Heather the Necromancer

Book 6: Chapter 1: A goblin with a new face

Book 6: Chapter 1: A goblin with a new face

Heather opened her eyes to find herself still in her husband's arms. She smiled to think of Frank as her spouse and was reminded of how terrified she was when Gwen first proposed it. Now she realized that her mother knew they were a good pairing and set them on the path of being together. She turned to the side to discover Webster snoring at her feet, the noble spider having given up his pillow for Frank.

It was the morning after her wedding, and she could hardly believe it was over. She was married to the man she loved and looking forward to the life they would build together. Still, there was a lot of work to do, and they were far from done in the north.

Well, let's deliver the egg and get back so we can enjoy our lives, Heather said to herself as she got out of bed. Standing at the mirror, she wondered why they didn't make more use of the magic doors before. It was such a simple thing to travel by day and come home at night. Or even pause to visit home when the need struck. Unfortunately, something about being so far away made it feel like they had to stay the course, always marching north in pursuit of the egg's home. It was a silly concept, and thankfully Jaina spoke up and helped Heather see the truth. Frank was up a few minutes later, nervously coming to her side as they stared at one another in the mirror.

We did it, Frank said and took her hand. We got married.

We did, Heather agreed. So now you don't even have to worry about being alone. No matter what happens, I will always be at your side. Her smile returned when he took her into a firm hug, tears wetting his eyes. For all the boyish insistence that he just wanted to build his graveyard, Frank had been very lonely. Heather didn't see it at first, but over time she came to realize that all Frank wanted was a friend. Somebody to break the boredom of being alone at the edge of nowhere. Now he had a partner for life, something he never dreamed possible.

Alright, Heather urged as she turned to wrap her arms around him. Get all those bad feelings out. Goodness knows I held on to mine long enough. Sometimes I think we like to torment ourselves.

I just never believed I could be so happy, Frank replied and let her go. I am married to the most beautiful woman I have ever known.

Ok, I will add those brownie points to your score, Heather laughed and looked back at the mirror. I suppose we move on today. There is nothing to wait for anymore.

Roric has the new palanquin, and Umtha is insistent we deliver the egg immediately. She keeps hinting that it isn't fair, Frank added.

Which only proves she knew exactly where it needed to go in the first place, Heather commented and then remembered the plan to see if Umtha was an NPC. Oh, yea, we need to check the witness list, she said and lifted her arm to rub the tattoo. The panel's orange interface came to life as she pulled open her social listings. She didn't bother with anything but the wedding information, quickly flipping through the rest without reading it. Finally, she got to the listing for witnesses as she and Frank leaned in close.

She is a player! Frank said in surprise.

I knew it! Heather grumbled. Shes been playing a game all along.

But why? Frank said as they leaned back. What does she have to gain from pretending to be clueless?

I dont know, but I am going to find out, Heather insisted and turned angrily to get her yellow outfit. They quickly dressed, with Heather taking time to put on one of her floppy sunhats with a long white ribbon. Then they went down the hall to the magic door and into the hidden room. Three goblins and her bone champion guarded the egg, but Umtha was nowhere to be found. Oddly the three goblins bowed to her, falling low as she went by.

Of course, she isn't here, Heather grumbled as they crossed over and arrived at the ruins for the north. She was greeted by the sound of the girls singing, Gisley leading the way as the other girls sang along. It was a happy moment that made Heather long to share such times with Quinny and Breanne.

Welcome back, Blackbast said as she walked up. I didnt expect you this early. You could have spent more time together.

We wanted to talk to Umtha, Heather said and rubbed open her panel to show Blackbast that Umtha was indeed a player.

So she is manipulating you, Blackbast said as her ears pinned back. And this egg business is vital to her plan.

But she's been so helpful, Frank said, pointing out all the ways Umtha cares for Heather. He reminded them of the two rescues and that Umtha was building a fortress just to keep Heather safe in the invent of attack.

This only proves she needs Heather for something, Blackbast agreed.

Of course she does, Heather interjected. She thinks I am Hathlisora, and I promised to help her and the other goblins escape this world.

Why would she want to escape? Blackbast asked.

Frank was the first to think of it as he considered how badly Heather wanted to escape. She had been kidnapped and forced into this world against her will. Out of anger and shock, she refused to accept her fate and struggled not to comply with the system. Could Umtha share the same problem? Was the goblin woman a chosen? He voiced his opinion as the other two shared a tense glance, unable to deny the possibility.

Of course, she has to be a chosen, Heather said at last. We know she is a goblin shaman. So how is she also a city builder? She must have a second primary class.

You are right, Blackbast agreed. Which only adds to the list of things she has been keeping from you.

I can't help but feel she has a good reason, Frank said as he considered the goblin woman. I think Umtha loves Heather and would do anything to keep her safe.

She did give us a wedding gift, Heather said as she thought of the crown sitting in their bedroom. It was a strange gift, but it meant a lot to Umtha, and Heather did promise to accept it. Still, it didn't explain why Umtha was pretending to be something less than she was.

Heather! a musical voice called as the purple queen of butterflies fluttered over, her wings trailing silver dust. She was dressed in her usual manner, the barest slip of cloth between her legs and nothing more.

Gisley, Heather laughed as she put a hand over Franks eyes. Must you dress like that in front of my husband?

He's seen me naked a bunch of times, Gisley said with a smile as she landed before the group. I had fun at your wedding. Thank you so much for inviting us.

Oh, you pretty little fairy, Heather sighed and wrapped her in a hug. Thank you and your family for making me see the love around me. I owe you everything. When we get back to consider founding our city, we will work on getting your family some magic doors.

Oh, for Rajeen, Gisley said as she stepped back and tossed her long lilac-colored hair that bounced with curls. I guess you didn't hear the new idea.

What new idea? Heather asked and looked to Blackbast, who could only shrug that she had no idea.

Gisley giggled with that heavenly voice, her two antennae uncurling a little. She asked them to wait and fluttered off, her beautiful purple, blue and black butterfly wings spreading more glitter. She returned a moment later with her whole family at her side, exposing Heather to two more naked women in slave collars.

So we did some talking, Roric began as he looked at Heather and Frank with thoughtful eyes. Rajeen wants to know if perhaps she could just move her inn into your new city.

She wants to move her harem to our city? Heather asked as she took Franks hand for support. But shes so well established where she is.

She likes the idea of being a part of our new region, Roric explained.

You mean your forest? Frank asked.

We are going to call it the love wood, Jaina said as she leaned into her master. And any who wander in it are free to share in the love on offer.

I am confused, Heather replied, so Jaina explained it. They planned to create NPC succubus guards that would not only patrol the forest but offer carnal delights to those who sought them. Jaina, Gisley, and Evalynn would also wander the woods, seeking similar adventures with anyone they could find. The more Heather heard, the more she blushed, unable to believe how free these three women were with their sexuality. The only one who wanted something normal was Chandice, who was going to open a magic shop to sell a range of potions and magical items to travelers.

So Rajeen will put her harem in the city, Heather said as her blush deepened. I guess that's alright, she added and looked to Frank, who was also flushed and staring at the three naked women. Hello? Husband? Heather said as she snapped a finger before his eyes.

What? Oh, I am fine with it, he said and cleared his throat as Gisley giggled again.

Oh, that angelic voice fills me with such love, Blackbast said as her tail lashed.

Why dont you move your temple to the forest, Evalynn suggested. You would be a perfect addition to the setting.

My temple? Blackbast replied as she looked truly stunned. I do not think I could. It is part of my calling that my temple should be remote and hard to find. A reward for the weary traveler who happens to stumble on its location.

We can hide your temple in the forest, Evalynn offered as she smiled at Blackbast, her long golden hair drifting gently in a breeze. I can use magic to obscure its location, or we can put the temple in the mountains and make the trail hard to find.

The mountains, Blackbast repeated as she considered it. I suppose that would make it remote. And you say you can obscure the trail in the forest so only a few will find it?

That part is easy, Evalynn replied. I could even make it so the trail becomes easier to find on special days or events. Like under a full moon, the trail is obvious, but when the sun is up, it's overgrown.

This is an idea I must ponder carefully, Blackbast said as she looked at Heather. But this raises another point.

Which is? Heather asked as she noted the intense stare.

Well, I suppose we can go on without them, Heather said as she turned on Blackbast. Assuming you dont mind riding on my husbands shoulder.

Blackbast smirked as Frank fished out the magic statue and spoke the single command word. A moment later, he was a hulking gray ghoul ready to carry them off. Blackbast summoned her magical disk, carefully lifting the palanquin as the girls climbed aboard. Frank then lifted her to his shoulder, where she settled in like a cat, purring as she flicked him with her tail.

Frank ran off at a near full run, his ghoul body not losing stamina from simple exertion. He could run for over a full day without needing a small break, and before long, they were miles away from where they started.

Heather sat with the girls showing them Umtha's name listed as a witness, proving once and for all she was a player. The usual points came up, asking why Umtha would pretend to be an NPC and what was her interest in Heather.

Heather could only assume it all had to do with Hathlisora and the promise to help the goblin woman escape. This brought up Franks theory that Umtha might be a chosen, sharing Heathers desire to go home and explaining how she could have enough classes to be a goblin queen, a shaman, and a city builder.

She has to be a chosen, Quinny agreed as they considered everything going on. She must hate being here as much as you do.

If shes a chosen, why did she choose to play a goblin? Breanne asked. I assume she arrived looking like she would have in the real world.

I did, Heather said as she pondered Breanne's point. Umtha would have been human and, for some reason, chose goblin as her race. That seemed to be inconsistent with how Heather felt about the issue. When she wanted out, the last thing she considered was playing a race that was distinctly not human. She dabbled with the golden sprite and even a succubus, but she would never have kept them. She wasn't going to play the game at all; thus, a human was the only choice that made sense. Even as she considered that, she remembered that only the human race could have three primary classes, and if Umtha was a goblin, her last class had to be a mundane secondary one.

You're right, Breanne agreed as Heather explained it. Which means she couldn't have played such a powerful city-building class.

Now I am confused, Heather sighed. I thought for sure we had it figured out.

What we need is to talk to Umtha, Breanne insisted as a small green shape appeared through the magic door.

Thank goodness I found you, Legeis said as he arrived. Somethings going on with the goblins, and I can't figure it out.

Oh goody, more trouble, Heather complained as the three waited for Legeis to explain.

I went to talk to the engineers, and they told me Umtha is upset about something, he began. She is refusing to come out of chambers and says that you aren't honoring your promise.

My promise? Heather repeated. We are on the way to return the egg right now.

No, it has something to do with that crown, Legeis countered.

The crown Umtha gave you? Breanne asked as she looked at Heather. Why would that matter?

You know what? Let's go ask her, Heather said as she grew annoyed. I am tired of this game anyway. She crawled to the side door and shouted to Frank that they were crossing back to the swamp to speak to Umtha. Then she led the way through the door to have the goblins bow to her again. She and the others arrived in the tower and began the journey outside. She stopped at her bedroom to get the crown, picking up Webster, who was annoyed he had been left behind and chirped his disapproval.

I let you sleep, Heather said as he scurried along beside them. He chirped again, and she let out a sigh, promising not to leave him behind alone again.

They headed into the swamp and down the road that would take them to the goblin fortress. Breanne and Quinny were awe-struck to see the fortification, but Heather was more concerned by the banners.

Why is there a red spiked crown over a skull and a rose on the banners now? Heather asked as she noticed the change.

That's not all that's changed, Legeis said as they approached the first gate, only to have the goblins line up as if on inspection. They saluted Heather and company as they passed, giving Heather a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. All the goblins were the same crown emblem on their armor as if demonstrating their loyalty to a ruler.

Every goblin they passed took unusual notice of Heather and the group until, at last, they arrived at the fortress and walked right inside. Legeis took them to some side halls of polished black stone and iron-plated floors. It was lit by what looked like gas lamps hanging from high above, giving the space an unusual glow.

Heather was surprised that all the doors along the hall were unusually large, big enough for even Frank to use. A door to one side was guarded by six goblins in heavy armor, all as tall as Heather.

I couldnt get any farther than this, Legeis said as they arrived.

Heather looked at the guards, who glanced at the crown in her hands and quickly stepped aside. Without a word, they went through the door to find a rather plush sitting room with human-sized furniture and a lovely glass table.

This doesn't seem very goblin-like, Quinny noted as they stepped on a plush red carpet.

This looks like an Ikea showroom, Heather replied. I wonder why she went with this style when she is so small?

Heather? A voice called from a distant doorway.

They all looked to the door, trying to place the voice. It sounded familiar but was more feminine with a smooth tone. Heather was sure she had heard that voice before but couldn't place where it was from.

Yes, it's me, Heather called back. Is Umtha here? I need to talk to her.

You should go, the voice called. I am not in the mood to talk.

Shes not in the mood? Quinny said as the group shared glances.

Is that Umtha? Breanne whispered.

Obviously not, Heather said as she played with the crown. She speaks too clearly and doesnt drop words.

Something strange is going on here, Legeis said. Every banner shows that crown on a skull with a rose growing around it. And why are all the goblins treating you like your royalty?

They are just bowing, Heather replied as she started for the distant door. Umtha probably told them I am going to rule this area.

You dont understand, the voice called as a dark shape appeared in the doorway. You already rule here.

The group stopped as a tall woman with soft green skin, and long curling dark green hair stepped into the light. She had elf-like ears, a slight ridge over her nose, and dark eyes, but otherwise, she looked human in every respect. She was an inch taller than Heather and wore a simple skirt at her waist with a wrap of purple over her chest. A golden band decorated her left arm, and she wore a silver ring on each hand.

Oh, are you a friend of Umthas? Heather asked as she was surprised by the strange woman.

You dont recognize me, the woman replied.

Have we met before? Heather pressed.

The woman looked upset and turned to pick up a white cloth from a nearby shelf. She held out Umthas strange magical dress whose colored flowers danced when you sang the right song.

Why do you have Umthas dress? Heather asked in growing alarm.

You were supposed to remember, the woman replied. This was supposed to bring back the memory of who I am and how much I love you.

You love me? Heather said nervously as she stepped back. I'm sorry, but you had better tell us who you are and where we can find Umtha, or I am going to fill this place with undead and find her myself.

The woman looked at Legeis for sympathy and held the dress over her chest.

Surely you understand what this means? You understand what happens when we make the choice, she asked as Legeis started to cough.

Legeis had to remove his goggles so he could see the woman as she looked down in obvious torment. He knew it was possible, but somehow his mind insisted that it couldn't be true.

I cant believe it, he said and pointed at the strange woman. Thats Umtha!