The Devouring Knight

From the side, Sorrin chuckled. "Don't play too much with our Lady's heart, Baron."

"I won't. Take care of her for me, Instructor Sorrin. Until next we meet."

With that, he tightened the straps on his pack and strode out through the gates. This time, no horse carried him, his legs alone propelled him forward. His body, cut across the road faster than hooves could carry, saving him precious time.

....

A week later, the walls of Drosvain City came into view. Lumberling slowed his pace at the gates, the air thick with the buzz of merchants, guards, and shouting hawkers. Before he could even step fully inside, a familiar voice rang out.

"Brother, you're finally here!"

Jen darted forward and all but tackled him, arms wrapping tight around his waist. Behind her, the others followed in stride, Krivex, Skarn, and the rest of the captains trailing with eyes that lit up at the sight of their leader.

"Finally back," Krivex said.

Skarn crossed his arms, smirking. "So? How's the capital?"

"Nothing much," Lumberling replied dryly. "Just full of behemoths who could crush us with a finger."

That earned a ripple of chuckles, though Gobo2 frowned and scratched his head. "We're that weak?"

"Even with this?" Krivex interjected suddenly, lifting a hand. Flames crackled to life, dancing across his fingers.

Lumberling's eyes widened. "You built your mana heart…" He stepped closer, studying the fire. "Impressive."

Krivex's grin widened. "Pretty cool trick, huh? How about this?" He raised his other hand, and a breeze swirled from his palm, tugging at cloaks and hair.

"Dual element?" Lumberling murmured, genuine surprise flickering across his face.

Before the group could marvel further, Skitz snorted, arms crossed and lips curled into a sharp grin. "Alright, enough flexing with your little candle flames. Those sparks won't even sting at their current strength." He turned his sharp eyes toward Lumberling. "More importantly… you didn't bring your girlfriend?"

Jen's head popped up, her smile turning sly. "Yeah, Brother, where's Sister Liraeth? Don't tell me you left her behind?"

The group chuckled, each of them wearing grins that made Lumberling feel more like family than commander. Even passing soldiers turned to glance, curious at the reunion filled with laughter and banter.

Lumberling's shoulders eased. His people had missed him, and he had missed them more than he realized.

"Where's Kaeldron?" Lumberling asked, glancing around as if expecting the lizardman to appear from the training yard.

"I set him and the others on drills," Skitz replied, his grin sharp with approval. "They're sweating hard right now."

"Good," Lumberling said. "I'll leave them to you. Especially that black lizardman." His tone dropped as his eyes locked with Skitz's.

Skitz's grin widened, though there was a glint of seriousness behind it. He understood the unspoken message. That black-scaled lizardman was like him, marked, gifted, and blessed. A seed that could either grow into a weapon or a problem.

"I'll mold him," Skitz said, voice low. "When I'm done, he'll be sharper than steel, and loyal only to us."

Lumberling nodded once, satisfied.

"Oh, and…" Skitz's grin curved into something more mischievous, his eyes gleaming. "While you were gone, we captured a few… preys."

The word hung in the air, and some of the others chuckled darkly, already knowing what he meant.

Lumberling's expression didn't change. "Take me there."

"Gladly." Skitz's grin widened, and with a snap of his clawed fingers, he gestured for the others to follow.

The group moved together through the city streets, weaving past the busy clamor of merchants and guards.

...

Skitz led Lumberling down into the underground stone prison. The air grew colder with every step, damp walls carrying the stink of blood and sweat.

Eight Knights lay chained, their bodies broken, some barely clinging to life. In another row, four Vikings sat slumped against the wall, bruised and bound in heavy iron.

"Some of them won't last much longer," Skitz said. "You should devour them early."

Lumberling's gaze swept over the prisoners, but instead of answering, he asked, "'Bring me the ones who captured these Knights. It's only fair they claim the reward from those they fought to bring down."

Skitz darted, and soon the captains filtered in.

"Step forward, one at a time. I'll distribute the essence in order." Lumberling said, his tone calm.

There was a pause, then, unexpectedly, Gobo2 raised his hand.

Lumberling arched a brow. "What is it? You want to say something?"

For once, the usual grin was absent from Gobo2's face. He looked serious, almost solemn. "My Lord… we talked it over. We'd like to give the ones we captured to Vakk and Gobo1."

Both Vakk and Gobo1 turned sharply toward him, their eyes wide.

"Don't sweat it," Gobo2 said quickly, his grin flickering back for just a moment. "Catching more won't take long for us. But for them, it matters now."

The other captains remained silent, simply nodding at the two with faint smiles.

Vakk's jaw tightened, and Gobo1's hands trembled as the two of them bowed their heads. "...Thank you," they said together, voices low but filled with resolve.

The others clapped their shoulders, rough and comradely.

Lumberling watched silently, the faintest smile tugging at his lips.

He turned toward Gobo1 and Vakk.

"Since both of you will be absorbing the essences. Prepare yourselves, and if anything feels wrong, speak up immediately."

The two captains glanced at each other, their eyes flickering with both excitement and tension.

"There were two Quasi-Knights, two Knight Apprentices, and four Knight Pages," Lumberling continued. "Their essence will be divided between you."

One by one, he executed the Knights with precise strikes. Streams of shimmering essence rose from the bodies, twisting like smoke before being drawn into him. Lumberling directed the essence, splitting it between the two captains.

"Steady yourselves," he warned. "Take in what you can. If it feels too much, tell me."

Both Gobo1 and Vakk nodded, though their bodies betrayed the strain almost instantly. The essence struck them like a storm. They trembled violently, bones cracking and muscles shifting under the surge of power.

Gobo1 dropped to one knee, his weapon digging into the ground for balance. His skin darkened, veins pulsing with molten strength. With each breath, his frame thickened, armor straining to contain his new bulk.

The goblin roared, slamming his weapon against the earth before finally steadying himself. When the tremors ceased, he stood taller.

He had become a Hobgoblin Warmarch.

Beside him, Vakk snarled as the essence tore through him. His lean kobold body convulsed, then began to sharpen like tempered steel. His shoulders broadened, his chest hardened, and when the glow faded, he exhaled a guttural growl.

"Vakk," Lumberling said, meeting his gaze, "You've pushed beyond your limits. Good."

The kobold bared his teeth in a grin, his claws gleaming as he flexed them with newfound pride.

He had evolved into a Kobold Bladewreaker.

Lumberling swept his gaze over them all, his tone steady but edged with pride.

"Now, no captain lags behind. All of you stand as equals, at the Quasi-Knight level."

The captains roared, voices blending into a single thunderous cry.