Stalker
Chapter 7: Tunnels
Vanyen stooped as she crept through the low tunnel. It had been designed for dwarves, not humans, and though Vanyen wasn’t very tall by human standards, she still had to duck her head and watch for the occasional root. Water trickled above her and she realized she must be under the Falith.
The dwarves urged her on, and Vanyen placed a hand on North, comforting her. She pushed the thoughts of last night out of her mind and continued down the tunnel. She saw a large stone door set in the ground above the tunnel. She walked toward it and whispered to the dwarf captain. “This is it?”
“Yes. Push open the door.”
Vanyen heaved, and the fake rock lifted open, and daylight streamed in. Vanyen flinched, realizing how much she adjusted to the dark even after a short time. Blinking, she pulled herself out of the tunnel, but stayed low, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the sudden change.
“She’s gotta get her over-eyes,” muttered a dwarf. Vanyen blinked several times, then realized where she was. It was a little ways from the goblin encampment, behind a small ridge that would hide them.
“Coast is clear,” Vanyen whispered, though there was no way the goblins would hear them from this distance.
The dwarves filed out. “You were right, Krogi. This is perfect.” It was. They were hidden, far enough away. The goblins were building bridges to breach the river at multiple places, but they were going to surprise them with an attack from their flank, while Kryger and the other dwarves created a distraction.
Vanyen was only commanding 20 dwarves, but they were all trained and it was more than enough for a surprise attack. They had planned it all out.
Kryger would wait one click to give Vanyen time to be in position and rest. They couldn’t send signals, or the goblins might see. After one click, many of the bridges should have been finished. Kryger and his dwarves would pretend to rest, retreating into their tents, trying to lure the goblins out. When they placed their bridges, Kryger would fire a few paustone arrows, exploding the attack and creating a large diversion. In the chaos, Vanyen’s force would attack from the rear. As the goblins turned in confusion, Kryger’s force would cross the bridge and they would crush the goblins between stone and hammer, as Krogi would say.
It was a great plan, and Kryger was a master tactician. Now, they just had to wait and watch a click until Kryger’s group retreated into their tents.
After a little while, the dwarf scout said that Kryger’s team had retreated to the tents. Vanyen sighed and stood up with a clank of armor. She checked Hydra and North, made sure her back-up steel cape was fixed on, and breathed deeply. Inside, her nerves were tense, like they were before a battle. But this time, she was surrounded by capable warriors. No need to fear, just don’t let them die.
“Nice axes,” said Krogi, holding a large battleaxe of his own. “May I see them?”
“No,” Vanyen said sharply. She didn’t let anyone touch her axes, not even Kryger.
Krogi nodded understanding. She wasn’t being rude; a warrior had the right to hide their weapons. “Well, are you ready for this?”
“I’m no child, Krogi. I’ve been in many fights before.”
“Yes, I’m sure. But this feels different. The goblins had diversions, they rarely plan out this much. They feel confident like they have something up their sleeve. We should be careful.”
“Agreed. There go the goblins,” pointed Vanyen.
“We await your signal,” said Krogi. He would stay behind the ridge with his troops, while Vanyen waited for the right moment.
The goblins had lowered their bridges and were carefully crossing, trying to be quiet. Suddenly, an explosion rocked the silence, and some goblins went flying. She should charge now, and be swift.
“3”
“2”
“1”
Vanyen glanced up, the word “Go” on her lips. Across the goblin camp, there he was, a shadowed figure. Her Crystal burn twanged.
A tune floated through the air.
Mountains cave
Building a grave
Krogi looked at her expectantly.
I will come for you
Across the river, Kryger was fighting for his life, being swarmed with goblins.
Fires flow
Waters know
Dwarves fought viciously, falling surrounded by adversaries that they took out with them.
I will come for you
Kryger locked eyes with her.
There is no rest
She pulled her gaze to the Stalker, also staring at her.
In dream nor death
No one else saw him, no one heard the song.
I will come for you
Vanyen gave one last glance to Kryger. Krogi’s voice seemed to come from underwater.
Vanyen turned and ran.