Hive Knight: A Dark Fantasy LitRPG (Trinity of the Hive Book 1)

by Grayson Sinclair

  The sight of the spiders had done its job, and the children were in excellent spirits as they played with Eris. She kept talking to them in their strange language, and I left them to it.

  I stood up from the ground and went to check on the progress of the rest of the freed slaves. In the few minutes I'd left them to their own devices, they hadn't wasted a single second. Most of them were garbed in much nicer clothes than the soiled rags they'd been wearing. Nothing too fancy, but sturdy clothing meant for traveling.

  Most of the elves and rabbitmen wore makeshift shawls to hide their unique traits. As long as anyone didn't get too close, people wouldn't be able to tell them apart from humans.

  The dwarves were a little more difficult to disguise, but they'd belted short swords and daggers to themselves in an attempt to dissuade anyone from attempting to recapture them. Each and every one of the once slaves had small packs filled with all manner of pilfered goods, and the chest of gold on the floor was now empty.

  They were as ready as they could be. It wouldn't be easy to get them out of Central and the East Kingdoms, but with the gold we had, I didn't think there wasn't anyone we couldn't bribe to secure safe passage.

  "Everyone ready?"

  A slew of affirmations rang through the storehouse. Right, time to burn down this bitch!

  I picked up two of the jury-rigged torches and lit them with one of the sconces that hung along the walls. Both pieces of timber wood went up quickly, even without an accelerant. The flames crackled and devoured the rag covered wood hungrily. Before they could eat through the cloth and singe my fingers, I tossed them in opposite sides of the warehouse.

  One landed in a pile of splintered crates and quickly scattered to the fresh tinder. The second torch hit the far wall and tumbled to the ground, at first, I thought it wouldn't catch, but the flames licked the jagged planks at the base of the wall with determination. Soon enough, it caught, and fire crawled up the walls. Dense clouds of smoke started filling the building, so we beat a hasty retreat through the bay doors and out into the loading area.

  Thankfully it seemed the workers had finished their jobs, and the place was deserted. I motioned for everyone to follow and took off at a quick pace and kept us along the brick fence. My head was on a swivel to make sure no one spotted us.

  A few hundred feet later, we arrived at a heavy gate, manned by a single guard stationed in a rough wooden shack next to a lever to swing the gate open and closed. He was facing the opposite direction as us. The entrance looked to open into one of the many backroads that would lead us back to the main gate to the East Kingdom.

  I put my finger to my lips and made it a point to make sure they knew to be quiet. Fearing recapture, none of the freed slaves made so much as a peep. One of the braver rabbit-men, a wiry, middle-aged man with light brown hair and what once was a neatly trimmed beard, now matted and dirty. His blue eyes were sharp as he crept up to me.

  "Can I take him out?"

  I passed him my hunting knife. "Knock yourself out."

  The rabbit-man crept along the wall far faster and with more stealth than I'd have managed. He reached the guard in under three seconds and, without hesitation, slit the guard's throat and dropped his body out of sight. A few seconds later, the gate swung open, and the rabbit-man poked his head out to wave us through. Damn, he's got some skill.

  "All right, through the gate, quickly," I whispered urgently.

  In a flash, all twenty of the freed slaves were through the gate. Eris took charge and made sure to lead them through quickly, though she'd taken the hands of the spiderlings, prioritizing their safety. I rejoined the group, and as I shut the gate behind me, the rabbit-man warrior approached me, handing me back the knife. Not even a speck of blood on it.

  I held up my hand. "Hold onto it for me," I told the man.

  "Thank you, Lord!" he said, his bunny ears shook in excitement.

  "None of that now. Name’s Duran, what’s yours?"

  "Lyahgos, sir."

  I put my hand on the rabbit-man's shoulder. "Okay, Lyahgos, I have an important job for you. The trip out of here is going to be long, and I can't keep an eye on everyone at once. I want you to come to me if you hear anything out of the ordinary."

  He nodded vigorously. "What about if we get attacked?"

  "Kill any enemy that tries to harm us, don't wait for my approval."

  "Right, sir!"

  We both rejoined the main group. Who, in our absence, had nominated Eris as the temporary leader, as they deferred to her and followed close behind her. The backroads were quiet, with only a few wagons making their way through the dead streets. We received a few funny looks but nothing that would cause alarm. It was merely strange to see a group this large.

  As we got closer to the front gate, I had all the former slaves put their hoods up and stick close. There was a reduced guard presence today, but there were still hundreds of people trying to use the gates at once. I was thankful for only one team of guards.

  Guess they caught that criminal from the other day, or they gave up. I doubt we could get all the freed slaves through without incident if they were still checking everyone. We meandered over to the rapidly growing line of people and tried to act as inconspicuous as possible. With her holding the kids, I couldn't keep Eris close to me, but my eyes never left her for a second.

  With a nod to Lyahgos, he took my spot by Eris as I approached the guard. A lazily dressed man with a thick, bored face, and unkempt dark hair. Food stains littered his tunic, and he waved people through with barely a glance, though, of course, he perked up as we got close.

  "Reason for entering the East Kingdom?" the guard asked, stifling a yawn.

  "Heading home after business," I replied.

  He glanced at the crowd of men and women with me. He could see that a few of them were dwarves and elves. He gave me a once-over, and I was relegated to playing the part of a scum-sucking slave trader, I put a sneer across my face and tried to look like Darren as much as possible. Least the scumbag’s good for something, even in death.

  He gave me a knowing nod and a poorly disguised look of disgust at the freed slaves. He waved us through, and I slipped him a few gold as I passed. Nothing much, but maybe enough to keep his mouth from flying off the handle about the rich slaver who had over a dozen slaves in tow. It wouldn't matter once we were gone, but the fewer people who knew about us, the better.

  We still had half a day before we reached the gate to leave the Compass Kingdom. A lot could happen between here and there if we weren't careful.

  We made our way slowly through the darkened tunnel. It was much more claustrophobic with this many people shoving against one another. There was plenty of room to spread out, but it seemed the freed slaves preferred to keep close to another. Half a minute of stifled walking, and the gate opened, bringing in much needed fresh air.

  Once we were through, the slaves thankfully stopped crowding around each other so much and walked in smaller groups of three or four. All right, no way we can stay in this large group and make it out of the Compass Kingdom unnoticed. It's best if we split into smaller groups and head our separate ways.

  With a whistle, I got everyone's attention and brought them to a small alley between a small shop and the guard barracks. It was off the main road with just enough room for all of us.

  "All right, we're clear from the worst danger, and with the money in everyone's possessions, you shouldn't have any trouble getting out of the East Kingdom. Just toss gold at anyone who bothers you, and keep your guard up."

  Some of the freed slaves looked a little disheartened that I wasn't going to escort them the entirety of the way through the kingdom. I'm not their babysitter, and they're all adults who can take care of themselves. The dwarves all had multiple weapons strapped to themselves and looked as if they knew how to use them. Even a few elves had knives and the like at their waists.

  One of the oldest dwarves made his way through the crowd and walked up to me. "By Lachrymal's H
eart, I can't thank you enough for your kindness, sir. On behalf of all of us here. Thank you."

  He held out his hand for me to shake.

  I coughed and dropped my gaze, feeling disgusted with myself. "If you want to thank anyone, thank Eris. I was originally going to leave you all there."

  The old dwarf didn't seem concerned with that in the slightest. "Still, Lachrymal smiled upon us, and I won't shirk the man whose hand played a role in my freedom," he said, still holding out his hand.

  I took it after a moment of hesitation. His hand was all callous and muscle, and he could've crushed mine like a twig if he'd wanted. I looked down to see an old, well-worn brand etched into his forearm.

  An emerald inside a teardrop. Lachrymal’s Chosen.

  The dwarf was a member of Aldrust’s elite guard. Tasked with protecting the king and keeping Lachrymal’s Heart safe.

  After he let my hand drop, he went over to Eris and gave her a handshake as well, to which she blushed scarlet.

  The dwarves and the elves formed a small band, and with one last farewell, they departed, giving us a lot more room in the alleyway. It makes sense for them to travel together. Aldrust and Yllsaria are neighbors, after all. Just a few days’ ride between the two nations. Hope they make it there safely, would hate for them to run afoul of one of the bandit kings.

  With the elves and dwarves gone, it just left the rabbit-men, who were standing around looking forlorn and skittish. Guess I'd be nervous too, despite how close the Northern Mountains are. They only have four members, and the trek up to the Pale Everlands is perilous, so I've been told.

  To add to their list of problems, Lyahgos was the only one combat trained in the party. The other two were girls just out of their teens, and the little girl. The way they carried themselves told me there were unfamiliar to battle. With just one warrior, even one as skilled as Lyahgos, that trip would be dangerous. Hell, even if he decked himself out in high-tier gear, just one warrior isn't going to cut it. Whatever, it's not my problem to solve the problems of others.

  I waved to Lyahgos. "Farewell, hope you have a safe trip."

  Lyahgos went to say something but stopped himself. Unsure if he should speak.

  "C'mon, spit it out."

  "Would it be all right if we traveled with you?" he asked.

  Huh, didn't expect that. Guess saving them bought some goodwill. I thought about their request. Do I care if they join us? No, not really. I'm sure we can find a place for them at Gloom-Harbor, but that does raise an interesting question.

  "I don't have a problem with it, but why don't you want to return to the Everlands? I'm sure you can hire a couple of guards at the Adventurer's Guild’. Probably wouldn't even cost you that much since its only about a week's ride."

  Lyahgos shifted his stance, kicking at the loose trash in the alley. "We could do that, but it would defeat the entire reason why we left the Everlands in the first place."

  "Why’s that? I admit I’m curious as to why you’re here. It’s rare for your kind to leave your homeland."

  He sighed, and it was filled with weariness. "It's just not safe for us there anymore. The whole territory is teetering on the brink of war."

  What? "Since when do the clans fight among themselves?"

  "It's not the rabbitmen that are fighting each other."

  That leaves only one option. I leaned against the wall of the wooden guard barracks. "Why are the wolfmen so aggressive? They've never been so ruthless before."

  Wolfmen are clever hunters, but they've never desired all-out war before. It'll kill their main food supply. Lyahgos shook his head. "I don't know, word is something precious was taken from the Aminah clan, and they're blaming the wolfmen for the theft."

  "Huh, who'd steal from them? That's asking for a death sentence."

  "No one knows, or what exactly what was taken, but we escaped before more blood was spilled, only to end up as captive slaves. The Morrigan sure loves her games."

  Can't argue that one. "Well, I don't mind you tagging along, but we'll need supplies and a few horses if you guys are coming with us."

  At the mention of horses, Eris's eyes went wide. "We left Lacuna!" she shouted in a rush.

  I chuckled and walked out of the alley, the others in tow. Eris wasn't privy to most of the features players had available to them. I pulled out a small scroll from my inventory—a summoning scroll, specifically, for mounts, pets, and familiars.

  I poured a little mana into the scroll to activate it. One of the only times I ever used my limited mana. The scroll unfurled itself, and a bright circle formed on the parchment. It was a smaller Script circle; only a few lines of script flowed over the shining blue pentagram. With a flash, the scroll shredded, and the magic circle transferred to the dirt road next to me. Lacuna appeared in the center of the circle amidst a shower of brightly lit sparks.

  As soon as she appeared, the circle faded and disappeared from the world. I walked over to the gigantic horse and stroked her face. "Sorry for leaving you all alone."

  I helped Eris on Lacuna, and she, in turn, helped the kids on. One of the children, whose names I still didn't know, sat in Eris's lap. Need supplies and horses for the trip. Last I remember, there’s a general store near the entrance. I'll need to ask after the horses, though.

  Lots to do. And I didn't want to linger here any longer than we had too. Lonny had almost certainly realized I'd escaped by now and probably reported back to the Alliance and the Cardinals. It would take nearly a full day for the information to spread through the kingdoms, but I wanted to be long gone by the time it did.

  With a goal in mind, we made our way through the busy streets. Eris and the two spiderlings sat atop Lacuna as I held her reins and walked beside them. They'd concealed their eyes once again, and Eris was wearing her cloak. From a distance, no one could tell her apart from a human.

  We were forced to stay in the center of the street as we walked along, too many people on either side of us weaving in and out as they hurried along. Over the next few hours, we made our way to the East Kingdom entrance without any serious trouble. Nearly running into half a dozen people as they obliviously walked out in front of us didn't qualify as trouble to me.

  I spotted the store right where I had remembered it. We hurried across the street. Weaving as best we could through the masses, we reached the front of the store. I hitched Lacuna and Lyahgos and the others came with us inside the store, as it was their supplies we would be purchasing. Let them pick out what they wanted and pay for it.

  The store was a simple two-story wooden affair, and even though it was unadorned, you could tell it was crafted with time and care. As we made our way inside, the same level of care could be seen on the interior as well—not a speck of dust or item on the shelves out of place. Manning the counter was a spry youth in his late teens or so. He must be running the store for his parents.

  "Afternoon, all. What can I help you find today?" he asked. His voice was light but held traces of masculinity. It teased what it would mature into. His hair was a dark brown, so dark it looked black in the muted light of the store, and he was sporting the beginnings of stubble on his face.

  "We need a weeks' worth of provisions for six people," I told the lad.

  "Of course, good sir, any preference?"

  I jerked my head towards Lyahgos. "Ask him."

  The rabbitman approached the counter and began discussing the types of provisions they would all need. I let him do his thing. Eris and the children walked through the aisles, browsing their wares. It was her first time being in an enclosed shop like this, so she browsed while the others purchased what they needed.

  I browsed myself and picked out some more supplies for Eris and myself. I topped up my health and mana potions, bringing both back to ten and two weeks of rations. Nothing fancy, but I bought plenty of dried meat of all kinds. Rather not live off game for the next week. I paid the youth two gold, even though it was more than what my supplies cost. I slid the extra gold to him w
ith a warning. "You never saw us, and we didn't buy anything, got it?"

  He took the gold with a nod of understanding. "Good lad," I said, turning and leaving. With my purchases secured, it looked like the Lyahgos was finished buying what they needed as well. They all had new cloaks that covered them nearly to their shins and sturdy traveling packs that seemed to be stuffed full to bursting with supplies.

  We regrouped at the entrance to the shop. With all of our supplies taken care of, it was time to get horses and get out of the East Kingdom. Asking the lad at the counter, he pointed us in the direction of the entrance, telling us that there was a horse merchant near the front gate. I tossed him another gold for his trouble. Hopefully, that shuts him up.

  We left the shop and had a late lunch, scarfing down our food quickly and setting off again. After helping Eris and the kids back on Lacuna, I set a steady pace, and we made it to the gate in twenty minutes.

  After a few minutes of rest, we started looking around for the horse merchant. I found him a few minutes later. The lad had given us the wrong directions, or the merchant had moved, but he was not, in fact, next to the main gate. He was about five minutes further up the street. We had passed him without realizing it and were forced to backtrack to find the man.

  We ended up paying nearly fifty gold for two sturdy horses and saddles. The rabbit-men tied their packs to their new mounts and climbed up. They were large horses but couldn't match Lacuna's size.

  Once everyone was situated on their horses, I led them all out of the front gate. After making it through the gate, we were finally out of the Compass Kingdom. It'll be a cold day in hell before I set foot back here anytime soon. Though that was my usual attitude whenever I came here. I was too much of a homebody, and I smiled at the prospect of getting back to the castle soon.