70 Companions on the Battlefield (2/2)

”I have an idea, but I would like to get some specifics,” I tell him.

Leaning back in his chair he takes a deep breath and looks towards me. The look on his face was quite heavy and serious.

”It would appear that this city is likely to fall. New of the goblin hoard counts their number in the thousands if not more. It safe to say that this will be an all-out battle. There are orcs and hobgoblins that have been sighted by the scouts.”

”Not only are there that but the mages and healers that they have with them are enough to keep the lower goblins alive long enough to tear down the gate!”

”Doesn't this city have a solid wall?” I ask.

”Solid walls can only last so long when an orc is tearing through them. No matter what comes for this city… blood will be spilled,” Rudolph says solemnly.

I felt my blood quicken in my veins. My body was alive with the idea of getting to slaughter and slaughter. But I try to dampen my mood. I didn't want them to know that I was excited at the thought of bloodshed.

It appears though that I was right to assume that this city would be under siege with stronger goblin variants than before.

”What about adventurers?” I ask.

”What about them? We're getting paid a high price to fight alongside the battlefield. We are not afraid of dying. Besides, if it becomes an unwinnable battle then I plan to retreat,” Rudolph explains with a steadfast face.

”How do you plan to retreat if there are a hoard of goblins on your heels?” I ask.

He smiles and gestures towards Eiji.

”He can use teleportation magic. Of course, there are some stipulations to it, but it effective for getting yourself out of tight spots,” he explains.

Looking at Eiji I wouldn't imagine that he would be able to perform that magic.

”That's rather impressive,” I say.

Eiji seems to smile at my compliment.

”A compliment from a beauty like you is always appreciated,” he says with a wink.

Was he drunk?

”Don't mind him. He can't always hold his liquor,” Rudolph says.

Nodding, I look at him again and find that his eyes are slightly unfocused. It looks like he had a little too much. Since he was hitting on a child. But that didn't take away from the fact that he was skilled in teleportation magic.

”What do you plan to do?” Rudolph asks.

Turning I look at him. He has a concerned look on his face. I felt touched.

”In regard to the goblin hoard?” I pause and think for a second. ”I don't plan to run away. I have a contract in place at the moment. It would be rude to back out at this point. Just like you, I don't plan to die either.

However, I am ready to lay down my life if required,” I smirk.

”It seems that I can't change your mind. Not that I would try to either. I suppose that means we will be on the battlefield together. We'll consider yourself a friend in arms if you need to reach us. We are staying at the 'Golden Hen',” he says.

Pushing away from the table he stands up and motions to Eiji. He stands up, as well.

”I'll be sure to contact you. Thanks for the dinner and information,” I say looking at the two of them.

”Catch you later Hollis Baby,” Eiji says giving me a smile. Rudolph puts a hand on his back and shakes his head.

”Have a good evening. Be careful too. Things aren't how they seem all the time,” Rudolph says as parting words, and both him and Eiji head out towards the stairs.

Watching them leave, I feel a weight sink onto my shoulders at his last words. Was something other than the goblin hoard happening in the city?

Thinking on everything for a moment, I sigh and push myself out of my chair. Standing I head for the stairs and walk down then back to the first floor. It had gotten a little quieter in here but not by much. People are still drinking and being rowdy.

Walking past them I head out into the night. The cool breeze of the evening sweeps across my body. Looking around I find that almost everyone has cleared out of the street.

Turning I head for an alleyway when the shrill sound of a scream pierces the still night air.

”What now?” I sigh.