The Goblin Army

Everyone knew that it was a risky move. However, Melvin was calm as a rock.

The bishop holding the judgment was irked, thinking who this fool was to storm in here and take over the country just like that. "Insolence! If you also want judgment to come unto you too, just say so."

The Agents began unsheathing their blades. They were slowly advancing to Melvin.

The Vallion Knights, especially General Chagrin chuckled hard. "Looks like I get to slay another upper-class man today." He drew his blade.

His subordinates followed as well.

One guard charged straight to Melvin with a sword ready, when he got closer they heard a thunderous noise.

Bang!

The guard fell in a second. Everyone gasped on witnessing his quick downfall. They were confused.

It was Melvin's plan to have Sting on stand by on a distant building with his sniper. He was aware of his reputation. He might as well exploit it to manipulate his enemies.

Melvin then raised his arms, imposing his authority to the crowd. "I have the grim reaper's support, those who plan to oppose me will receive his judgment!" He spoke mightily. He then followed with a crooked laugh. "Hahaha!"

Celine sighed. "Hey Sir, aren't you going overboard."

Regardless, it sent fear into the crowd, especially to the Knights and Agents. They refused to move since the death god's name was known throughout the capital. "The grim reaper?"

"That's impossible?"

"Why would he be siding with him?"

Even the bishop halted on giving out orders. He just looked at Melvin without doing anything.

Melvin calmly approached the guillotine and stared at the King. "Well then your highness, let's go." He then guided the King towards the horse-drawn carriage.

However, he still had his chains and shackles on his arms. They were lucky that none interfered as they made their escape.

Melvin then waved goodbye to everyone after the King was secured. "See ya."

When they were away, the bishop was awakened from his senses. "What are you fools doing? Capture them?"

The Agents complied. They ran fast and pursued the trails of the carriage on foot. Despite without a ride, they were quick, almost reaching the speed of a full speed bicycle.

General Chagrin smacked his tongue. He then yelled at his men. "Hurry! We need to chase them as well!"

The horse-drawn carriage moved through the upper city districts. They'd expect someone would be on their tails sooner or later. They loosened up for now.

Seeing the King, he was sullen. He sighed. "You expect me to thank you right? Pardon me, but I wouldn't have complained if you just left me in there to die. My wife has been taken and probably my daughter as well." He clenched his fist.

"Don't worry about that your highness, by the way, shouldn't you worry more about the state of this kingdom?" Melvin said.

"Uh... Yeah." King Vulhelm took some seconds to answer.

Melvin didn't know how to react seeing he was not fit to lead his country. It was only a matter of time before this kingdom crumbles after all. Though since the King was saved, he thought of advancing unto the next phase of the plan.

***

As the Agents pursued, they were catching up. They unsheathed their daggers from their pouches and leaped towards the rear of the carriage. They began climbing like lizards towards the roof. They then tore down the ceiling only to find an empty carriage.

A random coachman calmly stared at the Agents. "Oh the Agents, huh? What business do you have with my carriage?" He beamed a grin.

"Tsk."

They noticed it was a different coachman. Though they were positive it was the same carriage. With them annoyed, they jumped away and returned to where the carriage could have gone.

Somewhere in the alleyway, Melvin chuckled as things went smoothly with the plan. They sent out an identical carriage the moment they turned on the last intersection.

When the coast was clear, they proceeded to Hervil's house. The King was given proper attire first. Then king Vulhelm and Melvin were given a tea before they could discuss the important things. They sat around the table along with Hervil.

Melvin was observing the King, right now he was silent.

"And? What do you need?" King Vulhelm spoke to break the silence.

"Then let's be straight forward. Where can I find the Reveallion?"

Only the King and the Pope were aware of its location. That's why this plan was carried out by Melvin to save the King. It would have been more difficult without him.

"The bridge to heavens and earth tower. However, if you want to activate it, you need the Mendovian crystals. I believe the church is already collecting it."

Melvin's suspicions were right. The device could only have been hidden inside that tower. That tower wasn't only for decoration or tradition.

Regardless, they were prepared for the next stage of the plan which was to infiltrate the church.

***

Just on the outskirts of the first ring of Celpheus, the towns and cities found on it were starting to go empty. They were migrating across the wild valley and towards the Capital.

Several news regarding the 3 cities have already fallen. There was a mass army of goblins heading towards the north. Since only the Capital has the strongest defense, it was where the people sought refuge.

On the closest town somewhere, the towns folks were packing their supplies and readied their horses. Some even stole their neighbors horse just so they could leave sooner.

There was chaos all over the town.

The baron tried to organize his people. "Please everyone, we need to calm down. We need to think rationally if we want to survive this."

One man was angry. "Where the hell are the Vallion Knights?"

"Even if they were to send the Capital's knights, they wouldn't arrive on time. The goblin army are closer than you think."

Another man already mounted on the horse and galloped away into the distance. It somewhat lowered the morale of the town.

It spurred the townspeople to leave on their own. "We need to keep going as well."

Even the baron couldn't organize them. So he just left them on their own. Who knows if this town would still be here if they were to return. Their houses, lands, livestock, farm and other assets were in danger after all.

To their surprise, before they could leave, several giant vultures swooped in and struck down the citizens. Their tall and sharp beaks acted like a blade penetrating their chests causing them to scream. They then fell off into land bleeding out cold.

Riding them were goblins. They had tall noses and were lanky and short. They also had wooden tribal masks.

In the darkness of the forest, silhouettes were coming close. On the ground, several goblins that rode on boars charged throughout the town and began skewering the people with their wooden spears. They were more enraged and wild than before. Most likely, they were upset with the Queen's disappearance.

Two giant goblins that would even outmatch the Capital wall's height marched across the town, ramming across the houses, destroying anything in its path. It held a giant club. One swing from that weapon could decimate even a limestone or clay building.

They were wearing leather clothes skinned from the largest beasts in the forest.

The goblin king was only half as tall as the giant goblins, though he seemed more intelligent and brawny. He wore a skull helmet that had huge tusks protruding. While having a carapace shell worn on its tough body. "Where queen!"

It stood out from the rest of the goblins.

It screamed, piercing the air of the village.

The baron fell on his rump. He was shivering since death was closing in.

The towns folks ran away from panic. It was too late however, since it was their last day on that town.

***

Stella was discussing with Melvin. It seems she left the church since going back would warrant her doom. However, she gathered some useful information regarding the marching goblins.

First was the foot soldiers of the goblins. They were weaker than a human knight but twice as fast. Their agility would be problem to any swordsmen.

Second were the land riders. They were the goblins riding the tamed ferocious boars. The riders were no different from the foot soldiers with the exception of the boars.

Third were the air riders. They were the goblins riding the piercer vultures. The vultures were dangerous with their diving abilities.

The fourth were the giants. As their name suggest, they were gigantic goblins even reaching 6 meters in height.

Lastly, the King goblin. It possessed superior intelligence though it was still lesser than a humans. It had far better strength and could destroy a wall with its bare fist.

Melvin stroked his chin. "These are concerning." True that they were scary but Melvin was somewhat excited.

He just hoped that the Church have a counter measure in the worst case scenario. Goblins also had a military line up. It would be good if he could contact Vesna.

Celine stared at him. "Sir, I think it's ready." She readied her phone which she turned off for some time in order to conserve battery.

Regardless, they didn't have yet a solid plan with their infiltration. Melvin thought they needed more time. "On a second thought, maybe we need to--"

The door slammed opened. Hervil had a distressed look. "I had some bad news. The goblins will arrive in the capital tomorrow at dusk! Worse, the church have find out our hide out."