The New Guild Master [Chapter 0] - My Knight in Shining Armor

{ The Present }

"You're doing great!" a perfect smile nudged her confidence.

"W-we are part of the Moribus guild. I-I am Solei, your local guild receptionist." She bowed, her silver hair tumbling forward.

A dozen raunchy whistles made her blush.

"Psst! Huck!"

The tall, cheery man at her side, with cropped, sandy-brown hair, careened his neck to listen to her whisper despite the bustling din of the dirty tavern.

"Huh? What's wrong Solei? Weren't you about to begin your speech?"

"I w-was but... do I have to stand on a table? This feels so embarrassing!"

"How else will you get their attention?"

"But I feel like they're all trying to look up my skirt!"

"It's not my fault you dress this way. But I like the corset, it makes you seem so womanly. And I'm sure they like it too."

"You know its my uniform!"

"Just keep smiling. When hunting crabs you have to put on a brave face."

"What does that nonsense have to do with this situation?!"

"Most of these ruffians have had to live without the humanizing presence of a woman. Is it any wonder then, that they've turned into a bunch of old crabs?"

I-is that supposed to be helpful? Ugh. Whatever. Let's just get this over with.

"So!" she suddenly yelled. "Is a-anyone interested in becoming an adventurer?"

A sea of hard faces stared at her for a moment before lapsing back into boisterous chatter.

"Go ahead and make your pitch. The mood won't improve by itself."

Why don't 'you' try talking for once!? Hmph. It's always like this. All you ever do is stand next to me and act like a bodyguard.

"W-we at the Moribus guild offer n-numerous services for those looking to earn a f-fast fortune!"

"You've got their attention now. Keep going. Maintain a confident air."

"You w-will receive training at arms! And superb healing that will get you right back on your feet when the going gets tough!"

It's just normal [Heal] though. So please don't come to me with severed limbs!

A skinny hand shot in the air. "What of the pay? Is it any good?"

"O-our compensation is always fair! And you can take comfort in the fact that your work will have a direct, positive impact on the people of Bordna!"

"I'd rather take comfort in what lies between your thighs!" One man snickered.

A low chuckle ruffled through the crowd.

S-such sleaze!

"Solei." Huck squeezed her shoulder. "Stay calm. They're just teasing you."

Even though she was standing on a round table, their height was equal. And she could tell that underneath his placid smile, Huck was grinding his teeth.

"You will have access to maps, journals and a vast library of useful material that will help you defeat any foe!"

A buff man with a thick mustache slammed a fist on his table. "Anything to help me defeat the bouncer at the Seven Bells?!"

This time the laughter was so great, some fell off their chairs.

"Don't play into their words. Stick to your script." Huck's calm demeanor did much to reassure her.

"Though we are an adventurer's guild, our members often hold dual membership in other guilds aimed at Craftsmen and Merchants! A good word from us can open many doors for you!"

An older gentlemen with a pointed beard and a halberd resting on his shoulder, raised an inquisitive hand. "Do you offer any meditation classes? And perhaps massage services too?"

"Yes we do." Huck answered. "I'm happy to inform you that for all that choose to join the Moribus Guild, I will be serving as your resident masseur."

The tavern was drowned by a contagious tide of disappointed groans.

Solei resumed her speech. "N-new members will benefit from visiting teachers! The best, most talented adventurers all belong to the Moribus Guild! With their tutoring, you can unlock your limitless potential!"

A lazy man, with his languid figure curled atop a table spoke between hiccups, his fingers gripping a half-empty wooden pitcher. "And what of us without any talent? Huh!? Will we become your lackeys?"

At these soft words, some were roused to anger, and stamped their feet in protest.

"T-there are many career paths open to members of the Moribus Guild - you may even become guild employees! We are always looking for diverse talent! In math and statistics, language and elocution, coordination and strategy... even interpersonal skills are of value to us!"

Although from the looks of it, none of you have anything that even resembles interpersonal skills.

A grimy hand wafted into the air. "Do you ensure loans? Can you take on existing debts?"

"W-with a Moribus Guild membership, your line of credit will be extended by most Merchant Guilds! And while we don't cover personal debts, we can bankroll your expeditions and help you earn vast fortunes!"

A hooded figure in the corner rustled his cloak. As if sensing his intention to speak, those that sat around him were hushed into silent anticipation.

"There are many who possess a bleak past." His voice was low. Even those who sat close to him, struggled to hear what he said next. "What will become of the criminal history that plagues us? Can you give the anxious ones a fresh start?"

"I-if there is currently a bounty on your head, whether the source is Freemen, Alokian or Gondorian, we can stand as intercessors on your behalf! But... you may have to serve as a ward until your debt is paid!"

"So..." he growled. "You mean for me to become a slave!?" The man stood up, his flowing form casting unease on the members of the tavern that encircled him. "I will never return to captivity!"

Huck's hand flashed in front of Solei's face. He held a short dagger, it's tip pointing at her throat.

"W-what are you doing?!" Solei gasped.

He slowly withdrew the blade and hid it under his padded jacket. "That was a gift from the friend you just made."

A clamor of confused whispers began to rise.

"Huh!? What's he doing?"

"Is he trying to stab her?"

"Some bodyguard he is, attacking his own client."

"You fool! Didn't you see what just happened? That guy threw a dagger at her."

"Nonsense! No one can move that fast."

"What?! I couldn't see a thing. And I was watching him the whole time."

"Did anyone see his hands move?"

"I saw something. A blur in the air."

"And that guy caught it like it was nothing!"

"Hogwash. She must have said something he didn't like. It's those pretty boys that are always itching for a fight."

"He's with the Moribus Guild huh? What kinda training did he get?"

"I'm telling ya' these guys are dangerous! It would be best not to get involved."

Uwah! Thank you so much Huck. I'll never leave home without you!

The hooded man rose and slowly made his way to where Huck and Solei stood, his hands hidden beneath the folds of his robe.

"This could be trouble Solei. So don't move unless I tell you too."

_Why do men settle every argument with violence!?"

Huck readied himself with one dagger concealed in the small of his back, and two more in the lining of his shirt sleeve.

But the solitary figure passed them by without incident. They had caught only snippets of his strange grumblings. "Damn this world... wish I had been reborn... a third time."

Solei breathed a sigh of relief and hopped off her make-shift dais. "I think I'm done for today."

"Be sure to speak to Lord Jackson before you head home. He's expecting you."

"Thanks Huck! You know I couldn't have done this without you!"

"You could have. But not without some risk. You need to learn how to defend yourself. You know I won't always be there to guard your back. At least find a weapon you can call your own. It could be a sword. It could be a staff imbued with offensive magic. Whatever you choose, let it be something scary enough to make guys like that think twice about messing with you."

"I-I understand!" Solei took his words to heart. "B-but Why the sudden lecture? Was it that creepy guy just now?"

"H-he's only the half of it. Without Morgan..." his voice trailed off.

"What is it? What's gonna happen without Morgan?"

"I think Lord Jackson will do a better job of explaining things. So head over to his cottage right away. You know how he hates waiting."

"O-kay! I'll see you tomorrow." She turned to leave, but Huck held her arm back.

"No. You won't. I'm leaving for a few weeks. An escort mission for some fat merchant. It's not risky, but we'll be travelling through the South Agva Forest. So it might take awhile."

"Why? Of late all you do are escort missions... can't you accept missions that we can safely do together? Don't you enjoy my company?"

"I do enjoy being with you Solei. And I'd like nothing more than to have the two of us go gallivanting into the unknown. But escort missions are the surest way of earning decent pay."

"And what do you need all that money for?"

"I need the money Solei."

"That's not an answer."

"Because... I just do. Okay?"

"Fine." She turned away, so he couldn't see her pouting face. "When should I expect your return?"

"Two weeks at the most. I might jump into another mission when I get back. So you'll have to come up with your own training regimen. And Solei-"

"-Yes!"

"Erm... never mind. It's nothing. Just stay safe."

"I will!"

"Lord Jackson."

"Jack will do. There really is no need for such honorifics outside of a formal setting."

He raised a monocle to his eye and examined Solei, as if seeing her for the first time.

"So, you've begun to embrace your heritage?"

As if I could deny it. I wake to my own reflection every morning... could even the most vehement denials change reality?

"I'm just tired of hiding my hair when I'm in town."

"And is the typical reaction to silver hair more or less what you expected?"

She gave him a coy smile. "More or less."

"Come." He patted a stool next to his own. "Sit. For we have much to discuss."

Solei jumped on the proffered seat and greedily scanned a mess of fine paper. Most had sketches of rarely seen animals and strange monsters. While some drawings were of people whose features were distinctly inhuman.

Oh! There's a lot more to see. Jack sure has been busy.

"Man. Beast. Or-"

"-Nary a difference between!" Solei finished.

Jack looked at her. His thick brow and sturdy mustache brimming with joy.

"Well said."

"And what makes a creature a 'Monster'?" Solei began. "Is it their eyes? Is it their claws? Is it their teeth-."

"-Is it their roar!" Jack finished the riff with his hands drawn up to pounce on her.

They shared a moment of light laughter.

"I'm surprised you still remember."

"Of course I do! Your stories always kept me up long into the night."

"Ah. So that's why you've always kept the lamp burning? You were waiting for an evening visit to hear yet another eerie tale?"

"I couldn't live without them!" She brightened. "Giant Monsters! The mayhem they caused! Dashing Princes! Knights with swinging swords! Fair Damsels with hair flowing to their knees! It made me think of adventuring. And for a time, it was all I could dream of..." For a moment, she lost some of her vigor. "... but now I don't have time for such childish conceits. I need to grow up. Fast."

Jack drew a pair of tumblers from a cupboard and poured a lilac-colored, viscous liquid from a leather gourd.

Heady sweetness, or dry fire? I wonder... which could it be?

"I was able to talk a dwarf into sharing some of his [Tarsem]. I told him it would bring a smile to a little elven girl who'd lost her home and family. His heart broke there and then. And I couldn't have imagined that he would weep as loud as thunder!"

"Surely, you jest." She smiled sheepishly.

They clinked their glasses.

"Do you doubt me?"

Solei twirled her hair and batted her eyes at him. "This maiden would never doubt her savior!"

She downed her drink. The hot concoction burned her throat, but she reveled in the sweet aftertaste.

S-so it was both hot and sweet!

"Now is it a life of tedium I saved you from? Or a life of hard labor? Hmm... perhaps we have Morgan to thank for that."

A worried crease dimpled her brow. "Where is Morgan? You speak of him as if he were dead."

"Unfortunately for you, he is very much alive. And with it, the debt you owe him."

"I'll pay him back in no time. You'll see! There have been a lot of commissions lately. Bordna is growing. Slow but sure. And in a few years I'll be free."

"You know what the difference is between slavery and servitude?"

She rolled her eyes. "One is law and the other is a state of mind."

"Good. It seems my lessons were not in vain."

"I am grateful Jack. Truly I am. For everything you've done. But there has to come a time when you will confide in me as an equal."

"I see. It is true that your womanhood is an eventuality I had hoped would never arrive..." He downed his glass. "So. How old are you now?"

"T-twelve."

"Then might I enjoy the only daughter I've ever had for a little while longer?"

She looked away, blushing faintly. "I-I wonder why you called for me."

"Yes. I suppose it's time we discussed the matter at hand." He took off his monocle and clipped it to his tanned vest. "With Morgan and I out of town, you must represent the interests of the Moribus Guild at the Town Council."

"By myself!?" Solei's mouth hung open.

"Come now. Aren't we equals?"

She pursed her lips. "I don't think I'm ready for it."

"You won't know until you try. And besides. There are none among the men of Bordna that can match your wit."

She covered her face. "T-that's too much! How can say such words?"

"I don't mean to embarrass you Solei. I merely stated a fact. You know as well as I do that few in Bordna can read and write. It is often said that books are an anomaly best left to the frail and to the noble."

"You're not frail." she teased.

He sighed. "Unfortunately, I am what passes for nobility in this backwater village. And my duties, nay the duties of a manager of the Moribus Guild, cannot be passed on to any other. There is only you."

"There is only you!" She mimed, her tone exaggerated. "Why do you always take things so seriously?"

He leaned back and smiled. "It's my job isn't it? Or would you rather I spend my days hacking away at Goblins?"

She tilted her head to one side.

Now that's one eerie tale I could never imagine!

"But what about Morgan? When is he coming back?"

"Who can say? Morgan isn't the type to turn away from a sweet deal. Even if it means accepting the company of unsavory characters."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"I believe he intended to return a few days ago, but was waylaid by an imperial messenger. It seems that King Fabian has acquired yet another strange interest. And Morgan is to obtain it for him."

"But he's only a 'B' rank adventurer. Couldn't the King hire someone more qualified?"

"That may be true, but his tracking skills are 'A' rank. And most experienced adventurers have learned to stay away from a King whose whims are so unpredictable. Morgan on the other hand was never one to employ caution."

"Is he in any danger?"

"Would it please you if he came to harm?"

"N-no! Of course not!"

"Then why ask? Just pray that he makes a safe return... and so." He said with a tone of finality. "Let us discuss the Town Council."

"I won't go."

"But you must. And you will, if you intend to repay your debt..."

She glowered at him for a moment, before nodding imperceptibly.

"... you have the files on hand, given to you by the Guild associates. My research. All these documents. Sketches included. All are available for your use."

"Will I have help? Can't Huck come with me?"

"I dare say, that that is the worst idea you have ever had."

"What?! Why!?"

"Do you know why Huck travels alone? Why almost every mission he undertakes is a solo escort?"

She lapsed into a forlorn silence.

"He is a thief."

"It's not like that!" She yelled, tugging at her own hair. A painful habit that somehow calmed her. "H-he was born that way! He can't help it."

Jack shook his head. "It is more than just his nature. He is conniving. That is plain to see."

"No! You yourself said that those born with innate [Job Classes] were not beholden to them. He could still undergo a [Job Change]. A powerful enough guild could do it!"

"The Moribus Guild is one such guild. Outside of Bordna, a single Guild Manager can perform a [Job Change] with ease. It is indeed rare for a Guild Manager to be as inept at magic as Morgan, and even rarer still for someone lower than 'A' rank to manage a guild branch by themselves."

"Morgan said he'd find someone! He has friends from many different branches-"

"-And even more enemies! You know him well. Morgan is the odd case where a man of the underworld operates entirely above board. And a job change is a costly thing at that. Would Morgan who keeps a child as a servant really be so generous? And I'd wager that Huck would have to pay a pretty penny for it, if it were not for his other priority..."

"What is it? What could be more important than getting rid of [Kleptomania]?"

"If I were him, that would be my first and only priority. But his circumstances have changed him... had he not met you, he would never have been able to register as an adventurer. So, I can say this great certainty. He would still be a street urchin, even now, spending his days begging for scraps. Shunned by all." He touched his temple lightly. "But I digress. I've already said too much. We must conclude the subject of the Town Council meetings."

What is Huck doing? Where does all his money go?

"Hmph. I'll be sure to avail myself. Only because I have no choice. But not often!"

"Just promise me you will attend whenever summoned."

"I-I promise."

"Good... and I must give you one piece of advice, even though it shames me to say it."

"What do you mean?"

"There are..." he stole his eyes away from her innocent expression. "... many who find themselves drawn to the impression of an Elf. Perhaps it is a [Charm Effect] unique to your race. And if used sparingly, your beauty can prove to be an effective tool to bind men to your will."

"B-but I'm only twelve!"

"Even so. In a room full of men you will shine like a star. Make it your advantage. But be sure to retain your dignity no matter the situation."

"I-I will try." she said, blushing deeply.

"I will be away for a few weeks. For after receiving a strange patent from a local farmer, I feel inspired to research new farming techniques. If we can improve our means of cultivation, Bordna may be blessed with even more prosperity."

"I wish your journey success. My Lord Jackson."

He smiled gently.

"Oh, and one last thing. Where's Gavin?"

"G-Gavin?"

"Yes. I had set a bounty on a particularly strange creature..." He held up a drawing of a short, rotund man with a crooked nose.

"... this hideous thing has not been appraised. But it seems to be a 'Fat Goblin', though I doubt there is such a thing. It has been said to possess a peculiar intelligence and strange habits. Often travelling alone and pilfering wherever it may. I had even heard a rumor that it raped a young woman a few months back, in another town in Rimor. Not too far from here." He grimaced. "I'm sorry to trouble you with this Solei, just before my departure. But the lad had approached me with such tenacity that I had given him the quest of locating this dreadful creature. I had only meant for him to observe the perimeter of Bordna and it's surrounding farmland, as the fiend is known to rustle livestock in the dead of night. But I haven't heard from Gavin in two days. I fear he may have over committed himself. In all likelihood, the beast may have moved on. So if you do find Gavin, tell him the quest is withdrawn but that I will still reward him for his efforts."

"Well, now isn't this a treat?" The old man whistled. "The Guild Manager herself has come to pay me a visit!" He dusted off his ill-fitting coveralls that were stained with patches of dried blood. Hooking his thumbs on his suspenders, he smiled cheerfully.

I don't have time to dawdle with this old fool. I must hurry on.

"I-I am really just the receptionist Mister Sylvanus, so if you could-"

"-Please. Call me Silvy. My friends call me that. Won't you be my friend?"

He's treating me like an ordinary child!

Sylvanus smiled, revealing a set of uneven teeth: some chipped away, and others filed to a point.

"I-I r-really can't. I need-"

"Oh but ya' must come in for a cup of tea. Solei was it? Such a pretty lass. Or should I say 'Your Highness'?"

She stiffened, as a flush of heat traveled up her face.

"Now did I go and say something I shouldn't have?" her reaction seemed to fan the flames of his curiosity. "Heh... You see I'm one of the few that knows about yer' past. Heard it from Morgan himself ye' know. He went light on the details, so I'd still like to hear yer' version of it."

Having read her guarded expression, he understood that she was in no mood to discuss her past.

He stroked his grey beard for a moment, and stepped aside. "Hmm... won't ya' come inside then? I'll set the kettle to boil. Don't fret. I won't be keeping ya' for long, my dear."

"I can't..." She said forcefully. "... but I'm afraid I must request your aid. Sir."

"Oh...?" his attention had suddenly turned to her figure. His keen eyes looked her over from head to toe.

She fought back a grimace, hiding her discomfort.

I never thought this old farmer would be so... lecherous!

"This ain't your usual garb eh? It looks like..." he mused.

She wore a red coif and tunic, with a pair of black boots tied just below her knees.

"... yer' gearing up for some messy business eh? Are ya' considering a career change then? Wanna be ma' farmhand? Pay ain't so good. Not as much as adventuring would get ya'. But there's little risk involved."

She sighed, glad to be mistaken.

"Have you seen Gavin? He set out for a Goblin hunt two days ago."

"A tall lad with a fistful of auburn hair?"

She perked up. "That's the one."

"You'll probably find the body a little ways ahead. He was here yesterday morning."

"Y-you saw h-his...?"

"Oh, I ain't seen nothing. That's just ma' educated guess. You see I've been here long miss. When an adventurer goes out to hunt goblins, in a place like this- where goblins are as plentiful as rabbits- and he don't come back the next day, then he ain't ever coming back. Not on his own anyways. I hope ya' at least had the sense to bring a shovel with ya'?"

No! It's too soon.

She was on the verge of tears. "I-I'm sure he's alright. He might have just ventured out too far and l-lost himself in the forest."

"Believe what you will. I wouldn't give ya' false hope. And what are you getting so worked up fer'? Hmm..." it took a few moments for him to puzzle out the details for himself.

"... so, he probably didn't have the gall for adventuring, but ya' put him up to it? Didn't ya?"

"I-I w-was... y-you see... and s-so..." her voice faded, along with her resolve. She couldn't hold back the tears any longer, and cried freely.

This is all my fault!

"Oh, I know the type." Sylvanus looked away into the distance. "He was dazzled by the tale of a beautiful Elven princess, stolen away from her own village and sold into slavery, only to be rescued by a dashing adventurer. The 'Merry Morgan'... ah, but he's a mean spirited one! Having ya' work off the cost of yer' freedom. Mayhaps' the young lad saw himself as yer' savior? 'A knight in shining armor'. Ha! And you was sure to lead him on I bet. Well it's more than likely he'd gone and paid the ultimate price for his foolishness. But... he might still be alive..." he scratched his chin, thoughtfully.

"T-tell me he's okay! H-he is well, i-isn't he?" she brushed off the tears, and looked up at him with doe-like eyes.

"I ain't gonna lie to ya'. He's probably dead-"

"-No! H-he's alive! I know he is-"

"-Now quit yer yammering. Lemme' grab ma' shovel and we'll look for his remains." Sylvanus went inside to retrieve his shovel, but by the time he returned to the porch of his little cottage, Solei had already left.

"Ah... this won't end well."

She ran. Until each breath became a painful gasp. Her chest ached, her thighs sore. Still, she ran.

She soon reached the perimeter of the North Agva forest and came to an abrupt halt.

What am I doing!? I can't go into the forest alone. There's a lot worse than goblins waiting for me there. But where could Gavin have gone? He wouldn't dare venture into the forest by himself. Not willingly...

Out of breath, she waited until her wheezing turned to soft panting.

She drew closer to the edge of the forest. The afternoon glow seeped through the thick groves.

Solei hesitated.

I can't go in by myself. And Gavin might be...

She refused to finish that thought and willed herself forward.

A gleaming light in the corner of her eye caught her attention.

She raced towards it.

She had found Gavin. His right leg was nearly severed, and his entire body was soaked in a pool of blood. His face was a barely recognizable mound of mush, as if it were repeatedly bashed in by a blunt object. The holes in his chest were too numerous to count. And there were light stab wounds spread out evenly as if to prolong his suffering.

A short sword, coated in dry blood, lay a few meters away.

"G-Gavin? Gavin?! W-what happened to you? GAVIN! GAVIN-N! Awn. G-g-Gavin..." she knelt at his side, clutching his arm. "Wake up Gavin. I need you. Y-you can't die. G-gavin... Gavin-n..."

"That Gavin?"

Solei screamed, and fell over backwards.

A goblin stood before her, his skin a sickly green, and their height about equal. Which was normal for a goblin. They were usually child-sized. The image of a scrawny goblin wearing nothing but a loin cloth had been engraved on the soul of every adventurer. A peon among monsters. But he wasn't like any Goblin she had ever seen. He had worn-out shoes, toes jutting out at the ends, and baggy pants that were poorly stitched together. Strangest of all, he was morbidly obese.

"A fat Goblin?" incredulous, she spoke without thinking.

Goblins were the ubiquitous symbol of ravenous filth. So, what stood before her was more than unusual. It simply didn't make sense.

"Me. No. Fat." Above a crooked nose flecked with sore boils, was a furrowed brow.

I-it spoke? How is that possible...? Goblins can't speak!

"That. Gavin?" The Fat Goblin held a short sword in one hand, and pointed at what remained of Gavin. He leaned over the corpse and snorted. "Gavin?"

Solei froze. She knew that a Goblin that could speak, could not be ordinary.

A Noble Goblin? Or perhaps a variant?

He knelt on one knee, and held up a lifeless hand.

What is he doing?"

He sliced off a finger with the tip of the sword.

"Don't touch him!" she covered her mouth.

Ignoring her, the Goblin bent over and picked up the finger delicately. He sniffed at it. "Still. Fresh." And tossed the appendage into his mouth.

She heard a soft crunching sound fade into the distance... as a wave of rage enveloped her, and before she realized what had happened, she had charged at the Goblin, tackling him with her shoulders.

He didn't resist her, instead he wrapped his free arm around her waist, the short sword still in his grasp.

"Me. Like. You." he croaked.

When she came to her senses, the stench of rotten meat overwhelmed her. The source, his breath, was so rancid, that she nearly fainted.

He twisted his waist and rolled over, pulling Solei down until he rested on top of her. She clawed at his back, digging her nails into his flesh. He smiled, oblivious to the pain.

I-I'm going to die here!

The Goblin raised himself up, and placed his knees on her chest. She struggled with all her strength, but couldn't dislodge him. He grabbed her left wrist and jammed the sword through the palm of her hand, nearly severing it in two.

Solei briefly lost consciousness. When she awoke, the feeling in her left hand was gone, and the sword that had pierced her was embedded halfway into the earth, such that if she were to tear herself free, she would lose that hand entirely. Her right arm was held down by his foot, which had half his monstrous weight applied to it.

"You. Here. Now." He licked his lips, and carefully untied her coif, yanking it off her face. He paused, a look of wonder in his eyes.

"Hair. Grey?" he knelt closer, his heady breath warming her face. And then he began to sniff her, enamored by her scent. He ran his fingers through her silvery hair, and as he did this, he would occasionally lick her nose, ears and neck. At his touch, she squirmed, adding to his titillation.

The Goblin suddenly gripped her tunic with loose fingers and tore a seam large enough to expose her bare chest and navel. Thick drool dribbled down her torso.

"I-in the g-great depths of the earth." she began to chant. "W-where the wind bellows-" a bloated fist smashed into her mouth.

"Magic. Broke." he explained, releasing his weight momentarily so she could roll to her side to cough up blood and teeth. When she had spit out all she could he resumed his position.

Solei wept.

Her garbled cries touched his ears, but he paid them no heed. Instead he tore away the rest of her tunic to expose soft, white flesh. It was not long before his greedy fingers finally found her moist knickers.

His sniffing of her undergarments was prolonged. She realized that she had soiled herself, and hoped that it would allay his sexual urges.

Instead, he squealed with delight.

Her hope dashed, she lapsed into a fit of hysteria, and feverishly begged for his forgiveness.

"Anathang but dhat! P-pleasss d-don't."

The Goblin paused again, meeting her eyes with his own, and waited until despair settled in.

As her pleading gasps waned, his excitement grew.

"K-kill me! Pleasss. Agh... k-kill me."

He tenderly wiped away snot and tears with the back of a callused hand. He had no intention of taking her life. She was after all, his beloved plaything.

Her head swam, and she groaned. The Goblin lowered his knees, easing the pressure on her chest so she could more easily breathe.

A blurred apparition appeared before her.

"M-mom... d-dad." She couldn't make out their faces.

I don't even remember what my parents look like. How long has it been?

"M-my ugh... knight in s-shining a-amour. P-please [Save Me]." He slapped her preemptively. One side of her face began to swell. Her vision narrowed.

"What. That?" The Goblin was looking up, his neck craned all the way back.

A swirling mist, as deep and dark as midnight, enveloped the twilight sky above.

He turned to look at Solei. "You. Do. This?" She shuddered, anticipating a fierce retaliation.

Instead the Goblin looked away again, mesmerized by the scene unfolding before his very eyes.

A slim figure in a white shirt, and navy blue trousers emerged from a black whirlpool in the sky. The darkness dissipated, and for a moment the boy lay suspended in mid-air.

"Woah." The Goblin was in awe. He had never seen a human fly and he knew of no creature that possessed the ability to levitate. Without warning, the boy slid away, as if invisible strings were cut, and began to descend with increasing speed, careening downwards, face first.

"Ooof." His body pounded the uneven surface of the ground.

The Goblin hoisted himself up. He glanced at Solei and grunted with satisfaction. He was certain that she would not attempt an escape.

The mysterious boy groaned.

The Goblin approached cautiously, winding his way across the grassy field, away from the shadowy gloom of the forest. He knelt, and sniffed the sprawled creature. He proceeded to poke its ribs repeatedly. There was no response. The boy simply lay there, quietly moaning.

"This. Man?" He tugged at the creature's clothing, marveling at the quality of his apparel.

The Goblin stamped his feet on the boy's back.

"You. Weak." he declared. He stomped harder, but jumped back when the boy cried out in agony.

"I. Eat. You." he decided, but before he could determine what part to eat first, he was surprised by a tingling sensation seeping through his body. He noticed the edge of a sword protruding from his chest. "This. Not. Good."

"D-die... f-foul beast." Solei whispered. She pulled the sword out of the Goblin's chest. He turned to stare at her, his face filled with surprise. "D-die!" she repeated, plunging the sword into his chest yet again.

"Oogh." The Goblin keeled over.

Unrelenting, she stabbed him again. And again. She screamed. Lost in her rage.

Solei's right arm was numb. Her left hand a mangled mess, roughly cleaved in two during her brief escape. Blood trailed her as she walked towards the quiet shape.

"W-what h-have I done..." Her knees buckled, and she fell over him.

"... m-my 'knight in shining amour' y-you can't... w-wake up!" she rolled him over. His nose was broken, and his jaw was fixed at a crooked angle.

"Y-you can't die!" She clutched his chest with her good arm. "Don't do this to me! Fuck! FUCK!"

He moaned.

"Y-you're alive?! O-of course! My champion. My hero. I knew you'd be fine."

His eyes fluttered open. His mouth foamed. He trembled for a few moments. The brief seizure ended in perfect stillness.

"N-no..." she gasped. A cold, dark weight pressed against her heart.

Despair had returned.

"... I-I won't let you die." she muttered. "Mend the bone. Tie the flesh. Save the soul. As all wounds will one day [Heal]."

His shattered jaw mended itself, but his eyes remained listless. She repeated her chant. Again and again. Her mana finally exhausted, she noticed his legs were still mangled, and pointing at ridiculous angles. She continued her chant, drawing from her own life force.

Her knees began to wobble. Lying down next to him, to ease her dizziness, she repeated her chant one last time.

"M-mend the bone. T-tie the flesh. S-save the s-soul... all wounds w-will one day [Heal]."

Her strength left her.