[I understand Rick. I’ll refocus my thoughts to the direction you have chosen.]

‘You’re not going to fight me on this?’

[My sole purpose is to help you on your journey. No matter what it is.]

‘I see…please never stop proving input Velora, I value everything thing you say whether I agree or not.’

[Of course. Somone has to tell you to train.]

‘Ugh. Moving on now, I’m going to try and incorporate big guy over there and the rest of his team.’

[I believe they will be more than willing to do pretty much anything you ask.]

‘We’ll see about that.’

“Rogu was it? I changed my mind. I might have a task for you all. Are you all willing to help?”

Slam

‘Oh, my goodness…Why did he slam his fist against his chest that hard…’

“We are here to serve my Lord. Say the word and I will bathe these plains in the blood of Orcs.”

‘…All the extra things are going to take some getting used to…and here I just finally got used to be calling Chief, but I have to respond to his dedication in kind.’

“Good. But we won’t be bathing these lands in blood just yet. We don’t have enough information. I need to know how many tribes are in the plains, I need to know our enemies, there are other races that would likely help the Orcs if it came to war, no not if, it would come to war. I will not forgive them for what they’ve done to my people. Is this something you can help me with Rogu?”

“Yes my Lord. Kris, Krel, go investigate the Orcs, I want to know everything about them. Ra, go find every single tribe of our people. Do not dally.”

The three members that were called out immediately bowed towards Rick, before saluting Rogu. Though just as they were about to set out…

“Wait! Your lives are more important than the mission. If it is too dangerous, come back immediately.”

All three pairs of eyes locked on to Rick, and they bowed once more before departing.

‘Bowing…yeah this is definitely going to take some getting used to isn’t it Velora.’

[Likely so. I expect there will be many things that would take some getting used to as you meet more Goblins from the 14 Clans.]

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‘Yeah the 14 Clans…’

[You should probably inform Jala of what’s going on. He looks a little frightened.]

‘Ah I kind of forgot about him.’

[I know.]

“Ah Jala, sorry got kind of distracted there. From now on, things will be changing very fast in the plains. But before we get into that, I think we have some introductions in order. Jala this is Rogu, Rogu this is Jala. Jala here is a leader of sorts in the tribe before us, while Rogu is a General from distant lands. We’re all Goblins here so let’s be friends.”

“This is all a bit much, but it’s nice to meet you Rogu.”

“Likewise, Jala.”

“Good...that’s those two…but I don’t know the rest of you. Please introduce yourselves.”

The rest of the Royal Retrieval team went on to introduce themselves to Rick and Jala. Of course, all of the introductions were really intended for Rick, but they didn’t mind Jala’s presence, nor did they mind the Royal Guards…who were watching all of them like hawks.

Though as the introductions finished up…both Rick and Jala couldn’t help getting shocked at everything they heard. All the different titles…all the different clans…and this wasn’t even all of them.

Eventually, all of the introductions were over, and it was time for the crux of the discussion.

“I think we’ll be waiting for a while, so let’s talk. Jala, you can go back for now, get your tribe prepared for the potential of all of them having to leave here in the next few days. I know it’s short notice, but we may need to move quickly.”

Jala seemed like he had so much he wanted to say, but he eventually just bit his tongue and left. It wasn’t like he was scared to disagree with Rick or anything like that, but he truly took Rick to be his Leader, and with that came a certain level of trust in him. He would bank on that trust for now.

And with that Only Rick, Geedi and the rest of the Royal Guards, and Rogu and the Royal Retrieval team remained.

“So Rogu, this mission to bring back your Future King. How are you so sure that’s me?”

“My Lord, it would be best for me to start form the beginning to explain…”

Rogu then began a long talk in which he explained many things to Rick. He began with the Stones of Birth. He wasn’t able to explain the science behind it, but he did let Rick know they began glowing many months ago, and after the timeline was broken down to him, he of course timed it up with the day he woke in the cave as a Goblin.

Though he kept that to himself…and Velora of course.

Rogu continued on about how the Chiefs from all the Clans gathered in the Central Clan and discussed the plan of action. It was imperative that they sent out a force to recover their new King. After long discussions, that force ended up being Rogu and the others. Perhaps if time wasn’t of the essence, the force might’ve been different, but they were confident in the group. All put together for their different abilities and most of all their selflessness.

Finally, Rogu mentioned the Goblin Blood Stone. He described its purpose and how they had used it to track Rick down. All in all, it was quite the story.

“So, your goal is to bring me back huh…and if I don’t want to leave?”

“That…I am not sure… I don’t want to go against your words, but it is important to bring you to the clans. There are thousands of Goblins awaiting the return of a King. Your return My Lord.”

‘Ahh…those are some heavy words Velora…’

[They are indeed, but isn’t this what you wanted? They would be the foundation of your future Kingdom of Goblins.]

‘I know that...but am I just supposed to abandon everything I’ve built here? Everything we’ve started?’

[Perhaps, perhaps not. These are the types of decisions you will need to make in the future. Being a King is not an easy thing Rick. There will be hard choices. This is just the first of many more.]

‘Sigh…I know…I know…’

“I would love to return with you to the Clans Rogu, but I cannot abandon the Goblins here, and based on the journey you have only barely described to me…it doesn’t sound like a journey tens and tens of Goblins could make. I can’t leave Rogu. I can’t leave my tribe. At least not now.”