Lord. The Goblin rose, pointing at Zels chest

 [Bone F]

 [Antimagic sh]!

 Zels ws went through a barrier of magic and into the Goblin Lords side. He torethe Goblin Lord screamed as Zel ripped his stomach open.

 Blood, red and wet, sshed to the ground. The Goblin Lord stared down at his open stomach and then up at Zel.

 Oh.

 That was all he said. It was such a normal word. Zel nodded. He stepped forwards, his ws open.

 Goblins screamed as they saw their leader fall. They swarmed Zel. He turned and cut them down. Regr soldiers, fighting a [General]. He was five steps away from the Goblin Lord.

 Four.

 Three.

 Two.

 One

 -

 Do it!

 Gershal of Vaunt screamed the words as he carried Salvia away from her downed mount. His voice joined thousands of others. The Humans roared, cheering.

 Finish him.

 Magnolia clenched her hands as she saw Zel cutting down Goblins left and right. They were all over him, leaping on the Generals back, trying to hold him backtrying to save their Lord. But Zel stepped forwards. He was close. So close. She saw his ws raise

 And then a pir of white blocked her view. Magnolia blinked. She saw somethinga yellowish-white thingerupt from the ground. A pir? No, more like a spike of ivory. A wall of bone. Magnolia stared.

 And then she saw another. A spire of bone shot out of the ground, imling a Hob and two smaller Goblins. More bone pirs began rising out of the ground in a circle around Zel and the Goblin Lord. They grew like obscene flowers, stained red with the Goblins they impaled, raising higher, higher

 Magnolia. Whats happening?

 Bethal stared at the bone walls as they knitted together, forming a dome in the middle of the battlefield. A circr wall of ivory engulfed Zel and the Goblin Lord, blocking them from view from every direction. Magnolia stared. Bethal looked from her to Sacra, her face pale.

 Is it a spell or

 I dont know.

 Magnolia whispered. Her heart was suddenly beating very fast. She stared at the dome of bone. It couldnt be the work of the Goblin Lord. If he could cast that spell he would have done so before Zel reached him. But if not him, then there could be only one other person who cast the spell.

 Azkerash.

 And now Magnolia truly felt afraid. She stared at the ivory wall as Goblins began to bang on the imprable bone with their weapons. She turned to Sacra.

 Get me all the [Mages] you can find! Open that dome now!

 -

 Zel twisted as he saw the bone spires rising from the ground. He saw the Goblin Lords eyes widen, and felt that sense of unease at the back of his mind spike into bells of rm. He turned, ignoring the Goblin Lord, and saw the walls of bone close, obscuring the sky overhead. Suddenly, everything was dark.

 Only his enchanted breastte shed any kind of light in the enclosed space. Zel eyed the smooth ivory walls, wondering if he could break them. Then he feltsomething.

 Magic. It was a palpable presence at times, when great spells were cast. Zel could feel it being concentrated here, a tingling on his scales. He looked around and saw the air shimmer.

 It wasnt a tear in space, or a portal. It was more like a bridge or anopeningthat someone stepped through. The air twisted, and a shape stepped out of the shadows. Zel saw a bone-white woman, no a woman made of bone, a giant wearing bone armor and holding a sword and shield step out. She stared at him with green eyes that zed with undead light.

 And she spoke. One word.

 Venitra.

 The air moved. Zel turned and saw more shadows flickering, bing people. Four more figures stepped into ce. A skeleton of ck bone, dressed in a [Mage]s robes. The mes in her eyes glowed gold as she twirled the staff in her hand.

 Ijvani.

 A woman, a rotting corpse walked out to Zels left. By her side, a strange figure dressed in a trench coat, a humanoid creature with no face, features concealed by a hat. The rotting undead spoke for both of them.

 Bea. And Oom.

 And thest, a Gnoll dressed in armor. His eyes glowed blue. His body was dead, but for the light in his eyes he might have been alive. He was powerful, taller than Zel, and he had a sword that glowed with magic in one hand. He spokest, his voice deep, booming in the enclosed space.

 Kerash.

 The five undead stood in the dome. Zels heart was pounding in his chest. He stared from face to face. They had entered this ce with a spell. Not [Invisibility]. He would have sensed it. No, the spell, the way they seemed to appear[Teleport]? [Greater Teleport]? They had to have used an artifact.

 There was no time to ask what was happening. No reason to either, really. Zel looked from face to face, and focused on Kerash. The undead Gnoll raised his sword and pointed at Zels chest.

 Surround the Drake.

 The five undead moved around the dome, trying to nk him. Zel backed up until his back was at one of the bone walls. Bea and Oom took his left side, while Venitra and Ijvani his right. Kerash stood in front of him. The five undead readied themselves, waiting. Zel eyed them as he shifted, his stance low, his ws open.

 Five. Each undead was clearly unique. They all radiated danger, buthe appraised them quickly.

 Venitra, the undead bone woman was clearly some kind of [Knight]. She looked like a kind of golem. Dangerous, but not unbeatable. The skeleton by her sidethe way she held her staff reminded Zel of something. Had he met her before? She was a spellcaster, but that too was manageable.

 The real threat wasing from Zels left. He had no idea what the rotten Bea could do, but all his instincts screamed at him not to let her touch him. As for OomZel risked a nce and saw a featureless, smooth face. Ooms body was ck, almost translucent, and the way he stoodthe trench coat and hat were concealing something. He had no face. Was he even humanoid?

 Kerash was thest. Zel thought he was a Draugr of some kind. They were powerful, hard to kill and strong, but it was only the enchanted sword that could hurt him. Get rid of that and

 Too many. Zel knew he was tired, but even if he had been rested, five high-level enemies at once would behis eyes narrowed. He nced towards the Goblin Lord, but the Goblin was trying to hold his guts in. Good. Even a healing potion wouldnt heal that quickly. He had been shocked to see the bone walls go up. So he hadnt nned this.

 So youve sent your minions to do what youre too afraid to do in person, Azkerash?

 The undead shifted when Zel spoke their masters name. As if they were surprised. But who else could it be? Zel looked from face to face. Yes, who else?

 It seems youve nned this well. Did you n on stabbing me in the back or were you always hoping that I might walk into a trap like this? Come out and face me yourself, coward. I know youre watching.

 His words made the fires in the eyes of the undead glow brighter. Zel watched the bone womanVenitraseyes ze bright green. So they could feel emotion. That was important to know.

 A cold, precise voice filled the air in the dome, echoing. Zel had only heard Azkerash speak a few times, but he could never forget that voice.

 I had intended to y you at Liscor, but circumstances forced me to abandon that n. Nevertheless, a strategy may be utilized again. My apprentice was the crux of this trap, though he did not know it. I am afraid I have little time to risk myself in battle, General Shivertail. It is my children you fight today. And it is they who will im your life.

 That voice. Zel snarled, twisting around. But the Necromancer wasnt here. He was speaking through his minions.

 Too afraid Ill kill you a second time?

 Again the undead servants rustled. Azkerash had called them his children? What had he done in the years since the Second Antinium War?

 Hardly. My battle was never with one individual. I wage war with Drakes, with species as a whole. The living are my enemy, Shivertail. You do not merit my presence. My creations are enough for you. Each one is a masterpiece, unique among their kind. Look upon them and despair, for they are your betters.

 So you say. But you sent five.

 Again, Zel studied the undead. They had names; they had some kind of personalitywere they Revenants? Spirits bound to flesh? Yes, they had to be. But two of them bothered Zel. Ijvanihe could have sworn hed seen that staff before. Zels eyes widened as he recognized it.

 Ikriss.

 The mes in the skeletons eyes shed at Zels voice, and Venitra shifted. The Necromancers voice was amused.

 Yes. You encountered Venitra and Ijvani before. A shame neither one managed to aplish their tasks. Tell me, how did you realize I was still alive? It seems you wereinformed of my survival before now.

 His voice wasprobing. Zel lied as he tried to think. The bone walls were meant to hold him. Cutting his way out while the undead attack from behind was suicide.

 It wasnt hard to figure out. Your illusion spells arent as potent as you thought. And you have enemies.

 Only naturally. But was it Magnolia Reinhart who told you I was alive, or someone else? I had suspected she was aware of my deception. Did she warn you about me, or had you known before that?

 There was a pressure in the air that made Zel want to talk about Ryoka. Truth spells. He bit his tongue and focused on the other undead. Ijvani was one thing. But Kerash? The undead Gnoll was clearly the leader, but there was something else about him.

 Draugr werent too dangerous to Zel. They were strong, but there was a limit to their strength. They couldnt exceed the capability of their bodies in life. So unless this Gnoll had been particrly powerful, he wasnt as dangerous as, say, Venitra. But that name

 Are you really Kerash, the Gnoll Warrior-Chieftain who died over a hundred years ago?

 Zel addressed Kerash. The Gnoll shifted his grip on his sword, his eyes never leaving Zels face.

 I am my masters loyal servant. That is all you need to know before you die, Drake.

 Well spoken, first of my Chosen.

 Azkerashs voice was approving. Zels eyes narrowed. So. Kerash. That might behis eyes flicked again to the five undead. What were they? Assassins? Vanguards? But why have them at all?

 Children, you said? You created these horrors, Necromancer? Thats strangely sentimental for someone who uses the undead as disposable tools.

 Hardly. These are my champions, my chosen few. They are created to be superior to all other undead, to lead and instill despair among my foes. You gave me the idea for them, in fact. After my defeat and death in thest war I reflected on my weaknesses. These five, my Chosen, are my answer to that w.

 An answer to a w? But the Necromancers greatest weakness wasZels eyes widened. He murmured out loud as the pieces fell into ce.

 So thats why you made them. I see. They truly are your masterpieces. Yourhope. And if I crush them, your ns are set back, arent they?

 There was a pause. Azkerashs voice did not reply. Zel smiled as the undead shifted. When the Necromancer did speak, there was a twinge, the slightest sense of uncertainty in his voice.

 Enough of this! Kerash, finish Zel Shivertail off.

 Yes, master. Everyone, on my mark. Attack as one.

 Kerashs voice rumbled as he gripped his sword with both hands. Venitra raised her shield and both Oom and Bea took a step forwards. Ooms hands were in the pockets of his coat; Beas rotting palms were turned towards Zel. Ijvani raised her staff.

 Silence. The five undead and one Drake waited. For one eternal, immortal moment, there was nothing but the pumping of Zels heart, the burning eyes of the undead. Then he saw Kerashs mouth open. Zel moved before the undead could speak. He sprinted right, into Venitra and Ijvani and shed.

 [Lightning sh]!

 Ijvani cried out as Zel raked a w across her arms and ribs, slicing across her ck bones. Zel grunted as he hit her bonesthey were metal, or coated with it! He recalled the same sensation as when hed fought her the first time. But his sh had cut deep across her ribs and sent her stumbling back. Zel turned and saw Venitra rushing at him, ready to stab.

 [Bonebreaker Headbutt]!

 Another Skill. Zel stepped forwards and smashed his head into Venitras. He heard a crack, and saw her stumble back. Zel whirled, and sidestepped as Kerash charged him with his sword. Zel kicked and the Gnoll stumbled. He would have leapt on Kerash and torn the sword from his hands, but Oom and Bea were on his left, and Zel moved away rather than let either get close to him. They were just approaching. Were their attacks touch-based?

 He turned, looking for Venitra, and saw a ck, skeletal hand. Ijvani pointed with her staff and uttered a spell.

 [ckfire Fireball].

 And then there was me. Zel roared as the mes engulfed his body, burning every exposed part of him not covered by armor. He struck at Ijvani but she was already fleeing. And then Venitra crashed into his left, stabbing. Zel stumbled, regained his footing and pushed back as she tried to bowl him over.

 The two titans struggled as Oom and Bea circled. And then Kerash was closing in with his sword. He stabbed Zel in the arm as the Drake fought. The [General] turned and roared again. But he was alone. And outnumbered.

 -

 Bring down that dome!

 Sacra screamed the order and over a hundred [Mages] sted the dome with spells from afar. Humans, a few half-Elves, and Goblins. Both armies were trying to crack the shields of bone, although the Goblins had switched to a defensive strategy to keep the Humans from nearing their Lordsst line of defense.

 Or so they assumed. Magnolia knew this had to be the work of the Necromancer. She stared as the rain of spells and enchanted arrows ceased.

 Nothing. Not a scratch.

 The bombardment hadnt left a mark on the ivory surface, just cleaned it of the Goblin blood staining the outside.

 Its imprable! Focus your attacks elsewhere! I want covering fire on our [Knights]! Take down that Crypt Lord!

 Sacra ordered the [Mages] to begin targeting Goblins. Magnolia knew it was the correct decision, but she would have rather kept trying to bring down the dome. Zel Shivertail could be in peril

 No, he was in peril! She knew it. Magnolia cursed, and saw a shape flick into the shadows behind her.

 Ressa, give me the weapon.

 Magnolia raised her hands and Ressa put the strange tube that her grandfather had given her into her hands without argument. The [Maid] stood behind Magnolia, her maids uniform covered in blood.

 Are you sure?

 Zel Shivertail cannot be lost! Hold on, Im aiming!

 Magnolia snapped as she raised the tube. She was no [Markswoman], but the dome was a big target and she felt like uracy was not a requirement. She hesitated as she felt the magic contained in the artifact.

 How did grandfather Regis say to activate it? What was themand spell? Thaurmodesium?

 Thaurmodenasium!

 Yes, that! Thaurmodenasium! By mymand, fire or

 Magnolia felt the tube warm slightly, felt it kick in her hands, and heard nothing.

 Precisely nothing. A cone of silence had burst from the tube. Magnolia felt it leave her hands and stepped back as the tube floated in ce. It was a simple metal tube, inscribed with glowing runes on the inside and outside. Now these same runes glowed brighter and brighter, so brightly that they became a beacon.

 Heads turned. Goblins and Humans alike stared as the tube glowed, and then emitted a series ofsparks. A few paltry sparks jettisoned out of the front of the tube. Magnolia stared as they flickered forwards and turned to Ressa.

 Is that it? Because if it is, Im going to the family estate and burning it down

 Ressa gripped Magnolias arm and pointed. Magnolia turned her head back just in time to see the sparks of lightning continue forwards. They were just flickering bits of energy, but for some reason, they neither earthed themselves nor dissipated. Instead, they hung in the air, and changed.

 They becamediverse. Or perhaps they created more copies of themselves, because the air was suddenly dancing with bolts of lightning. They yed over the Goblins and Humans in front of the tube, making the soldiers yelp and drop their metallic weapons. And then, from the tube, there came more lightning.

 It was like lightning hade to life. Magnolia stared as a dragon made out of lightning took wing, emerging from the tube and flying forwards. She saw ships made of lightning, proud warriors and [Knights]it was a light show! The lightning danced over the heads of both the Human and Goblin armies, making soldiers look up in awe. And as the Dragon soared overhead, doing absolutely no damage to the Goblin army, it left a trail of words in the sky.

 The script was elegant, cursive, and hard to read. It was a different writing script than Magnolia had ever seen, but ancient as it was, it was still perfectly legible.

 

 From the armories of the Emperor of Storms: a gift. To his enemies, see light and sound, ever fleeting, the wrath of the skies. Behold the advent of lightning.

 And then there was light from the front of the tube. Magnolia blinked at it. The opening of the tube glowed and that was thest thing she saw for a while. She felt the impact as the air shattered, though. It threw her backwards and only Ressa catching her saved Magnolia from breaking her neck.

 A bolt, a beam, a cascade of lightning burst forth from the mouth of the tube, cutting through the bemused ranks of Goblin soldiers and some of the Humans too close to the radius of the st. The lightning did not fry those it touchedrather, it vaporized them. It left a trail of melted ground and smoke around fifteen feet wide as it shot across the battlefield. It hit the bone of dome

 And cracked it open. The bone splintered, the Necromancers magic broke. For a second, Ressa could see six shapes struggling in the darknessthen the magic of the lightning shed around the opening. It obscured the rest, as the tube earthed its charge on the dome of bone.

 It had been broken open, but as the shock of the spell reverberated across the battlefield she could see the walls of bone shudder and begin closing. The spell was reassembling itself.

 No! Get in there! War Golems, go to General Shivertails aide!

 Magnolia struggled to get up. She thrust away Ressas hands and stumbled upright. Her ears were bleeding, her vision still blinded. Still she pointed. And the War Golems, cutting through the Goblins, turned.

 They charged, shrieking, racing across the ground. Goblins raced to stop them, screaming. The first War Golem sted them with a beam of fire. The second sted the rest with lightning, far less powerful than that of Magnolias artifact, but still strong enough to shock and kill.

 Go, go!

 Magnolia screamed the words, Ressa holding her back. Across the battlefield, the Goblins were screaming the opposite.

 -

 Stop them!

 Snapjaw raced at the second Golem, seeing Goblins with chains and rope trying to slow it. But the massive beast was unstoppable. She grabbed a chain and felt herself being dragged along. Lightning sted her, travelling down the chain. Snapjaw felt her body shaking, saw shesshe hung on.

 Goblins seized her from behind. Two more Hobs grabbed a chain. Snapjaw saw them jerk as they held on. One Hob spasmedshe could see him dying as he held the chain. His hearthers was fluttering, stopping. Still, they dug their heels in the mug.

 Stop!

 The Goblins had formed a chain twenty bodies deep on each rope, but the War Golem had only slowed. It was still moving forwards. Still moving

 A shape blocked its way. Eater of Spears roared as he charged into the War Golem. He swung a fist and the massive metal monster punched back. Its dagger-fingers sank into the giant Hobgoblins stomach, tore. Eater of Spears roared in pain and Snapjaw tried to drag the War Golem back.

 The rift in the walls of bone was closing! They just had to hold the Golemhold it

 Snapjaw wasnt sure when the next bolt of lightning stopped her heart. She saw everything shfound herself lying on her back. She sat upright, saw the Golem pounding Eater of Spears down. Saw him hold on to its legs.

 The first Golem was at the opening. It pushed inside as the bone began to flow around it. The second threw aside Eater of Spears and raced for the opening. It crashed into the gap, made it halfway insideand lodged in ce. The bone covered it, entrapping the struggling Golem. It fought, and then, slowly, began to die. The magical dome was crushing its insides, bending the enchanted metal of its body. The Golem stopped moving and Snapjaw saw the bright light in its mouth dim and go out.

 It was dead. But one of the Golems had entered. Snapjaw hoped it would be enough. But she had no idea what was going on inside. She only knew her Goblin Lord was alive.

 The rest was a mystery.

 -

 Zel Shivertail was alone. He had been alone before. But never like this.

 The undead surrounded him. Venitra cut at his leftKerash his right. Zel blocked with his arm and leg. Both des bit into his flesh. He roared and shed at Kerasha wall of oozing gtin blocked him.

 Eat him, Oom!

 Bea cried out, circling Zel, afraid to get cut by his ws. Oom extended his arm, letting Zels ws sink further into his body. The Drake roared as he felt his scales burning and yanked his arm out.

 My second eldest creation, Oom. He was made to destroy you, Shivertail.

 Azkerashs voice was calm as the undead continued their attack. Ijvani sted Zel with a spray of something ck that tried to obscure his visionhe blocked it with his hand, and kicked at Venitra as she charged. But the bone woman was so heavyher body was solid bone and the momentum of her change carried her in to him. She knocked Zel over and he grunted as her sword stabbed towards his head.

 Not

 He threw her off her with all the strength he could manage. A sword stabbed at his breastte and failed to prate his armor. Kerash shed at Zels head and again the Drake blocked with an arm as he rose. More bloodanother cutthe de was terribly, terribly cold, but Zel could handle the pain.

 What was worse was Oom. The undead creature had tangled around his legs, engulfing them. Zel tried to break free, and failed. Ijvani scorched him with another fireball made of ck mes.

 Slimes! Its not undead, its a damned

 Zel roared as Oom tried to engulf him. He swung a fist and part of Ooms body sprayed outwards, but the rest kept sticking to his body. The Necromancers voice was amused.

 Indeed. An Acid Slime, given sentience and far more power of course. It is rare for such a creature to form naturally, but a simple matter for me. Oom is your natural enemy, Shivertail.

 The acid was burning Zel, and if Oom covered his mouth, hed be in Zels insides, suffocating him. Zel heaved and part of Oom sttered across the bone walls.

 Not yet.

 He moved his feet, but they were still stuck. Now Venitra and Kerash were on either side. Venitra swung and this time her de cut deep into Zels arm. He staggered and Kerash sliced into his leg. Both des hit bone.

 Falling. Zel felt it. He twisted, reaching for a potion at his belt, but Oom was pulling him down again, trying to hold his arms. He had toZel felt more fire burning him, opened his mouth and felt it scorching his body. And Bea was reaching for him with a rotted hand.

 And then the wall exploded. Zel felt the impact, felt something lift his body, Oom, and all the undead and throw them into the far wall. He slid to the ground, stunned, and then got up.

 What

 There was daylight! Something had blown open the wall of the dome! Zel saw shocked Goblin faces turning towards him and heard the Necromancers voice.

 Howwhat artifact wasKerash! Do not let Shivertail escape!

 His voice was urgent. Kerash and Venitra threw themselves in the way of the gap. Zel charged and his fist collided with Venitras shield. For the first time in that battle, Zel ran up against something he couldnt push back. Venitra struck at him with her sword and he dodged left. The gap was closing! Zel ran at Kerash, not caring if he took a de to get out

 And then Oom abandoned his trench coat. He surged out of his clothing and into the gap, creating a wall out of his body. The slime formed a wall and the undead created a wall in front of him. Zel halted. He stared at the undead and thought for a second.

 Then he backed up. Kerash stared and Venitra lifted her sword uncertainly. She took a step forwards, but toote. Zel had a potion at his belt and was downing it.

 Stop him!

 Ijvani tried to cast a spell, but Zel sidestepped the bolts of lightning. The undead wavered, but if they moved they would have to abandon the closing gap to the outside. Grimly, Zel downed two more potions, feeling his wounds close and his body surge with energy.

 And the gap closed. He couldnt escape. Oom and the four other undead flowed away from the gap as it narrowed. Then Kerashs head turned.

 What is that sound? Oom?

 Zel heard a shriek. The slime turnedand was sttered as one of Magnolias two War Golems surged into the gap. It turned, its glowing mouth appraising, and immediately shed at Kerash. The undead scattered.

 The gap in the ivory walls closed. Zel saw another Golem racing at the opening, saw it get caughthe was already leaping at Ijvani.

 Golem, cover me!

 He roared at the War Golem as it shed at Venitra and Kerash. The two warrior-undead scattered to either side, blocking the Golems sharp dagger-fingers and cutting at its legs. Both their des cut into the Golems enchanted body more easily than Zels flesh.

 Help me!

 Ijvani screamed at the other undead as Zel savaged her with his ws. He was trying to destroy her head, but her bones were tough and she was blocking with her staff. He ripped one arm off and then felt a cold stickiness engulf his left arm. His scales began to burn at the same time.

 Oom! Hold him so I can touch him!

 Bea dashed forwards. Zel kicked at her and she stumbled back. She was least agile of the undead. But she managed to distract him long enoughOom finally managed to engulf Zels torso.

 Finish him, Oom!

 Kerash roared as he cut at the Golems legs. The Golem was on its kneesit couldnt handle the onught of both undead at once. Zel saw its mouth glowing red and shouted.

 Golemfire on me!

 The War Golem looked up. It focused on Zel and he saw a fiery inferno grow in its mouth. The fieryser erupted from its mouth and sted Zel and Oom as they stood locked in ce.

 Oom!

 Bea screamed. The undead woman lurched forwards. Toote. The slime screamed, a soundless wail as the fire sted its body apart. Zel felt Ooms body vaporize around him. He stumbled, felt his scales king off. But his hands were reaching. Where

 There. He found a core in the slimes body. A mana stone, his heart. It wasrge, asrge as Zels fist. Ooms gtinous body wriggled around it, burning Zel, trying to infiltrate his body, burn it. Zel gripped the stone tightly.

 All four undead were staring at him. Bea raised one hand. Her eyes were wide. Why had Azkerash made her so much like a normal Human woman? Her voice shook.

 Dont

 Zels grip tightened. Oom screamed as the mana stone broke. And then there was silence.

 The slime dripped from Zels body as he stood. The Drake swung his arm and the acid that had been Ooms body sttered across the ground. He tossed the shattered mana stone to the ground and looked around.

 The War Golem copsed as Kerash drove his enchanted de into the back of its head. Venitra rose, her shield smoking after having blocked a second fiery beam. The four undead stared at Zel Shivertail.

 He was burned. His arms screamedhe could feel his bones cracked in ces, feel the acid eating at him. But still Zel stood. He looked around at them, the confident undead, now, suddenly aware of their mortality.

 Thats one. Whos next?

 Oom.

 Azkerashs voice was a hiss. Kerash raised his sword as he and Venitra nked Zel again.

 You will pay for that.

 Venitras voice was deep. Zelughed at her.

 Venitra, dont rush in!

 Kerash stopped Venitra before the bone woman could charge at him. The Gnoll pointed.

 Ijvani, lock down the Drakes movements. Venitra, cover me.

 He advanced, sword at the ready. Zel gritted his teeth as Ijvani tossed a spell at him. It was some kind of oozelike Oom it stuck to whatever it touched. He got some on his leg as he pivoted to dodgeKerash shed at Zels eyes and was blocked. Venitra charged with her shield and Zel scored her twice across the chest with his ws. He could cut her body! But the strikes werent deep and the impact jarred his hands. Zel snarled, raised his ws.

 [Rending]

 And Bea touched his body.

 It was quick, just a touch on his arm. But the instant her pallid flesh made contact with his, Zel felt a hot sh run down his arm. And thena terrible uneasiness.

 He whirled, seeing Beas hand stretched towards him. The undead woman had lunged at him, ignoring the danger. Zels w took off her arm as she tried to retreat. But the second touch felt just as bad as the first. And as Bea stepped back there was a sense ofsatisfaction in her eyes.

 What wasthat?

 Zel sensed the other undead moving back. He grabbed at his belt and shattered a potion bottle as he smashed it over his arm. The liquid sshed across the spots Bea had touched him at. But instead of healing the spots shed touched, the burning sensation ran down Zels arm. Andpain.

 Excellent job, Bea.

 Azkerashs voice sounded satisfied again. Bea picked up her arm and retreated. The undead watched Zel as he clutched at his arm. His arm and his ws hurt. Whatever the burning was, it was spreading like wildfire. Why? Because of the touch?

 No, because of the potion. Zel realized his mistake toote. Healing potions healed most things, but they werent cure-alls. They couldnt regenerate lost limbs, and they could only heal what a normal person could be expected to get through. That was because they amplified a bodys healing process, made it faster. And while that worked on damaged flesh and bone, it didnt work on

 gue.

 Bea spoke the words mockingly. Zel coughed, and stared at the blood on his ws. His lungs burned as the magical disease coursed through his body. He looked around. The undead grinned at him. Four mocking eyes. Zel closed his and straightened.

 Then he smiled. The undead hesitated. Zel opened his ws as he tossed his belt and the healing potions to the ground. He nodded to them, and clenched one fist.

 Well then. Lets end this, shall we?

 He charged Venitra first, ignoring the de she stabbed into his side. His ws were sharp. And there was nothing holding him back anymore.

 -

 The battle had been long. The battle had been short. To the Goblin Lord, it felt as though the battle between Zel Shivertail and the undead had gone on forever. He knew it couldnt have been more thanno, how long had it been?

 Five minutes? Ten minutes? Twenty minutes? Half an hour? It continued. Zel Shivertail whirled, striking left and right, refusing to let the undead regroup. They had burned him, cut him, smashed his bones, poisoned him, infected himand yet he stood.

 The Goblin Lord had seen it all. He hadin where Zel had fallen, clinging to life with his own magics as the undead and the Drake battled. Now, he desperately uncorked a healing potion, one of the ones Zel had dropped and poured it over his stomach.

 His organs began to heal. The Goblin Lord pushed them into his stomach, trying not to scream as Zel cut at Venitra. The Drake [General] was gasping, his green scales mottled with the disease as it spread unnaturally fast. Part of his body was simply ck with ash and soothis scales were king off. Yet still he attacked. Venitra raised her shield as the ws shed across them. Zel hit her with a punch that cracked her pristine face.

 You dare

 She cried out in outrage as fracture lines ran from one cheek. Venitra swung her sword and Zel grabbed it.

 Weak!

 He roared as he yanked the de away. Venitra abandoned her shield and raised a massive fist. She swung and Zel punched. The Drakes fist shattered her nose. His next blow cracked her bone chest te.

 The Drake lifted Venitra, her entire massive body and threw her at Bea, whod been sneaking up on him from behind. The blow sent both female undead tumbling to the ground and Beas body broke as Venitranded on her. Zel turned and Kerashs swordnced into his shoulder. Zels sh opened the Gnolls chest, exposing his ribs.

 [ckfire Fireball]!

 Ijvani fired the same spell again, engulfing Zel in mes, giving Kerash a second to retreat. Zel turned, his body zing, and kicked Ijvani. The skeleton broke into pieces and crashed to the ground. Venitra struggled to her feet and Azkerash voice spoke in the silence as Zel paused a moment to gasp for air.

 Still?

 The Goblin Lord could hear Zels lungs wheezing for air. The Drake took a step towards Kerash and stumbled. The Gnoll backed up. His chest hung open, the dead flesh severed. Venitra raised her sword unsteadily.

 Hold.

 The undead paused. Azkerashs voice was sharp as Zel coughed more blood up.

 [Flesh Regrowth]. [Mend Bones]. Venitra, support Kerash! Your role is to take his blows not charge in alone! Ijvani, advance! Use more powerful spells to decimate the areathe other three will survive your magic! Bea, attempt to find the Drakes back!

 Hes still standing, master! He shouldnt behe should be dead by now!

 Bea cried out as she circled Zel. The Drake turned to face her, his eyes burning. He was slowing though. The Goblin Lord could see it. And yet, it was Zel who made the first move. He shed at Bea, cutting into her stomach as she leapt back. Again, the contact with her body made whatever infection that was coursing through Zel intensify, but he ignored the spreading stain on his ws. He stood and beckoned at the other undead as they circled him warily.

 Come on. Come on! I thought you were supposed to be monsters!

 His eyes zed beneath the blood and burnt scales on his face. Again, the four hesitated. But they attacked as one, moving in perfect unison.

 Venitra low, Kerash high. Bea from the left, Ijvani from the back. Zel cut Kerash and seized Venitras head. He twisted and the bones forming her neck began to crack.

 Weak!

 Again Zel roared the word. Venitra managed to loosen his grip on her and stumbled back. The undead retreated as Zel swung at Ijvani, staring. Zel stumbled.

 You cannot win this battle, Shivertail. I am impressed you are still standing. But

 Four left.

 Zel regained his bnce and grabbed Kerashs de as it swung at his head. His ws bled as the enchanted metal dug into his ws. He hit Kerash in the face, bashing the Gnolls face in. Kerash stumbled back. Bea leapt at Zel and he kicked her. The tip of his foot pierced her abdomen and he stomped her to the ground. She gasped.

 Your minions cant kill me.

 Zel rasped as he ground Beas body underneath his foot. She was grabbing at his leg and he was ignoring it. Venitra and Kerash attacked with Ijvani, but Zel refused to budge.

 You think you understand strength! I am the shield of the Drakes! I am a [General]! And a general does not fall!

 He bent and cut Bea in two. She gasped and stared at her lower half, separate from her torso. Zel turned.

 Three!

 He charged into Venitra, trading blows with the bone knight. It was she who fell back, cracked and broken. Zel ignored Kerash as the Gnoll cut at his back. And the Goblin Lord moved.

 Slowly, ever so slowly he rose. His body was weak, and he had no more magic for a spell. But Venitra had dropped her sword as Zel continued his assault. The bone de was heavy, but strong. The Goblin Lord grabbed it stealthily.

 Drake!

 Kerash was dueling Zel as Venitra fell to one knee. He was falling backIjvani was cowering, her body nearly torn to bits. The Goblin Lord crept up on Zel from behind, sword raised. He aimed for Zels neck as the Drake beat Kerash down with blows that cracked the undead Gnolls shoulders and arms. WaitZels ws were on Kerashs head. He began to twist

 Now. The Goblin Lord leapt forwards. Zel turned, fast as a snake. He kicked the Goblin Lord and the Goblin felt his ribs crumple from the blow. He fell, gasping, as Zel flung Kerash backwards.

 Idiot.

 He coughed more blood out as he kicked the Goblin Lord before he could go for the sword again. Kerash stumbled upZels fist cracked his skull.

 Now.

 The Drake [General] was slowing, but he still charged Venitra as she came at him. The two grappled, desperate, Venitras body breaking. The Goblin Lord tried to get up. He grabbed the sword and shed at Zels legs. The Drake grunted as the de pierced his thigh. He turned, grabbed the Goblin Lord and raised a w as he shoved Venitra back. The undead woman stumbled, and the Goblin Lord looked into Zels eyes.

 I

 Someone moved behind the Goblin Lord. He saw Zels eyes widen, felt the Drake release him. Too slow.

 [Diamondshard Spray].

 A hand rose and pointed. The Goblin Lord felt something sh past his facetear through one of his ears. Zel stumbled. Glittering shards of diamond shot through the air, some as long as daggers, tearing into his face, his body. The Drake turned towards Azkerash as the Necromancer raised his hands. He moved.

 [elerate Spell]. [Stone Lance].

 Zels head twisted. The Goblin Lord saw a sh, felt the impact on the far wall as thence of stone broke. And as Zel Shivertail turned his head back, the Goblin Lord saw part of his head was missing.

 [Deathst].

 Again, the Necromancer pointed. This time the ck magic that washed over Zel was a wave, far stronger than anything the Goblin Lord could create. It sapped thest of the Drakes energy, rendered his body stiff. Azkerash pointed, at the Drakes chest and uttered the spell again.

 [Deathst].

 The dark magic struck Zel. He stumbled, his leg movedstopped. He stood in ce, eyes vacant.

 [Deathst].

 There was no light in his eyes. The Goblin Lord wanted to cry out. Treachery! He had attacked from behind! But that was how Goblins fought. And yet the NecromancerAzkerashs ck eyes were locked on Zels own. The Drakes gaze was unmoving.

 [Deathst].

 The fourth spell was thest. Zel didnt move as the spell struck him. Azkerash lowered his finger then, and looked around.

 Ah, my apprentice. Your timing was quite useful. For that distraction I thank you.

 The Goblin Lord stared up at his master, at Azkerash. The Necromancer was here. Here. He must have used one of his Scrolls of Greater Teleport toe here. The Goblin Lord knew he had only eleven left. Nofour now. He had spent those valuable artifacts for this.

 For Zel Shivertail. The Necromancer turned his gaze back to the Drake. Zel Shivertail stood in ce, part of his head simplygone. He had dodged the worst of the Necromancers spells, but a shard of diamond had taken his left eye. And his body was burnt ck in ces, cut from a thousand des, and discolored from where Beas gue touch had spread.

 And still, he had fought through it all. And if the Necromancer had note at thestthe Goblin Lord looked away.

 Master!

 A voice interrupted the silence. Bea crawled towards her creator, her body badly damaged. The Goblin Lord moved away from her as she dragged her torso towards Azkerash. She was holding a broken stone in her hands.

 Ah, Bea.

 Azkerash greeted her with obvious satisfaction in his voice. The undead woman did not share his joy. She held the pieces of Ooms mana stone in trembling hands.

 Oom! Hes dead, master. Can youis he

 Gone.

 The Necromancers voice was cold and dispassionate. Bea stared up at him, her legs separated from her body, cradling what remained of Oom.

 But he fought! Master

 I warned him to safeguard his mana core at all costs. He was foolish, allowing that War Golem to damage him so. No, perhaps it was Shivertail I underestimated. Or was it the capabilities of my Chosen? Venitra, Kerash, rise. I am disappointed in you both. And perhaps you most of all, Ijvani, how is it you failed to damage Zel Shivertail in any meaningful way throughout the battle?

 The other undead, the Necromancers Chosen, began to rise, shamefaced. Venitra had to have Kerashs help to stumble upright.

 Master. We are grateful.

 Kerashs voice rasped. Azkerash eyed him.

 You are badly damaged, Kerash. I must restructure your body when we return to the castle. All of you. Prepare yourselves for transit. I will destroy the enchantment protecting this ce momentarily. Ijvani, you will make your way back with an invisibility spell; there are no more scrolls of teleportation.

 Yes, master.

 The Goblin Lord stared at the ck skeleton as she stumbled away from the others. Bea still pleaded with her master.

 Master, what if I took the fragments back? If I put it in Ooms special ce, maybe

 He is gone, Bea.

 Azkerashs eyes shed with annoyance and the undead woman shrank back. He turned, his face displeased, and then relented as he looked towards Zel again.

 Ah, General Shivertail. What a formidable opponent you were. Perhaps if you had been a touch faster in battle, or escaped Beas touch a moment sooner, I might have reconsidered arriving myself. But for all your strength in life, you will be the finest of my servants in death. For that I thank you.

 He walked over to Zel, his hands reaching out to touch the Drakes chest. The Goblin Lord saw Zels eyes flicker, saw the Drakes ws move.

 [Antimagic sh]!

 The cut was fast. It scythed through the almost-invisible aura of protection around the Necromancers body, cut into his neckbut only just. Zel was too far away. His ws only opened the Necromancers throat. And as the Necromancer staggered back, his ck eyes wide with shock, Zel copsed.

 What

 The Necromancers throat did not bleed. He covered his pale flesh and stared at Zel. The Drake looked up at him, fallen, unable to move. Just looked.

 Return! Apprentice, finish the Drake! Secure his corpse!

 Azkerashs voice snapped. He grabbed for a scroll at his side and vanished. The undead around him stared at their masterIjvani disappeared in a pop as she cast [Lesser Teleport] and the others fled, pulling out scrolls of their own. The Goblin Lord looked around, stunned by the sudden absence of the other undead.

 Hah. Hahaha. Coward.

 Zel Shivertaily on the ground,ughing. He was still alive. Somehow. The Goblin Lord could see into his head, but the Drake still clung to life. His eyes turned to the Goblin Lord.

 Im sorry.

 The Goblin Lord said it as he knelt by Zels side. He stared down at the Drake, seeing how the enchanted armor had failed in ces. The magical metal had been melted in one ce, pierced in two. Zel Shivertail stared up at the ivory ceiling overhead. The enchantment was breaking upthe dome was copsing in ces, letting sunlight in.

 The Goblin Lord could hear Humans and Goblins shouting outside the dome in confusion. There was still a battle going on. But in this moment he only had eyes for Zel. He felt he should say something.

 Im sorry. It was not a worthy death. Cowardly. It was

 He got no further. A hand shot out and grabbed him by the throat. The Goblin Lord choked, tried to move back. He couldnt. Zel Shivertail sat up, his grip crushing the Goblin Lords throat.

 Im not dead yet.

 He stared at the Goblin Lord with his one good eye. It zed with a strange light. How could he still move? How could hethe Goblin Lord was choking.

 I could kill you. It would be so easy.

 Zel Shivertail said the words casually. He stared at the Goblin Lord, and then, suddenly, released him. The Goblin Lord stumbled backwards, gasping for air.

 I dont feel like it. Not anymore.

 Zel stared ahead. His head wasblood dripped from the missing part of his head. His voice was distant.

 I feel so tired. So this is how it ends? Funny, I always thought it would bequicker.

 He turned his head. The Goblin Lord stared at him. But Zel was no longer looking at him. The Drake [General] looked ahead, and his voice was very distant.

 Sserys, old friend. I couldnt lead them. I couldnt inspire them like you did. But I tried. I wonder, would you say this was a job well done? I couldnt kill the Necromancer, in the end. I only got one of his minions. And

 His voice trailed off. Zels head drooped. His voice was lower. The Goblin Lord moved forwards to hear. Zels voice was a whisper as he looked ahead, looked at the past.

 My mentor, my friend, wings of my heart, did I do a good job? Defending our people? It was so very difficult without you. Will I see you, I wonder? Will you say I did a good job or a bad one when we meet?

 You did.

 The Goblin Lord spoke, his voice trembling. He reached out, hesitated. He spoke, as gently as he could.

 You did. You protected them. Your people. You did it. It was a good job.

 Zel stirred. His eyes focused on the Goblin Lords face and he frowned.

 Ill let Sserys tell me in person, Goblin.

 He stared at the Goblin, and then smiled. It was such a strange thing that the Goblin Lord nearly smiled back. The Goblin brushed at his eyes and was surprised to find water on his ws. Zel looked at him.

 Do you have a name?

 No. No name. Just Goblin Lord. Apprentice. Goblin.

 The Goblin Lord sat next to Zel as the dome broke. The Drake looked up at the sky. He sighed.

 How strange. Everyone should have a name. It doesnt seem right. Youshould have one.

 The Goblin Lord was silent. Zel stared up, blood dripped slowly from his wounds. And then stopped.

 How about Reiss? Its a proper Drake name. If I had a sonSserys always talked about wanting to raise a boy and name him that.

 Reiss. The Goblin Lord stared at Zel for a second. The Drakeughed.

 Take it if you want it. I dont think Sserys will mind. Andno, never mind.

 I will. And I will avenge. Avenge you and my people. I swear it. The Necromancer will die by my hand.

 The Goblin Lord looked at Zel. The Drake eyed him, and then shrugged.

 Good. I hope you do it. But I wont be around to see it. And truthfullyI would have liked to

 His voice trailed off. Reiss looked into Zels eyes and saw the Drakes vision had gone distant again. Zel whispered as the Goblin Lord wiped at his eyes again.

 A good job. Did I do it?

 Heughed once.

 I suppose Ill never know. But I did try. I did

 Reiss waited a long time, but Zel never finished his sentence. He sat there, thest traces ofughter still on his face. The Tidebreaker stared up at the sky as the walls of ivory finally broke and both armies could see into the dome atst.

 There was just silence at first. Reiss sat with Zel, head bowed, until he realized that it looked like both he and Zel were dead. He stood slowly, and heard the Goblins roaring. But from the Human side there was no noise.

 There was only silence. Then the Goblin Lord heard a groan from the Humans. It sounded like something living had been torn from them. He saw the armored ranks of men and woman falter, saw some fall to their knees and others begin to weep. The news dawned on the army slowly as they saw the Goblin Lord standing over the distant form of their [General].

 Zel Shivertail was dead. The Tidebreaker had fallen.

 And the Goblin Lord had in him.

 It was not the truth. Reiss wanted to scream it out loud. But he couldnt. And the Goblins roared as they saw the fallen Drake and their victorious leader. They streamed towards him, screaming, staring in awe at the fallen Zel Shivertail.

 Dead! Dead, dead, dead!

 Snapjaw shouted the words in triumph. She and the other Goblins were fighting to get to the Goblin Lord, offering potions. One Goblin reached to push Zel Shivertail aside. Reiss whirled and shouted.

 Stop!

 The Goblins froze. The Goblin Lord looked around and pointed to Zel Shivertails body.

 Leave body. Anyone who touches, dies.

 They stared at him, and then at the fallen Drake. Reiss wiped at his eyes. He said one word.

 Withdraw.

 He turned and walked away. Uprehending, the Goblins stared at him and then followed. Reiss the Goblin Lord led his army away as the Humans stared at the slumped figure in shining armor. They wept, and the cry went up. It echoed across the battlefield, across the city of Invrisil, and out onto the rest of the continent. The words shook the world.

 -

 Magnolia Reinhart wept as she retreated from the battlefield. Ressa, beside her, was dry-eyed, but her hands were tight on her mistress arm as she guided Magnolia away. The Lady Reinhart spoke only once as they retreated behind the procession bearing the Tidebreakers body away from the battle.

 I am offering a hundred thousand gold coins. No, I will offer a million gold coins or whatever artifacts I own. Spread the word among the Assassins Guilds, in every part of the world. I will have the Necromancer dead, Ressa.

 Yes, mdy.

 -

 Akerash strode through his castle, his damaged servants, his Chosen trailing after him. They were four now, and they dared not speak to him. The Necromancer had triumphed today, but that victory was hollow as well.

 Ooms death was unfortunate.

 That was all Azkerash said as he halted in front of his rooms. The four undead looked at him. Beas face was a mask of grief. The Necromancer looked at each of them and then away.

 I see I have overestimated your capabilities. Or perhaps underestimated that of my foes. The next generation of your brothers and sisters willck your weaknesses.

 They bowed their heads. Azkerash turned.

 I will repair you all shortly. Rest, and regain your strength. I have need of you yet. I have eliminated one of my greatest foes today.

 He turned and smiled bitterly. And from his castle, the same words were repeated. They broke upon the Walled Cities, and shattered the hearts of the Drakes. The end of a legend. The death of an era.

 Fear for the future.

 -

 The news struck Liscor like a wave. Grief-stricken Drakes stood in the streets, weeping, and the Gnolls were little better. Zel Shivertail was dead. The hero of the Second Antinium Wars, the shield that had protected Izril for so long, had fallen.

 In The Wandering Inn, Klbkch saw Erin weeping at the counter and Lyte slumped at a table. Mrsha was howling from the top of the inn. He turned, and left the building.

 Klbkch did not weep. The Antinium did not cry. He slowly walked through the streets of Liscor, hearing the horns blowing, seeing grief in every corner. He walked into the Antinium Hive and heard a hush. The Workers and Soldiers did not understand the grief and fear, yes, fear that gripped the hearts of those above.

 Well, that was their nature. Klbkch descended through the tunnels, walking by memory, and came to arge room. The Queen of the Free Antinium looked down at him.

 Klbkchhezeim.

 My Queen. Has the artifact been installed to your satisfaction?

 So it seems. The Courier delivered it to the door of the Hive this morning. I have ced it here.

 The Queen indicated a mirror made out of ck ss, a tall frame that was far too small to reflect her entire body. Klbkch stared at it. It did not fit in this room, but it was a powerful artifact and there were few good alternatives.

 Have you activated it yet?

 No.

 The Queen of the Free Antinium stared at Klbkch as he slowly walked over to the mirror. He ced a hand on it and the surface rippled. It changed. Instead of reflecting the Queen and Klbkch, the surface swam until it was reflecting another room.

 It was quite simr to the one Klbkch stood in. The only difference was that this room was carved of stone, and there were quite a number of tunnels leading to and from this cavernous room. And the Queen in the center was far,rger than the Queen of the Free Antinium. She was massive, bloated, and rested on a huge dais in the center of the room. She stared towards the mirror.

 Klbkchhezeim? The connection is strong it seems. How fares the Free Antinium?

 Zel Shivertail is dead.

 Klbkchs voice was t. The Grand Queen of the Antinium went still. In the frame, Klbkch saw one of the Antinium gathered around her turn. Xrn stared at him. The Grand Queen was silent as she stared at Klbkch. Then her mandibles parted and rose.

 Good. We have much to do, Klbkchhezeim, my Queen of the Free Antinium.

 She waved anguid feeler. The Antinium turned to face Klbkch, and the Grand Queen spoke.

 The Goblins are moving once more. The Humans stir for war. The Drakes have lost their shield. And the Antinium will rise.

 Klbkch nodded. He stared at the Grand Queen of the Antinium, and his hands tightened on the hilts of his sword. He said only one word.

 Perhaps.

 End of Volume 4.

 So, wee to this atst. Atst, the volume ends. And I had nned to write thisst chapter directly before the break. Perhaps its better that I didnt. Perhaps it would have been better had I not had the break.

 Well never know. But it is done, and the world is changed now. Zel Shivertail is dead. And what follows will bedifferent.

 This is the darkest end to a volume, and speaks of what is toe. And yet, and yet, our story is about Erin, about hope, and about more than just war. But it does feel like war and conflict threaten us despite our best hopes. As in this world, so in ours.

 Thank you for reading. I had a good break, and I think it was appropriateI hope to take a week long break after every end of volume, if only to recharge a bit. I have a lot of ideas for the next volume and a lot of story yet toe. Some of it will be tragic, some horrific (hopefully not due to bad writing), other parts hopeful, or sad or silly or

 Thank you all for supporting the story, whether it be from pledging or talking about it, or simply reading. I have a lot I want to do, from releasing the e-book to fixing typos and plot points and adding a glossary. I have a lot to do, but what I start and end with is this: writing. I hope you enjoy the story and if you do, I have a lot more to tell.

 See you soon. Im back to writing and Volume 5 begins in two days. Ill put the monthly side stories poll up soon too, and maybe another short (non-canonical) piece side story I wrote during my vacation. Thanks for reading as always,

 pirateaba

17kNovel

Book 4: Chapter 49