The Homecoming (Stonecrusher Legacy Book 3) by David K. MacDowell

Author:David K. MacDowell [MacDowell, David K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: LMBPN Publishing
Published: 2023-10-09T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Waldorf

Hrothgar said it would take us a few hours to get to the checkpoint cavern, but after we ran into several goblin raid parties, our travel time expanded to five hours.

Tempress is right. It feels much better to be the hunter rather than the hunted. The first group of goblins is small, and we dispatch them quickly. The second group is more extensive and has another troglodyte. We rid the world of their evil, chase a few strays into their tunnel, and fight them on their side of the granite.

The third group is large and involves several troglodytes and many goblins. We push them back while our caravan rolls onward and fully enters their realm. Cutrara and Themdaemora fire many spells after them as they run for their lives, while Mallick siphons with reckless abandon.

After the third skirmish, our spirits are at an all-time high. Hrothgar and the warriors sing a dwarven victory song, and the clan ladies join in. I only know a few lines, but we sing until we reach the checkpoint cavern.

Our wagons have no difficulty maneuvering inside the oversized space, and Hrothgar quickly has the horses and wagons settled along the far wall.

Elves and dwarves cast light spells to ensure every nook and cranny gets inspected for hidden goblins or tunnel openings.

Hrothgar guides people to where they should deposit their gear. “This was originally planned as a checkpoint along the route from Stonecrusher. It’s large enough to house up to two hundred dwarven soldiers. There are also fail-safe devices to create a blockade.”

Mal bounces excitedly after our battle in Forgefire Passage. He’s full of post-fighting energy and punches the air. “What a butt-whooping! After the thrashing we gave those goblins, we won’t need to worry about a counterattack for a while.”

“You did well, young Berylshield,” Nicodaemus praises. “Again, I caution you on summoning your gaverek until you’ve mastered its feeding on your vitality.”

“Sure, but I bet it looked amazing, the way I swooped over and drained them, then kept flying. I was surprised I didn’t affect the troglodytes, though. I got no vitality from them, and they never moved, even when I went above them and yelled ‘Boo.’ The goblins scurried like rats from a bag of cats, which was fantastic, but the troglodytes didn’t even blink.” Mallick’s animated storytelling improves each time he talks about it.

“Mal, my brother, you were great today. Word of advice—when you yell ‘Boo’ next time, make sure your allies aren’t within hearing range.”

Mallick nods, then turns to Inchel and Yassine. “Yeah, that was my error, lads. I’m sorry about that. I got a little excited. I’m glad you made it out all right.”

Yassine and Inchel lean against the wall, still shaken but smiling. “It’s okay, Mallick,” Yassine reassures him. “We’ll work out a plan for the next battle.” He smiles and waves.

Mal’s still bouncing with energy. “Brother, I’ve gotta say, I love that we’re not running from battles. What possessed you to change tactics?”

“A valid question.” I stand in my stirrups on Maggie and survey our people.

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