General Ferent explained his plan for repelling the moss ghouls. On a large table in the meeting room of the barracks was an area map. There were several stone figurines representing the hoard and his troops. Pointing to key points roughly a mile outside of the Mulvarian border, he placed several units. The military has ditches being dug and walls being erected to create choke points around one of the great stone pillars. This is where he hopes to halt their advance. They have had success in past by crushing the ghouls with stones and essentially rendering them incapable of movement. Prolonged contact with the moss causes a sickness that can prove fatal. It is recommended that patches found on bare skin should be burnt off or a mage should heal the wound.

“There are a few points here and here that could be flanked.” Armand pointed out.

“We are hoping that is where your team could lend a hand.” Replied the general.

“How tough would you say these things are? Is there time to set up a sloped position we could just roll large boulders down on them?” Armand asked.

“We don’t really roll them. Our military has a cave in division. Typically, in tunnel-based engagements we can collapse the ceiling on our enemies. Out in the open like this we shower them with jagged stone. It seems to do the trick.” Lt. Lenny said.

“Remind me to stay on your good side.” Typhus said.

“So, for the most part we shall be able to force them back into Gossamer. Back in town we are erecting a large gate to protect the people. Our shapers will all but seal off the tunnel. No stragglers will make it to the civilians.” Said the general with sharp nods of agreement from his staff.

With that the barracks gate opened and the full might of Mulvaria marched toward the designated meeting point. While passing the entrance to the town Deacon marveled at how the rock seemed to move like liquid to fill in gaps and to create walls where there were none. Once out in the main cavern again they could hear the shapers begin the process of sealing the chamber.

“It is nice of us to help these people.” Elle said.

“We probably shouldn’t have followed the bandits.” Deacon muttered.

“I for one am glad you followed. I could have been killed by those things.” Michael said.

“Holy crap, I forgot you were still with us.” Deacon said with a start.

“I’m not leaving your side Mr. Lucky. If anyone is living through this, it’s you.” Michael replied with a snort.

“I see you picked up a Mulvar shield. Aren’t they made of rock? You going to be able to keep hold of that?” Deacon asked.

“I’ll manage.” Replied the bandit.

“Let’s say you live through this, what then?” asked Deacon drawing the attention of everyone around him.

“I’ve had enough adventure. I’m going back to my dad's stables on Iron Mountain. I will joyously shovel shit for the rest of my life.” Michael answered as they walked.

“You will have to pay for your crimes. I haven’t forgotten.” Armand interjected.

“How about a little focus on the here and now? Look that must be the pillar we are headed toward.” Said Elle.

A scout ran up to the general in the front of the column. Almost immediately a horn was blown, and everyone started running. It appeared the attack has started. Once they all got closer to the pillar, they could see the moss ghouls amassing at the base. The advanced units were bogged down in what looked like a fighting retreat. Several volleys of stones were thrown into the mass of enemies. That gave the retreating a forces a little breathing room to regroup in anticipation of reinforcements moving in at speed.

“They shouldn’t have been here already. They also couldn’t know the battle plan.” Typhus said.

“Probably saw the soft target doing the work around the pillar and just went for it. Anyone see Victor, the guy with the dagger?” Elle yelled over the sound of stomping feet.

“Not yet. Why even come this way? If the goal was to get into the inner city, it makes no sense to come this far west of it.” Armand replied before the battle was fully joined.

The moss ghouls just ran straight out the new force of attackers. Most were crushed by another volley of stones. Armand ducked low smashing back a ghoul with his shield while striking out with his enchanted sword. The ghoul hit with his sword went up like fresh tinder. Typhus managed to entangle one around the ankles with his whip and swing him into another. He blinked in amazement at how light the creature was. Deacon had his aura on full testing the limits of the new ability. He found he could feel where the enemy was within his aura and use that to dodge attacks and pummel opponents after a successful blocked strike. From an outside perspective it almost looked like he was dancing. That all changed in a greater concentration of them overwhelmed his senses. He found he was getting pushed back. Just then Michael showed up and shield bashed one that leaping at him from his left side. After a sweeping low kick, Deacon smashed one in the skull with an elbow strike. It stopped moving after its head shattered. He then began focusing on their heads. Armand started cutting a path toward Deacon. Most of the ghouls stared avoiding the man with the ember blade.

“Fire seems to work well against them.” Armand yelled.

“A little busy right now.” Deacon said as a ghoul slipped on the ice patch that was being created by his aura. It slid right under Deacon managing to get a good swipe at his leg. Cursing to himself, Deacon planted his right foot through its head. It was right then he realized he didn’t feel too well. He wheeled behind Armand taking a second to check a blinking notification from his slate.

Caution, you have been infected with unholy creeping moss. If not treated, you will turn into a moss ghoul. Moss infection level; 10%.

You have gained 1% resistance to Unholy.

Deacon didn’t understand what the second notification was about, but he now knew he couldn’t be careless. These monsters could injure him, he was down 15% health. He’ll have to be mindful and use spectral dodge to avoid close calls. No more time for the slate, as his surroundings came back to him, he was knocked to the ground. Apparently, Michael saw fit to move him out of the way while he was zoned out. This gave Deacon a perfect view of a moss covered Mulvarian climbing the column.

“Armand! How big do you think that column is?” Deacon yelled.

“Not the time.” Armand replied while torching three more ghouls.

“Make time!” Deacon yelled.

“What is it? The damn thing is huge.” Armand said while falling back to let some more soldiers take his place.

“Well, there is a moss covered Mulvarian climbing the column. Isn’t that weird?” Deacon asked.

“Very.” Armand said as he looked up, “I can’t see it.”

“I’ve got to go tell the General.” Deacon said.

“Wait, no you can’t leave us here.” Armand yelled at him but he was already moving through the soldiers.

“Fire guy, get back on the line we need to move in.” yelled one of the commanders.