It was two days after the interaction between the fox and the royal team. Rogu and his team had just walked past the lake and were now firmly in the southern part of the forest. Though what they saw in the distance was less of a ‘forest’ and more of a village. It was early in the morning as they slowly advanced on the village in the distance. The sun had yet to make its appearance and the dark of night still had a hold on the world.
Eventually they stepped on what appeared to be a road of some sorts. The road went both to their left and right further into the forest, but the central path carried on into the village.
Though before they could make it any further a voice greeted them.
“Halt! Where is the Chief? He should not be back yet with the newest group of Goblins. Did the Chief send you all here on your own?”
It was a Tier 2 Hobgoblin, who stepped out from their left, only he wasn’t alone. Two more Hobgoblins were behind him as they approach the Royal Retrieval team.
If he was back at home, a Tier 2 Goblin wouldn’t have dared to speak to him in this manner. No Chief or anyone of importance ruled the clans with fear, as that was not their place, but due to his power and position as a General of his clan, he was given the type of respect that station commanded. So, this was a interesting experience for him.
Of course, Rogu was far from a fool. These should be the Goblins that are currently living with the Future King. He wouldn’t dare to throw his power around unduly. Not to the Goblins who were directly serving the Future King.
POV Rogu
“Forgive us, we came from far away, and while it was a collection of Chiefs who sent us here, I don’t believe we speak of the same one. My name is Rogu, Captain of the team behind me. Is it possible for us to speak to your leaders? It is of grave importance to our race.”
The Hobgoblins were a little taken aback by Rogu.
“A collection of Chiefs? A Captain?” The plains don’t have any of that…please wait here for a moment…”
“Take your time.”
‘So, these are the Goblins that currently serve the Future King huh…they are a bit too weak, but that is no problem. Once the Future King has been safely returned home, he will have the entire backing of all the clans behind him. Father would be particularly excited. Even me…I enjoy my role as a General of the clan, but…who wouldn’t want to serve the King? I must make a great first impression.’
After a few moments of waiting, the Hobgoblin from earlier returned with another by his side.
“I am Jaba. The Chief has placed me in charge until his return. It sounds like we have a lot to talk about, please follow me.”
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“Understood Jaba.”
‘A Tier 3 was left in charge? I can barely feel any mana in him. It seems he just barely started to unclog his mana veins, which means he only reached Tier 3 in the recent months. That is a bit weaker than I thought, and considering the stone hasn’t gotten any brighter since we reached here, the Chief they speak of is likely the Future King. Hopefully he isn’t too far.’
Jaba led the team down the road and into the village. The village had a small square and in the center of the square was a small stage. Perhaps large enough for 5 Hobgoblins to stand side by side. The flooring of the square was still the floor of the forest, but the road circled around the stage, before breaking into different directions.
Jaba veered over to the left towards one of the buildings that circled the Village Square. Once inside the small wooden building, one could see a space with a large table in the center and a few chairs sounded it, though at the head of the table a chair that was slightly larger than the others sat. Jaba took a seat to the right of that chair and gestured for the others to sit down. Though there were only 4 other chairs apart from the big one, so only Rogu decided to accept the offer. The others calmy waited to side.
‘So, this is the room where he holds meetings…that chair is likely his. Oh, do I wish he was here right now.’
“Once again, my name is Jaba, welcome to my home, The Green Village, based on your appearances, and what I was told earlier. You all aren’t from the Nameless Forest, or the Iris River Plains, right?”
“I’m glad to meet you Jaba, my name is Rogu, Captain of the Royal Retrieval team and General of the Raguur Clan. And no, we come from very distant lands. In search of this very place.”
“Royal what? General? In search of this place?”
“Yes, please allow me to explain. Back home, we have awaited the birth of a Royal Goblin for a very long time. We knew there were Goblins living likely all over the world, but none of them should have communities as vast as ours. Thousands and thousands of Goblins share my lands with me, which is why we thought the Royal would’ve been born with us. Months ago, the birth of the Royal was discovered, but we quickly realized we were wrong and that the Royal likely born quite a distance away. Thus, my team was assembled to safely retrieve the Royal, and return him to clans so that he may claim his throne and rise as the Goblin King.
“That is why we have fought bottles, and travels for months on end to reach this place. So that our Future King of Goblins can claim his rightful place as our leader. That is our mission.”
The second Rogu mentioned the word Royal, Jaba’s eyes didn’t for once stop widening. Only growing more and more shocked at every word Rogu said.
It took him more than a few minutes to fully intake everything that was said, and even then, he was still confused. It was a lot to take in after all. Though despite his confusion, he managed to understand that in some way shape or form, these Goblins wanted to take Rick away…that would prove difficult for them.
“I don’t necessarily understand everything you’ve stated, but our Chief will likely not agree to go anywhere with you. Not until the plains are free.”
“What do you mean by ‘plains are free’?”
“Many small Goblin tribes call the plains home, but they are oppressed by Orcs and are forced to pay tribute.”
“….I see…is this…is this where your ‘Chief’ headed by any chance?”
“Yes…the plan is to slowly take a few Goblins from the tribes until we are strong enough to free them from the plains entirely.”
‘Orcs dare to oppress my people. And to further dare to do so in front our Future King…Ah I’m going to enjoy killing them.’
It was then Rogu stood up in a flash. A rather serious look gracing his face.
“Thank you for the information, Jaba. I will ensure the safe return of the Future King.”
Jaba didn’t even get a chance to speak before Rogu abruptly turned to his team.
“You heard him. Our people are being oppressed and our Future King has gone to liberate them. His enemies are our enemies, and his battles are our battles. Let us bathe these plains in the blood of Orcs.”