The group traveled the rest of the way through the large field unmolested by the shadow wolves. They were battered, cold, and exhausted. Raine spotted the hidden dark elf sentries first. She motioned the group to stop, and she pointed them out to Gilreg.

“We are friends of Annya,” the goblin warrior stated loudly for the sentries to hear.

The elves rose, about half a dozen of them, their bows trained on the group. One elf with fiery red hair and greyish skin said something to another elf. The second elf ran off toward the distant crystal waters of a lake. After several moments, the elf returned with the familiar onyx-skinned face of Annya.

“By the Dreaded One, I am happy to see you!” She exclaimed.

The group was led toward the dark elf village. It was obscured by Shadow Illusion magic. Nulrok explained to the group how Shadow Magic distorts light and tricks the mind. He instructed the others to focus on the distortion and to try to untangle the illusion. Raine was the first to succeed, and she saw the village clearly. It consisted of wooden and straw huts, each with a small garden. There was an archery range by the lake and a small wooden pier. Gilreg and Shaymus were next. Booger continued to strain but had difficulty, and the large orc gave up with a shrug of his heavy shoulders. As they passed the perimeter of the illusion, the village shimmered into view for the prince.

“I can’t believe you allowed these creatures into our home,” said Tassarion. The green-haired elf had a look of pure disdain.

“I have had enough of your insults,” hissed Shaymus.

Tassarion snickered as he drew his scimitar and buckler. The elf challenged the pale-eyed goblin with a wave of his blade. Shaymus obliged by drawing her own sword and dagger.

“We just survived an encounter with the Shadow Wolf Lord! We need to rest and for you to lead us to the Dragonspawn as you promised, and we will be on our way,” Gilreg said, standing between the two. His eyes were on Annya.

“Lies!” Tassarion snarled, “There is no way Goblins could survive the Shadow Wolf Lord.”

“How do you explain their arrival here then?” Annya chimed in.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

“We all heard the howls of the Shadow Wolves,” another elf said, the one with purple hair that was with the group at the necromancer’s tower.

There were murmurings from the Dark Elves as more came out of their homes to gather. Gilreg felt the hostility coming from many of the elves, such as Tassarion. They did not care for outsiders, and they even had disdain for what they believed were the lower inhabitants of the massive Wasteland.

“They are on our side. They are going to seek out the Envoys in the Dungeon,” cried Annya to the gathered elves.

This caused a greater stir of murmurings as the elves processed the information. From the conversations that Gilreg could hear, it was clear that many were concerned. After the recent successful raid where the adventurers have taken the dark elves’ most prized artifact, the Talisman that located the portals that led into the Dungeon, they were concerned for their economy. Like the tribe of goblins, the elves ran out of artifacts and waited for the Envoy. This had shifted more elves to favor the goblins, and the green-haired elf was losing support.

“Goblins! Goblins expect to be able to enter the Dungeon? To speak with the Envoy? They are the lowest of the low. We should be the ones to seek out the Envoys!” Exclaimed Tassarion.

“You wanted to fight me? Fight me! And I will show you that we goblins are worth more than you!” Challenged Shaymus.

The crowd quieted. Tassarion had a wicked smile as an older-looking elf maiden stepped forth. The way the other elves parted for her led Gilreg to believe that the old woman was a respected member of the tribe. She had grey hair, dark blue skin, and the pupilless eyes of a caster. She carried a gnarled wooden stick, as gnarled as her ancient arms. She wore a white gown similar to Annya’s, and dark feathers adorned her hair.

“A challenge has been made. A Blooding Rite we shall have. Since the goblin was the challenger, Tassarion, you select the means. Bows or blades,” the elder said.

“Blades,” Tassarion said and grinned at Shaymus.

“The same,” the goblin hissed.

“Yes! I am surprised that elves follow the customs of ritual combat like my people. This is great news indeed. It was how I became a prince!” Booger shouted, pointing to the tribal tattoos on his face.

Shaymus drew her weapons, as did Tassarion. The two made to walk toward each other. The crowd was parting to create space.

“Wait! We just arrived from the Dark Forest. We have fought many battles. I request that we have time to rest,” Gilreg cried.

“Granted. In two nights’ time, under the full silver moon, Tassarion and the goblin shall duel,” the elder responded.

“We don’t have two days,” stated Raine.

“The terms have been set. To forfeit them is to deny our ways and will be punishable by death,” Annya said sadly.