The guttural round rolled easily off Cara’s tongue. “Grak novor trak novak, grak novor trak nakar!” She nodded to Gramok for him to start. “Kol norkil darna sak, kol norkil darna kol!”

Almost in tune. Now for the third voice! She beckoned to Jake, and he shook his head.

Her heart sank. “Nak kada trak balta, nak kada trak koval!”

No point going a second time around, not without Jake. She breathed deeply. More stale air. They needed more trees down here. At least the wide-open caves didn’t press in like the tunnels.

Gramok finished his part and shrugged. “He does know how to have fun, right?”

“I don’t sing.” Why was Jake scowling?

He didn’t get to scowl! Her leg jittered, clapping loudly against the stone floor. “I’m not sure he does.”

Jake sped up and strolled ahead. “I know how to have fun.”

Heat rose in her chest. “Spellcrafting isn’t fun!”

“Sure it is!”

“Argh!”

Gramok held up his hands and shrugged. “You can drag a coward to battle, but you can’t force him to bravery.”

Crunch! A rock shattered in the distance.

Cara scanned for threats. “Up there! Something’s skulking in that tunnel entrance above.”

“Where?” Gramok squinted. “I can’t see for shit past the light.”

“Jake!” No response. She swallowed and hissed a little louder. “Jake!”

“Yeah?” He looked up. “Is something there?”

Cara bit her lip. Where would they be without her? Probably dead in a bush somewhere. Come on, Identify!

Goblin

Level: 6

HP: 215/215

Stamina: 285/285

MP: 125/125

Status: Sneaking

“Goblin, level 6. How cute, it’s trying to sneak.” Tingling energy spread through her and she grinned. “You light it up, I’ll take them out?”

Jake frowned. “What if it’s friendly?”

“It’s a goblin.”

“And every goblin’s evil?”

“It’s a goblin, not Timmy the Goblin. People get names, monsters don’t.”

He blinked, his face dulled, and he let out a sigh sighed. “Right, that, that actually makes perfect sense. On three?”

“On three!”

Gramok rested his hand on his sword and glanced around. “I’ll just… well, if anyone needs cover.”

“Thanks.” She smiled up at him. “Only coming up to the middle of your chest might be an asset for once.”

He theatrically bowed. “Happy to oblige, m’lady. Now, if you don’t mind, they’re probably waiting for their pals to get into ambush positions.”

Jake nodded and started casting. “One. Two. Three.”

She drew her bow and an arrow. The glowing orb shot into the air.

Arrow notched. Silvery light illuminated the small green goblin clad in haphazard armor.

Bow drawn. Point selected—the intersection of two leather strands.

She fired. The arrow flew true. The goblin scrambled, too late to evade.

188 piercing damage dealt!

Damn. She drew and lined up a second. Arrows hissed past, from behind! An ambush.

Jake ducked behind Gramok, clutching his side and self-casting. “Minir!”

A tug at her heart. She swallowed. Only a spell word; he didn’t need protecting. She fired. Direct hit. The goblin tumbled down. She dropped to a crouch, turned, and drew again. Where were they?

Arrows clinked off Gramok’s plate armor. There! Three more goblins.

Cara’s heart raced. “Concealed tunnel entrance, twenty feet up!”

Force smashed into her shoulder. An arrow. Pain flared, much less than it should have been. Another jolt. Another arrow glanced off her chest.

Barely any damage from either. Thanks, Jeremy.

Rapid Shot! Adrenaline roared and instinct flowed. Aim, fire, draw; aim, fire, draw.

Metal scraps jutted out of this goblin’s armor. A hit, a glance, and a bullseye through the gap in the chest. Another one down.

Two more arrows glanced off her armor, barely doing anything. The poor goblins didn’t stand a chance.

Jake stepped forward, fire swirling around his hands. “Enkir!” The firebolt incinerated his target.

One goblin left. Cara took aim. An easy shot.

Sharp pain ripped through her. Screaming. Her screaming? An arrow in her back. Shit. Damage?

98 piercing damage received!

Injury received (Punctured Lung)!

She coughed. Another swell of pain. Fuck! She gasped for air that only half came.

HP: 121/265

An inferno tumbled and twisted in her chest. Fight first, injury later. She aimed and fired.

A hit. Not enough for a kill. A noose of fire and agony pulled around her chest. Another arrow.

Metal clanked. Gramok, covering her back.

She could handle one badly armored goblin. “I’ve got this one.”

A pause. Teal energy hummed around Jake’s hands. “I’ll get the other one.”

***

“I’ll get the other one.” Jake swallowed. Easier said than done. Where had that bastard gone?

An arrow bounced off Gramok’s glimmering armor.

“Minir!” He touched Cara’s arm and a teal Armor effect shimmered around her. Better late than never, right? His gut twisted. Maybe not.

The arrow in her back was short and fat. Not an arrow—a crossbow bolt. The bastard had to be reloading. Would he come out of the same tunnel entrance?

Another arrow swished. The scream of a goblin, and a thud.

That left the final goblin alone. Jake’s chest tightened. “Maybe it won’t come back. You okay, Cara?”

“Sneak attack,” she sputtered. “Punctured Lung, but not too much damage.” She winced and bent over. “Just don’t expect me to do much running for a while.”

Gramok shook his head and growled. “They’re beasts, and dungeon spawn at that. They’ll be back.”

Muscles stiffened throughout Jake’s body. “It’s got a crossbow. It’ll pop out, fire, and be back in cover before I can hit it with a spell. Unless…”

Force. Imbue. Stun. The aspects danced together into a spell. No loose ends, no feedback loops, no unstable connections.

Cara drew back her bow. Her face contorted with pain and she shuddered, letting the bowstring go lax. “I’m out of this one.”

“Stay here.”

“Wait.” She grabbed his arm. “Imbue, right? Take this.”

He blinked. Her myrellium tipped arrow? “Thanks.”

“Don’t miss.”

“I won’t.” He put distance between them and pulled on his mana. A new spell template in the field and no Absorb? His jaw clenched. It’d be fine.

He weaved the Imbue Stun spell and silently cast it. Mana rushed into the arrow, filling it with glowing power. One hit. Better not miss.

Cara’s gaze darted from tunnel to tunnel. “I’ll call the shot. Be ready.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

She tilted her head and paused. “I like sir better.”

He chuckled. “Yes, sir.” Now, where had that cowardly little runt gotten to?

Three tunnels. Which one would it be?

Was Cara okay? Her breaths were heavy, stilted. An injury like that would take a while to heal, even here. Mend might fix it, but that was locked away in those blasted wood elven ruins.

The partially drawn bowstring tugged at his arm. It could be back any moment. He had to be ready.

Maybe Gramok was wrong. Maybe it had some survival instincts. Dungeon spawn never used to come to the surface, either.

“Up there!”

He followed the line of her finger. Another goblin, larger, more complete armor, and pointing a crossbow right at him.

Mind Over Body activated. Tingling speed rushed through him. He drew, smooth as silk, aimed, and unleashed the imbued arrow.

The goblin’s crossbow twitched and fired.

56 piercing damage dealt! Stunned status effect inflicted!

19 piercing damage received!

A dull thud smacked against his shoulder. He fired again and again, faster than humanly possible.

Glancing blow! 19 piercing damage dealt!

Critical hit! 74 piercing damage dealt! Internal Bleeding injury inflicted!

Bows skill increased 5 → 6!

Glancing blow! 30 piercing damage dealt!

Critical hit! 103 piercing damage dealt!

1113 XP received!

Level increased 7 → 8!

The goblin clattered back into the tunnel, just out of sight.

Jake exhaled and let out a shaky laugh. “We did it. Let’s heal up, then let’s get moving.”

Cara glared. “Forgetting something?”

He frowned. No? The arrow! “I’ll get the climbing gear.”

***

Assuming Gramok hadn’t gotten them lost, the ten-foot-wide tunnel would lead straight there. Not that “there” was safety. The knot in Jake’s stomach twisted again. No matter what Gramok said, these were strange times for everyone. There was no guarantee that the dwarves would be open to heavily armed visitors.

Gramok marched ahead. Cara’s old bow looked like a toy strapped to his back. Jake chuckled. At least it would be something if they got ambushed like that again.

Another grunt from Cara. She propped herself against the tunnel wall. Her face scrunched up, and she hurried through those two words again. “Rest break.”

Gramok continued to the corner and poked his head around. “Valbort’s just there. They’ll have a doctor.”

“Kalkarka sri!” Cara’s nostrils flared. “We both know there’s nothing more they can do. It’ll heal with time.”

Time, and rest. Thickness swelled in Jake’s throat. He’d died last time he’d left her behind, but better him than her.

Her eyes narrowed. “Don’t even think about it. You’re not leaving me behind.”

Jake shook his head and looked away. She wouldn’t listen, not about this, not to him. “Gramok, can you talk some sense into her?”

“Well…”

The word lingered in the air. The pounding pressure in Jake’s chest rose. “You can’t possibly believe we should—”

“Explore the ruins without a single point of Night Vision between us?”

The knot twisted tighter in Jake’s stomach. “We’ll get a guide.”

Gramok chuckled. “An orc, a human, and an elf walk into a dwarven tavern. ‘Any guides for the Ruins of Tarkath?’ Good luck with that.”

“Then we wait.”

“Jake…” Cara pulled herself up straight, winced, and started walking again. “This is bigger than me. Besides, I’ll have you guys protecting me. Unless you think you’re not up to it?”

He clenched his fist. “Low blow, Cara, low blow.”

Her eyes shone, even as her face twitched with every step. “It’s okay if you’re not up to it.”

“I hate you.”

“Aww, you say the sweetest things.”

Couldn’t she see how dangerous it was? What if she died?

He swallowed. She knew the risks, yet here she was, forcing herself onward. He’d do the same for his people, wouldn’t he?

What people?

They rounded the corner of the tunnel. Fifty yards ahead, a metal portcullis barred the way, with a wooden gate another twenty yards behind it. Powerful magic permeated both, with none of the usual magical threads.

Gramok’s posture stiffened as he advanced. “Be careful what you say, dwarves can be a bit prickly. Probably best to leave the talking to me. I’ve dealt with them before.”

Jake nodded. “Fine by me. The wood elves didn’t want me around even after I saved their village.”

“That’s…” A grimace worked its way across Cara’s face. “Kinda true. Good luck.”

“It’ll be fine!” Gramok grinned and waltzed up to the portcullis. “Yar, Sir Gramok Kadora, selnak prisnarl ul Tonvalbortdelan!”

The gate opened. The portcullis did not. Armored dwarves marched out, four abreast, four lines deep. Unadorned heavy armor covered them from head to toe. They wielded spears taller than they were, alongside wide shields emblazoned with interlocking runes.

“Drop your weapons and step back!”

A chill ran down Jake’s spine. These weren’t ceremonial guards.

“Guys, guys.” Gramok’s voice wavered. “Tell Ardic it’s Gramok.”

The guards lowered their spears and advanced in lockstep. The gate closed behind them.

Twelve heavily armed, well-trained guards? Jake bit his lip. “We should go.”

A distinctly female voice echoed up the tunnel. “Stand down! Do they look like dungeon spawn to you?”

Spears lifted. The guards turned inward and backed up to the side of the tunnel. The gate swung open again.

A dwarf woman dressed in simple clothes strolled out, her chin up high. “Open the portcullis! Lord Tonvalbortdelan will wish to speak with them immediately!”

Gramok bowed. “Steward Frieda! Such a pleasure to see you again. Thank you for—”

“Yes, yes, come, come.” She beckoned, held up four fingers to the guards, and set off again. “You can save your flattery for the nobility.”

They followed, flanked by four of the guards. Past the gate was a courtyard full of makeshift beds. At least a hundred, half of them occupied by groaning dwarves. Jake swallowed. Badly injured dwarves.

“Dungeon spawn?” Gramok asked.

The steward nodded. “Aye. We’ll do what we can for them, but all our mages are busy repairing the main gate.”

Cara caught Jake’s gaze and raised her eyebrows. Of course she wanted to help.

Jake sighed. “While we’re here… I know some healing magic, and Cara has a fair bit of First Aid knowledge.”

“I’m grateful for the offer, but…” Frieda paused and her lips pressed together. “We cannot afford to hire a healer. We will make do.”

They expected to pay? Jake blinked. “They’re right there… dying. I don’t need payment. Let me save them.”

Frieda stared at him. Her brow wrinkled. “If you are willing, I cannot say no. Do what you can. Please.”

***

Jake collapsed against the wall, every inch of his being drained. “Two levels of life magic. You?”

“One level of First Aid.” Cara winced and clutched her side. “I got that a while ago though, so, one and a half?”

“Whatever did… that…” His stomach churned. “I hope it doesn’t respawn any time soon.”

“It feels good, though, doesn’t it? Helping people?”

He shook his head. “We lost a few.”

“And we saved a hell of a lot more.”

“Good for them.” Jake pulled himself up and nodded to Gramok and the steward. “Let’s go.”

At least his robe repelled blood.

Steward Frieda led them up a flight of stairs to a fortified building set into a rock spire. The heavy metal door groaned as it opened. More guards stood inside, all on high alert. The steward nodded to them as she passed, and strode into a large, noisy room.

Jake ducked through the doorway. A large table dominated the room, with a detailed map of Valbort laid out upon it. Ornately armored dwarves huddled over it, their heads uncovered, all deep in conversation except for one. He stood at the head of the table, silent and grim, his gilded armor gleaming in the room’s magical glow.

Frieda stepped forward and stiffened. “Sir Gramok Kadora and company, for Lord Tonvalbortdelan!”

The silent dwarf looked up, and a smile almost made it across his lips. “Gramok! It’s good to see you.”

“Ardic?” Gramok kneeled and embraced the dwarf. “Where’s your father?”

Ardic scoffed. “My father, Lord Tarpranakrinil, and the rest of my esteemed family are very well, last I heard. This is a council of war—Lord Tonvalbortdelan, please, or at least lord, in front of my men.”

“Of course, Lord Tonvalbortdelan. So the old man got a new Lord-line and left you this old chestnut?”

“Indeed.” Ardic exhaled deeply. “The dungeon spawn attacks began several weeks ago. I… Is it the same elsewhere?”

Gramok slowly rose to his feet. “It is. We’re searching for a way to stop it.”

“I should have known you weren’t here to help us.” He sighed. “We can barely hold the line with the troops we have.”

Frieda took another step forward. “My lord, they helped save many of those injured in the last attack, free of charge.”

“You did? Definitely not Lord Kadora’s men, then. What do you need?”

Gramok glanced at the map. “Maps, leading below the Ruins of Tarkath.”

Ardic recoiled. “Below the ruins? If you really wish to die, be my guest. At least do the courtesy of writing a suicide note for your father.”

A dwarven soldier approached. “My lord, what troops to put on the East Gate?”

“The East Gate?” Ardic blinked, his face blank, and turned to Frieda.

A long pause. She bowed her head and answered. “The gate is narrow, the rock firm, and the runes fully intact. A few of the older men or boys could watch it.”

“Yes, yes,” Ardic said. “You’re right. Do as she says.”

The soldier hesitated and glanced at Frieda.

“She’s my steward, and I gave you an order. Carry it out, and then find Sir Gramok here maps of the ruins, and whatever we have from below. Good maps! He’ll be in the tavern.”

The dwarf snapped a salute and marched out of the room.

Ardic sighed. “Gramok, Jacob, Cara—you’re welcome in our town, however long it’s still standing for. Frieda, I need you here, commoner or not.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Gramok bowed, and headed for the door. Jake looked around. Was he meant to follow? Cara already was. A quick bow, and he hurried behind. The sooner they were out from under nobility, the better.

“I assume we’re headed to the tavern?” Cara asked.

“Of course! It’s not a bad tavern, all things considered.”

Jake snorted. “Get the maps, find a path down, move on. That’s the plan.”

“Sorry, Gramok, I gotta agree with Zero Fun on this one.”

“What? The tavern is the best place to gather information!”

Cara gently punched him on the arm. “Best place to get a drink, too.”

Gramok waved his hand. “Pfft, who’d want to drink mushroom beer, anyway?”

Those two didn’t know when to shut up. At least Valbort was more interesting than yet another tunnel. A row of oxen and carts. A forge, overflowing with activity. Another plaza, surrounded by ornate stone buildings, with a marble statue looming at the center.

Jake froze. No, it couldn’t be. “That statue…” His stomach clenched into a ball of pain. He pulled his arm up and pointed. “Who is that?”