It Echoes Onward 3


    Imp was easy enough to find. The newly transformed hobgoblin was hanging out near the y pits. He always seemed to be there, working on something that cknail didnt understand. It was almost like he enjoyed it, which was unsettling. Why would he enjoy working? It was weird behavior for a hobgoblin. Even Gob spent most his time bossing goblins around instead of doing chores himself. cknail had considered making Imp work somewhere else, but he was too productive to waste. With Imp there, the y pits were producing over twice as much as before.


    On the other hand, Scamp was much more difficult to track down. cknail had to look around the base for a while before he found him. He wasnt in the longhouse or therder. Eventually, he located Scamp napping over by some rocks on the far side of the camp.


    After a swift kick to the ribs, the sleeping hobgoblin yelped and jumped to his feet. When he calmed down and recognized cknail, Scamp smiled nervously and greeted his chieftain. cknail just snorted and told him to follow. He led Scamp over towards the center of the base, where Imp was waiting. Khita and Elyias were also lounging nearby and sitting in the shade at the base of a hill. Both of them had their swords at their hips, but they only looked up as the new arrivals approached and didnt move.


    Well, this ought to be an amusing show. Its usually very boring around here. Elyias remarked as he grinned nastily at the hobgoblins.


    Now I will teach you how to use a de, cknail told the other two hobgoblins as he tossed them wooden practice des. He picked up one for himself and took up position in front of his minions.


    Imp didnt look that impressed. He studied the sword for a second and then looked back towards where he had been working. Scamp smiled excitedly and waved his new weapon around a few times experimentally.


    I always wanted to get a shiny sword. When I learn this, will I get one? Scamp asked. He looked hopeful, which amused cknail.


    Yes, when your training is done, cknail told him. He had a small stash of extra des he had taken from people who were incapable of using them anymore.


    Now, stand like this and hold the de up, cknail ordered Scamp and Imp as he showed them the proper stance and technique.


    Both of the hobgoblins studied him and shifted their stances, but neither of them copied it correctly. They both looked off bnce and open to attack. cknail showed them a few different techniques and watched them try them. Imp seemed to just be going through the motions without any real interest, and Scamp was goofing around instead of learning properly.


    That was alright. cknail had a n for motivating them. He ordered Scamp forward and told him to take up a defensive stance. Scamp obeyed and sloppily raised his de up. A momentter, it was bashed aside and cknails wooden sword smashed into his shoulder.


    Ugh, that hurt! Scamp yelped as he was knocked over sideways.


    "Too slow, cknail hissed coldly. It was also weak. Are you a real hob or an overgrown goblin?


    Im a hobgoblin! Scamp whined as he got back up. He was wincing from the pain and rubbing his shoulder.


    Then act like it, you runt. Step back and let Impe over here.


    Both the hobgoblins quickly obeyed. Imp didnt look very excited about taking his turn. He wasnt stupid, so hed already figured out what wasing next.


    Take a defensive stance, cknail told him.


    Can you just show me how to do it? Imp asked hopefully. I dont think I know the right way, but Im sure a great teacher like you could show me.


    There was a nervous smile on his face as he met his instructors gaze. cknail grinned back, but it wasnt a pleasant expression.


    Nope, heughed as he swung his de. The weapon hit Imp in the stomach. He crumpled and fell to his knees.


    Ow, Imp groaned.


    Pay attention next time, you arrogant runt. You arent smarter than anyone else. Youre just an arrogant prick of a hobgoblin, cknail told him. His voice and expression were both harsh and unyielding.


    That was how the rest of the training went. cknail would exin a technique to them, they would try to copy him, and then they would be tested.


    Failure always resulted in pain, and neither of the hobgoblins ever passed a single one of cknails tests. His de slipped through their defenses or pushed their own weapon aside every time.


    Going on easy on them would defy the entire point of the exercise. It also wouldnt be any fun. cknail was having a great time!


    Why are Khita and Elyias here? Scamp asked as he stepped forward again. He was obviously trying to distract cknail and buy himself a few minutes of rest.


    To watch and prevent you from doing something stupid, cknail replied as he nced at Imp. They are also here to remind you of all the people who could stab you to death, because you suck.


    The other hobgoblin red back. He was seething with rage and red in the face. Clearly, the training was working. cknail was a great teacher!


    I can take over the training if you want, Scamp. I think Id like a chance to knock a hobgoblin around, and I think cknail is going a little easy on you, Khita said from over where she was sitting.


    Scamp paused and looked uncertain. He clearly hadnt expected Khita to say such a thing. However, before he could make up his mind, cknail spoke up.


    Not today, but maybe another time. I got this, he said as he motioned Scamp forward again.


    They continued to train for half an hour until cknail eventually stopped and addressed his tired out minions. Alright, thats enough for today.


    Really? Scamp asked hesitantly. He was favoring one leg and he had developed a few purple bruises. Imp was in a simr sorry state.


    Yes, unless either of you want a chance to hit me back.


    What do you mean? Imp asked. The hobgoblin sounded intrigued but also cautious. He suspected a trap. It had been that kind of day.


    We could spar, cknail told him.


    Imps beady red eyes stared intently at cknail for several long seconds. His hands were gripping the wooden practice de so tightly they almost seemed to be shaking. He looked really tempted to give into his rage and take up the offer. Scamp quickly shook his head to signal he wasnt interested. He was a coward, so that wasnt surprising.


    No, I would never want to hurt you, wise leader, Imp eventually hissed in reply. He didnt sound like he really meant it.


    Too bad, because now your wise leader feels like sparring with you. We will keep going until I say so or you hit me. Maybe you will learn some of my wisdom, cknail replied smugly as he grinned from ear to ear.


    There was a hateful hiss from Imp as he raised his de up in front of his face. It was an aggressive stance, but instead of charging, Imp cautiously inched forward.


    cknail didnt feel like waiting for him. He lunged, battered Imps sword aside, and then smashed his sword into the other hobgoblins ribs. Imp flinched but gritted his teeth and tried to strike back. However he aimed too high and cknail easily ducked under his sh.


    Over the next few minutes, cknail demolished Imp. The newly transformed hobgoblin quickly descended into a blind rage and began swinging wildly.


    Hold still! he screeched as cknail stepped back away from one of his attacks.


    Imp continued to attack over and over again, but none of his attacks hit. cknail dodged and parried them all, while asionally slipping in his own attacks. Impsplete loss of self control was deeply satisfying. cknail couldnt stop himself from grinning widely in delight. Imp had been far too self-controlled as a goblin, so cknail had always wanted to beat the smugness out of him. He wasnt so smart now was he!


    Eventually, Imp screamed hatefully at the top of his lungs, dove forward, and was promptly smacked down. The t of cknails de crashed into the top of his head and knocked him down into the dirt. He coughed and didnt get back up. Instead, Imp justy there on the ground.


    Do you give up? cknail asked the prone hobgoblin. Instead of replying, Imp let out a defeated groan that cknail assumed meant yes.


    Remember this lesson, weakling. Strengthes from obedience; not from rage, cknail told Imp as he leaned down over him. Defy me and you will stay weak and pathetic, and weakness leads to pain.


    It was important that cknails new hobgoblin minions not only learned to fight but also to fear him. Unquestioning obedience born from hopelessness was required. cknail couldnt have disobedient hobgoblins running around. That would be too dangerous.


    Tomorrow will be your turn to spar, cknail told Scamp as he turned and gave him a meaningful look. Scamp gulped in fear and Elyiasughed.


    That sure was interesting, the young man remarked as he got up and walked over to Scamp. I always wondered how Saeter trained you, so that you wouldnt kill him in his sleep or anything.


    I was a better learner than these two, cknail told him. Memories of hanging from a tree and being beaten up by Saeter rose up in his mind, but he suppressed them.


    Come on, you look like shit. Lets get you something to eat, Elyias told Scamp as the pair walked away.


    Khita followed cknail back over to where the wall was under construction. They left Imp alone on the ground.


    The training continued over the next two days. For a few hours every afternoon, cknail taught Scamp and Imp how to use a sword and how to control their emotions. They werent very good at either yet, but cknail was having fun, so he wasnt in too much of a hurry.


    Over and over again, he showed them the basics of sword fighting and hit them when they failed to impress him. The objective was not only to motivate them to seed but also to enrage them. During the sparring, when they lost control and tried to hit him, cknail simply countered using his vastly superior skills and then humiliated them. The point was to condition them to not give into their anger. The hobgoblins'' violent instincts had to be suppressed, and cknail wanted them to know he was in charge. He was the leader, and he didnt n on stepping down or letting himself get killed.


    He also took an hour every day to teach Gob, who he didnt beat ck and purple. However, Gob spent most of his time overseeing the construction of the wall around the base. The goblins needed to be watched at all times or they would ck off. cknail was fairly sure that most of them were only pretending to work anyway, but there wasnt much he could do about it.


    Still, the wall was starting to take form. Its rickety wooden length looked like garbage, but it would do its job and keep out most the nasty wildlife. Gangs of goblins led by overseers were constantly dragging timber out of the forest. Even goblins with stone axes could cut down slender young trees fairly easily, and there were a lot of goblins around. It was a good thing therder was full of food because everyone was too busy to hunt or forage.


    On the third morning, cknail decided to head back to the human vige. He had grown bored of hanging around the goblinir and wanted to talk to some other people. He was also out of cheese. Going without cheese for a few days was unthinkable.


    We need some supplies, so Im going to lead a mission back to Shelter. It will be dangerous but I can handle it, no problem, cknail told Gob as he smiled confidently.


    Thank you, most powerful of chiefs. Surely, only you could do this, Gob replied as he gave a little bow.


    Pretty much, cknail agreed as he nodded along happily in agreement. Gob sure said it like it was.


    I want toe, Ferrar said as he scampered up to cknails side. The hobgoblin chief looked down at him and frowned thoughtfully.


    Why? All the things you want to burn are here. Youre not allowed to burn things there.


    I need to learn something from humans, Ferrar exined. Humans know a lot about fire and y that Imp and I want to know too.


    The idea didnt immediately appeal to cknail. The creepy little goblin wanted to go and talk to some humans? That didnt sound like a good idea. Theyd probably kill him and then hunt down every other goblin they could find. cknail could barely resist the urge to do that himself.


    It will allow us to cook new tastier foods, Ferrar added as he noticed his chieftains reluctance.


    Alright, lets go! cknail replied excitedly. He had grown tired of the simple fare avable at the goblin camp. Good food made everything better!


    The goblinsing with us now? Khita asked from where she was standing nearby. Half a dozen goblins were beside her. They had been chosen to join the mission.


    Yes, he has a very important task, cknail told her.


    I wish I could go back to Shelter. Its a pile of dung full of peasants, but Im really getting sick of staying out here in the forest. The gods know I would do anything to get back to civilization, Elyias whined.


    The young man was also nearby, although he wasnt joining the mission. He simply had nowhere better to be. Lately, he had been working under Gob a lot and helping out with the wall. cknail wasnt sure if it was by choice or if Gob had conscripted him, and he didnt really care.


    I told them you stole their coins and deserted so you cant go back, but you can be the second inmand while were gone. Thats a promotion for working so hardtely! cknail told him.


    Oh, good, Elyias replied as he scowled. He didnt seem all happy about the wonderful promotion hed just been given. cknail decided not to take that as an insult. Elyias had always been a miserable person. That was why annoying him was so fun.


    Just watch for Scamp and Imp while Im gone, cknail warned him. They might go insane and start killing people at any time. If that happens you need to help Gob fight them off.


    What? Is that a real possibility? You must be joking, Elyias asked in rm. He looked concerned and more than a little afraid. It was unbing of a second-inmand.


    Thats always a possibility with hobgoblins, even me, cknailughed as he walked away. Elyias was a funny guy.


    Without wasting any more time, the group set off. cknail took the lead as they trudged through the forest. The mixed group passed between rows of towering trees and up and down rocky hills as they approached their destination. The familiar journey took them about an hour. Once they were near the vige, they stopped among a thick clump of bushes at the edge of the fields.


    Can you sneak past the walls and rejoin us? cknail asked Ferrar.


    Sure, I sneak in there all the time, Ferrar replied with a confident smile and a excited nod.


    This reply caught cknail off guard. What was this now? When did Ferrar have the time visit the humans? Why would he want to? After a few seconds of furious thinking cknail decided to let it go. This didnt sound like it was his problem. As the leader, he needed to focus on the important things, like getting his cheese.


    Khita and cknail left the goblins behind. They crossed the fields and went in through Shelters gate. The one old farmer that was serving as the guard let them in without any concern. They were familiar visitors now. The hooded hobgoblin even gave the man a friendly nod. Being polite was important.


    The pair wandered through the streets until they got to where Geralhd had taken up residence. It was a small home that looked like it had seen better days, but it was clean and serviceable. Compared to cknails cave it was a mansion. Khita walked up to the door and called out, but no one answered.


    He doesnt seem to be home, she told cknail.


    Im right here. I heard youde to visit my humble abode and decided to cut you off, Geralhd answered from behind them. The both turned to see him walking towards them from down the street.


    Oh, where were you? I hope we arent interrupting anything, Khita asked.


    I was simply out and about. It was nothing important. Now, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit? he asked in return. cknail was fairly sure it was question. Geralhd sometimes had a problem speaking clearly.


    I bet you were with a woman, Khitaughed. There was an amused grin on her face.


    In this vige? I prefer having rtionships with less strings attached, Geralhd replied with a grimace of distaste.


    Oh, like with Vorscha, cknail observed. Geralhd and Vorscha had done everything together until Werricks attack. They had been forced to leave her behind when they fled the battle and she had died horribly. It was too bad. She had been strong and useful.


    Yes Geralhd replied with obvious awkwardness. He suddenly looked a little sad.


    That was utterly thoughtless. You dont say things like that, Khita quietly hissed at the hobgoblin.


    cknail sighed and rolled his eyes. He had no idea what she was talking about. It must be a stupid human thing. Every time he thought he had them figured out he was proven wrong.


    Well, lets not stand out here on the public street and under the sun. Come in and have some tea. Its dreadful herbal stuff but its still better than the local swill, Geralhd said as he walked over to the entrance of his home.


    cknail didnt think Geralhd looked too hurt by his words. Khita was probably being overdramatic. She did that a lot.