Koyuki, the Necromancing Foxkin

Cathleen had been prepared and the next day we set out to defeat the goblins. We would take our carriage close to the camp, then we would continue on foot. The Barkworths had provided a small force of about 100 soldiers to help deal with the threat, which showed quite a bit of trust in our abilities. That, or there were some powerful mages among them. Most of the soldiers were on wagons while some had their own horses.

Goblins were a bit smaller and weaker than the average human, unless they were hobgoblins. However, they had elites, like assassins and shamans. Goblins were intelligent, just unwilling to cooperate with the kingdom. They also bred rather rapidly which made it hard to truly get rid of them.

Valeria had joined us inside our carriage for the trip while her mother rode with the troops.

"We believe that the goblins are going for Trostfeld, one of our farming villages." Valeria said. "It will take us about two hours to get close, then we will try to intercept them in the open fields. If we are lucky they will have some of their forces back in their camp, if we are unlucky they packed up everything and we are facing the full force."

"It feels like we skipped a class or so, we haven't trained for a large engagement like that yet." Skadi said.

"True." Valeria agreed. "But we have covered formation fighting in class and we have a seasoned Major leading the troops. We will discuss this further when we set up for the fight but your undead will likely take one of the flanks."

"Hey, this is the first time I will be able to truly use my artillery magic!" Helena said with a grin.

"Sadly there isn't any snow in the field." I said.

"True, but it's cold enough, we still have a few days of winter left." Helena replied.

Cassie sighed. "It's a shame that Andy is not ready to shoot bombs. I guess I will have to throw them myself."

"Will you join us in the fight?" I asked Valeria.

She nodded. "Mother expects me to show that I have learned something at the academy. Can I join your group? Just for this fight."

"Sure." I replied. "What specialisation did you take again?"

"She is in logistics, like me." Cassie said.

"They teach useful skills that will help me lead my duchy once I inherit." Valeria stated. "I will just stick close to your backline and support you with some earth magic. I have been working on small walls and defenses."

"Good, that might be handy if they send in their assassins." I said.

We travelled a bit longer and came to a stop where the grassy hills met the forest. We left the carriage and joined Cathleen and the Major as they discussed the plan.

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"Koyuki and friends, this is Major Elarin and he leads our forces." She introduced us.

We saluted. "Sir!"

Elarin was an elf with bronze skin and long green hair. He looked at us, then at my undead. "So you are the necromancer, I hope that your powers are as great as I have heard. It could reduce our casualties."

As he talked, two people joined us. "This is lieutenant Claude." He pointed at a white haired human man who saluted. "And this is lieutenant Camille." She was also a human and she did not seem happy when she saw my undead.

"Sir, why are the undead here? And why are students here?" She asked.

"Are you questioning my decisions?" Cathleen asked, while looking at the officer.

"No, my Lady!" Came a quick reply, however she still looked unhappy.

Two soldiers joined us and unfolded a small wooden table, then they unrolled a map of the area and left.

"So, it's time for the real plan." Elarin said. "The scouts have found the goblins and they are moving towards Trostfeld. They have dismantled their camp which means we are facing the full force but they are not moving that quickly. They will likely try to encircle the city to stop people from fleeing. We will intercept them here. Our archers will be on the hill behind the spear wall while the mages focus on defense."

I studied the map. The ambush point was near the forest, the goblins would emerge from the trees and they would have to cross a grassy field towards the hill we would be waiting on.

"What if they flee back into the forest? It will be a pain to hunt them down individually." Claude asked.

"A few survivors don't matter." Elarin stated. "The important part is that we stop the warband from reaching Trostfeld. Our scouts can track the survivors and if needed we hit them again. However, a warband like this is not going to run easily. They outnumber us and they are going to push our position. This is where our necromancer comes in. I have been told you can do a proper combat raising?"

"Yes sir! I can animate the fallen during the battle." I confirmed.

"Good. Our archer will create some corpses for you. I want you on the left flank and your team can throw some spells in there from range. Once they reach our spear wall feel free to join the melee but I expect those dead among the enemy to rise. Do you need protection against their assassins?"

"No sir, my undead will be enough."

He nodded, then he looked at Cathleen. "Duchess, are you sure you want to join this battle and have your heir on the field as well?"

Cathleen smiled. "I have confidence in you, your forces and our allies. Besides, my magic will help to keep our brave soldiers safe. It would not do for me to hide from my duty to my people."

"I will join Koyuki's group." Valeria announced.

"In that case I will insist on two guards accompanying you." Elarin stated.

Valeria looked at me, then at the major. "I trust the undead to protect me."

"You have heard her, I respect her judgement." Cathleen said.

I was happy to hear that, since I would not have been able to trust any guard. This way I could focus on my necromancy and defending against goblins assassins.

After discussing a few more details our force moved out. I left the two skeletal horses with the carriage but I brought every other undead I had with me. Well, except for the four Iron Beaks still inside the carriage.

Cassie was grumbling about that. "The four Iron Beaks would be useful."

"They are for emergencies to defend the carriage." I replied.

"We really need to bring more of them with us, like a wagon full of them!" Cassie said.

"We are working on getting more transportation." Kaito assured her. "But keep in mind that a flock of Iron Beaks charging across a field would be easy targets for the goblin shamans. The grass is not high enough to hide their approach."

"Hm. Oh, we need tunneling Iron Beaks! Koyuki, you need some tunneling undead!" Cassie said.

"Actually, that is an interesting idea. Are you thinking of zombie worms? However, I am afraid we would not get enough corpses to keep blowing them up." I replied.

"You need more Andys!" Rose said and petted the crawler.

"Are you always this cheerful before a fight?" Valeria asked.

I scratched my head. "I suppose."

"This will be a good day for our pack! I even brought my red tie and bowtie so you won't see the blood as easily." Garm's left head stated. "And I have a green bowtie in the carriage in case we need to change." The right head added.

"Today our undead army grows! Heheheheheh." Helena laughed.

"Meow." The cats agreed.