Delver Magic Book VII: Altered Messages by Inlo Jeff

Author:Inlo, Jeff [Inlo, Jeff]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-07-17T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Sy gazed across the huge mass of goblins that stood between him and the south gate. He wanted to treat them as nothing more than worthless debris blown into the street from some passing storm. To regard them as anything more would be giving them far too much respect. They had made it beyond Burbon's wall because of one reason and one reason alone, Okyiq had led them there. On their own, they were nothing. Only by coming together did they form a credible enemy, and they managed that by Okyiq's will, not by their own.

Unfortunately, the horde before him remained pressed together like too many gray and rotten grapes cast into too small of a bucket. As he approached the first line of dark creatures, there was no clear passage and most of the goblins showed little willingness to allow room for the captain. Realizing he would have to force his way to the southern edge of town, he decided to use the obstacle to its greatest advantage, and he began to shove his way through the mob.

Every goblin he pushed was more than happy to strike back. While they didn't thrust the blade of their crude short swords into the annoying human—they knew they would be killed horribly for disobeying Okyiq's orders—they saw nothing wrong with jabbing the blunt handle into the enemy's ribs or back after he passed. Others tried to kick him or trip him up. Those that stood too far out of range to strike showered the despised captain with spit.

Sy felt as if he was making no progress, but it fit his plans. As long as they were jostling him, delaying him, his soldiers received more time to escape. He even paused on several occasions to strike back at an overzealous goblin and challenge the minor pest to a more serious exchange. Nothing came of it, but it lengthened his journey.

After a brutal and tiring crossing through the gauntlet of dark creatures, Sy broke into a clearing directly in front of the shattered southern gate. His spirit sank as he looked upon the fallen soldiers who had died in the initial assault. He was bruised and covered in goblin saliva, but the sight of such savagery kindled a rage that washed away his pain and discomfort. He scanned the long line of goblins surrounding him and quickly found the object of his fury.

Okyiq was already at the gate, waiting for the captain with a huge smirk on his large, round face. Obviously, the goblins had allowed clear passage for their massive leader, and the commander of the dark army appeared fresh and full of energy.

"Finally made it, did you?" Okyiq snickered.

"I would have been here faster if your goblins didn't get in the way."

"Stupid human thinks I'm just as stupid. Why did you take so long?"

Sy saw each question as an opportunity to waste more time, so he answered willingly.

"Look around. Was I suppose to fly here? Are you that dumb?"

"Me? Dumb? Don't think so.

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