The next day all the goblins had breakfast outside. They were deemed traitors and were treated like prisoners. A huge tent was hoisted up by goblins. Inside was a makeshift cafeteria. Breakfast was mystery meat, mixed vegetables with some gray sauce and hardtack. All of a sudden, a commotion rang out near the tents.

“At least allow us to help them!” exclaimed Zillah.

“Ma’am, for the last time I’m under orders from Legate Claudius, you and your order are not allowed to tend to our special guests.”

“Special guests? They are practically prisoners. Fine, I demand to speak with your Legate!”

“I’m not going to let you do-”

“What is the meaning of this?” Legate Claudius walked up to the soldier and Zillah. “I can hear your commotion from across the yard.”

“As I was telling her, sir, no one is allowed to tend to the guests.”

“I’m sorry, but that is straight from the king, my hands are tied.”

“Well, allow me to untie them.”

Everyone turned, the goblins in the courtyard stopped eating. In front of the door is a tall, very old woman. She was wearing a crochet pointy hat, and gray and blue skirt. She was carrying a staff.

“Mother please! Go back to your chambers, your health-”

“Is fine, child. Legate, I’ve spent all morning communicating with your king, in a moment you will receive your new orders.”

“Ah so that was all that shouting was about,” Zillah said.

“I doubt you can convince-”

“Legate Claudius, a word.”

A mage approached the small group, scroll in hand. The legate sighed, him and the mage walked out of the way. The legate threw his hands up and by his body language was ready to object. The mage gave him the scroll, the legate read it and frowned, then he returned to the group.

“The king has ordered me to let your order tend to these guests.” The legate and his men walked away.

“Thank you Legate, Zillah, you may proceed.”

“Thank you mother, please, rest, I have this.”

“Yes, trying to convince the king was exhausting. Poor Willa, keeping open the communications orb must have been taxing. Well I see that you have things under control. I know your sister will be proud of you.”

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“Yes, I hope she’s safe.”

“She and the others are not harmed, goodbye and do visit when you have a chance.”

Zillah gave the word and the other ladies poured out of the main hall. Some were carrying pots and tea, while others were carrying medicine. A big cauldron materialized near the outdoor kitchen, which startled some of the cooks. In moments a proper breakfast was made, ham or bacon, and eggs, potatoes and even bread.

The women invited all of the goblins to feast, and even invited the soldiers too. After everyone was served, the goblins congregated toward one end of the tent, while the soldiers congregated at the opposite end. After breakfast, the goblins were sent to their tents to await further orders.

Grillek on the other hand, couldn’t sit idly by. He wanted to help, he knew Lom wouldn’t let him and would end up following him. After eating, all the goblins were ordered to go back to their tents. As Grillek quickly found out, the king allowed for the goblins to be well fed and kept alive. A half hour later every goblin was summoned to the town square.

Legate Claudius walked up to the podium, he was flanked by two soldiers. A portal opened behind him. A dozen soldiers popped out, carrying a chain with shackles. Grillek took a peek, he saw some semblance of a field.

“May I have your attention please. The king has made arrangements to have you well fed, but all that food should not go to waste. Therefore some of you will be chosen to work the outside mines of Terrabore. The vast fields contain multiple veins and other minerals.

However, it is dangerous so stick together. The rest of you will be used to smelt ore and craft weapons for his majesty.”

The Legate and his men went out and chose at random which goblins to take. Grillek pulled Lom close. When one of the soldiers came to the two goblins, he looked at them then called out, these two, mines. Within a moment the two goblins were teleported from the compound to an open field.

The goblins were standing on a triangular platform, mages at each corner, murmuring an incantation. Over a few dozen soldiers were standing nearby. Within moments, mining equipment was materialized next to the goblins.

“Take a pickaxe and helm, if you can find one and head to a vein. Don’t try anything either, these kind men and women will quickly dispatch any uprising, and mages wouldn’t hesitate to send in reinforcements.”

The shield lowered and the goblins picked up their gear and walked to a vein. It was very windy and at times some of the more feeble goblins were flung away from the high winds. The field mines of Terrabore were home to gold and obsidian ore. It was rumored that the fields were blessed and even if a small rock was left, it would grow.

Grillek picked out a spot, as he was mining, he told Lom to observe. Lom was good at scouting ahead. In return, Grillek will pick up the slack for the both of them. An hour later, Lom began to whisper.

“I noticed a gap in guard rotation, we can sneak through, but it would be dangerous.”

“How can it be dangerous? There is nothing out there.”

“Oh really, then look ahead.”

A couple of goblins snuck past the patrols, they ran into some bushes. Within seconds screaming could be heard. Sounds of snarls and growls came from the bushes. One of the poor goblins tried to run out but was grabbed by some beast’s arm and was dragged back. Within seconds it was silent.

“That my dear friends, is what awaits, if you decide to escape. We have some of the king’s pets patrolling this area. Think twice before escaping. Back to work!”

“So we need to find a way to get past the beasts, I’m sure one of the ladies will have a potion or tea,” Grillek whispered.

“Do you think they will help us?”

“I hope so.”