Khada Raiko: Goblins of Iceland

Khada Raiko 4: Goblins of Iceland

Right now, you've already assumed that maybe the hunt to Nero Orantri is over. No, it's not.

In my stay in Norway, I learn a lot and by a lot I mean, everything. We are actually the same. Yeah, I know its kinda hard to explain why but I'll do my best. While I'm also telling you about another mission. But first, we'll talk about my training.

My training? Well, it didn't go that well. For weeks I've been suffering. Pretty demanding and also exhausting, we would leave at dawn and return sunset. To the forest, hunting trolls again. Those ugly beast and their unpleasant odor. We would climb up the tree and leave a mark; a rope to where we are and jump unto another. Yeah, it may sound impossible and unbelievable but it is true. A spear in my back and a knife in my hand.

I'll give you the full experience once I finished my book. Just kidding!

Alright, so onto the next mission. But before that, I'll give you a small description of the half-blood. 

Half-blood was first discovered in the midst of war. When someone intently created a bond in a mysterious creature called, Pharaoh's blood exchange. It is said, that the first one is a pure-blooded one. To where he could understand both worlds and bring peace in it. Although he failed and it resulted in a war. He decided to the part in the group of humans. Teaching them different varieties of ancient techniques and giving them the inscription of how to defeat the monsters. Then he created a bond with a human. He falls in love, I mean. And the rest is us. Half-blood.

Alright, I tried my best to give you a little background check, so onto the next mission. I decided that this is kind of a different confession since its more detailed than the past ones. So, feast your imagination. 

I was still in Norway, by the time I received a new mission but still connected to Nero Orantri. I was on training when I received the message. I was fixing the ropes that I just used to clinch in different trees then Marika throws me a scroll.

“It seems that there's a new location on where we can find Nero Orantri, ” Marika then sat down beside me; examining her dagger.

I examined the scroll “Are we finished here? I mean with my training, ” as I am slowly opening the scroll. “Do I really need to follow the tracks of Nero? How about we make a trap.” 

For a moment she stops at looking at her dagger; looks up to the trees and took a deep breath, “Because following him, is also unlocking the secrets within your origin.” and she stood up, stretch her arm and throw a stab in the wind, followed by a kick and a backflip before turning to my direction and pointed the dagger to me, “Don't tell me you're afraid to go alone?” 

I took a sharp look at the dagger who's now close to my eyes. “Do you think I'm afraid?” then I stood up and throw her a punch while deflecting the dagger. “I've got nothing to lose, so why hold back, right?” she dashes beside me while switching the dagger between her hands and aims at my chest, “Right, that's why I'm coming with you, ” I dodged it by taking a step backward and catch her arms with her dagger in it; pulled her close and grab her throat, “Do you think I need a partner?" Then I pushed her away which made her lost her balance. She stumbled and fell, I leap and drew the dagger in my back and directly in her throat, “Fair enough. Yes, you need me." She smiles. I took away the dagger, lending her a hand and pulled her out to where she rest; the ground. We laugh for a moment.

“Time to open the scroll, " she glances at me while handing out the scroll. 

Upon opening the scroll I immediately notice something. “A very cold place to where the secret lies, a creature of small, never meant to be discovered but now it has been unleashed. A stop by to where the mission really is, careful; old enemies may be sighted again. A Castle in Iceland is where the answer will be found.”

Before I burst out of laughter, “Take a look at this Marika," I handed Marika the scroll who is now packing the things that we bought up in our training.

“Wait...what?" Her expression seems to change, smiling nonetheless, before bursting into laughter. “What is this? A new way?" Still laughing, “I'm kinda liking it though.” she then handed me the scroll back, while putting the bag in her back and started walking, “Come on, read it while we walk.” she said.

The beauty of the woods has been a strong relief for my exhaustion, the music the winds make when the trees touch the leaves are quite relaxing, followed by a scent of the scattered flowers. Nostalgia filled conquered my emotions by just walking by in the offroad. A breath within the woods, a paused within a cruel world and a stop to all of the problems and situation that occurs.

“I've heard a lot that you have drastically improved in your stay. This new mission has been voted by the council of IW, the scroll will give you the information.” - IW President.

[Name: Gobler of Castle Ice

Occupation: A Business owner of the biggest pharmaceutical company in Iceland and also owns a silver mining.

Mission: Infiltrate his castle, kill Gobler and investigate

Reward: 3000 IW Token]

The IW received information that Gobler and Nero are going to establish a new organization. It must be stopped. Throughout the investigation, Gobler has already contacted different individuals and before it leads to war, we must eliminate Gobler. 

Gobler lives in a city where old communities still exist, dating back to the 17th century. Guards wearing an armor and Inns, not clubs still exist.

We began our journey, me and Marika. We arrive at dawn in Iceland. Then, we reported to HQ. After that, we plan our approach and prepared our equipments. However, were not sure of what enemies we're going to face. We have a clue and we dug out some books about Gobler but all we can find is just a particle of his origin. 

We started our journey, after a day and a half of traveling. We finally got to the city.

The city is massive and alive. Street vendors everywhere, horses and wagons charging through the crowds, shouting, laughing. The smell of horse menure (and worse) fills the air. Despite the stench, I smile when I saw the sign of Minotaur Inn. The painting of the Minotaur and the letters underneath are so worn, they can barely made out.

“A drink at last!”

“Don't get ahead of yourself, we're not here for the drinks. I'm gonna scout and you investigate.” Marika replied.

It's only afternoon, yet there are customers scattered about the large hall. The fire is unlit on the hearth, and the air is cool. The barkeep wipes a glass as he watches over a trio of men playing cards at the nearby table, their skin grimy and their hair unkempt. “Ah... Men from the silver mines”, I assumed.

A serving wench wearing a stained apron walks past the miners, balancing a tray with tall mugs of beer and what looks like hunks of cheese. One of the miners casually swipes at her rump but misses.

There are people at several other tables. An attractive pair of richly dressed young woman caught my attention. Maybe it's actually the large golden bracelets around the delicate arm of one that really catches my eye. The women lean into each other, chatting merrily. There's an unopened bottle of wine and a pair of empty wine glasses between them.

There's also a muscular soldier who sits at another table across from the woman with long black hair that matches her billowing cloak. The soldier doesn't wear any armor, only a tunic, but his sheathed sword is on the table. From the insignia on his cloak, I can tell he is one of the guards. The woman might be pretty, but her face is pinched, as though deep in her thought. I've been marching with men-at-arms over the last few months. Every woman is comely.

The soldier looks up to me, a smile lingering on his face. My stomach started to clench. I only act that I didn't notice him. I avert my eyes and a slight smile. I just wish I did not attract his attention. Though I'm not afraid, I'm just being cautious. After all, I'm an outsider to this city.

As I stride further to the inn, I consider my situation. I am here for a mission and some information would do.

I push my luck and walk to the table of the miners. “May I join you?”

One of the miners, a blonde man with gray in his beard, look up at me, “Of course, boy! And bring your mother so she can sit on my lap as you suckle her teat!” one of the three laughs, his filthy beard dropping crumbs onto the table. The third miner just stares at his cards, his eyes half-glazed, seemingly oblivious.

This game of cards may require an up-front investment. I could buy them a drink or I could just simply ask if I can join them.

A very strategic thought are rounding up my mind. But then, a drink is a good starter to get their attention. As I came to a conclusion, I've observed that they are drinking a beer. I could try and get them another round.

“Another round for these men”, I shouted to the barkeep.

The barkeep nods and taps the top of the bar with his finger. I stride over and slap a coin down. The barkeep smiles a gapped and broken smile. He has a large scar down on his throat.

“At least the little lamb has manners!” says the blonde miner, with a chuckle.

“Good,” slurs the glassy-eyed miner. “I had enough payin' for my own watered-down piss they call beer around here.”

“Respect for the elders. A rare thing,” says the blonde miner. “Have a seat. We're ready to deal again.”

I took a seat. These three are already pretty well drunk and a steady stream of beer will hopefully keep them this way. I may not even have to cheat, I think.

I took a sip of my beer slowly; nevertheless, I started to feel my thoughts begin to thicken and I "Accidentally" spill the remainder of my drink across the table. The glassy-eyed miner didn't notice but the other two curse at me as they pull their cards off the table.

“Young and clumsy,” says the blonde miner, whom now I know him by the name Adrian. He pointed at me overturned his mug, he slurs, “Respect, Respect every drop!”

Hmmm, these men aren't quite as drunk as I initially thought. Nevertheless, they are relaxed enough to make them easy to read. Adrian taps his fingers on the table when he has a decent card. Bent hums softly to himself when he has a good card. Chris, the glassy-eyed one and certainly the other one turns out to be the hardest to read. The expression made by Chris and the other one seems to be random. Maybe I was wrong, the two may be drunk and about to pass out.

Aside from the drinks, I ordered a bread and cheese for myself to soak up the alcohol and to keep my head clear. The barkeep and the serving wench seem pleased that someone is ordering food for a change. The barkeep keeps close to our table more often than the others, watching with his gapped teeth. Evidently, I'm the big spender in the room.

I'm doing well so far, but it occurs that I could probably take quite a bit more with the aid of some sleight of hand.

I have high cards that stay tucked in my sleeve. When I was in the army, well, I use it for tricks-something to while away time and entertain; however, only when the mark is easy...

I played straight when I'm confident that I will win a hand but the odds seem to closer to even, I deftly swap a low card for a high card. As fast as I can with my hands making the switch, it really comes down to the distraction. One time I pound the table at a joke. Another time, I make a show by feeding a hunk of cheese to the barkeep's dog named "Grey." Another time, I suggestively stroke the serving wench's arm as she is taking an order at our table. Well, my arm earns a sharp slaps from her and guffaws from the miners. But the trick is to put a sleeping powder into their drinks and I intended to stand up then, lost my balance for a moment making me bump with the serving wench. The eyes of the trio turn to the wench as she lost her balance too. There, that was my chance and now, I'm just waiting for them to pass out.

“Fools!”

It looks like, I didn't get any information but I guess you're getting to know me, eh? How I deal with strangers. Marika came back to the inn and said that she has the location of the castle. It's separated from the city and we'll be on our way but she also heard something. A goblin sightings.

Later that night...

We are walking along the paths in the forest. Night has just fallen.  

Suddenly, I smell something awful.

“Marika are you responsible for that outrageous smell? I ask Marika who's striding ahead of me.

“Of course, No!” she replied.

Until I realized I've never encountered this kind of stench before, And it is close... and, perhaps It's just my imagination, “but is that muffled breathing that I just heard?”

I grab Marika by her shoulder and gesture her to be quiet.

We stood motionless for a few long seconds before I hear it again, A low wheezing sort of breathing. Marika must have heard it, too, Because she raises a dagger.

Then, there it is, a series of snorts is followed by goblins with green-tinted skin charging out of hiding towards us.

I throw a Molotov into the leader of the charge, who drops to the ground thrashing in flames. Marika hacks down another with her dagger. The remaining three run away, whooping and yipping.

But then their cries are joined by others from the dark side of the forest, around us. There's too many to fight toe-to-toe.

“It was a haunting party tracking wild game.” I wager

“Human is a delicacy, much better than mutton,” Marika said.

“What now?" Marika ask.

“Certainly there are excellent places to hide in the forest. If we can just make it until morning...” she added.

“True the goblins may have dogs, and their own sense of smell is keen,” I replied.

“We might climb a tree, then. That would at least be defensible,” Marika suggested.

“You wish to be treed like a fox with goblins barking underneath?” I raised a question.

“If you wish a position That is both defensible And allows some Freedom of movement, we should hasten to the Castle. It may be near, and we could fortify ourselves, Behind those walls,” Marika said.

“It's a fortress, yes, but inhabited by what? Gobler and his god knows servants? Or worst, monsters.” I replied with a frown face.

“Think, we don't have a choice. Might as well take the chance,” Marika replied.

“Fine, let's go!”

Goblins hunting calls echo all around the forest as the two of us dash up the path a hundred meters or so, Where I found a fork in the road. The path to the right appears to be seldom and used since it's nearly overgrown. The path to the left is clear, But I see a firelight down that way. Could this fire belong to the goblins? Or is it a campfire of another strangers.

But by the number of echoes that the goblins make earlier. That firelight is a trap. 

After an hour of stumbling down that is best describe as a game trail, I saw a shadowy husk of the ruin in the moonlight ahead. Unfortunately, the battle cries of the goblins Are closer than ever. When I tried to look back over my shoulder, I saw glowing eyes. 

We boost our speed, and finally, the outer wall of the castle looms before us. It's about ten feet high and crumbling. But there are no holes on this side That are large enough to fit through. Meanwhile, Marika a fast runner than me has disappeared around the north corner of the wall.

A short whistle of an arrow past my head, and when I look back I saw at least four of the little beast.

I turned to follow Marika. I'm almost at the corner when an arrow stabs on my shoulder. And I don't see Marika, But there is a section of the partially-crumbled wall that I think I can climb swiftly. Another arrow whistles by before I was able to roll over the top of the battlement and onto the rotten wooden floorboards on the other side. In a few seconds, there are four goblins at the base of the wall, chattering angrily. One of them begins climbing up the rotten rock.

I found myself corner within the high ladder and the goblins beneath me. Upon reaching the top, I saw a large loose stones nearby, I push one onto the ladder and the first one misses, but he looks up and just in time to get a melon-sized rock right to the face, creating a watery, crunching sound. He falls back down onto the earth where he lies motionless.

The three look up, scream in rage and back off. I took a look around and saw a shadow of someone, rushing to my direction and it's carrying something, a bow. It's Marika.

“Marika!” I sigh in relief. She found another way.

Marika then leans over the wall, and, seemingly without even aiming, lets loose an arrow. One of the goblins falls to the ground, squirming with an arrow in its chest. The remaining two scatter back towards the forest. 

“Come on, I found a way in,” she pointed to the castle keep beyond the courtyard. 

The castle is three stories tall, at least it had been before the top layer collapsed. The second story is barely any better. 

We run across the courtyard and Marika open the large, wooden double doors, which shriek on rusty hinges.

Once we're inside, Marika slams and bars the doors. The entrance chamber is large with a high vaulted ceiling. The stone walls are crack and flaking. The ground is strewn with loose rubble. The air is stale. Aside from the double doors behind us, I can see that there are closed doors on the north, east and west walls. But near the north door, there is a stairway going up but it's blocked by rubble. 

Marika runs and opens the northern door and gasps. The light of my lantern streams into the doorway and revealed a huge, muscled monster stooping over. He holds a massive spiked club in one hand and a melon-sized rock on the other hand. It's an Ogre.

The Ogre smiles a jagged tooth grin, “I've been expecting you. I am your humble king, Gobler.”

Gobler then slams his clubs against Marika, gladly Marika is wearing an armor. Nevertheless, the force of Glober's swing is far stronger and it sends Marika careening into the wall. Then he turns and throws me the rock that he was holding, clipping into my shoulder, then it was followed by a laugh. 

He bends down to pick up another rock and, “Nero already left. Do you think you can stop us?” you're on the wrong side Raiko. Come with me, I'll show you what you really are. You know what? I want to eat you. But it is Nero's wish to keep his brother alive.”

I drew out a grenade from my pocket and a gun from my back, “You should have killed me when you have the chance and I don't play by the rules.” I throw the grenade at his face, followed by a series of shots aiming his legs. It exploded right in his head and chest. Leaving his body cut in half. 

We then explore the different doors. We saw a bunch of letters and plans. But, what bothers me is Gobler's word.

“Nero is my brother!”