Varnoth- the Black Blade 2

by Lavelle Jackson

  The gnome still held his pitchfork up in attack position and looked confused, “Does the orc speak?”

  “I speak when I want to speak little one. I don’t take too kindly to folks pointing weapons at me, especially if I haven’t done anything to cause it,” John said with a stern tone.

  The mob of gnomes was startled by the voice of the orc and what he said. They began mumbling to one another.

  Varnoth held his paws up, “Wait, wait, his name is John, and he will not hurt any of you. My name is Varnoth. I have come from Darthill, and I plan to arrive at Drangar to assist some friends of mine.”

  “Darthill? Be ready! They do mean to harm us! Attack!” exclaimed one of the gnomes with a sword.

  The circle of gnomes began to close in on the duo. John lifted his hammertar above his head and roared. The gnomes screamed and stopped dead in their tracks.

  “We have no intention of hurting you. Please stand down,” yelled Varnoth.

  “Bad people live at Darthill. They have stolen from us time and time again,” said the gnome in overalls.

  “You speak of Atlas and the Derelicts. I can promise you we are not a member of that gang. I can promise you that they are no more. Their leader, Atlas, is dead, and the rest of the gang is also dead. You have nothing to fear from them or us,” Varnoth said as his hands were raised above his head, “John, please put the hammertar down. You are scaring them.”

  John was hesitant, but he complied and threw the hammertar on the ground in front of him. The sound was a resounding thud. A gnome walked up toward the weapon and attempted to lift it. He was unable to do anything but budge it a bit. His face turned red from exertion.

  “Get the hell away from my hammertar, squirt!” John roared.

  The gnome quickly returned to the mob circle and shook with fear.“Alright, alright. My name is Hobnick. I am the head of our village here. I apologize for our aggression, but we can’t be too careful. Gnomes aren’t the most respected race, and we are taken advantage of due to our size. We especially pause when we hear the name Darthill or Atlas. The Derelicts have exploited this village for years.”

  “They have wreaked havoc on Albattara as a whole, and they have paid for their crimes with their lives. I have become Overseer of Darthill, and I have started a settlement there. You have no doubt witnessed the smoke coming from Gufaross. That town was set ablaze and burned to the ground. I have taken the people to start a new life at Darthill. I am headed to Drangar to bring refugees back to Darthill. Once we get on our feet, you are welcome to visit. We can participate in trade perhaps.” replied Varnoth.

  “Please, come into town. We offer you some of our best ale as a peace offering,” Hobnick said as he began walking back toward the village.

  “Ale? That is all you had to say, my little friend,” replied John as he walked happily behind the gnome.

  The gnomes around them finally lowered their weapons and headed back into the fields to continue the day’s work. The center of the village was home to the town well. There was also what appeared to be a stage. Hobnick entered the tavern and exited a couple of minutes later carrying large pilsners of amber ale. Foam covered the top and streamed down the sides of the pilsners. Varnoth and John licked their lips and reached for the pilsners. Both took a big gulp and belched.

  “Damn, gnomes this is some good ale,” said John.

  “Thank you, kind sir, ale is our biggest industry. Our surrounding farmland is full of barley and hops which we use in our brewery,” Varnoth looked around to see if he saw the brewery they spoke of.

  “We do our ale production under the village. Maybe one day we will take you to see it,” said Hobnick.

  “We would like very much to become a trade partner with your new Darthill settlement,” announced Hobnick.

  You have gained a new trade partner! Hobnick, head of the town of Colkirk, has agreed to enter trade with Darthill!

  You have received 500 experience points!

  “With the Derelicts now gone, are there any other hardships that face your town?” asked Varnoth.

  “We have wondered why they have not come around lately. Learning, you killed them all certainly solved that mystery. We do deal with goblin poachers more often than we would like. They like to steal our livestock and vegetables at night. They have a camp a mile or so into the forest. We are not warriors, and we are very small as you can see. We do what we can to fight them off. Sometimes we succeed, and other times we fall short. Can you help us in any way?”

  You have received a new quest!

  Will you assist the gnomes of Colkirk in solving their goblin poacher problem?

  Yes or No?

  Reward: Unknown

  Varnoth glanced at the forest, and then nodded.

  “John and I are looking a place to camp for the night before making the final push to Drangar. We will keep an eye out tonight for these poachers. My hope is we can scare them off. I would love to avoid bloodshed if possible. The gods know I have seen enough of it over the previous weeks preceding.”

  “That would be wonderful, Varnoth. May the gods bless you both! We usually have a couple of men stand watch. We will switch them out with you two. This will work, I think! We usually light some torches at night, and it deters them some of the time. We will not light them tonight, and I am sure that will draw them in,” replied Hobnick as he clapped his tiny hands.

  “You bring the ale. We bring the pain, small one,” said the orc.

  Varnoth couldn’t help but smile at the excitement on the villagers' faces. The gnomes were very happy that they were going to help them with the goblin poacher problem. Hobnick suggested a spot for them to camp that should conceal them from any approaching goblins. It was only possible due to the torches not being lit overnight. They sat down in the middle of a wheat field. From this spot, they had vision of the woods, livestock, and vegetable field.

  A couple of the female gnomes brought out freshly cooked steak and steaming hot potatoes for supper. Hobnick brought out entirely too much ale for the two adventurers, considering they were supposed to have their wits about them. After the night became in full effect, the stars and moon were gorgeous. The crickets and fireflies came alive, and their sounds filled the silence. Varnoth had been so focused on his quest for revenge on Atlas that he didn’t notice just how beautiful Albattara was. John Son of Ray was a very poor watchman. He fell in a deep sleep quickly after supper. He was a very loud snorer. Varnoth poked him off and on for hours to get him to stop his snoring, but it was for naught. He hoped the snoring wouldn’t keep the poachers away. The extinguished torches would be too appealing for the goblins he was sure. It was just a matter of time.

  Not long after midnight, Varnoth heard a rustle coming from the edge of the woods. He was unsure whether it would be the poachers or just some normal game. Varnoth heard some mumbling along with the rustle. This was the poachers. The shadow panther picked up a steak bone and tossed it at John. The orc woke up and gasped. Varnoth held his paw up to the orc’s mouth and made a “shhh” sound. John finally gained his bearings and nodded that it was ok to remove the paw. Varnoth had a tough time remembering that John didn’t have the passive Night Vision ability as he did. While Varnoth could see the goblins sneak out of the woods perfectly, John couldn’t see them at all. Varnoth counted two goblins stepping out of the forest and walking toward the pasture. The larger goblin had a rope. They were going to poach one of the cows.

  “John, I am going to flank them. I will use Stealth Shade, so don’t be alarmed if you see me disappear. You need to go into the woods and head over to stop one if they head back to their camp. I would like to take care of this without killing them both. I don’t want to start a small war between the gnomes and the goblins.”

  “Gotcha, cat man,” replied John.

  Varnoth watched John as he did his best to go silently into the forest. The forest here was not too dense, so John should be able to move quietly enough. The goblins were mumbling back and forth to one
another, but Varnoth was unable to decipher what they were saying to one another. The shadow panther could tell that the lack of torches comforted the poachers quite a bit. They were not looking around at all. They were focused on getting that cow. As Varnoth grew closer, he activated Stealth Shade.

  “Hey, we are eating good tomorrow. This cow is nice and juicy. Mmmm mmm,” said the smaller goblin.

  “Come on and attach the damned rope, and let’s get the hell out of here,” replied the chubby goblin.

  “No one is watching, we get us a sheep too. chieftain will be very happy then!” said the smaller goblin.

  “You’re right. Here is another rope, go get that sheep right over there.”

  Varnoth smiled. This would make things a bit easier, and there wouldn’t be an issue with one of them escaping. He decided to strike against the smaller goblin coming over to get the sheep.

  Varnoth lunged and grabbed the goblin by the throat and twisted. The neck of the small goblin snapped, and his body went limp. Varnoth released, and the goblin plopped to the ground,

  You have killed Goblin Thief Level 10!

  You have received 200 experience points!

  You have received 30 gold!

  "Hey, what is taking you so long, Oookie? Oookie? Answer me, damn you!” yelled the chubby goblin.

  The goblin turned to walk over to where the sheep was. Varnoth motioned for John to follow him. The chubby goblin walked slowly toward the sheep. Varnoth could tell that the goblin knew something was wrong. The goblin saw his friend lying on the ground and screamed. Varnoth had expected him to come closer to see if he could help his friend. However, that wasn’t the case at all. The goblin turned and hauled ass toward the woods. Little did he know there would be a huge orc blocking his path.

  “Gods no! No!” the goblin screamed as he fell onto his behind and began scrambling backward.

  “Boo, little thief,” John said.

  The goblin scrambled on his back blindly. He always kept his big yellow eyes on the approaching orc. Within seconds, the goblin backed into Varnoth’s legs. The goblin looked up and screeched in horror.

  “No, please, I am sorry. We no poach anymore! Don’t kill me like you killed Oookie!”

  “If you don’t want to die, you drag this little booger back to your chieftain, and tell him that there will be no more poaching of the gnomes’ farm. If we find out you are continuing to steal from our friends, we will go to your camp and kill all of you. I don’t think you want that, Do you?” replied Varnoth.

  The petrified goblin shook his head violently. He cautiously picked up the small goblin and threw him on his back and made his way back to the woods.

  “Well, that was easy enough. Do you think they will stop with the poaching?” asked John.

  “I certainly hope so for their sake,” replied Varnoth.

  The two adventurers laid down in the wheat and slept the rest of the night. They were awoken by Hobnick the next morning. Hobnick had brought bacon and eggs out for breakfast. As they all ate, Varnoth filled Hobnick in on the previous night's events.

  “Excellent! We can’t thank you enough!” exclaimed Hobnick.

  You have completed a quest!

  Your party has sent a clear and violent message to the goblin camp. Hopefully, they will heed the warning to stay away. Otherwise, you will kill them all.

  You have received 750 experience points!

  You have received 100 Gold!

  You have reached Level 15!

  You have 10 attribute points available for distribution!

  May the Gods shine upon you on your adventure!

  Varnoth

  Level 15

  Shadow Panther

  Black Blade Legendary Class

  Attributes:

  Strength – 90

  Dexterity – 98

  Intelligence – 49 + 5 = 54

  Vitality – 98 + 5 = 103

  CHAPTER 12

  “All hail the Goblin Slayers!” yelled Hobnick while raising a small shiny scepter.

  “Hail to the mighty Goblin Slayers!” chanted the surrounding crowd of gnomes.

  “Please, there is no need for all of that my friends. We helped to stop a poacher problem, that’s it,” Varnoth said with both paws up.

  “Don’t be silly. You two fellows have saved our way of life! We will no longer fall victim to those stinky goblins! Hail the Goblin Slayers!” exclaimed Hobnick.

  “Hail to the mighty Goblin Slayers!” chanted the gnomes as they moved in even closer to Varnoth and John.

  Varnoth looked over at John. The orc giggled and shrugged, “If they want to make a big fuss, just let them do it. Whatever makes the little people happy.”

  “Must you leave our village so soon? We must have a feast and dance in your honor!” Hobnick exclaimed, and the crowd exploded in applause.

  “No, no, no thank you, friends, we have important business in Drangar that we must tend to immediately. Your generosity is too much. You have done more than enough. The food you prepared for us while we were here was the best we have had in a very long time,” replied Varnoth.

  “Alright Goblin Slayers, at the very least we insist that you allow the priest, Dormatos, the honor of blessing you,” requested Hobnick.

  A white-robed gnome made his way through the crowd. He was older than everyone else Varnoth had seen thus far. The priest had a staff and held a large book under his arm. Varnoth was surprised the little man didn’t have a long beard. There was a beard, but it was no more than two inches in length. Dormatos wore thick glasses that slid down to the tip of his large nose. Everyone in the village was silent as the priest spoke to the two adventurers.

  “The gods have sent you to us, and we praise them for it. You have extinguished a great evil that has caused us much strife. Please, everyone, bow your heads and open your hearts,” said the priest. He paused for a moment to give everyone time to prepare themselves for the prayer.

  Varnoth and John bowed their heads awkwardly. John Son of Ray squinted his left eye to look around to see if everyone was closing their eyes. Varnoth elbowed him gently in the side, and John closed both eyes.

  “Dear gods above, who watch over us and bless our days. We pray that you shine your bright light upon these two adventurers as they leave our village. They have done your work, and we are better for it.”

  Varnoth felt the staff touch the top of his head gently.

  “Bless Varnoth, the Goblin Slayer! Keep him safe and strong!”

  You have received +2 attribute points to Vitality!

  Vitality – 103 + 2 = 105

  The gnome priest moved in front of John and said, “Bless this beautiful orc, keep his muscles strong to smite his enemies! Amen.”

  The crowd cheered.

  Varnoth and John thanked the priest for his kind blessing, and they began to walk toward the northeastern gate in the village. The crowd continued to follow them and sing their praises!

  “So long adventurers! Please return soon!” yelled Hobnick as the adventurers left the village.

  After the two reached fifty yards down the road, they both let out a deep sigh of relief.

  “My god, Cat, bless those little people, but I am damned glad to be out of there. I am not comfortable with so much attention. I did get two strength attribute points from that little preacher fellow. That was quite unexpected,” said the orc. “Hopefully the goblins heed our warning and stay away. Otherwise, the gnomes may be cursing us the next time we move through town.”

  The adventurers finally made it to the Flat Fields. The countryside was covered with blooming flowers. Butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds darted across the meadow. The smells were quite pleasant, but the pollen in the air made the shadow panther sneeze periodically.

  “Bless you Varnie, you coming down with something?” asked the orc with a grin.

  As they continued toward Drangar, John began to softly play his hammertar as they approached the city walls. It continued to amaze Varnoth, that such a huge
steel weapon could smash heads and play beautiful music. A butterfly landed on the tip of the fretboard as if it wanted to listen to the melodies as well.

  A half-day after leaving the gnome village they entered the gates of Drangar. The streets were alive with activity. Varnoth and John garnered a few glares from the townsfolk, but they were unnoticed for the most part. It had to be a rare sight. A shadow panther and an orc walking side by side, it couldn't be something very common in Albattara. Varnoth decided to head toward the Nightingale saloon to ask for help finding the refugees. As the adventurers reached the middle of town, they heard a commotion from behind.

  “Halt shadow panther, do not move!”

  Varnoth and John turned in surprise to see eight city guards following them.

  “Throw down your weapons at once!” demanded a guard.

  “No, I don’t think we are going to do that. Can I ask what the hell is going on?” asked Varnoth.

  A middle-aged man in a fine tunic with a brilliant sword attached to his leather belt walked through the guards and stood in front of Varnoth.

  “As garrison of this region of Albattara, I am well within my jurisdiction to demand your weapons,” said the man.

  “I assume you are Bryce Langston. Am I right?” asked Varnoth.

  Startled that the shadow panther knew who he was. The garrison said, “That’s me. Are you going to drop your weapons, or are we going to have to make you drop them?”

  “Am I under arrest?” asked Varnoth.

  “Damn straight you are,” replied Bryce.

  “What is the charge?”

  “Well, it's my understanding that you have taken it upon yourself to carry out the law on your own. An old fashion good for nothing vigilante is what you are,” said Bryce.

  Varnoth noticed that there were dozens upon dozens of townspeople staring at the commotion going on in the town square.

  “If you mean, someone who tries to do what other people like yourself are too chicken shit to do, then yes, I guess I am a vigilante.”