He sat in the dark house, waiting. His breathing was slow, deliberate. His heart beat a touch faster than necessary, but that was all. Everything he had put in motion was coming together, and his role was almost exclusively that of a watcher. He had only one task to play.<\/p>\n
Still, he was angry. Laken spoke into the silence.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe lied to me.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSire?\u201d<\/p>\n
Someone stirred. A young man, Nesor, sat across from him. The young [Mage] was sweaty, pale-faced. He had wanted to stand, but he\u2019d been so nervous that Laken had made him sit. Nesor could not <\/em>be allowed to faint. That would ruin everything. Laken turned his head, but not to address the young man. His sightless gaze stretched far into the distance, tracking something Nesor couldn\u2019t understand from where he sat.<\/p>\n \u201cShe lied to me. I understand why, but\u2026no. There\u2019s nothing I can do about it. The plan won\u2019t change.\u201d<\/p>\n Laken\u2019s words were bitter, cold. There was no room for doubt or hesitation, not now. Part of him was afraid, but the rest remembered hate. So he sat as Nesor shivered. The young [Mage] kept glancing at Laken and then away. Why? He was only younger than Laken by a few years. He should have more backbone. But he would serve.<\/p>\n They were moving.<\/em> Laken saw it all unfold in his head. Like a movie, or what he\u2019d always imagined one to be. He sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cYou fools.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSire?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait.\u201d<\/p>\n Nesor sat back uneasily. Laken sat, his chin resting on his hand. He waited, sensing it all coming together. Cold. He felt quite cold. Only it wasn\u2019t his skin, it was in his heart. He waited, for bloodshed, for the right moment. Funny. He had never felt this way before, in his world.<\/p>\n He had thought he knew anger, knew what it was like to despise someone. But this was different. For the first time, Laken knew what it was like to hate. He knew what it was like to have enemies. His teeth ground together. He uttered one word restlessly.<\/p>\n \u201cWait.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The tribe had stopped for a break in the trees after a long day of marching when Poisonbite decided to speak to Rags. It wasn\u2019t a spontaneous decision; she\u2019d been contemplating it all day, really. And now, with evening drawing on, there would be little time before it was dark. Rags was a solitary eater and preferred to have her food alone; if there were any time before she slept to talk to her, it would be now.<\/p>\n The fading sunlight played off of metal as Poisonbite walked out of her all-female unit of Goblin warriors. She made her way across the busy camp, grunting as some Goblins waved at her or made suggestive motions for her to eat with them. Some wanted her company, others were more interested in her. A Redfang warrior looked hopeful until Poisonbite passed right by him without so much as a second glance. His companions hooted and laughed at him.<\/p>\n Redfang. To Poisonbite, they were a separate entity, even within Rags\u2019 tribe. They didn\u2019t precisely bother <\/em>her, but she was always conscious of the difference between their elite group and her warriors. Poisonbite\u2019s raiders had been good within Tremborag\u2019s mountain, but the Redfangs were the best around without a doubt. That irked her, because she regarded Garen\u2019s former tribe as a male fighting force, while hers was made of female Goblins and Hobs.<\/p>\n True, the Redfang elites took in any Goblin regardless of gender if they could fight. But their Chieftain, Garen, had placed his trust in male Goblins more than female ones, and his thinking had influenced his tribe. Less than a quarter of all Redfang warriors were female, and none of them were leaders. That annoyed Poisonbite, not least because Redscar hadn\u2019t changed anything after he\u2019d replaced Garen.<\/p>\n He was a fantastic warrior, she had to admit. Better than her. And he listened to her and respected her opinion when she gave it, which was good. But she wished fiercely that her raiders would one day be the equal of the Redfangs.<\/p>\n Someday. Poisonbite ignored the other Goblins, male and female, vying for her attention. Friendship aside, sex was not on her mind. Have too much of it and you\u2019d stop being a warrior and instead be a mother. Everyone knew that. And Poisonbite couldn\u2019t stand the idea of not <\/em>fighting. There was too much to do! Especially now.<\/p>\n It was growing dark, and the Goblins of the Flooded Waters tribe were gathered around campfires. They could see well in the dark, but even they hated pitch-blackness. Poisonbite smelled cooking and quickened her pace.<\/p>\n She had something on her arm. Both arms, actually. It was a new addition to her armor. She looked down at the bracers. They were made of bark, of all things. Bark, padded old cloth, and bits of leather. She kept feeling at it, patting the bracer, touching the rough bark and the crude straps the [Hammerer] had made for her.<\/p>\n It was a strange thing. Poisonbite had received it a few hours after she\u2019d woken up. It was one of the first pieces of scrap armor to be made in the tribe, and it had been made for her. It was the how<\/em> it had been made that had mystified her.<\/p>\n [Hammerers] were crude Goblin-versions of [Blacksmiths], who could repair dents and resize some armor, but they couldn\u2019t make<\/em> new armor this quickly or this well. And yet, all of the Goblin armorers in the tribe had been seized by creative genius upon waking and begun turning out crude armor made from scraps of metal, thick pieces of bark, leather, twine, and anything else they\u2019d found. A good deal of the tribe was receiving new scrap armor to complement their existing armor.<\/p>\n The reason for this sudden boon wasn\u2019t hard to figure out. It was Rags. It had to be. Word had quickly spread that she\u2019d earned another Skill that affected her entire tribe: [Scavenger Armor].<\/p>\n It was no secret. Poisonbite understood keeping some Skills secret, especially in Tremborag\u2019s tribe, where infighting was how Goblins lived. But in a regular Goblin tribe? A Chieftain\u2019s Skills were vitally important, so every Goblin usually kept track of what their Chieftain\u2019s level and best Skills were.<\/p>\n This was a good Skill. No one was denying that. But it was Rags\u2019 reaction that prompted Poisonbite to approach her fire. Rags was sitting and staring moodily at the flames. Her eyes were shadowed. She\u2019d been quiet and grumpy all day, on a day when her mood should<\/em> have been happy. No one had asked her why. So Poisonbite took a risk and sidled over to the fire.<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain?\u201d<\/p>\n Rags looked up. She sized up Poisonbite\u2019s wary stance, her new bracers, and her expression in one glance and understood what the other Goblin wanted. She nodded grudgingly, and Poisonbite took a seat.<\/p>\n \u201cArmor. Good?\u201d<\/p>\n Rags eyed Poisonbite\u2019s new bracers. The Goblin [Warrior] chewed her lip and shrugged. She replied as any good war leader would, giving Rags her unbiased opinion.<\/p>\n \u201cIs good. Armor is not like metal but\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n She tapped her chest, shifting her outer layer of clothes to reveal a flash of steel. Rags nodded. Poisonbite indicated one of her prized possessions, the chainmail she wore at all times, proof of her rank. It had saved her life eight times already and had only three holes, one under the armpit, a small tear along the lower back, and a series of torn links near her neck where it had saved her from a farmer\u2019s woodcutting axe.<\/p>\n What she meant was that her new bracers were good, but hardly as strong as real worked metal. They wouldn\u2019t stop a powerful blow, and they\u2019d break quickly. It was cheap armor, but better than nothing, which was good. For a Goblin, free armor was an amazing gift. It would save lives in the long run and make the tribe that much stronger.<\/p>\n And yet, Rags\u2019 expression remained dour. The smaller Goblin shuffled her feet, irritably swatting at a bug that was biting her arm. Poisonbite heard her mutter a Human curse and decided to ask.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at Rags\u2019 eyes. Goblins had no whites of their eyes like Humans, and their crimson eyes were naturally red, but it was still obvious that Rags had slept poorly. The Chieftain muttered to herself, not wanting to answer, but then she gave in.<\/p>\n \u201cNightmare.\u201d<\/p>\n Poisonbite shrugged. Oh. That was it? She was almost a bit disappointed. She considered the fire for a moment and asked out of curiosity.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n This time there was a longer pause.<\/p>\n \u201cDead Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n Rags stared into the fire. Poisonbite paused in surprise. Then she laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cDead Humans?\u201d<\/p>\n She laughed and slapped her legs, but Rags\u2019 response was a silent glare. Poisonbite quieted down, realizing she was serious. The older Goblin\u2019s forehead wrinkled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n Nightmares she could understand, but all of her terrors had living things in them. Humans with burning torches, monsters snuffling around her as she hid\u2014but dead Humans? If it were the undead, she would understand, but Goblins were specific. Dead Humans. Why would that<\/em> of all things make Rags unhappy?<\/p>\n Then something hit Poisonbite like a bolt of Noears\u2019 lightning. She sat up and eyed the young Goblin. Was Rags interested in\u2026? She looked around and found the Human in a moment. Even with thousands of Goblins around him, she could pick out Sir Kerrig by the way Goblins moved around him. Some cautiously, others curious. He didn\u2019t belong, and the tribe eddied around him. Poisonbite pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cHim? Want?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo!\u201d<\/p>\n Rags\u2019 immediate denial made Poisonbite sigh in relief. That would have complicated things greatly. Rags chewed her lip, glaring at Poisonbite, who shrank a bit, realizing she might be prying too far. But Rags only muttered to herself again and then spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cKilled many Humans.\u201d<\/p>\n Poisonbite scratched a bug bite on the back of her left ear.<\/p>\n \u201cSo? Killing Frostfeeder Tribe.\u201d<\/p>\n The Humans had been running down the Goblins, slaughtering them. Over half the tribe had died, and the remainder were now part of Rags\u2019 tribe. They\u2019d babbled about Humans hunting them mercilessly over the last week, finding all their hiding spots. They\u2019d been exhausted, worn down\u2014the appearance of the Flooded Waters tribe had been nothing short of a miracle for them. Poisonbite considered that any Humans hunting Goblins should die painfully, perhaps from a thrust from one of her poisoned daggers, but Rags thought differently.<\/p>\n \u201cHumans will think dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo? Run or kill. Or hide.\u201d<\/p>\n Poisonbite\u2019s dismissive tone made Rags look up. She growled, and Poisonbite swallowed hard.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are not Humans. We can be better.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n The question went unanswered. Rags just stared moodily into the fire. After a while, Poisonbite got up and edged away from the fire. She was done. Food was coming, and she had no desire to provoke her moody Chieftain any further. Rags was strange. Smart, but strange. She walked back, intending to get food with her warriors, but then she saw a ripple pass through the tribe.<\/p>\n Goblins sprang to their feet. Some grabbed weapons, and others rushed to put on armor. No one had blown a horn, but they\u2019d spotted other Goblins doing the same. And those Goblins had spotted other Goblins, and so Poisonbite knew<\/em> something was wrong. Her pulse became electric, though she didn\u2019t know why until a few seconds later.<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain!\u201d<\/p>\n She turned and called the instant she saw a Redfang warrior riding his Carn Wolf through the camp. Rags looked up\u2014she hadn\u2019t noticed the reaction of her tribe\u2014and immediately sprang to her feet. She ran towards the Redfang warrior as more Goblin officers ran over, having already sensed the change in the atmosphere.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain. Humans riding north. On road. Four.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n The Redfang scout spoke in quick Goblin, gesturing south. Poisonbite frowned. He\u2019d spotted Humans heading up the road? Who cared? Rags\u2019 official policy wasn\u2019t to waylay travelers unless they were carrying something really important, and the way the Redfang warrior had dashed into camp had suggested an attack! She opened her mouth to curse at the warrior, but Rags held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy matter?\u201d<\/p>\n She glared at the Redfang warrior, but he didn\u2019t shrink as his Carn Wolf huffed and sniffed the ground. Poisonbite stayed well clear of the massive wolf; she didn\u2019t trust the gigantic Carn Wolves. Rags just pushed the giant muzzle out of her face as the wolf sniffed her. The Redfang warrior pulled his wolf back a pace as he struggled for words.<\/p>\n There was no Goblin word for what he wanted. So he spoke a Human one instead, one laden with as much feeling as he could convey. He pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cHer.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblins around Rags went still. Rags stared up at the Redfang warrior, frowning. Poisonbite froze. There was only a limited number of \u2018hers\u2019 it could be. And the first that sprang to mind was\u2014<\/p>\n She stood on a distant hilltop, fanning herself lightly as the armored pink [Knights] advanced. They cut down the charging Goblins, not slowed by the jabbing pikes or blades that bounced uselessly off their armor.<\/em><\/p>\n Poisonbite saw a Hob go down, a sword buried in her chest, and slashed at the [Knight] in front of her. Her daggers didn\u2019t scratch his armor, and she saw the [Lady] turn and point as more of her warriors strode down the hill, killing, as Goblins screamed and died\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cLady Bethal Walcha\u00eds.\u201d<\/p>\n Someone muttered. Poisonbite turned and saw Pyrite. He\u2019d been speaking with the Human, Sir Kerrig. One of the pink knights. He looked at Rags. She had frozen. All the Goblins were tense. Rags looked back at the Redfang warrior.<\/p>\n \u201cFour? Her? Sure?\u201d<\/p>\n He nodded three times impatiently. There was no way he would have forgotten. How could any Goblin forget so soon? He pointed again.<\/p>\n \u201cFour. Two\u2026[Knights], Chieftain. One her. Other\u2026him.\u201d<\/p>\n The one with the rapier, the one who\u2019d dueled Greydath of Blades. The tension around Rags skyrocketed even higher. Poisonbite reached for her daggers and felt sweat running down her claws. Four? They could beat four, couldn\u2019t they? But was it a good idea? What if there were more? But if it were four\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cMore Humans? Any?\u201d<\/p>\n Rags demanded, but the scout just shook his head. No other Humans coming down the road. They were alone. Rags gnawed her lip. She flicked her eyes to Pyrite, to Redscar, who was glaring, and then to the Human sitting on his wagon. Sir Kerrig was looking their way; although, he had no idea what was happening. Poisonbite saw Rags study the [Knight]\u2019s stupid, confused face, and then saw Rags nod. The Chieftain turned and spoke sharply.<\/p>\n \u201cFive\u2014eight pikes. Noears, Poisonbite raiders, eighty Hobs. Six\u2026six crossbows. And all Redfang warriors. Riders surround. Hurry!\u201d<\/p>\n Poisonbite felt her heart leap. They were going to attack! She grinned fiercely and ran as Rags\u2019 words instantly created chaos in the camp. Organized chaos. Units of Goblins raced into formation as the Redfang Warriors took off into the trees, silent, racing to encircle the road. Rags whistled, and her personal Carn Wolf bounded over, abandoning its meal. Rags climbed up, and Pyrite appeared with his enchanted battleaxe. Poisonbite raced back, her best [Warriors] and five of her Hobs in tow. Rags pointed, and the Goblins streamed after her as Goblins with the long wooden pikes and Hobs streamed towards her. Rags raised her voice as she rode through them all.<\/p>\n \u201cNo attack! Not until I say.\u201d<\/p>\n No attack?<\/em> Poisonbite stared at Rags\u2019 back then pumped her arms and legs, racing after the small Goblin. What did she intend to do? Lady Bethal was here!<\/em> It was a chance for vengeance! But\u2014<\/p>\n \u2018We can be better.\u2019<\/em> That was what Rags had said. What did she mean? Did she have a plan? Poisonbite ran, confused, following her Chieftain. What was Rags going to do? Just as importantly, what were the Humans going to do? If they attacked\u2014Poisonbite\u2019s grip tightened on her daggers.<\/p>\n There were only four this time. Let them attack. She could always use new armor.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSomething\u2019s happening.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSire? Should I\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait. <\/em>On my command, Nesor. Not a moment before. Wait\u2014wait\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMovement in the trees!\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal Walcha\u00eds was dozing slightly, riding through the forest and waiting until Sir Thomast decided they should make camp, when the voice of one of her Rose Knights split the silence. Her head jerked up, and she saw the [Knight] ahead of her, Sir Nil Moxae, unsheathe his blade. His companion, Dame Truvia Cartiil, turned, raising her spear as her mount started. Bethal looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cMovement? From what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will ride ahead. Dame Truvia, with me?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s ride!\u201d<\/p>\n The two [Knights] galloped forwards, abandoning their mistress for a moment. Lady Bethal wasn\u2019t afraid though\u2014the man riding next to her was all the protection she needed. Usually. Thomast\u2019s rapier was already drawn, and she could see he was preparing to leap from his saddle if need be. He fought better on foot.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think it\u2019s an ambush? Were we followed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cImpossible to say.\u201d<\/p>\n Her husband turned his mount warily, keeping his eyes on the trees. Bethal couldn\u2019t see anything in the growing darkness; the enchanted lanterns she and her company carried could only reach so far into the trees. She heard a howl<\/em> suddenly and jumped; her mare flicked its ears skittishly, but it was too well-trained to rear or bolt.<\/p>\n \u201cWolves?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerhaps.\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Thomast looked left and right. He frowned and turned.<\/p>\n \u201cKeep your aura up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOf course.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal had activated her Skill the moment Sir Nil had spoken. The air around her felt barbed,<\/em> and while her mare was safe, anyone touching her against her will would cut themselves on something as sharp as steel. Still, Lady Bethal drew closer to Thomast, looking around uneasily.<\/p>\n \u201cGoblins!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n A cry came from ahead of the two, startling Bethal. She saw both of her Rose Knights riding back, furiously spurring their mounts faster. Dame Truvia pointed into the trees as another howl echoed\u2014this time from their rear.<\/p>\n \u201cGoblins, milady! A score of them in the woods, all riding Carn Wolves!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCarn Wolves? But those are\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe same Goblins we faced a week ago! They must have driven south! We had no word of them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere are more approaching on foot! We\u2019re surrounded. Sir Thomast, your orders?\u201d<\/p>\n Both [Knights] looked to Thomast rather than Bethal. The [Chevalier] looked around.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re already to our rear?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA score of them, sir. The ones on foot are coming from ahead and to the right.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe ride back. Bethal, follow me!\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Thomast turned his mount, and Bethal did likewise. She kicked her mare in the flanks, and the horse shot forwards. Sir Nil and Dame Truvia raced ahead, but they got no further than a hundred yards when they cried out.<\/p>\n \u201cPull back!\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal jerked her reins, and her horse screamed and nearly reared. Sir Thomast stopped his mount, and Sir Nil shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are two dozen mounted Goblins ahead of us! More circling!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re surrounded.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal looked around. The trees were full of movement now. Sir Thomast glanced at her. Sir Nil turned, his sword and shield raised.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can cut through. If Sir Thomast can ward Lady Bethal\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLady Walcha\u00eds\u2019 mount isn\u2019t armored. She\u2019ll be dehorsed before we cut through!\u201d<\/p>\n Sir Nil bit back an oath, looking back at Bethal. It was true; neither she nor Sir Thomast were riding a warhorse, and neither mount had any barding. He looked around desperately.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Bethal, let us draw them off. We\u2019ll ride left and attack them from the side. Perhaps then\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal cut him off calmly.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be foolish, Sir Nil. They\u2019ve already marked all of us. Goblins won\u2019t abandon one target for another. We break through together or not at all.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked around. Sir Thomast was studying the moving forest around them. She turned to him.<\/p>\n \u201cWe were so busy trying to throw off anyone that might pursue us that we forgot to worry about them. The Goblins, I mean. It\u2019s such a silly error, isn\u2019t it, Thomast?\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t immediately reply. Lady Bethal turned around in her saddle. Her horse was nervous now; it could sense the approaching Goblins. Bethal tried to sound jovial, though her heart was racing. Goblins\u00ad\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI wonder, was that why Emperor Laken was so concerned about which way we were going? Did he know, I wonder? We shouldn\u2019t have lied to him. But I thought\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBethal.\u201d<\/p>\n Thomast\u2019s voice made her grow quiet. He looked around, and she realized the howling had stopped. Lady Truvia shifted.<\/p>\n \u201cSir Thomast, if we\u2019re to break out\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe were already encircled. We defend my wife. Prepare to dismount and fight among the trees if need be.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes sir.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe Goblins will pursue us unless we make it clear it isn\u2019t worth the effort. I will aim for their Chieftain; you shield her from all attacks.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThomast\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n He turned, his rapier shining in the darkness. Thomast\u2019s eyes were filled with worry. He reached out and gripped her arm. It was so unlike him that Bethal nearly gasped. A sign of the true danger. He looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cStay with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlways.\u201d<\/p>\n There was no time for anything more. Bethal saw the first Goblin riding a Carn Wolf bound out of the trees. Sir Nil turned to face him, uttering a challenge. More mounted Goblins appeared out of the darkness, more and more. From the front, from behind\u2014all sides. Goblins carrying terribly long pikes, more aiming crossbows directly at the four Humans. Hobs, dozens upon dozens of Hobs, striding along.<\/p>\n And then Bethal saw her. A small Goblin, barely larger than a child, riding a large wolf and carrying a black crossbow. She aimed it directly at Bethal\u2019s heart as Sir Thomast and the two [Knights] surrounded Bethal on all sides. Bethal felt her breath catch. Was this how she died at last? Goblins killed her family. Her father, her mother, her sisters\u2014had they finally caught up to her?<\/p>\n She was afraid\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cNow!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSire?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCast the spell, Nesor! Tell her to do it now.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Rags was afraid. She felt her heart pounding. Her sweaty grip on the black crossbow was bad; she adjusted her grip so the recoil wouldn\u2019t send the crossbow spinning from her hands. She aimed at the woman in front of her and felt it in the air.<\/p>\n Danger<\/em>. It screamed at her. The man with the rapier was staring at her. The two [Knights] flanked their lady. The Goblins holding crossbows aimed at the four. Hobs stood in the darkness as Carn Wolves growled. There were over two hundred Goblins surrounding the four, but Rags still felt alone.<\/p>\n It was her. Lady Bethal. The one who\u2019d led her army of knights against her tribe. Rags could still remember the battle. Her finger tightened on the trigger.<\/p>\n Kill her.<\/em> The rush of blood in her veins made every moment feel like years. She could feel Redscar on her left, his sword drawn. Pyrite stood on her right, the battleaxe burning.<\/p>\n \u201cSo. Sir Kerrig and Welca perished. I hoped they managed to escape. Alas, I underestimated your kind.\u201d<\/p>\n Lady Bethal spoke first. Her lips were pale and she shook, but her finger alone was steady as it pointed at the sword Redscar held. She shifted her finger, and Pyrite grunted. Lady Bethal turned her head, keeping her chin high.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was truly a shame. I thought the Goblin Lord was the true threat. I thought a tribe could be left alone, no matter how cunning their Chieftain. Ah, but this is fitting.\u201d<\/p>\n She looked at Rags, right at<\/em> her. Rags felt a shock, and her finger twitched<\/em>. The man standing next to her raised his rapier. He could strike her from this far, cut the air. The Goblins around Rags tensed. If they fired, the [Lady] died. The [Knights] would not. Neither would the [Chevalier]. Rags exhaled slowly. She raised a hand, and the Goblins relaxed a fraction.<\/p>\n Lady Bethal had gone still. Now she looked at Rags.<\/p>\n \u201cWell? What are you waiting for? An invitation? You have it!\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice trembled a bit as she snapped. She was afraid. She was afraid of them. Rags saw it in her. The young Goblin fought as her head told her to fire. Vengeance.<\/em> But her memory showed her the Humans she\u2019d butchered yesterday. And her heart showed her a face.<\/p>\n Erin stared at Rags, her face pale, her hands gripping the reins of her petrified mare. There was nothing similar about Bethal and Erin. Not in face or body. But that look. That look in her eyes.<\/em> Rags felt her finger squeeze the trigger. Then relax. Slowly, painfully, she lowered the crossbow.<\/p>\n \u201cNo fight.\u201d<\/p>\n She said it once, and then louder.<\/p>\n \u201cNo fight!\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblins around her started. They looked at her and then at each other, but slowly the crossbows lowered and pointed at the ground. The Humans stared. Lady Bethal stared as Rags urged her wolf forwards a pace. Rags met the [Lady]\u2019s eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal blinked at her. This wasn\u2019t what she\u2019d expected. Rags repeated herself again, urgently.<\/p>\n \u201cYou killed Goblins. You. But we\u2014not kill you. You are\u2026prisoner. Like other two.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n A scoffing, angry sound came from the male [Knight], but Bethal held up a hand. She stared at Rags.<\/p>\n \u201cOther two? Do you mean Sir Kerrig and Lady Welca? Are they alive?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. They prisoner. You. Prisoner.\u201d<\/p>\n Rags didn\u2019t know why she was saying it. But the image of shooting Lady Bethal through the chest, the thought of pulling the trigger\u2014was hard. She hadn\u2019t attacked this time. She\u2019d been riding. She\u2019d killed Goblins, but Rags had killed Humans. Somehow, it made a difference. Rags pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cDrop weapons.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNever.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Knights] behind Lady Bethal bristled. Rags scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cDrop. Or shoot.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe will cut down every Goblin here should Lady Walcha\u00eds fall!\u201d<\/p>\n One of the [Knights] promised darkly, raising her spear. The Goblins tensed. Lady Bethal frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cLower your spear, Truvia.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLady Bethal! Surrendering would be a death sentence\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. Let us go, little Goblin Chieftain. We will not surrender. Let us go.\u201d<\/p>\n Bethal urged her mount forwards a step. The man beside her reached out, and she held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThomast.\u201d<\/p>\n He subsided. Rags stared as Bethal approached. Her gaze bored into Rags\u2019 head. There was a pressure about her. A prickling sensation, as if the air around her were the spines of an animal. But more\u2014she felt vast<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cIf my people are alive, I will ransom them. And I will ransom myself and my company.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRansom?\u201d<\/p>\n The word was known but unknown to Rags. Bethal nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cPay. It need not come to death, Goblin Chieftain. I will give you a fair price for our safe passage and my people\u2019s return, my honor on it. Will you accept that?\u201d<\/p>\n She pushed,<\/em> and Rags felt the urge to agree. But she bit her tongue, gritted her teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Surrender.\u201d<\/p>\n She raised the crossbow and aimed at Bethal. The [Lady] didn\u2019t flinch, though the two [Knights] and her husband tensed. She stared at Rags curiously.<\/p>\n \u201cSo small. So fierce! Are you really a Chieftain?\u201d<\/p>\n The question made the Goblins around Rags shudder with anger. What an insult! Bethal looked around, bemused.<\/p>\n \u201cAre you truly the same kind of Goblins as the ones I know?\u201d<\/p>\n The question went unanswered. Now everyone was staring at Lady Bethal. She looked back at Rags.<\/p>\n \u201cI saw the Goblin King. I met one of his Lords. You are different. Prisoners? Do Goblins do such things? Velan the Kind knew no such mercy.\u201d<\/p>\n Velan the Kind. <\/em>Rags shuddered. She had to take her finger away from the trigger again or risk pulling it. She looked at Bethal. The woman\u2019s face wasn\u2019t hostile. She searched Rags\u2019 gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cPeace, little Goblin. Why do you want us as prisoners?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPunish. Hostage!\u201d<\/p>\n Rags growled. Bethal nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSafety. I understand. But know that my people will not rest until I am returned. I killed your people. I will pay the cost of their lives. In magic and gold.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot enough!\u201d<\/p>\n Her voice was too high-pitched. The Goblins shifted. Bethal didn\u2019t blink.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is all I can offer. Please, Chieftain of Goblins. If my [Knights] are truly alive, show me. Offer me goodwill and I will return it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey live.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShow me. Let me see them. And I will offer you peace. A boon. Protection from other Humans. Safe passage. Whatever you wish.\u201d<\/p>\n Her words were soft, tempting. Desperate. Rags saw that in her as well. Bethal spoke quietly as Rags fought.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is nothing to be gained from killing me. The cost would be too high. But if there is a chance\u2014are they truly alive?\u201d<\/p>\n The crossbow was heavy. Rags lowered it slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre they close? Unharmed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMan is. Female ran. She\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Rags heard a horn blare in the silence. She jerked<\/em>. The Goblins around her raised their weapons. The mare danced, and Lady Bethal turned as the [Knights] and her husband moved forwards. She looked north, back the way Rags and the Goblins had come.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat was that?\u201d<\/p>\n Rags didn\u2019t know. She heard the horn blow again frantically. Three short blasts. A distress call! She looked at Bethal, suddenly afraid.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat you do?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNothing.\u201d<\/p>\n The woman looked taken aback. Rags lifted the crossbow and saw the man\u2019s grip on the rapier shift. Pyrite lifted his axe. Bethal held up a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI swear it! On my house and name!\u201d<\/p>\n Rags held her gaze. She turned. Redscar was looking back. The horn blew again, and another one blew desperately. Redscar snarled.<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain. Trouble.\u201d<\/p>\n They had to go. Rags hesitated. She looked back at Lady Bethal. The woman was watching her. Rags pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cRedfangs! Move!\u201d<\/p>\n The wolf riders dashed into the forest, howling. The Goblins on foot shifted. Rags leaned out of her saddle and snapped an order.<\/p>\n \u201cAll go back! Fifteen Hob and half crossbows stay!\u201d<\/p>\n The warriors rushed backwards, leaving only a handful of Hobs and a lot of Goblins with crossbows. They kept their weapons trained on Lady Bethal. Rags turned\u2014Pyrite grunted and pointed. She nodded. He ran. She turned to one of the Hobs in charge and lowered her voice.<\/p>\n \u201cAim at her. If attacked, run.\u201d<\/p>\n The Hob nodded, glancing at the frozen Humans. Rags sat back upright and snapped at her personal escort.<\/p>\n \u201cRide!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She kicked her wolf, and it leapt into the forest, following the Goblins running around her. Rags turned her head back and saw Lady Bethal staring at her. For a moment their gazes locked, and then Rags was racing ahead, running. The camp was only a short distance away. What had happened? What\u2014<\/p>\n She burst through the trees and saw shadows flickering through the trees. No light. Just shadows. Flickers of light caught her attention\u2014burning embers from scattered campfires, fallen torches\u2014but no light. She heard Goblins screaming, heard the pounding of hoofbeats\u2014<\/p>\n Hooves? Goblins rode wolves! She turned and saw a Goblin scream as a shadow passed by. A dark shape slashed, and Rags saw a sword flash. The Human rode past her, trampling a Goblin. Not one Human. Many Humans! They rode, shouting and cutting down Goblins around her, too fast to track in the near darkness. She heard them screaming.<\/p>\n \u201cLaken! Laken and the Unseen Empire!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRiverfarm!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFollow the Captain! This way!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She saw a rider in full steel armor whirl and turn. He cut a Hob across the face as the Goblin ran at him, and the riders following him speared the Hob. The armored rider pointed, and the Humans on horseback charged forwards again, running over Goblins and Hobs alike.<\/p>\n But that was wrong! Rags gaped. Where were her warriors? They should be in formation, fighting! There couldn\u2019t be more than a few hundred riders here at most! Where was\u2014<\/p>\n \u201c[Light]!\u201d<\/p>\n Rags called a ball of searing white light into being and threw it up. <\/em>The shimmering orb flew up through the trees and cast the shadows into relief. Rags looked around and saw what she\u2019d failed to see before. There was something in<\/em> the trees, drifting past her.<\/p>\n Fog? Mists? No. Smoke<\/em>. It was dark black and green and drifted at head-height through the trees. It was thick, and Rags saw it was cutting off over half the camp. The riders streamed away from it, cutting down the Goblins in the clear space. But in the smoke? Where were the others?<\/p>\n Rags saw a group of Goblins stagger out of the smoke. She urged her mount forwards, shouting at them. They were armed! Warriors! She raced towards them and saw them staggering. Falling? Rags stared as, one by one, the band of Goblins collapsed. Half fell, coughing, grasping at their throats. The others weakly tried to raise their weapons, covering their eyes.<\/p>\n Their eyes? Rags saw something leaking from a Goblin\u2019s eyes. He screamed, a rasping, choking cry. He looked to her\u2014and an arrow sprouted from his chest. Rags jerked. She heard a whistling sound, and beneath her, her Carn Wolf howled.<\/em> An arrow had pierced his side! He jerked, and Rags heard more arrows thud<\/em> into the ground. She looked in the direction of the archers, but saw nothing.<\/p>\n They were under attack! Archers, poisonous smoke\u2014and the cavalry. Rags couldn\u2019t see the Redscar warriors, but she could hear howls, spread out in the darkness. How were the Humans seeing? She searched for her warriors, her organized units and saw nothing.<\/p>\n \u201cRally!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Rags screamed the word. She raised her hand and shot another ball of light into the air. Her Carn Wolf howled, and she saw more Goblins moving towards her. Some were in the poisonous fog. They stumbled out, blind, coughing. And Rags saw the mounted Humans turn.<\/p>\n \u201cRally! Form line!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She shouted at them, reaching for her sword. The Goblins ran towards her, many falling, and Rags saw something flicker overhead.<\/p>\n Arrows<\/em>. One flashed by her chest. She jerked and felt something strike<\/em> her mount in the head. It fell, and Rags cried out as her Carn Wolf crashed to the ground. She rolled away and saw the light above her head go out. Someone had ended her spell.<\/p>\n Thunk. Thunkthunkthunkthunkthunk\u2014<\/em><\/p>\n Goblin screams. Rags struggled up, looking around wildly. She didn\u2019t see the Goblins. She heard more arrows landing and ran desperately. Something was ahead. Rags saw the air darken and jerked backwards. The poison! It was drifting across her camp. Had the Humans put it there? Where was Pyrite? Where was\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain!\u201d<\/p>\n A voice amid the screaming. Rags turned and saw a Hob running towards her. He had a spear, and his eyes were wide. He couldn\u2019t find anyone in the darkness. She gasped to see him.<\/p>\n \u201cCome! Must get light!\u201d<\/p>\n She ran towards him. The Goblin opened his mouth and then turned. He snarled; Rags saw a shape amid the trees. She heard a shout and saw a black rider flash past her. He cut, and the Hob in front of her fell, gasping, clutching at the axe stuck in his chest.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Rags ran towards him. The Hob grabbed at the axe as the Human on the horse cursed and rode on. He grabbed the axe as Rags stopped. She fumbled at her belt. Healing potion. She had to have\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain?\u201d<\/p>\n The Hob\u2019s lungs were filling with blood. He pulled the axe free before she could stop him. She heard a wet, tearing sound, and then silence. She lifted the potion and saw the limp body on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cWait.\u201d<\/p>\n She reached for him, but there was nothing there anymore. Rags slowly corked the healing potion and stood back up. She looked around. She could hear more shouting, see more riders moving through the darkness. Arrows were landing. The poison was moving.<\/p>\n \u201cRally! Rally here!\u201d<\/p>\n Rags screamed the words, searching for Goblins in the darkness. But there was no one around her. It was as if the Humans had brought madness with them. Rags saw Goblins fleeing into the poisonous smoke, running from riding Humans, shooting back wildly at the archers they couldn\u2019t see. It was chaos. She was alone.<\/p>\n Alone. <\/em>Rags shouted but no one could hear. The poison mist was drifting through the camp, covering staggering Goblins trying to run. Arrows flew around her, cutting down the Goblins emerging from the poison. And in between the poisonous fog were the riders, galloping, scything down her people. Turning, wheeling.<\/p>\n Humans. They were killing her tribe. Where had they come from? They weren\u2019t Bethal\u2019s people. Rags felt\u2014shocked. Something beyond shock then reached her core. Her head rang. She stumbled, looking for her people.<\/p>\n A poison cloud at her back, the riders ahead. Only the dead around her. Rags raised her head and saw them at last. A flicker of light. A group of Humans far away, aiming their bows. And a cauldron\u2014many bubbling pots and Humans fanning the smoke, blowing it their way. They loosed another volley, and Rags heard the Goblins scream. Then the black riders raced past her, cutting down a group of Goblins that tried to form a pike formation with a third of their number.<\/p>\n Oh.<\/em><\/p>\n They\u2019d ambushed them. Just like they\u2019d done. Somehow, the Humans had known they were there. Rags nodded. That made sense. She looked around. It was the same. They\u2019d come for her tribe, come for her. She hadn\u2019t expected it. But that was what was happening. They had come and were killing everyone.<\/p>\n Rags felt\u2014pain. Pain, and hurt. But nothing else. She looked inside her heart for anger. She looked for rage, reached for it and found nothing. Because, in her soul, in her inner self, nothing in Rags was surprised. She looked around at the blood. At the silent bodies.<\/p>\n Look at them. All of them. The small ones curled up to the adults. By poison, by blade, by arrow. It was all the same.<\/p>\n This was how things were. Again and again, for years and centuries. Forever. This was what they did. Rags slowly reached for the crossbow she\u2019d tied to her back. Slowly, awkwardly, she drew it and looked around.<\/p>\n The riders streamed past, shouting. Rags raised the crossbow and aimed. She pulled the trigger and felt it kick against her arm. One of the dark shadows fell and a horse reared. Rags mechanically felt at the quiver at her side. The horses rode past her, turning, cutting.<\/p>\n Place the bolt. Cock the crossbow. Rags lifted it and turned. Again she pulled the trigger. Another shape fell.<\/p>\n They were turning. One pointed his sword, and Rags knew there was no time. She raised her hand and fire flew. It struck a horse, and Rags saw the rider flailing as the animal screamed.<\/p>\n This was how it happened. <\/em>Every time. She saw the Humans charging, heard the cry. She held her ground. Her finger shifted; another rider fell, burning.<\/p>\n A Human in armor was leading them. He rode towards her, his face obscured by a dark steel helmet. Rags pointed at him, and the flaming arrow struck his chest. Too weak; he rode through it. He had a sword in his hand. Rags reached for hers.<\/p>\n Sword. Buckler\u2014she fumbled and dropped it. The rider lowered in his saddle. She thought she could see his face through the helmet. She heard a word as he leaned down. She swung and heard the rushing air, felt her blade bite into the horse. And then she heard his voice as he cut her chest.<\/p>\n \u201cSo small.\u201d<\/p>\n It was a whisper, lost among the screaming. For a moment, a frozen moment, Rags looked up and saw his eyes. And then the blade cut into her chest. Rags twisted with the impact, her grip loosening on her sword. The horse screamed as her blade was ripped from her hand. She blinked and looked at the blood streaming from her chest. The rider wrenched his sword, and the world blurred. Rags stumbled, and she saw him kick his stallion. He raced past her. She heard Goblins scream around her as she sank to her knees.<\/p>\n \u201cOh.\u201d<\/p>\n Rags clutched at her chest. Blood dripped between her claws. She wavered and felt her knees give. She lay down, staring at the sky.<\/p>\n Her chest was wet. She felt tired. Cold. There was nothing in her heart. No fury. Not enough hate to make her reach for the potion at her belt. She should never have expected anything more.<\/p>\n The Humans rode past her, whooping, shouting war cries, cutting down the Goblins that fled. Ignoring her. Another body on the ground. Rags wanted to tell them to stop. She hadn\u2019t started it. She hadn\u2019t killed the lady. She\u2019d tried\u2014<\/p>\n But they\u2019d killed the Human army. The ones chasing Goblins. And these Humans knew. Or did they care? They were cutting down children and Goblins with no weapons, laughing, screaming. The poison cloud drifted over Rags\u2019 head, and she felt her lungs burning.<\/p>\n This was what they did. Rags closed her eyes and coughed once. She thought\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite turned and shouted for Rags. He couldn\u2019t see anything in the darkness. The darkness was nearly perfect in the forest. All of the campfires were scattered. The torches had been knocked over, and the Humans were riding through the forest, cutting Goblins down!<\/p>\n How could they see? How could they know where each Goblin was? Could they see in the dark? The Hob saw a flash, and an arrow landed close to his foot. He shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cShields!\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblins around him instantly raised their shields. He heard thudding<\/em> impacts and then a scream. A Goblin fell in front of him. He looked around wildly.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere?\u201d<\/p>\n There was no vision! No order! Black and green smoke was obscuring half the forest. Pyrite had sent a scout into it, and the Goblin had begun choking halfway in. Poison of some kind. The riders were dominating the other half\u2014they were bearing down on any group of Goblins. There were only a few hundred of them, but they\u2019d scattered the Goblins\u2019 formations. Pyrite had arrived with a group of pikes, crossbows, and Hobs to find nothing at all.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are Redfang? Where is Rags? Where are warriors?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He shouted desperately. The Goblins around him looked around wildly. Nothing. There was howling from Carn Wolves, but it sounded like it was coming from inside<\/em> the black smoke. On the other side? Pyrite looked around. Arrows, riders\u2014what was the priority?<\/p>\n He heard a howl from his left and saw a Redfang warrior on a Carn Wolf charging. Alone. He had a bloody blade and was headed towards a cluster of shadows\u2014<\/p>\n No wait. Those were Humans! <\/em>Pyrite\u2019s vision picked out a dark group with bows and a few flickering fires. A group of Humans, archers! They shot the charging Redfang warrior and his mount dead as Pyrite watched. They had set up in front of three black cauldrons belching smoke.<\/p>\n Cauldrons.<\/em> Pyrite\u2019s eyes widened. He pointed at the burning vats and shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cPoison! Follow!\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblins around him charged after Pyrite as he ran through the forest. The Humans with bows noticed him running and called an alarm.<\/p>\n \u201cHob charging! Loose!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite heard the bows sing and raised his arm, covering his face. He felt something strike him in the chest and roared as the burning pain filled his shoulder, but the arrow had lodged in his fat; another struck him in the belly, another in the arm. Missed his head. Pyrite lowered his hand and saw the Humans in front of him. To the side were the pots. Pyrite lifted his battleaxe. He swung, and the Human [Archer] fumbling with her shortsword disappeared. Pyrite felt the impact as his battleaxe sheared through her and roared.<\/p>\n \u201cBack! Back!\u201d<\/p>\n The Humans screamed as Goblins charged past Pyrite. The Goblin line rammed into them with pikes, impaling the Humans as Pyrite swung again. The [Archers] fled, shouting in panic.<\/p>\n \u201cFall back to the horses! Retreat!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFollow!\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite bellowed at the Goblins. He saw a Hob kick over a pot and swung at the other two, knocking the cauldrons to the ground and spilling whatever was inside. Smoke shot up as the flames were doused; Pyrite coughed and felt his eyes and throat begin to burn<\/em>. He staggered away and coughed before shouting an order.<\/p>\n \u201cBad smoke!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblins heard him and avoided the poisonous fumes. They chased the Humans, cutting down half as they scrambled onto their horses tethered nearby. The Humans fled, and Pyrite called them back.<\/p>\n \u201cMore archers! More pots! Find!\u201d<\/p>\n There had to be. He roared at the Hob who\u2019d kicked over the pots, and he and six other Hobs led another group of Goblins back through the forest. Pyrite ran ahead, snapping the shafts of the arrows, bellowing.<\/p>\n \u201cLight! Light!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n They needed to see! A Goblin grabbed a piece of wood and tried to stoke the fire the cauldrons had been burning on. He lifted a torch, and Pyrite, remembering his axe, swung it into a tree, bellowing.<\/p>\n The tree caught alight as the enchanted axe set it aflame. Goblins rushed forwards with branches and sticks, and Pyrite pointed. The riders were still circling the camp.<\/p>\n \u201cCharge!\u201d<\/p>\n The Humans had spotted the Goblin warriors and charged towards them. Pyrite roared and raised his axe. The first Human had a spear. It was leveled at Pyrite\u2019s chest. The Hob charged forwards and then dodged right<\/em> at the last moment. Into the path of the horse! The startled animal reared, but Pyrite didn\u2019t give it a chance to strike him with its hooves. He swung and felt an impact. The rider and horse fell, and Pyrite kicked.<\/em> The Human took the blow in the chest and fell, gurgling. More riders came at him. Pyrite swung his axe, roaring.<\/p>\n \u201cPikes! Wall!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblins around him remembered their training and set their pikes. The horses ran into<\/em> the pikes or tried to turn, and the riders crashed into the Goblin formation. Hobs and Goblins armed with axes and swords ran between the pikes and fell on the immobilized riders. Pyrite roared and advanced, his axe cutting down Humans and horses alike.<\/p>\n \u201cBreak away! Retreat!\u201d<\/p>\n A panicked voice signaled a second retreat. Pyrite shouted for the Goblins to not pursue. This wasn\u2019t important! They had to find others!<\/p>\n \u201cLight!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He roared again, louder. The Goblins snatched up branches. Pyrite saw another group of Humans loosing arrows and ordered another charge. This time, the Humans ran before he could close the distance.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re reforming! Get away!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGeneral Wiskeria\u2019s ordered the retreat! Move to the rally point!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTake down that Hob!\u201d<\/p>\n Someone shouted from the left. Pyrite spun and saw an armored Human bearing down on him with a group of mounted Humans. He swung, and the Human cursed, pulling his mount away to avoid Pyrite\u2019s strike. He rode past Pyrite, hacking down a Goblin, and Pyrite cut down a Human trying to strike him.<\/p>\n \u201cCaptain Beniar! We have\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n A man screamed as Goblins swarmed his saddle. Beniar, the armored Human, turned, but before he could charge again, a snarl<\/em> made his horse rear. A Carn Wolf leapt out of the darkness, riderless, and Pyrite saw more Redfang warriors stream out of the night. Half were coughing, and their mounts were in similar pain, but they bore down on the riders.<\/p>\n \u201cPull out! Back to Wiskeria!\u201d<\/p>\n Beniar shouted the order, and his horses wheeled. They raced through the forest as the Redfang warriors gave chase. Pyrite saw a shower of arrows flying, and two riders fell with their wolves. He shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cStop! Ambush!<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n The Redfang warriors pulled away as more arrows began cutting them down. The Human [Riders] rode on, shouting, and Pyrite saw the largest group of [Archers] yet. They were shooting down the Goblins that were trying to pursue. Pyrite took a deep breath and bellowed.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cStop!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Every Goblin in earshot turned. They broke off their pursuit and dashed towards him. The Redfang warriors rode over, and Pyrite shouted up at one of the leaders.<\/p>\n \u201cHumans with bows! Do not go!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRedscar says attack!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Find Goblins! Find Chieftain! Find Noears and others!\u201d<\/p>\n The Redfang warrior hesitated, and then nodded. He took his riders back, circling the camp, as Pyrite saw the Humans continuing to retreat. He looked around at the Goblins under his command.<\/p>\n \u201cHobs! Find Chieftain! Find others!\u201d<\/p>\n The Hobs around him nodded and broke up, forming groups out of the smaller Goblins. It wasn\u2019t Rags\u2019 tactics, but traditional Goblin ones. It was all Pyrite could think of; the Humans were running, and he had no idea how many Goblins were alive. They needed Rags! Where was she?<\/p>\n Figures emerged from the darkness as Pyrite\u2019s blood cooled a bit and he began to feel the pain from the cuts in his arms and three arrows. He saw lightning crackling, and Noears emerged from the darkness. The Goblin was uninjured, but he was followed by Poisonbite, whose eyes were swollen nearly shut. She was wheezing, barely able to breathe.<\/p>\n \u201cPyrite! Where Chieftain?\u201d<\/p>\n Noears looked around, his hands giving off the smell of burnt air. Pyrite yanked an arrow from his chest with a growl and poured a bit of healing potion on the wound. He shoved the rest at Poisonbite, who fumbled for it.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t know. Search. Need lights!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCan light!\u201d<\/p>\n Noears immediately threw a ball of light into the air, illuminating the dark forest. Pyrite nearly hit him\u2014if he could have done that, why didn\u2019t he do it earlier? But the [Mage] clearly hadn\u2019t been thinking of that. And the light attracted more attention.<\/p>\n \u201cPyrite!\u201d<\/p>\n Redscar rode out of the darkness, his enchanted frost blade covered in blood. He was unharmed, and his Carn Wolf had bloody fangs. He was positively alight with fury. He pointed at Pyrite.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere are Humans?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cRunning. That way.\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite pointed. Redscar snarled.<\/p>\n \u201cHunt them down! Redfangs!\u201d<\/p>\n He made to ride, but Pyrite caught the wolf and yanked it back.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Find Chieftain!\u201d<\/p>\n The Carn Wolf snarled<\/em> and tried to bite Pyrite. The Hob punched it. Redscar howled in fury and spat at Pyrite.<\/p>\n \u201cHumans!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFind Chieftain!\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite bellowed at him. Redscar hesitated. Then he turned and raised his war horn and blew two long blasts and two short blasts. After a moment, a howl answered him and he turned.<\/p>\n \u201cSmell her! Follow!\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite ran after him. He ran past Goblin bodies, over one that groaned, past a downed horse, through a burned campfire\u2014so many bodies.<\/em> He ran through a clearing patch of smoke, eyes burning despite having kept them closed through most of them, and saw Rags.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n She was lying on the ground, her head at an angle. Goblins stood around her as Quietstab knelt by her side. He had an empty potion bottle by one side. The ground was covered in blood. Pyrite\u2019s ears rang. He ran forwards, nearly throwing Quietstab aside. He reached for Rags.<\/p>\n \u201cPotion?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOne. Need more!\u201d<\/p>\n The bottle Quietstab had taken was from Rags\u2019 belt. Pyrite reached for his bottle and realized it was empty. So was Quietstab\u2019s. He turned and roared.<\/p>\n \u201cPotion! Now!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Redscar leapt from his wolf\u2019s back and grabbed a bottle. He tossed it to Pyrite, and the Hob tore the stopper out. He reached for Rags and carefully lifted her. She was cold.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere hurt?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChest. Healed, but\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Rags wasn\u2019t responding. Pyrite forced her mouth open and poured the healing potion down her throat. Anxiously, he felt her chest, put his hand over her mouth. Was she\u2026?<\/p>\n He felt the slightest of heartbeats, the faintest of breaths and a cough. She was alive! Barely. Pyrite sat back.<\/p>\n \u201cAlive?\u201d<\/p>\n Redscar looked worried. All of the Goblins were clustering around, their eyes wide. Pyrite hesitated. Rags was still unconscious. She was breathing. That was what mattered. He stood up and forced the Goblins back.<\/p>\n \u201cGive room! Quietstab, guard!\u201d<\/p>\n The Hob nodded. Pyrite looked around. Redscar glanced at Rags and then turned his head.<\/p>\n \u201cHumans attacked.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAmbush. Poison and darkness and arrows.\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite agreed. Redscar snarled. He slashed with his sword, spraying half-frozen droplets of blood.<\/p>\n \u201cWe hunt! Redfangs go. Hobs too!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Chieftain is wounded.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHumans are running!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSecond ambush!\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite shook his head. He\u2019d seen it. The Humans were pulling back, but they\u2019d been baiting the Goblins into following so they could tear them apart with bows. Redscar snarled.<\/p>\n \u201cNot enough Humans. We go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite grabbed Redscar\u2019s arm. The other Goblin was smaller, far smaller than Pyrite. Redscar froze and looked up at Pyrite.<\/p>\n \u201cLet go.\u201d<\/p>\n Redscar\u2019s sword raised and his eyes narrowed dangerously, but Pyrite refused to let go. His grip tightened. Redscar\u2019s arm groaned, and the Goblin stared into Pyrite\u2019s eyes. Pyrite rumbled.<\/p>\n \u201cYour duty is to tribe. Obey.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain cannot give orders.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cChieftain is Chieftain! And I am second! Obey!\u201d<\/p>\n Pyrite felt Redscar\u2019s bones under his hand. The Goblin growled, and Pyrite growled right back. The two stood together, and then Redscar abruptly nodded. Instantly, Pyrite let go, and Redscar snatched his hand away. He sheathed his sword angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat now?\u201d<\/p>\n There was fury burning in his eyes, but he was obeying. For now. Pyrite looked down at Rags. She seemed so small, so weak<\/em> lying there. She had to be alright. She would wake up. He looked around at the wounded Goblins, the destroyed camp and felt a weight on his shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cNow? Find wounded. Count living. And make ready. Humans will come back. Lots of them.\u201d<\/p>\n The Goblins looked at him. Redscar growled. They all knew it was true. This was only the start. The Humans had found them. And they would be back.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cG-general Wiskeria says they\u2019re pulling back. For tonight. The Goblins aren\u2019t pursuing any longer. She says there are too many to attack. Unless you think otherwise. Do you want\u2026want me to send her another [Message], Emperor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Nesor. Tell her to pull back and treat her wounded. The plan is a success. Tell her congratulations and to prepare for another message within the hour. Understand?\u201d<\/p>\n I sense Nesor\u2019s pale face nod towards me. The [Mage] closes his eyes, and his lips begin to move, forming the words he\u2019s sending via [Message] spell. He\u2019s a poor caster, so it takes him laborious minutes to send my words to Wiskeria\u2019s [Mage]. And even longer to hear her reply.<\/p>\n \u201cShe says that she understands and is holding. Emperor Laken?\u201d<\/p>\n He looks at me, sweat rolling down his head. I can sense his fatigue, smell his body odor. He\u2019s kept me in constant touch with Wiskeria this last hour, and the effort has taxed him. I nod and rise.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s enough. Good work, Nesor. Take a break; I\u2019ll handle things from here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThank you, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n He breathes a sigh of relief and slumps in his chair. I look around the dark house. This is Wiskeria\u2019s home, unfurnished in large part. It\u2019s quiet. Dark. I don\u2019t need illumination, so I haven\u2019t bothered to light a candle despite the late hour. It must be close to pitch-black for Nesor, but I navigate my way to the door with ease.<\/p>\n \u201cGet some rest. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHere? But isn\u2019t this\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI may need to speak to Wiskeria again. Sleep here, Nesor. Eat if you need to\u2014but be ready for the morning. I need to speak to the others.\u201d<\/p>\n I pause, thinking. Nesor\u2019s worn out.<\/p>\n \u201cVerdammt!<\/em> I need to send those [Message] spells. Nesor, send a brief [Message] to Wiskeria and see if Lady Bevia\u2019s [Mage] can do it. If not\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can do it, Your Majesty. I think\u2026if I have a mana potion.\u201d<\/p>\n Nesor fumbles weakly at his belt. I nod.<\/p>\n \u201cGood. In that case, I\u2019ll rely on you.\u201d<\/p>\n I pause at the door.<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent work, Nesor. Lady Rie will be proud, I\u2019m sure of it.\u201d<\/p>\n I sense a smile light up Nesor\u2019s face.<\/p>\n \u201cT-thank you, Your Majesty.\u201d<\/p>\n He slumps back in his chair and drinks half his mana potion. After I leave. I watch him with my [Emperor] senses for a few minutes as I stride through the village, but he seems fine. I had wondered if he\u2019d be up to the challenge, but he came through. And it worked! My heart is beating too fast, and I feel blood thundering through my veins, though I haven\u2019t done<\/em> anything. All I could do was watch.<\/p>\n But I felt like I was there. I saw Beniar and my Darksky Riders sweeping through the Goblin camp. I saw Wiskeria\u2019s brew do its work, blinding and suffocating the Goblins while her [Archers] shot Goblins from afar. Damn that Hob and those mounted Goblins. If they hadn\u2019t attacked, we might have\u2014<\/p>\n No, focus. This is enough. I have to make the next part count. I stride towards a familiar person in Riverfarm, wrenching my attention away from the Goblins. I can still sense them on my<\/em> lands, regrouping, salvaging their ruined camp. They\u2019re still there, many of them. Thousands. But less now. A good number less.<\/p>\n \u201cProst?\u201d<\/p>\n The man turns, and I sense he\u2019s holding a torch.<\/p>\n \u201cEmperor Laken? Is everything\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFine. The plan\u2019s worked, Mister Prost. Have you called the others?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Your Majesty. They\u2019re all there. Some are complaining, but only to each other.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ll shut up as soon as I tell them. Come.\u201d<\/p>\n I nod, and Prost pushes open the double doors to my meeting hall. The audience chamber is cramped with all the [Lords] and [Ladies] present, but they turn as one and give me room to stride towards my throne. I sense Durene in the crowd and Lady Rie. Both hurry towards me.<\/p>\n \u201cLaken, what\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYour Majesty? Mister Prost summoned us all here\u2014disturbing several nobles from their beds! May I ask what\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSilence, Lady Rie.\u201d<\/p>\n I turn my head, and she falls still. I reach out and grab Durene\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll explain everything in a moment, Durene. Just wait. Gamel?\u201d<\/p>\n The young man stands by my throne, standing at attention.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sire?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnnounce me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAt once.\u201d<\/p>\n I hear Gamel take a deep breath and then shout, surprising the nobles of Izril.<\/p>\n \u201c[Lords] and [Ladies] of Izril! His Majesty, ruler of the Unseen Empire, Protector of Riverfarm and Durene\u2019s Cottage! Emperor Laken Godart!\u201d<\/p>\n I take my seat on the throne and hear a susurration throughout the room. The nobles wince, their ears ringing, and stare at me as I sit on my throne. I sense some of them hesitate. I know what they\u2019re thinking. Why are they here? Are they supposed to kneel? Why have I called them? I put their fears and speculations to rest as I raise my voice.<\/p>\n It\u2019s soft after Gamel\u2019s shouting, but I make sure it carries throughout the room. Calm. Loud voice but not too loud. Controlled. I turn my closed eyes from face to face, noting their reactions. They can\u2019t meet my eyes, closed or not.<\/p>\n \u201cLadies and gentlemen, I bid you welcome. I am sorry for waking you at this late hour, but I have news of grave importance. As you may know, I have sworn to defend the roads and lands around Riverfarm. Yesterday, it came to my attention that another force had entered my domain.\u201d<\/p>\n I hear a murmur and sense the nobles grow apprehensive in front of me. I raise my voice, continuing.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is my regret that I must inform you all now that an army of Goblins has entered my domain. A portion of the Goblin Lord\u2019s army is currently camped approximately forty-two miles north of here. They number about eight thousand strong.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n I hear gasps, and then a cry of horror from the nobles. A [Lady] swoons, and her husband catches her. Shocked voices, a loud exclamation, and then Sir Tourant\u2019s voice.<\/p>\n \u201cEmperor Laken! Your Majesty! Are you certain of this?\u201d<\/p>\n I turn my head towards him.<\/p>\n \u201cWithout a shadow of a doubt, Lord Tourant. The Goblin Lord has sent nearly eight thousand Goblins by my count. Two days ago, they entered the furthest reaches of my protected lands, laying waste to a local army from the city of Filk in a pitched battle. They came further south after that, marching directly towards my domain. Towards Riverfarm.\u201d<\/p>\n I hear a groan from my audience, and then a sharp voice.<\/p>\n \u201cI take it that you are not informing us merely so that we might evacuate in time, Emperor Laken? Or else you would have informed us yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n I nod towards the woman standing in the back.<\/p>\n \u201cCorrect, Lady Bevia. I have not been idle upon learning of this threat. I immediately consulted with my [General], Lady Wiskeria, and formed a plan to combat the Goblin Lord\u2019s army.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy were we not informed of this?\u201d<\/p>\n I turn, seeking out Lord Melbore in the crowd.<\/p>\n \u201cTo prevent a panic, Lord Melbore. If I were to raise the alarm too early, the Goblins would have been alerted that their presence had been discovered. And thus my army would have failed to ambush the Goblins. As it did not an hour ago.\u201d<\/p>\n That gets them. The nobles are in an uproar. Again, Lady Bevia\u2019s voice cracks through the chaos like a whip.<\/p>\n \u201cEmperor Laken, please do not spare us the details. What has happened?\u201d<\/p>\n I incline my head a fraction as the voices calm, waiting for my response.<\/p>\n \u201cIn a word, Lady Bevia? Success. I sent a mobile force of [Riders] and [Archers] to attack the Goblins in their camp. Around six hundred soldiers all told, many levied from nearby cities and towns. They proceeded to strike the Goblins in the heart of the night, killing at least a thousand of their warriors before retreating.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, uproar. Again, I wait for the voices to subside. Lord Tourant is the one to question me this time.<\/p>\n \u201cA force of six hundred slew a thousand Goblins? How? How many casualties were there?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLess than a hundred.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA hundred<\/em>? How? Were they all asleep?\u201d<\/p>\n A smile.<\/p>\n \u201cHardly, Lord Tourant. My force triumphed by virtue of superior tactics. My [General] and [Captain], Lady Wiskeria and Sir Beniar, were able to divide the Goblins under the plan I devised with them.\u201d<\/p>\n This time I don\u2019t elaborate, and the intrigued murmur goes on for a second. I can see Lady Rie glancing at me. Perhaps she noticed some of my preparations.<\/p>\n The plan was a simple one. Use poisonous gas to cripple the Goblins and [Darksky Riders] to strike at night. With more [Archers] to lend them support, they could easily take down the Goblin army.<\/p>\n The key was really in Wiskeria\u2019s brew. She knew how to make a poisonous smoke\u2014a byproduct of another concoction, really\u2014which would suffocate and burn the eyes and make breathing almost impossible. It would cripple any Goblin who inhaled the smoke. All she needed were enough ingredients and hands to brew the mixtures and fan the smoke into the camp. Hellebore leaves, charcoal, a white, parasitic root that grows around old trees\u2026she had me looking for ingredients for hours, but I found enough for the plan to work.<\/p>\n After that, it was just a matter of coordinating. With Nesor and one of Lady Bevia\u2019s [Mages], I could tell Wiskeria exactly where the Goblins were and when to strike. Lady Bethal\u2019s presence only helped the situation by drawing off a good portion of the Goblins. The rest went like clockwork.<\/p>\n Mostly. The Goblins fought back, but I don\u2019t focus on that. The nobles of Izril are clamoring to know what I\u2019ll do next.<\/p>\n \u201cLadies and gentlemen, please. I am aware that the Goblin Lord\u2019s army is still a great danger. They have been wounded, but their host is still far vaster than my army can defeat. Alone, that is. I intend to levy every city in the region and cooperate with every Human settlement. As it is, the Goblins are still far north of Riverfarm, and I assure you, they will<\/em> be stopped.\u201d<\/p>\n Dismayed, the nobles begin arguing among themselves.<\/p>\n \u201cA thousand dead? But that would leave seven thousand remaining! Can any city stop that?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf we can head down the eastern road\u2014we might outdistance them\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to travel with Goblins about? Madness!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPlease!\u201d<\/p>\n I raise a hand.<\/p>\n \u201cI have no intention of keeping you here, but I fear that Riverfarm may be the only safe place. If you wish to take your chances, I will attempt to escort you, but my army will soon march to reinforce General Wiskeria.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow do you intend to combat such a large force, Emperor Laken?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith cooperation, Lady Bevia. The Human cities nearest to the Goblin Lord\u2019s army have standing garrisons of their own; I intend to coordinate with them to push back the Goblins.\u201d<\/p>\n With my levied army I would be outnumbered. But as Lady Rie pointed out, there are a number of cities who don\u2019t like me to the north. Cities that can either bar up their gates and hide from the Goblin Lord or join me and fight. Either way, the Goblin Lord\u2019s forces will be chipped away.<\/p>\n Ruthless.<\/em> I lean forwards on my throne.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we speak, [Messages] are being sent to every city in the region to communicate what I have told you, ladies and gentlemen. We have defeated the Goblins once before, and we shall do so again. And now, I am afraid I must coordinate with the other settlements who no doubt have questions of their own.\u201d<\/p>\n I rise from my throne and hear a babble of voices as the distressed nobles press forwards. I raise my hand, and they pause.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Rie will handle any questions you might have. I would welcome any assistance you might be able to bring to bear on this matter, but I must consult with my [General]. I bid you all good night.\u201d<\/p>\n Before they can object, I stride through them towards the door. I sense Lady Rie being mobbed behind me, and Gamel and Prost screen my exit. In a moment, I\u2019m outside and in the chill night air, alone. For a second. Then I hear the doors open, hear a babble of shocked voices, and a voice.<\/p>\n \u201cLaken?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDurene.\u201d<\/p>\n I embrace her, feeling her rough skin. Durene hugs me, but I can tell she\u2019s shocked.<\/p>\n \u201cWas all that true<\/em>, Laken? You didn\u2019t tell me!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sorry Durene. I wanted to, truly. But I couldn\u2019t let anyone know what was happening or they might run off. And you\u2019re a terrible actor. Not even Mister Prost knew\u2014until tonight. Only Wiskeria, Beniar, and the soldiers knew.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI understand that. But the Goblins! Are there really thousands<\/em> of them?\u201d<\/p>\n I pause and cast my mind north. They\u2019re already marching. Wiskeria told me the effects of the gas would last for days. Hopefully she can press the advantage. I nod grimly.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are. But we did a lot of damage, Durene. Wiskeria and Beniar will harry them, and I\u2019m sending the army north tomorrow at dawn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going with them, of course. Right?\u201d<\/p>\n I hesitate. I want to say no. Because I\u2019m not going. Wiskeria and Beniar both insisted, and I had to agree. It makes no sense, not if I can use a [Mage] to tell them exactly what they need to know. I\u2019m a liability in battle for all I can influence the Goblins. But Durene\u2014I squeeze her hands.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI do! If there are Goblins and everyone\u2019s fighting, I have<\/em> to fight. I\u2019m a [Paladin], Laken.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know. I know.\u201d<\/p>\n I take a few deep breaths. I knew that Durene would say that. Which is why I sent Wiskeria and Beniar first. Now the Goblin Lord\u2019s army is wounded. And by the time Durene gets there\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cThe main army will march towards the Goblins and meet up with Wiskeria. She\u2019ll wear them down as much as she can until then. I\u2019ll have every city send as many soldiers as I can. Hundreds\u2014I can levy at least a hundred warriors from the smallest towns alone. You\u2019ll outnumber the Goblins\u2014barely, I think. Wiskeria will make sure only to pick battles we can win easily. So don\u2019t get hurt, okay?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI won\u2019t!\u201d<\/p>\n Durene sounds fierce as she hugs me. I hug her back, hearing the commotion in the meeting hall get louder. I hear a muffled laugh from her.<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re angry. Did you have to tell them like this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes. Because now they\u2019re stuck here. And all the cities have to deal with the Goblins. Not just us. We\u2019re not going to be alone in this fight, Durene. We\u2019ll win, I promise.\u201d<\/p>\n I hug her tightly, taking warmth from her body heat. I whisper to her as I feel Wiskeria and Beniar setting up camp, sense Humans tending to the wounded, the nobles surrounding Rie in the meeting hall, shouting\u2014<\/p>\n And the Goblins to the north. Marching, moving fast, many still coughing, blinded by the fog. They leave behind their dead, not bothering to bury them. Dead Goblins. I count them. Small ones, big ones, it makes no difference. They\u2019ll all die. I won\u2019t let them touch Riverfarm.<\/p>\n Not again. Not ever again. I\u2019ll slaughter them all with traps and poison, whatever I have to use. I\u2019ll crush them.<\/p>\n I swear it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" He sat in the dark house, waiting. His breathing was slow, deliberate. His heart beat a touch faster than necessary, but that was all. Everything he had put in motion was coming together, and his role was almost exclusively that of a watcher. He had only one task to play. Still, he was angry. Laken […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693085,349],"tags":[7224,250708,4330244,4472517,11693079],"twi_volume":[11693134],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-4879","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-5","category-writing","tag-fantasy","tag-inn","tag-web-novel","tag-web-serial","tag-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
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