“When traveling the Dark Forest, you must be quick and silent,” explained Annya.

“They do not belong here. The goblins will perish,” Tassarion said again with a scowl.

“I’m getting sick of your Tasselholf,” challenged Shaymus, and the two squared off. The elf bristled at the insult to his name. Booger stood in between them, and the massive orc towered over the two.

“There is no need for your rudeness,” Booger said to the green-haired elf, and he turned to Shaymus and added, “This is not the time for us to be fighting each other.”

“The Prince is right,” another elf with purple hair whispered. This one carried a bow and was crouching.

“Remember, quick and silent,” Annya repeated and then looked with some concern at the heavily armored orc.

“If you survive this, you and I will settle our differences,” Tassarion hissed at Shaymus. The green elf carried a curved blade and a small round buckler as he ran silently off into the forest that was in forever twilight. The others followed, and they moved swiftly and without a sound.

The goblins were used to stealth and picked up quickly, running through the dense undergrowth of the forest. It was similar to the uneven rocky terrain of the mountains. They were off and could keep pace with the elves, except for Booger. His heavy boots stepped on every twig, and his armored shoulders hit every branch. His skill sets were more suited for war on the battlefield. The noise he made was subtle, but in the eerie quiet of the Dark Forest, his movements were like a cacophony. The goblins stayed back to keep pace with their comrade.

“Are you trying to make as much noise as possible, you big oaf,” Shaymus hissed.

“Hey! I could use some encouragement, not scolding,” the orc panted in response. The running was making him winded.

“We are losing the elves,” said Nulrok.

“You think?” Scolded Shaymus.

The group passed by several remains of adventurers. Suits of armor, weapons, and pouches. Shaymus stopped to loot them. Among the gear were the skeletal remains of dark elves. Bones sticking out from the undergrowth.

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

“We don’t have time for this!” Exclaimed Raine.

“Unless you want us to leave the mighty prince behind. I can loot the treasure and still keep pace with the orc,” Shaymus growled.

“Did we lose sight of the elves?” Gilreg asked as he jogged up. Nulrok was beside the warrior, and Booger arrived next, struggling to catch his breath. The large orc was sweating in his heavy armor. He leaned up against a tree.

“I see that Annya is coming toward us,” Raine observed.

“These could come in handy,” the pale-eyed goblin said as she showed the others a couple of red vials of healing potions. The small goblin also stuffed several pouches of coins into her sack.

“Chew on this,” Nulrok said as he gave the orc a root.

“Why?”

“It’s Cafron Root,” the mage said, and he began to forage for some more.

“It’s bitter,” observed Booger as he chewed on the root in his tusked mouth. The orc prince nodded as he started to feel better.

“It will give you a slight energy boost, but it’s not healthy to take too much,” the mage observed.

“You need to move faster,” Annya stated as she arrived.

“Tell that to the oaf,” hissed Shaymus.

“That’s mean,” Booger said.

“Is there any way for you to move slower for our friend?” Asked Gilreg.

“It’s too dangerous. I can not risk it.”

“Then give us directions, and we will meet you,” Gilreg said.

Annya pondered for a moment and then said, “Follow the moonlight to the north until you come to a stream. Run along the stream to the east until you come upon a small pool. Cross the stream and head north until you see a large grey boulder with green moss. You can’t miss it as there are not a lot of large rocks in this forest. Head west until you come to a clearing. Cross the clearing northwards, and you will come upon a silver lake. That is where we will be.”

“Are you kidding me!” Exclaimed Shaymus. She had forgotten it all.

“I got it,” Raine said.

They heard a faint howling in the distance. Annya looked concerned.

“Nezarit, the Shadow Wolf Lord, is near,” the dark elf said.

“Please tell me they are friendly,” Booger asked.

“No, and I can not stay here. I am needed by the others. Good luck,” Annya said, and the dark elf departed quickly and without a sound.

“If we die in this forest, I will kill you again in the afterlife,” Shaymus promised the orc. The orc laughed heartily at this.

“Quiet!” Growled Raine.

“Sorry,” Booger said, and Shaymus snickered.

“Let’s move, Raine and Shaymus take the front, Nulrok with me, and Booger, do your best to keep up,” Gilreg ordered, and the group took off.