Iron Age Demons

by Eden Redd

  “The panu might not be able to help us in this regard either. If they are like Milly, they will be great farmers and craftsmen, but not warriors,” Will said as he rubbed his jaw.

  “You can make anyone into a soldier if you work them hard enough,” Morgan added with a chilly edge.

  Will turned his attention to the often-quiet shifter. Morgan usually held himself in reserve, but cracks had started to show over the last week. Where once he went with the flow, he seemed to change, allowing his harder self to show. Will wasn’t sure if it was because he had become comfortable around them or if his darker side, which he had mentioned some time ago, was beginning to show itself.

  Morgan continued, “I will need about ten panu and ten kobolds. I can train them how to use their weapons better and teach them skills they can use in battle.”

  Will shook his head, “You can ask for volunteers from the kobolds, but I’m not ready to ask the panu to become soldiers.”

  Morgan turned his black eyes to Will, his expression blank. “I don’t think that’s wise. We have to prepare for the worst.”

  Will’s brow formed a sharp V. “I’ll take it under advisement, but for now, ask the kobolds.”

  Morgan stared before lowering his gaze and tilting his head forward. “I’ll ask the kobolds. I will also construct a home in the village and I will stay there to oversee growing our security and help fight if any monsters come to us.”

  Will’s expression softened. He saw that Morgan was trying to find a diplomatic solution to a very real problem. The thought of turning Milly’s people into soldiers didn’t sit well with him, but Morgan had a point about security. The sentimental feelings would not help if a hydra attacked.

  Morgan turned and took a step toward the main gate when Will spoke up.

  “I understand what we need and what you’re telling me. I’m just not ready to go that far, just yet.”

  Morgan continued to look toward the gate as he spoke, “I’m not heartless, just trying to be practical. I don’t want to march anyone off to battle, especially if I can fight for them. When you woke me from my tomb, I was grateful. When we fought side by side, you proved to be honorable. When we decided to build a place for lost souls, you won my loyalty.

  “We are living in a dangerous time. Strong monsters could destroy our little home at any moment. I want all of us to succeed. I want you to succeed. I will respect your wishes and I will help guard the village.”

  Will nodded. “Thank you, Morgan.”

  Morgan turned his head slightly, a small smirk stabbing into his cheek before he began walking toward the main gate.

  Will smiled slightly before turning his gaze back to the giant hydra footprint, a dread creeping along his soul.

  ***

  Belle oozed a little closer as Milly addressed the newcomers. Insects flew in dizzying circles along the giant garden. The red slime girl watched with curious eyes as the panu listened intently.

  “This is the largest garden we have, but over the next week, we will make it bigger to ensure everyone is well fed. Many of you will be assigned to farming. A few of you will be assigned to livestock and taking care of our new horses. If you don’t like the job you have, we can see about assigning you a different one,” Milly smiled.

  Many heads nodded while fingers curled in anticipation, ready to work. Belle oozed closer, a panu turning and looking to her. The slime smiled, as did the horned man. When he motioned her to move closer, Belle made her way until she was by his side. They watched as Milly stepped closer to address the crowd.

  “The day is still young, but our priority is to build more homes. The kobolds have stopped working in the mines today so they can help. Once we are finished, we will have a large feast at sunset to welcome everyone here.”

  A panu raised a hand, “What shall we call our new village?”

  Milly parted her lips to speak before she closed them again. The castle had a name, but no one discussed what the town would be called. The crowd waited patiently as Milly tried to find a word that would best fit their new home.

  “Thorn Spire,” Will said as he approached from behind the crowd.

  Heads turned and bodies shifted to the sides. Stars shined in Milly’s eyes as Will stepped through the parted crowd, hammer sheathed across his back and a warm smile on his lips.

  The lord stepped to Milly’s side and looked to the crowd, “We will call it Thorn Spire. It’s only a small village right now, but I hope we can grow it into a magnificent city one day.”

  The crowd shook their heads and clapped. Belle tried to clap, her transparent hands making a wet, slopping sound instead.

  “I know we just started this journey together. I hope we can be a tight-knit community as we grow. But Milly is right, we should get started on your homes.”

  The panu turned and walked toward the small village, kobolds already working. Small scaled bodies carried large blocks of stone and wood. The week of mining had produced a lot of materials and making homes would not be too difficult. It didn’t take long before the panu moved in with the kobolds, helping them carry stones.

  Freek and Folly grunted as they worked together to move a single block. The kobolds struggled, unable to speak until a panu came over to help. Folly smiled while Freek scowled.

  “We can do it!” Freek hissed.

  “They just want to help,” Folly told his friend.

  “I’m the strongest kobold in the village! I don’t need help.”

  The panu eyed them both but continued to help them.

  Folly looked up to the panu and smiled. “He says thank you.”

  “Argh…thank you,” Freek grunted reluctantly.

  Watching the crowd, Milly pressed her body to Will’s as she looked up with adoring eyes.

  “I’m so happy.”

  Will put an arm around her shoulder, “Me too.”

  Kobolds and panu moved blocks to the designated areas. Several kobolds used sticks to draw in the dirt where a home would be built. Once they finished and moved to a plot of land next to the drawn outline, kobolds and panu moved blocks into place and began building.

  Will watched for a long moment, eyeing the activity. The town was simple with a dirt road in a cross shape. To the east and west, Thorn Spire citizens began adding homes. At the end of the western road, the shrine to Draygon stood. Turning his gaze to the eastern wall, a shrine to Yir stood. To the south, Castle Thorn stood and at the northern wall, a gate stood that led into the primeval forest beyond.

  “If we keep growing, we’re going to have to expand the walls a little further out,” Will said quietly to Milly.

  Milly snuggled close. “I can have the panu chop down some of the forest during the day to make room. It will give the kobolds a chance to mine more stone for a wider wall.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Will said before he noticed Morgan moving square stones into place in the middle of several new homes being constructed.

  “I have to help a friend,” Will said as he removed his arm from Milly and began walking toward the new homes.

  Belle oozed closer, reaching out and taking Milly’s hand. The panu looked down for a moment before smiling and gazing on Will.

  “We are going to have a great home,” Milly said as her heart sighed in simple happiness.

  Morgan grunted as he lifted up a stone and slid it into place. A shadow appeared at his side and he looked up to see Will’s bright smile.

  “Mind if I help?”

  Morgan grinned and nodded. The two men, a panu and several kobolds hefted up stones and pushed them into place. The work was fast, everyone taking their share and helping those around them. An hour passed, followed by another. The homes took shape, stone structures with wooden roofs.

  In the Soul Home, Milly showed two panu how to make glass. Working the stone ovens, they placed sand inside and closed it. In ten minutes, new panes of glass had formed and were removed. New sand was added while panu moved the glass panes to new homes. Kobolds worked with c
rafting benches, making wooden doors while two more panu worked on making beds. The materials had all been previously gathered which made the work move faster. Beds appeared on the benches and moved into newly constructed homes. It all turned into a well-oiled machine, everyone doing their part.

  Stella approached from the castle road and eyed the commotion. When she saw what everyone was doing, she quickly joined, adding her considerable strength to moving heavy stone and wood. Will slid a stone block into place and turned his attention to the witch as she lifted blocks with minimal effort. The two locked gazes for barely a second before they went back to their work.

  “She wants your forgiveness,” Morgan said as he wiped his brow.

  Will hefted a stone and placed it on top of a stack. “I know. I’m trying to let it go, but something keeps needling at me how she was when we met Cyndi. She tried to convince me to allow her into our group and when Cyndi turned on us, she didn’t join the fight right away.”

  “She might have miscalculated. She has said she doesn’t like to hurt the living.”

  Will stopped himself from picking up another stone block. “I’m not sure what to think. You and Val were in tombs, waiting to be awakened. We came upon Stella lying on the ground, covered with leaves. I know Jova is a strange place, but Draygon says we are in some sort of cosmic war. What if Stella is working for an enemy god?”

  Morgan remained silent.

  Will shook his head. “I can’t let paranoia get the better of me. I feel there is something more with Stella, but I can’t put my finger on it. Maybe, with enough time, her true colors will show.”

  The player turned and eyed the witch as she hefted a stone block into place, several kobolds cheering her on.

  “Maybe I do need to bury the hatchet. We are all in this together,” Will said softly.

  Morgan smiled. “Glad I could help.”

  Will turned to the black-eyed man and raised an eyebrow. Morgan grinned his razor-sharp teeth before picking up another block of stone and sliding it into place.

  The sun sank lower in the sky as the day spiraled on. Each hour led to completed homes. Will and Morgan finished building Morgan’s home and began working with others. Glass snapped into place to form windows. Beds were placed in two and three-bedroom stone homes. Rugs were laid down and doors fixed to entryways. When the sun hovered over the western horizon, tired spirits looked on their work, hearts swelling with pride.

  The simple village had become a small town. Will watched as many broke off to help set up the dining area. Plates of food were being prepared and hungry mouths licked at lips. New tables were added to accommodate the influx of new citizens. The mood grew with happy embraces after a long day’s work.

  Will wanted to join them when he remembered Sil and Nova would wake from their caskets soon. Not wanting to ruin the moment, he quickly slipped away as Milly and Morgan directed everyone to sit down. Stella picked up plates of food and sauntered out to the tables, placing them down with gentle grace.

  The walk back to the castle was pleasant. The sun sank lower to the west, painting the sky in hues of reds, pinks, and yellows. For some reason, Will stared at the horizon, thinking it was the most magical evening he ever remembered. Purpose and warmth filled every pore of his body. He now had townspeople, citizens for Thorn Spire. With time, it would grow and become more, a beacon for many to come and find a home. The good feeling was so overwhelming, the player found he was smiling to himself as he approached Castle Thorn.

  The sun had halfway set as Will climbed the steps to the main entrance. About ten minutes later, he walked into his workshop, opened the back door and stepped into his Soul Chamber. Two Soul Caskets lay, small glowing timers hovering above them. There was less than eight minutes left, about the same time when the sun would fully set behind the horizon.

  Will pulled a chair from the side and slid it until it was right in front of the two caskets. Sitting down, he leaned forward, knees on elbows. The town would be celebrating tonight, but Will knew he had to be here when Sil and Nova woke up. Walking into the celebration with them would only add to it and he waited patiently, fingers entwined and eyes wide.

  ***

  Laughter bloomed as wine was poured. Panu smiled and laughed as Folly jumped from table to table. Kobolds cheered on their fellow kobold as he nearly slipped on a plate of vegetables. Stella reached up and caught the kobold. Standing up, she held the small lizard creature like a newborn. Freek laughed loudest while Milly clapped and Morgan raised his cup. Belle oozed around the tables, hands absorbing scraps and trash before it all digested in her body.

  The sun had nearly set and a cool sea breeze washed across the area. Two kobolds began to light some fires in copper braziers, warmth licking at gathered bodies. The jovial mood sang on, some of the kobolds embracing in kisses, as were some of the panu. The mood shifted with full bellies and wine. Morgan watched with intense eyes while Milly smiled brightly. Stella put Folly down and the kobold tried to jump back on the tables when moans rose up from beyond the town walls.

  Several Panu turned their attention to the walls, fear touching their eyes.

  Milly stood up and many turned to her. “We are safe here in Thorn Spire. The ghouls that hunted all of us can’t get in here. Some of our kobold friends will defend us as we sleep, but our home is strong.”

  From beyond the town walls, a snap of a tree stabbed at ears like a sharp knife.

  Many kobolds and panu stood up, as did Morgan and Stella. Milly’s eyes widened as tendrils of fear touched all those gathered. Another large snap crackled from beyond the wall and several large trees shuddered. Moans grew louder as the last bit of sun shined from the horizon, stars appearing across the sky.

  Morgan drew his iron sword, “Milly, take everyone to the castle, now.”

  Freek, Folly, and several kobolds rushed to Morgan’s side.

  “We will fight!” Freek shouted as another snap filled the air.

  “Get your spears,” Morgan said in a low tone, his gaze searching over the top of the wall.

  The kobolds rushed off while Stella stood by Morgan’s side.

  “It sounds big,” the witch said with a blank expression.

  Milly waved to the panu and kobolds to follow her. The large group moved silently, glancing to the wall and trees on the other side. Tension bloomed as many did a slow run behind Milly as she led them to the castle.

  Morgan turned his head to Milly and her group, black eyes nothing more than thin slits. “Get Will and Val down here…” the black-eyed man managed before roars filled the area.

  A large tree shuddered before it tipped. Morgan and Stella backed up just as several kobolds joined them. Spears up, they all watched as the tipping tree groaned and fell, the top crashing into the stone wall. Stone cracked and exploded inwards, sending debris tumbling along the ground. Roars filled the sky as something big moved among the trees. Another big tree snapped and tilted. A breath later, it smashed down on a different section of the wall with a thunderous boom!

  Morgan readied his sword as trees shuddered to the big monster in the forest, “It’s trying to break our defenses.”

  Stella watched, fingers curling into fists. “Why is it just breaking the wall? It could…” Stella trailed off as pale bodies emerged from the primeval forest.

  Moans and hisses rose up like a demonic chorus. Pale, gaunt bodies saw the fresh meat beyond a broken wall. Legs began to move, picking up the pace as they rushed out of the dark forest and towards the opening. At first it was just a few, but soon, dozens moaned and hissed as they charged.

  Morgan kept his cool gaze, “Stella, the ghouls are not living creatures.”

  Blue flames burst from the witch’s hands as she took a fighting stance next to Morgan. “I know. If it gets bad, run to the castle and I will hold them off.”

  Morgan shook his head. “I’m not leaving your side.”

  “Neither are we!” Freek shouted, spear at the ready.

  Ghouls rushed through
the openings, eyes wild and teeth bared. Clawed hands reached out, ready to rend flesh and muscle from bone. Moans turned to howls as ghouls barreled down on the small group on the main road.

  “For Thorn Spire!” Morgan shouted and charged.

  ***

  Will eyed the timers above the caskets, seeing just over two minutes left until Sil and Nova rise. Taking a deep breath, he readied himself to greet them with open arms when a faint roar touched his ears. Senses sharpened and he stood up. Waiting for a moment, roars touched his senses again, dread curling around his heart.

  The player turned and charged out of the Soul Room, through the Workshop, through his bedchamber and burst into the hallway. A side door opened, Val stepping out with wide eyes, hood down and cloak covering her shoulders.

  “It’s a hydra!” she shouted as she joined Will.

  The pair charged through the doors and made their way to the stairs. Will’s brow was hard as his heart beat rapidly in his chest like a drum. Thoughts shifted to images of everyone gathered at the celebration, imagining the worst as he and Val emerged from the stairwell and into the main castle corridor. Legs moving in a blur, Will took point as Val struggled to stay close.

  “I’ll keep it busy. Save anyone you can,” Will shouted over his shoulder.

  “Will!” Val said as the player burst forward.

  Will called up his stats as he noticed flashes of blue fire in the distance.

  William Asher

  Hearts: 10

  Armor: 6

  Primary Weapon: Iron Hammer: Gem slot Ruby: Fire Damage

  Secondary Weapon: Iron Sword

  Tunic: Stone Protection

  Leggings: Swiftness

  Boots: Leaping

  Strength: 13 (Apprentice)

  Intelligence: 13 (Apprentice)

  Agility: 13 (Apprentice)