novelzi Chapter 45: Trouble, Trouble, Little Merchant
Chapter 45: Trouble, Trouble, Little Merchant
Chapter 45: Chapter 45: Trouble, Trouble, Little Merchant
Author's POV
A small group of five humans approached the monster village, their steps steady despite the dense forest surrounding them. The leader, a young merchant wearing a wide-brimmed hat, walked confidently at the front, her companions trailing slightly behind her with the wagon in tow.
"My lady," said one of the women, her hand resting lightly on the hilt of her sword, "we're nearing the monster village."
"Is that so?" the merchant replied without slowing her pace. "Prepare yourselves, but remember—we're here to trade, not to fight."
"Yes, ma'am!" the other four responded in unison, though their wary glances at the shadows around them showed they didn't entirely believe peace was guaranteed.
The merchant adjusted her hat, her face calm but unreadable. Her focus was clear: reach the village and maintain the delicate relationship she'd built with its residents.@@@@
As for why? That's a story for later...
---
In the heart of the monster village, tension was brewing.
Scarface, the co-leader of the village, stood at the center of a gathering, including Gorn, Grumpy, Boulder, and Tink. Around them, imps, lizardmen, and other creatures whispered anxiously.
"The humans are back!" the lizardman scout announced, its tail flicking nervously. "There's still only five of them, but they're close!"
Gorn frowned, his hands clenching together. "What are they doing here so early? This isn't the time we agreed on!"
Scarface let out a low growl, his massive arms crossed over his chest.
"Doesn't matter. Stick to the plan. We meet them, hear them out, and if anything goes wrong—" He swung his heavy club over his shoulder. "We defend the village."
The crowd of monsters murmured in agreement, though some looked uneasy.
Boulder leaned against a nearby hut, his massive form relaxed but his eyes watchful. "Better hope they're here to trade like last time," he rumbled.
Everyone froze.
"What was that?" one of the merchant's companions asked, her hand instinctively going to her sword.
The answer came in the form of a massive, spiked beast crashing through the trees. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the clearing, and it let out another deafening roar before charging.
"That's not one of ours!" Gorn shouted, his voice high with panic.
Scarface didn't hesitate. "Lizardmen, flank it! Imps, distract it from a distance! Boulder, keep it away from the humans!"
The monsters leapt into action, their previous tension forgotten as they worked together to defend their home.
The merchant's party quickly joined the fray. While the merchant stayed back, her companions drew their weapons and fought alongside the monsters. If others heard this, they'd think it was absurd, after all, humans and monsters fought side by side, united against a common threat? Hardly believable.
Tink scrambled around the edges of the chaos, frantically setting up his gadget. "Almost done! Just keep it busy!"
Grumpy, however, stood frozen at the edge of the clearing. His usual gruff demeanor was replaced by a look of fear.
"This is bad... real bad..." he muttered, his eyes darting to the forest where their leader had disappeared days ago and the side of the forest where monsters kept coming from.
Scarface noticed his hesitation and barked, "Grumpy! Get it together! We need you!"
But Grumpy didn't move. His fists clenched as he looked toward the sky, his voice trembling as he shouted,
"Boss, come back soon!"
---
The battle continued, chaos erupting in every corner of the village. But Grumpy's voice hung in the air, a reminder of the one they were all waiting for—the one who had promised to guide them through moments like this.
And down south, the "Boss" felt worried, which made her want to return faster!