“I’m gonna go out on a limb here and assume this happens to you two often?”

“Far more often than Daniel is willing to admit.”

“You do realize I can hear you still? I feel as though there are more pressing matters deserving of your attention.”

“Fair point, fair point. Just checking to see what I can expect in the future.”

It seems I had been far more lost in thought than I gave myself credit for. As we drove along I had failed to notice the rustling in the forest by the roadside, though my companions hadn’t noticed either. By the time I realized something was off, a pack of goblins had already begun streaming from the bushes forcing me to start driving recklessly. It was a valiant effort, but we ended up getting chased off the road until the wagon could no longer fit between the trees. Now the three of us are essentially boxed in; our wagon behind us and approximately twelve or so goblins in front. Goblins are famous for two reasons: the first being their tendency to breed like rabbits. It’s almost impossible to find a lone goblin without at least three others nearby. Second, although they have decent battle instincts they are monumentally stupid. A pack of twenty could find a batch of poisonous mushrooms and it would take about thirteen of them to eat some and die before the others could start thinking it was a bad idea. The real danger came from their numbers.

“Well Volk, I suppose this is as good of an opportunity as any to show me what you can do. Friia, you stay back and keep any of them from getting to the wagon. Let’s hurry up so we can get the hell out of here.” Nodding to the others, I drew my sword and went after those on the right while Volk broke left. As I approached, one of the little blights leapt at me holding a small branch in its fist. A quick boot to the jaw was all it took to send it crashing into the nearest tree, twitching feebly once it hit the dirt. The others looked between it and myself, seemingly deciding who would charge next. Instead of letting them figure it out I dashed at the closest one and cleaved my blade downward, ever-so-gently separating its left and right halves. Grabbing the shoulder of what used to be its right side, I spun and hurled the bleeding mass into one of the others. It began screeching in fear just before receiving a sword through its gullet. Turning back to the other two, I was distracted by a flash of fire behind me. Glancing back I was greeted with the sight of Volk springing himself off the trees, slashing at every goblin he passed with a long dagger before roasting them with the flames in his left hand. I looked to Friia as well only to find her boot planted on one’s throat while another hung lifeless on her spear. Confident in my companion’s safety, I decided to finish the last two off quickly.

My magic, while nowhere near as strong as the likes of Stephanie or Zoe, was thankfully well suited for the environment we were in. While studying merchantry in Antiva City, I also had the good fortune to expand my magic knowledge beyond the basics. While there were certain types I was useless with such as water and holy magic, I had a decent affinity with fire and earth magic. Taking advantage of the goblin’s fear and confusion, I placed my hand on the ground and willed the roots of nearby trees to burst from the ground and bind them in place. They crept along their legs and wrapped around their chest before finally covering both mouths and heads. I then drug them back below the surface, sealing the ground above them and ensuring their fate as nutrients for the forest. Panting with exhaustion, I hilted my sword and sluggishly returned to the wagon to find Friia glancing at the ground warily.

“Have I ever told you how much I hate that spell?”

“On the few occasions I’ve used it, yes. It’s a bit draining, so I’m not too fond of it either. Still you have to admit it’s quick and efficient.”

“Not to mention bloody horrifying,” Volk exclaimed as he rejoined us. “Setting then on fire is much more humane.”

“I’m sure their dying screams agree with you. Although I must admit you’re far more agile than I expected.”

“But of course! Did I or did I not tell you I would be a worthy investment?” He exclaimed with a mad grin.

Chuckling, I heaved myself back into the wagon while Friia set to calming our horses down. Volk jumped up to his space in the back, smiling to himself as he pulled out his tome and began reading.

“Volk where did you get that?”

“Oh this?” He held it up so I could get a better look. It was definitely old, if its worn edges were anything to go by. Dyed navy blue leather bound the cover with yellowed parchment of varying sizes filling the inside. “I got this from a friend years ago. Well, borrowed. Accidentally. Possibly without permission. It’s alright though, she’s never killed me yet despite her multiple threats. Or attempts.”

“And yet, I’m somehow not surprised. Well, as long as she doesn’t take it out on the cargo. Or me. Friia either, really. If I had to choose, just you would be fine.”

Volk began laughing so loudly he couldn’t breathe. “You...you won’t have to worry. If anything, you’ll be saving my hide. That is if we even run into her. Which I doubt.”

After another round of laughter and Friia’s return, we began collecting ourselves and I maneuvered the wagon back to the trail. As fun as goblins were I was truly hoping for a relatively peaceful trip. Then again I was choosing to head to the border first, practically guaranteeing a few days of constant paranoia with the slight possibility of demons. I never really was good at doing things the easy way.