Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

The carriage slowly rolled forward. My zombies stayed close to the carriage to offer protection. Cassie was inside, she did not have a defensive spell, yet. Helena, Skadi and myself remained outside to look for enemies.

The outside of the warehouse was calm. It was dark by now and nobody was working anymore. The whole area looked deserted. Other warehouses surrounded us.

“Does anyone know where we are?” I asked.

Cassie peeked out of the carriage. “I can’t see much in this darkness but I don’t think so.”

The only light we had was the lantern on the carriage. Inside the warehouse were magical lamps. Now that we had left, the darkness could become a problem. While Skadi and myself had reasonable eyesight at night, Helena and Cassie were human.

“Me neither.” Helena said. “Could be close to the docks.”

I had never been at the docks. But I knew that the river was heavily used for shipping. It would make sense to have a lot of warehouses nearby.

“Why are there no lights outside?” I asked.

“Good question. You would expect some if the area is used in the dark. And if it isn’t, then why have lights inside the warehouse?” Skadi wondered.

“Maybe they have secret meetings inside and need lights? But they don’t want to be spotted on the road?” Cassie theorised.

“Have you been reading those novels Skadi is so fond of? What is next, are you suggesting someone wanted to purchase us for a slave warrior harem?” Helena asked.

“So, I might have borrowed a book…” Cassie admitted.

“Um girls, I don’t think this is the right time to discuss novels.” I said. “Does anyone have an idea where we should go?”

“Just follow the biggest road. I suspect we are close to the docks. Surely there will be someone we can ask for directions. At least there should be patrols at night.” Skadi suggested.

As we moved, we stopped our chatter and focused on our surroundings. We passed two more warehouses until Nyx got anxious. She stared at the door of the building we were about to pass.

“There could be another ambush.” I quietly warned my friends.

“We could try to take them by surprise. Burst through the doors with your zombie horde.” Helena suggested.

I eyed the gate. Wood looked reasonably sturdy but it was not reinforced. The hinges had some rust on them.

“Nyx could break it, I think. I could have her open the door, then let the zombies charge. Maybe keep 5 in the back with us as protection. Once they create an opening we charge.”

Cassie left the wagon and took her position besides us. I mentally commanded, or maybe asked, Nyx to kick the door in. The zombies had their weapons drawn and were ready.

Before we could enact our plan the door opened. What emerged used to be a man. His face was partially rotten. It was an interesting contrast to the suit he wore. It looked new. This was an undead. Certainly some type of zombie.

“Greetings.” It said with a raspy voice.

We all stared at it. Nyx growled. She did not like the new undead it seemed.

“I am here to make you an offer. My organisation is very interested in you.” A male voice said.

“Is this a tier three undead?” Helena asked.

“No. It does not feel right. I think the necromancer controlling it is nearby.” I answered.

“Ah, such great instincts! Yes, this is merely a tool.” The undead confirmed. “Quite the sophisticated tool though. Necromancy offers so many advantages! It should be embraced, don’t you agree?”

“As you can see, I am embracing it just fine.” I answered while pointing at my small zombie horde.

“Yes! You are learning quickly. I am part of the Brotherhood. We are a group of citizens who are supporting a more widespread use of necromancy!”

“Really? But necromancy is already legal.” I pointed out.

“Legal? Ha! This kingdom only sees us as a tool. Another useful thing. We should rule! We should be royalty! This kingdom enslaved you! We should take our rightful place! Join us! We have support from the nobility. Together we can change Nethena!”

“I am not sure I like the way you want to change the country. None of my friends are necromancers. It does not make them inferior.” I answered. “Besides, didnt you organise this ambush? Why should we ever trust you?”

“Ah. Technically this was not our work but we might have… encouraged it. You got some free undead and we have a chance to speak. Win win. Those thugs were hardly a threat to someone like you. As for your friends, we have no problem with them. Every necromancer needs loyal guards.”

“They are my friends, not just tools.” I shook my head. “You hide behind your minion. You had some part in the ambush. I might have been a slave but the princess freed me and showed me kindness. I have no reason to betray Nethena.”

“A shame. But you are young. You will see the truth in time. And we will keep watching.” The undead smiled creepily. Until it’s head disappeared.

Nyx had enough it seemed. She pounced on the intruder and bit of the head. The body fell down as my companion started chewing.

“There goes that creep. Do you think we will be attacked? Should we look for him?” Cassie asked.

“He might be nearby but that does not tell us much. And he could just leave. We don’t really have anything to track him.” I said.

“There is a chance he is still listening. We need to get back to the academy and report this.” Helena said.

“Yes. We should also search that undead. Well, what is left of it.” Nyx had finished the head and was currently chewing a leg. Maybe we could find something in the zombie's pocket before the clothes were devoured.