Interlude: Sun-Chaser and Under Goblin Lolo

A/N 1/2, I wanted to add some stuff to the last interlude. The next chapter should be up in a couple minutes.

***

Sun-Chaser called upon the spirit of her fifth tail, and it answered her call. A great storm gathered in the sky, taking the form of a woman, lightning striking between her gray clouds. The drakes turned, thinking to avoid the sudden storm.

Sun-Chaser did not let them. “Strike them for me, Storm.”

The spirit answered, lightning rushing from her, and striking the drakes from the sky. They fell to the earth, one by one. 

Sun-Chaser released the spirit, and the clouds dispersed as it returned to her tail. Feeling drained, she turned to look over the caravan she guarded.

The damage was thankfully small. One of the Kobolds had spotted the Drakes before they got close enough to do real damage, and only a single wagon had been hit with fire. 

With an effort of will, Sun-Chaser pulled the water from the river and doused the wagon. The attacks had slowed over the last week, but they still thought to test Sun-Chaser’s magic from time to time. 

This one had been a paltry two drakes, well within her capability. 

An Old Goblin grumbled as she left the wagon next to Sun-Chaser, her walking staff thumping against the ground as she made her way towards the nearby singed monsters, “Fire. It’s always fire.” 

With a harrumph, the goblin tapped her staff and a circle of mana spread around her, healing all of the injured at once. 

Tya turned around, and walked back towards Sun-Chaser’s wagon, pulling herself up with an exaggerated amount of grunts. 

“Are you doing alright Elder?” Sun-Chaser asked.

“If our head-strong Grand Mother didn’t need me, I’d be back at home resting in my furs right now.” 

Sun-Chaser smiled, then joined the old goblin at the back of the wagon, next to several bags of grain. 

The caravan of supplies continued down the road, spiders and kobolds scouting around the edge. 

“I’m sure she appreciates you, Elder.” 

The old goblin let out a sigh, “I’m getting too old, Sun-Chaser. Soon you’ll have to take over and knock sense into her for me.” 

“You/ve been looking as young as ever, since you evolved into a High Healer.” 

The goblin pointed her staff at the Kobold, “Don’t let my good looks fool you. My mind is as old as ever.” 

“Of course, Elder.” 

The Goblin shook her head, and the wagon was silent except for its wheels rolling against the ground. “She does need you.”

Sun-Chaser looked up at the goblin.

“She needs monsters that see her as more than just the Grand Mother. Monsters who can help her when her faults show themselves.” 

“I know.” 

The old goblin gave her a look that Sun-Chaser couldn’t read, “Mhm.” 

Sun-Chaser looked to the sky, searching for more drakes to show themselves.

***

Under Goblin Lolo channeled the power of the spark, his blade glowing with white fire as it sliced through the neck of a large serpent. 

The Red Vulpine Kobold who’d been about to be eaten stumbled back as the serpents head fell in front of him. 

Lolo sheathed his sword, then looked around at the rest of the scouting party he traveled with. 

High Goblin Scout Dilo stepped over, placing his hand on the frightened Kobold’s shoulder, “Are you alright?” 

The kobold took a shaky breath, then nodded. 

“Good instincts Lolo, I wish my blade was as swift as yours.” 

Lolo nodded, “The Spark’s power is weaker so far, but Lolo is still strong.” 

The older scout examined the Under Goblin for a long moment, then smiled wide. “I think Glo is going to like you.” 

Lolo lowered his head, embarrassed at the praise. 

They didn’t stay too much longer before continuing through the marshes. Their objective was simple; locate the enemy camp. Scout Dilo took point, while his lover, Kyra watched from the shadows. Together, the two experienced goblins took point while Lolo, an Ambush Hunter Spider, and the Kobold provided backup if things got dangerous. 

They continued through the swamps, until they got to the deeper waters, at which point, Dilo and his lover split from the other three, traveling deeper on their own. 

Lolo and the others waited for hours before they returned.

Kyra carried Dilo in her arms, his breath shallow. She didn’t speak as he was placed on the back of the spider, then with a motion of her hands, they rushed back to the camp, ready to inform Glo of the enemy’s movements.

Lolo kept his eyes and ears peeled, thankful for the darkness that gave him the advantage over the other monsters. Daylight scared him, and he still didn’t dare to look too long at the vastness of the sky. 

His wariness paid off when he caught sight of a small group of Scaled warriors chasing them. 

He pulled his blade, igniting it with white fire as he turned to face them.

The others turned with him, ready for battle.