Comes the Wolf 3


    Well, thats all over, Saeter remarked. Im going to go sit down.


    You didnt do anything, Geralhd pointed out. We just stood here and watched the battle.


    Wrong, I was out scouting before the fight. Thats my job, the old scout replied. You are the only one here that didnt do anything.


    I fought one enemy, cknail added proudly. He wont be climbing the wall again without-ss the fingers I cut off.


    Geralhd didnt have anything to say that. He sighed in dissatisfaction before turning away and looking at the retreating enemy. cknail thought he should have been used to being useless by now.


    The hobgoblin also took a second to look over the battlefield. This hadnt been the first human battle hed ever seen, but he had been impressed by it nheless. Not only had there been more fighters than he could count but the way they fought all together was overwhelming. Also, the magic was scary. What could a normal hobgoblin do against that sort of power?


    Goblins would be climbing all over each other if they had been packed that tightly, and that was only if they didnt start fighting among themselves. Even if they did stay loyal they would most likely forget which side they were supposed to be on.


    Below them, Mahedium was still moving away from the wall, in case the enemy retaliated against him for his earlier magic, but he had slowed his pace. The mage noticed Saeter and the others atop the hill and headed their way.


    Can you see whats going on from there? Mahedium asked as he approached.


    Most of it, Saeter grunted in reply. The enemy is retreating.


    The old scout looked annoyed at this new interruption. He had been about to leave before Mahedium called out to him.


    That was some spectacr magic and a great improvement over your earlier works, Geralhd congratted the mage. You certainly put some fear into the enemy.


    Thank you, that means somethinging from an educated man such as yourself, Mahedium replied. I am always striving to advance my craft.


    Ive seen both better and much worse, Saeter noted objectively.


    I imagine you have, and Ill take that as apliment, Mahedium replied graciously as he nced at the old scout.


    cknail was fairly sure his masters words hadnt been apliment. Saeter didnt give a lot of those out.


    I liked the explosions, hemented. You should blow people up more often; its hrious. I wish I could do that!


    The hobgoblin waved one hand dramatically in the direction of the enemy and made a fake sounding explosion noise.


    Everyone took a second to consider what would happen if cknail ever gained such an ability. Judging by the pained look on his face, Mahedium in particr found the idea unsettling.


    Anyway... do you think you got that enemy mage? Geralhd asked Mahedium.


    I dont know, the mage admitted. Things were very chaotic there at the end. He was too far away for me to see clearly.


    Hopefully you got him. You certainly sted everything around him beyond dust and death, Geralhd replied happily.


    Herads n was effective. Im simply grateful that she knew what she was doing and that she obviously values me, Mahediummented. If she had been less worried about my safety and had ordered me to attack first I might not have survived that fight.


    Oh, she wont throw away someone so useful, Saeter agreed as he grinned unkindly at the mage.


    Ah, yes. I heard that battles where both sides have mages can beplicated and dangerous, Geralhd interjected carefully.


    Indeed, the key to hostile exchanges between mages is twofold, Mahedium exined. Firstly, you have to hit hard and fast. It is easier to attack than defend. Secondly, if that fails, you need to analyze your opponents defenses and find a way around them. Having a multitude of attack spells is important.


    All of Mahediums long winded chatting didnt interest cknail. He nced away and observed the activity going on all around him. Maybe there was something interesting going on, or free food around.


    There were certainly a lot of human corpses littering the ground. It was a shame that humans didnt approve of their dead being made into snacks. Well, they didnt taste all that good, anyway.


    On the other side of the barrier that blocked the way into camp from the road, Werricks troops hade to stop. They were well out of bow range and had returned to their own encampment. Their camp, most of which was out of sight beyond a twist in the road and a barrier of trees, was swarming with activity. The fight might be over for now but wounds had to be tended and order had to be restored.


    That was certainly what Herad was doing. The bandit chieftain was yelling orders as she stomped up and down the length of the wall.


    Lets move, its windy here, cknail suggested to the others as he watched her.


    Standing up on the hill made them very visible, and the hobgoblin didnt want to catch Herads attention. She might give him work.


    Good idea, Saeter replied as he started down the hill.


    Geralhd and cknail immediately followed the scout towards his campsite, but Mahedium hesitated. He remained where he was and nced towards his cabin.


    I should really talk to Herad and then get back to myb, the mage announced.


    Good, you do that, Saeter grunted as cknail waved goodbye.


    Without further interruption, the two men and the hobgoblin walked the short distance to where cknail and Saeters tents were set up. The camp was oddly empty. No one was near the cabins or tents at the back of the clearing. Almost everyone was still over by the wall.


    Why did you follow us? I didnt actually invite you, Saeter asked Geralhd as he took a seat on a chair by the fire pit.


    I dont really have anywhere else to go, Geralhd replied as he shrugged. Vorscha is probably busy off doing something important and I dont want to get in the way.


    cknail smiled as well. It was obvious the thin human had grown used to Saeters grumpiness and was ignoring it. That was fine with cknail; he enjoyed having Geralhd around, it usually meant more food for him.


    The hobgoblin and Geralhd took seats near Saeter. The old scout ignored them. He reached over to grab arge sack and began going through its contents.


    I dont suppose you want to y some dice to help spend our time more quickly? Geralhd asked Saeter.


    No, Saeter grunted without turning away from the bag he was rummaging in.


    I suppose I could teach cknail to y... the young man mused to himself thoughtfully as cknails ears perked up.


    Before the hobgoblin could reply though, someone yelled in their direction. They all turned to see who it was and saw Varhs approaching.


    The other scout was dressed in his leather armor and was wearing his forester cloak. Behind him, Scamp plodded along happily. The goblin was wearing a pair of brown human sized trousers that had been cut short and secured with rope.


    Its good to see you all intact, Varhs greeted them as he grinned and waved cheerfully in their direction. Although, I never doubted for moment that you were fine, Saeter. If mere mortal des could pierce your old hide it would have happened years ago.


    Geralhd smiled at the joke. cknail red at Scamp. The little goblin had disappeared for a while during a fight with some of Werricks men out in the forest. Since then, the hobgoblin had been sure that he had smelled traces of him around, but he had neverid eyes on Scamp until now. Obviously, the goblin had been avoiding him.


    Saeter saw the other scout, frowned, and then did a quick double-take. He nced behind the man and seemed relieved that there was no one behind him except Scamp.


    Youre alone, right? he asked. That red-haired pest isnt following you?


    What? No, Khita had some stuff to wrap up, Varhs remarked in surprise. She seems to go wherever she wants.


    The younger scout looked a little troubled when he talked about Khita. He winced and pouted slightly. Maybe they had gotten into a fight, or maybe he had finally realized being around her was making him stupid.


    cknail hoped she was dead. Khita was useless and annoying.


    As long as she isnt <em>here</em>, Saeter replied. "I see your goblin came back,


    This newment seemed to cheer Varhs up. His frown quickly became a self-satisfied smile.


    Scamp came back the very next day, Varhs answered. Hes a greatpanion and very well trained. He just got lost in the forest for a bit after that chase.


    Trained by me, not you, cknail muttered in disgust.


    Scamp was an undisciplined nuisance! cknail had no idea why the scout had gone out of his way to find and train a goblin. Varhs let Scamp do whatever he wanted and he had never taught the goblin how to behave.


    When Scamp had caused a huge mess a while ago he had almost been executed by Herad. He had only survived because cknail had promised to help train him.


    The hobgoblin had selflessly tried to beat some sense into Scamp in exchange for the asional snack. However, the hobgoblin had eventually grown too busy to continue the training. The snacks hadnt been very good either.


    cknail had more important things to do now, like keep an eye on Elyias, his new minion. Wait... he had forgotten about Elyias.


    Oops, cknail muttered to himself.


    He hoped his minion hadnt managed to get himself killed. That would be inconvenient. The man was amusing.


    So are you here for a reason, or are you just trying make a nuisance out of yourself? Saeter asked as he scowled at the younger scout.


    I just got back from watching the forest paths, Varhs replied. Herad told me to check in on you and make sure you were going back out soon.


    There are plenty of other scouts that can do that job. Why do I need to go out? Saeter asked sourly.


    Im not the one you need to convince. Go argue with Herad and see how that works, Varhs replied brusquely. I can only guess that the boss values your skills and cknails nose.


    It is very nice looking. cknail bragged happily as he wiggled his nose.


    There was a chuckle from Varhs and Geralhd. Even Saeter grinned. cknail took this to mean that they agreed with him and that the very idea of someone disagreeing was hrious. He was an undeniably handsome hobgoblin.


    I have some chores to finish before I head back out. Im not leaving right away, Saeter told Varhs as he scowled in annoyance.


    Again, its not me you have to worry about. Im just the messenger, the other scout replied with a shrug.


    Then, she should be here telling me herself, Saeter muttered angrily.


    cknail frowned. He was fairly certain that wasnt how the chieftain and subordinate rtionship worked. His master was getting dangerously grumpy again.


    Lets just go out. Its quieter out there anyway. You like the forest, cknail interjected.


    The hobgoblin took it upon himself to prevent any conflict between Herad and his master. Saeter was usually very wise but when it came to the chieftain he was stupider than Scamp after he had been kicked in the head a few times.


    Fine. I have some stuff to do first, though. I need a few minutes, Saeter replied reluctantly.


    While everyone else had been talking, Scamp had wandered over to Geralhd. The bandit noticed the goblin and reached into one of his pockets. A secondter, he pulled out bit of dried meat.


    There you go, Geralhd said as he handed the morsel to the little goblin.


    Traitor! cknail involuntarily gasped as his mouth fell upon in shock.


    Geralhd was supposed to give treats to him! Scamp didnt deserve tasty things! Even if Scamp was behaving himself it was only because cknail kept him in line.


    The hobgoblin was so going to give Scamp a good kicking, and the next time Geralhd needed help he was on his own! They had betrayed his trust!


    Hm, what was that, cknail? I bet you want a treat too, Geralhdmented as he turned towards him.


    The man then pulled something out of his pocket and tossed it to the hobgoblin. cknail quickly snatched the gift out of the air and studied it. Was it... candied fruit! Joy!


    Yummy, thank you! cknail eximed happily as he shoved the treat into his mouth and began chewing.


    Of course I have something for you, my favourite hobgoblin, Gerahld told him.


    As he scoffed the treat down, the hobgoblin smirked smugly and eyed Scamp.


    The goblin was staring at cknail, with obvious jealousy, as he chewed on his pathetic piece of meat. That cheered the hobgoblin uppletely. Fine, he would forgive Geralhd and Scamp.


    Scamp could keep his tiny morsel. cknail knew how to make dried meat himself anyway and could do it anytime. He was practically throwing the stuff out. Candied fruit was so much better than meat, just like he was superior to Scamp!


    I need to go get back a dagger I leant someone. You can wait here, cknail, Saeter announced as he got to his feet.


    cknail was too busy chewing to do more than nod as his master walked away. Geralhd invited Varhs to y a round of dice, and the scout agreed. Varhs took a seat and the pair started a game. Apparently, Geralhd had been carrying the dice in his pocket throughout the entire battle.


    Instead of watching, cknail took advantage of the humans preupation to sneak up behind Scamp and ce a hand on his shoulder. When the goblin turned around, cknail smiled toothily down at him.


    Hey, boss, Scamp nervously addressed the hobgoblin.


    He had flinched at cknails touch and didnt seem happy to have his attention. That was fine with cknail.


    So, youve been getting tasty treats from Geralhd, the hobgoblin mused aloud.


    He wasnt upset at the goblin anymore, not really, but there was a certain pecking order that had to be enforced. cknail was at the top.


    Have you been avoiding me? the hobgoblin inquired with false cheer. Maybe, because you did something bad?


    No, boss! Scamp whined. I um... was looking for stuff to give you!


    Really? the hobgoblin replied skeptically.


    Ya, look, the goblin said as he rummaged through the pockets of his pants.


    After a few seconds of searching, the goblin withdrew a collection of small items and held them up to cknail. The hobgoblin studied them. He saw a few coins, some shiny rocks, a mouse skull, and a twisted bit of metal.


    Alright, fine. I believe you, cknail told Scamp reluctantly, even though he knew the goblin was lying through his crooked pointy teeth.


    It was just useless junk and no good to cknail at all, but it was the act of giving that was important. It showed who was in charge, even if the hobgoblin already had much shinier rocks than these.


    Is this everything? cknail asked Scamp.


    The goblin froze before looking off to the side thoughtfully and scratching his head. He seemed to remember something after a moment, because he reached back into his pockets.


    I did meet that goblin in the mages house, Scamp admitted.


    As he listened, cknails eyes grew wide from shock. They were organizing against him! The goblins were conspiring behind his back to overthrow him! He had to do something. The hobgoblins ws inched towards Scamps neck.


    However, his murderous intent was dyed when Scamp withdrew a thin shard of ck crystal. Its murky surface looked oily and seemed to shift as cknail stared at it in fascination.


    You havent been stealing from Mahedium again, have you? the hobgoblin asked in surprise.


    Stealing a crystal was what had gotten Scamp into so much trouble before. The goblin could apparently set them off, because he had been born without a limit to how annoying he could be.


    No, boss! This was given to me, to give to you, from the goblin in the mages house. Its tribute from him. He said no one would be missing it, Scamp exined in an excited burst as he hurried to clear his name.


    Or at least I think so. He doesnt speak good; I think hes stupid, Scamp added as he anxiously watched the hobgoblin.


    cknail took a second to mull this new development over. Maybe he had misjudged the goblin that Mahedium had captured. If he was willing to pay cknail his respects in such a way then he might not be so bad after all, even if he was a creepy little thing.


    It was a rather nice looking piece of crystal, and it didnt look like the kind that exploded. Yes, if the goblin was offering tribute then he would be allowed to stay. Organizing the goblins in Herads tribe would be useful...


    Fine, I ept his gift. He is now one of my minions, like-ss you, the hobgoblin announced as he took the crystal from Scamp. You both have to keep paying tribute, though. Just dont steal from the mage.


    Sure thing, boss, the goblin replied enthusiastically. Finding good stuff is easy. The humans forget things everywhere, and if you beg they give you stuff!


    After cursing a bad roll of the dice, Geralhd looked over at cknail and Scamp. Varhs wasughing in delight.


    Hmm, what are you two up too? Geralhd asked.


    Nothing, cknail hurriedly replied. We were just... talking about candy.


    Yum, candy! Scamp added as he forced an awkward smile.


    With a distracted frown, Geralhd turned back to his game. cknail uncurled his ws and let Scamp go. Good, the humans suspected nothing.