text: [Themes: fantasy, fantasy]
  
  From what little you know of Holgard, it sounds more like a city you could thrive in. The first problem is going to be getting there though. Holgard is still located in a wilder region of the land so road maintenance isn't always an option due to marauding monsters or bandits. In fact it might not even be safe to stay on the road.
  
  In any case it's a ways there, so you get on with it.
  
  Your couple of days of travel are uneventful. Just you and an empty road. When night falls you always get off the road and attempt to find a safe place to sleep in the trees nearby. Though you never really sleep easily and are constantly waking up at various sounds.
  
  Third day is a little different as you hear the clopping of horses behind you. At first you get concerned that someone from Teckleville is galloping your way, but a quick glance shows it's just a merchant caravan. A fairly big one too since you see several men on horseback along with a carriage and large wagon behind it.
  
  An idea comes to you and you wait for the caravan to reach your location. It gets a little closer and then stops completely. A couple of the men on horseback speak to someone in the carriage and then both of those men ride out to meet you. Both of them are carrying crossbows and wearing full plate mail. No insignia though so they're probably mercenaries.
  
  "Hey you! What are you doing?" one asks.
  "I was waiting for your caravan." You answer.
  "Yeah? For what purpose?"
  "Depends. What are you guys selling?"
  "Nothing to the likes of you. You don't look like you could afford it anyway."
  "I can't even look?"
  "No. In fact you're acting really fucking suspicious just waiting around on the road like this. I'm warning you right now that if this some sort of ambush tactic, you and your bandit buddies are far from equipped to take us on. And I can guarantee YOU are going to be the first one to die." One mercenary says as he points his crossbow at you.
  
  You slightly raise your arms a bit.
  
  "Hold on! I'm no bandit! I'm just a traveller a bit down on his luck. I know this road is dangerous, I was just wondering maybe if I could travel with you guys, you're going to Holgard right?"
  "No, we're hired to protect that caravan, not baby sit every stranger along the way."
  "You wouldn't be baby sitting me! I know how to fight, its just safety in numbers. I mean if we run into any trouble I'll even help. I'm not asking to get paid either."
  
  The mercenaries both glance at each other and don't look too enticed by your offer, but fortunately they aren't entirely calling the shots.
  
  "Hold on, we'll have to ask the boss first." One says and then they both gallop back to the carriage. You don't wait long before they return.
  
  "Okay son, the boss says you can travel with us, in fact he says you can ride with him in the carriage." The mercenary says.
  "Wow, really? Well I wasn't expecting that. Awfully nice of him."
  "Yeah...nice. (snort)" the merc says with a slight grin. The other merc chuckles a bit as well and you follow the pair of them back.
  
  The closer you get to the carriage; you see that it's pretty ornate looking. Obviously the merchant who owns this one is very wealthy. When you finally enter the carriage it's even more luxurious inside. Soft fur lines the seat, the curtains covering the windows are silk and the carriage floor and ceiling are gold plated. A perfumed smell also fills interior.
  
  And to your left, is where you see the owner sitting. He's a grossly fat berk dressed in fancy colorful clothing and a couple of jeweled rings on his fingers. He smiles in your direction denoting friendliness, but he's looking at you in a way that...well you aren't used to.
  
  "Well hello my dear boy. When they told me there was a young boy out on this ghastly road by himself, I knew I had to provide help. However, their description of you doesn't do you justice. You are certainly are very fit and firm looking." He says staring you up and down.
  
  Now you know why the mercs were smirking earlier.
  
  You sit down across from him and he tells his driver to get on their way before turning his attention completely to you.
  
  "So, what a fine lad like you doing on this road by himself? Don't you know there are bandits and worse about?" the merchant asks.
  "Yeah, but it's the only way I know to Holgard." You say
  "Well still. A boy like you should be careful. These bandits are terrible brutes. They don't just rob people, they usually kill them too. Sometimes they do even worse things. Why I shudder to think what they'd do to a handsome lad like yourself. You'd find yourself stripped, beaten and violated several times over before they finally slit your throat...and then perhaps violated repeatedly again...I mean who could stop them if they caught you all alone?"
  "Nobody I guess."
  "Exactly. But we needn't dwell on such morbid situations now. You are safe with me and I shall make sure no harm will come to your...body..."
  
  The merchant licks his lips as he stares at you and it is at this moment you think you now have a general idea of how your sister and Annah must have felt when they had merchants fawning all over them.
  
  Fortunately, the merchant doesn't press whatever unnatural lust he has for you and proceeds to just speak about himself. He mentions his name Graham Oren famous wine merchant (Or at least he thinks he's famous) and that he's coming from the Delantium Kingdom to do a bit of business in Holgard. You're a little disappointed since you were hoping to rip the caravan off in some way, but knowing he's just hauling wine casks makes stealing those large wooden things a little difficult to do.
  
  He goes on to say that normally he wouldn't bother to travel to the doomed city, but sometimes an in person presence is required to appease certain clients.
  
  "Doomed city? Why do you say that?" you ask.
  "I'm guessing you don't keep up on politics, m'boy, but then why would someone like you really need to, but yes the city is doomed. The Baron's days are numbered. Honestly it must only be by Yag's luck that he's survived as long as he has."
  "Is the Delantium Kingdom coming to take back the city?"
  
  Graham looks a little impressed by your basic knowledge of the political landscape.
  
  "Well...it would seem you are just full of surprises and here I was thinking you were just another pretty face. But to answer your question, I do believe they have their sights on it, but not necessarily through force. Something about annexing it peacefully so they don't have to waste the manpower. Probably through the help of one of his children, but given how treacherous they all are, that's not necessarily a certainty. Still, whether they take it or not, the Baron himself is going to be out of the picture soon. There is a growing discontent in the air by every faction and everyone that has an agenda there. He can't possibly keep control for much longer."
  
  Well that's a bit of interesting information about the city, though a bit concerning. You wonder if you're going to find yourself in the middle of a citywide revolt when you get to Holgard.
  
  While you're pondering that possibility, Graham begins speaking again.
  
  "But enough about these things. Let us talk more about you..." Graham says leaning his girth towards you and being bold enough now to put his hand on your leg, which you immediately pull away.
  
  "Look, I don't like being fucking touched and I'm not fucking interested."
  "Oh come on, don't be like that. You knew what you were getting into when you entered this carriage." Graham remarks and tries to touch your leg again.
  "I'm serious, don't do that again."
  "Or what? You'll leave? What if I don't let you?" Graham remarks and then reveals a decorative and strange looking pistol with multiple barrels. Firearms aren't common and you've only ever seen your grandfather's old non-working troll gun hanging up in your house, but it's obvious that this fat bastard is rich enough to have some sort of custom made one.
  
  It's enough to make you freeze up, but you maintain a cool head and don't panic.
  
  "That's right little lamb, you're going to stay right here and..."
  
  Suddenly a lot of noise and shouting can be heard from outside and one of the mercs rides up to the window.
  
  "Sir! Stay inside! We're being attacked!" he shouts
  
  This is enough time to distract Graham and allowing you to act.
  
  > Atack Graham
  You aren't going to let this fat fuck get a chance to possibly shoot you in the back, plus you're too pissed about him trying to molest you.
  
  With a couple quick moves you pull out your dagger, stab him in his arm and relieve him of his fancy pistol. Graham screams out like a little girl and now pleads for his miserable life.
  
  "Please! No, don't kill me!" he whimpers pathetically.
  
  Once again, much like how it was Klint, you show no remorse and pull the trigger of the pistol.
  
  It's the first time you've ever used one; so the unexpected kickback nearly causes you nearly drop it. You also weren't expecting it blow half of Graham's stinking face off. His obese corpse slumps lifelessly against the carriage wall.
  
  "Shit." You remark to yourself being in awe of the power of the weapon.
  
  Never being one to miss an opportunity, you quickly deprive Graham's body of the jeweled rings on his fingers. You then also go through the pockets that you can get to and get a bag full of gold coins.
  
  After looting Graham's body, you remember that there is a skirmish going on outside. A quick glance shows several bandit types fighting the mercs. The mercs are out numbered, but thanks to their armor and better training, they're doing a good job of fending off the bandits.
  
  You get out of the carriage with the intent of just running off into the woods, but then you might get lost. It occurs to you that you do have an advantage that will allow you get away a lot faster and still stay on your course.
  
  While one of the mounted mercs bashes in the head of a bandit you take the opportunity to shoot him while his back is turned. The merc's armor is of no protection and he cries out as he falls from his horse.
  
  "Who the hell is that guy?" one of the bandits shouts.
  "Dunno, but who cares, he's killing their side!" another says.
  
  You quickly run to the now ownerless horse and clumsily get on. You're a bit vulnerable for a few seconds, but fortunately the bandits seem to now think you're on their side and don't focus on you (and the remaining mercs have their hands full)
  
  You soon manage to control the horse (which is anxious to get away from the chaos anyway) and gallop away until the skirmish is far behind you and you're basically left alone again. Unfortunately your horse suddenly starts wheeze and wobble. You manage to hastily get off before it collapses.
  
  There on it's left side you see what the problem is. In all the ensuing the chaos, the horse actually took a few crossbow bolts. Probably damage to vital organs and its adrenaline is finally wearing off. Bad luck for you and even worse luck for the horse. Not having many more options, you start walking.
  
  In any case there's two more bodies to your count now. Granted Graham deserved it, but that merc...well he made a living risking his life, it just happened that today his time was up. You had to survive a dangerous situation and that's it.
  
  That's how you're justifying that one anyway.
  
  Still, you at least acquired a few goodies for your troubles. You're going to have to learn more about how to take proper care of this pistol because it's far too valuable of a weapon to neglect. It'll certainly make dealing with shit in Holgard a bit more manageable.
  
  The rings are what surprise you most. You're no jeweler, but you have stolen enough cheap baubles in the past that you can tell a fake when you examine it in greater detail. The gems in the rings are actually common, but altered slightly (especially their color) to resemble more valuable ones. Even the ring is gold plated rather than pure. Looks like Graham wasn't as rich as he made out.
  
  However, the little pouch of coins is real money so there's that at least.
  
  You continue along the road, which as you guessed starts alternating from being intact, to dirt with a few stones to being little more than a well worn path in the grass. Even the occasional signs aren't much help given that many are flat out damaged in some way.
  
  Your natural instinct to just keep going in a straight line like you were doing, but unfortunately for you, the path completely disappears into forest. Doesn't help that the road also branches into several paths that twist in different directions. You weren't expecting that so you aren't sure which way to go.
  
  While you're pondering this decision, a voice calls out to you.
  
  "Hey! Where youz tryin' to get to?"
  
  You then see a person dressed in simple clothing coming out of the forest. He's a little shorter than you, in fact he's a little greener than you too. Doesn't look like an orc though, not nearly big or massive enough. Goblin perhaps, but he's taller than one and almost a bit human looking. A short green human with a few warts on his face and a bigger than average nose.
  
  In any case, you maintain your usual caution.
  
  "Okay, that's far enough. Who are you?" you ask.
  "Me? I'm just Warts." He answers picking his big nose.
  "Appropriate name."
  "Grhm. So youz tryin' to get to Holgard?"
  "Yeah, why?"
  "Well cuz, I can lead you to it. Lotz o' paths in this forest lead lotz o' places. Easy to get lost if you don't know da way."
  "You know the way huh? How do I know you aren't going to lead me into an ambush?"
  "Youz don't I suppoze. Take yer chances going alone an' getting lost, don't care. I just try to earn a little extra coin for drink an' leadin' clueless humies like yerself gets me some...well when they aren't throwin' rocks at me that is."
  "What are you exactly?" you ask.
  "Huh? What you mean?" Warts replies.
  "I mean, you don't look quite like any greenskin I've ever seen."
  "You seen a lot o them have ya?"
  "Well no, but I've heard tales..."
  "Then you don't really know nuthin' then do ya?" Warts says in a perturbed tone.
  
  Actually he's got a bit of a point.
  
  You decide to get right to the matter.
  
  "Alright, assuming I take you up on your generous offer, how much is it?" you ask.
  "Oh, yeah price...hmm, you want to go to Holgard right? Five gold coins." Warts answers.
  "Five gold coins just to lead me through the forest? That's fucking outrageous!"
  "Holgard is tricky to get to if you don't know the way. Lot of false paths get made. Besides, you lot usually have more than enough gold. I see you humies travelling all over in your rolly boxes filled with goods."
  "Do I look like I'm in a rolly box carting around a wagon full of treasures? I'm just a simple traveller down on his luck."
  "Down on luck huh? You should pray to Yag more. Anywayz five gold. Final offer."
  
  This greenskin obviously has no concept of haggling. It really isn't like you don't have the coin, it's more like you don't want to give so much to the likes of him after being fortunate enough to acquire it in the first place.
  
  Ultimately, he's either telling the truth about the forest being that treacherous or he's completely bullshitting you. You'll just have to decide for yourself.
  
  > Pay Warts
  He might be bullshitting you, but you're not exactly familiar with this area, so you might as well not take chances. Still, you got a better idea on payment.
  
  "Hey Warts, I don't have the five gold coins, but I do have these." You say and hold out Graham's rings to Warts.
  
  Warts approaches cautiously and then takes one of the rings from your hand. He inspects it and then speaks.
  
  "Grm. Okay, sure these will do. Stupid hobgoblin tribe around here always likes pretty jewelry even if it fakesy." He says and takes the other one from your hand.
  "Fake?" you say in a completely surprised tone, though not completely put on since you didn't think someone like Warts would know.
  "Yeah, fake... youz really didn't know?"
  "No, I'm afraid I come from a small town and don't have a good eye for that sort of thing. The merchant passing through was very convincing when he was selling them. I bought them for a girl I liked, but alas, I was unlucky in love too, so I just kept them."
  "Grm. Youz gotta have a better eye and pray to Yag more. Anywayz, come on let's get goin, don't wanna stand out here tooz long. Dis path is da one."
  
  You start following Warts who leads the way.
  
  "So...there are hobgoblins in this area?" you ask.
  "Oh yeah, the Spider Fang tribe, but there don't really come around the way we're goin' so no need to worry about getting' eaten. Can't wait to get back to them though. With these rings, Snuffit will allow me at least ten ruts with 'er. Way better than getting' drunk...well sometimes better anyway." Warts remarks.
  "Are you a member of the Spider Fangs?"
  "Me? Nah...too much humie blood. Can't ever be part of tribe proper. Good thing mum good fighter and loves me, otherwise tribe probably would 'ave eaten me when I was born."
  "Wait, your mom is a hobgoblin? Who was your father then?"
  "Dunno, some humie bandit that attacked and tried to rut with her in the forest. Me mum said it was dark and he seemed pretty surprised when he realized she wasn't another human. Mentioned he tasted like cheap beer after she was done wit him, so I guess he liked to drink."
  
  Since you have no words for that story, you just silently continue to follow.
  
  Warts and you trudge along a dirt path for quite sometime until it disappears completely.
  
  "Okay, from here, we go...dis way...no wait dis way...I think..." Warts says.
  "You think? Don't you know?" you reply.
  "Yeah, yeah, I just haven't used this way in a long time. Gotta pass a haunted cabin. Accidently passed out there once, ended up shitting my good pants, though not sure if that was just because of the ghost."
  "Haunted cabin? Why the hell are we going near it then?"
  "Cause it's the safest way. Even the bandit types don't like goin' near it and nobody from the Spider Fang tribe is brave enough either. Sides, it's really only haunted sometimes."
  "Sometimes? But what if today is that day?"
  "Well hope youz brought extra pants den. Really though, it's a lot safer. Da ghost really only messes with people that go in that cabin. I mean if you wanna risk it, we could go another way I know, but there's been a lotta bandits travelling back an through that area. Normally, I'd just go that way since I know all da best hidin' places and even if they did see me, I'd disappear again before they could even mount an attack. However you're probably not as stealthy as me, so you'd probably get yerself seen and gutted. Might even rut wit youz first, some of these bandits aren't picky."
  "I'm actually no stranger to being stealthy myself when I have to be."
  "Truly? Grm. Well it's up to you."
  "I'd rather take my chances sneaking pass some bandits than possibly dealing with something I can't even hurt."
  "Okay, hope yer as sneaky as you claim, cuz all bets are off if the bandits catch sight of ya. Dis way."
  
  Once again Warts leads the way and you follow.
  
  You trudge through the forest for quite sometime and eventually it gets dark, but you still haven't seen any signs of bandits or anyone else really. Warts doesn't seem to be concerned, but you're constantly alert, thinking behind every tree lies an ambush.
  
  "Gettin' pitch black, gonna have to stop soon." Warts says.
  "What? We're not walking through the night? In fact won't it be easier to slip by any potential hostiles in the dark?" you ask.
  "You want to continue, be my guest, but I'm gonna get some sleep. I'm tired. Sides, looks like we got lucky. Guess the bandit crew that was wandering around this area moved on. Praise Yag."
  "As you say." You reply, still looking around.
  
  While you're half tempted to go on without Warts, you're still holding on to the slight hope that he actually knows where he's going, so you start looking for a tree to climb and sleep in.
  
  "Hey, what youz doin? You think youz a squirrel or somethin'?" Warts asks.
  "I'm not sleeping down here on the ground. What if something wanders by before I can properly react? I'll be in a tree so I can at least be somewhat out of immediate sight."
  "Youz gonna fall out and break yo' neck too. All youz gotta do is cover yerself in dirt and leaves and shit. Hides youz just fine." Warts says and begins doing just that.
  "Yeah well when you're already green and smell like the outdoors, I suppose it's a lot easier to camouflage yourself with little effort. I'll take my chances in a high tree."
  
  Warts shakes his head unconvinced and continues to cover himself. You have to admit, if you didn't know he was there, you probably wouldn't notice him if you were just wandering by.
  
  As for you, you climb to a sturdy and large enough branch that will support your weight and you can at least somewhat perch yourself on. You already know you aren't going to sleep deep tonight, but you figure that's sort of been the standard problem while out here.
  
  "I'll be so damn glad to be out of the damn wilderness." You say to yourself.
  
  You're up for quite awhile, but hear nothing exce