Necessary Villain

9 - Man With a Few Screws Loose

As promised, we arrive at the goblin camp within about twenty minutes of leaving.

"Ahhhhhhh!" a woman screams.

"What?" A few spin around to face the person who's screaming.

"Is it a goblin!?" a man shrieks.

"T-there!" The initial person who freaked out points, and everyone prepares for a fight, following their gaze. Everyone's expectations are somewhat betrayed when the area her finger leads to is the small mound of child goblin corpses.

"What the hell!?" Others begin to scream at the sight as well.

The people who look at Zayn and myself as idols now seem to grow a little concerned, as if we're not right in the head to be able to create this scene. Some cower at the sight and shiver in fear.

As for me, I hang my head in dejection, Lucas noticing my reaction.

"Hey Axel, like I said before; who cares if they are handicapped, elderly, or a child. Slaughter them all the same, and do so without an ounce of pity. " Lucas gives cold-blooded advice which causes me to clench my fist and grit my teeth in annoyance.

I want to scream at Lucas: Sure, they're goblins, and you can say that. But if you had to look them in the eyes, you would feel the same as me... But I digress.

With a smile, Lucas ignores my annoyed reaction and slings an order over his shoulder.

"Quiet down," Lucas orders. "We might attract unwanted attention. Question the culprits all you want once we are inside the camp."

We approach the camp and enter. People take witness to the carnage that lies around them. Goblin blood, guts, and bonesa are strewn across the ground. Nearly everyone's jaw hits the floor when they see the state of the enclosure. Some vomit, and a few faint. Lucas ignores those in that state and spins around to address everyone.

"For now, let's clean this place up. It is starting to stink, and I don't think any of us want to sleep on top of goblin remnants."

He barks his order but I ignore it. I stand lost in thought as people pass me by to start cleaning.

"Sweet! Look, there is a tent filled with weapons!" A man cheers, sifting through the tent. "Look, food and water! Hell yeah!"

Their cheers anger me, but I oddly have no desire to act on that anger.

After the goblin guts are cleared, people begin feasting on what they can get their hands on and claiming parts of the place as theirs.

Once everyone settles down, Lucas calls everyone in.

"Everyone, since we've accomplished more than I thought in such a short time," Lucas declares as he smiles. "It seems we don't need to go on an expedition for food. So, for the rest of the day, I have two objectives for us. One is getting to know each other. I think establishing friendships and connections will greatly benefit our survival. Two, try different weapons and choose one you'd like to use; They may be crude, but a weapon is a weapon." Lucas dangles a rusty sword in his hand and swings it side to side.

"There's no need to be too picky as we have fifteen daggers, twenty-five swords, seventeen axes, and ten short swords. Once you find one you like, focus on acclimating to it for the rest of the day until nightfall." Lucas pauses for a moment, seemingly to sort his thoughts, then he continues, "Once night falls we are to all retreat behind these walls and will sleep. While sleeping we will cycle guards to watch the front entrance in case of enemies. If an enemy is spotted, the guards are to do whatever they can to protect the gate while waking all who sleep, even if they only see a single goblin. These guards will be cycled in groups of four with each serving a two-hour shift. Then, they will wake up those who will guard in place of them and they will be allowed to rest. Once I map the timeframe out in my head I will inform those who will serve as guards tonight and in which order. For now, that is all. Make sure you all get adequate sleep," Lucas smiles then waves dismissing the gathering.