‘Hmm, I do think I need to expand in the plains…but I don’t think now’s the time.’
“I would indeed like to expand into the plains, but now’s not the time for that. We aren’t ready to be conquerors just yet. For now, just something that house a couple Goblins. This won’t be an all-out war just yet, for we just need a staging ground. How does that sound?”
“I understand your thoughts My Lord. Then for now I recommend building this Outpost as soon as possible. Once we begin evacuating the tribes, it will only be a matter of time before Orcs catch wind of this.”
“Ah build it right away huh…that means I will need to get Wala and Dran here, but it’s going to take two months to reach them, and then two months to bring them back…hmmm.”
“My Lord if I may…”
“Of course, go ahead.”
“We could have this Outpost up no more than two weeks. Perhaps less with more hands.”
“Two weeks? Is that enough time to build something big enough to house around 30 Goblins? I know you said it should be easy to take it all down, but that doesn’t mean it should be flimsy right?”
“Don’t worry My Lord it will be fine, isn’t that right Ulgri?”
“Ah Yes Captain! My Lord, we don’t have the types of materials needed to make something truly special but I’m confident I can design something that fits your needs perfectly! We will not let you down.”
‘Oh, they’re serious…’
[We’ve already seen what the Goblins back home can do with a limited time, it only makes sense to assume stronger, more experienced Goblins can do even more in the same amount of time or even less.]
‘That’s true, I guess. Welp let’s get them some more help then.’
“Alright Ulgri and Rogu. I’ll trust you and take your word for it but let’s get you some help. Geedi, send someone to Jala’s tribe. Tell him I need a few Goblins who are able to help build. Oh yeah, I also forgot to ask if they’re doing okay on food, please find that out as well.”
“On it Chief! You! You heard the words of the Chief, go.”
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The member of the Royal Guard that was signaled out, nodded to Geedi and Rick before taking off towards the Tribe.
‘Sigh…sometimes I really don’t understand them. Why do I need to talk to Geedi instead of just asking the guard that myself? And if I tried to just go to the tribe myself, they would all make a fuss and ask me to let them do it instead. I tried complaining initially but they wouldn’t take no for an answer, so I just let them be, but man it’s all so weird sometimes.’
[It’s good you let them be, they appear very passionate about all of this, and it’s to benefit you anyway, so don’t complain too much.]
‘Yeah, yeah I know don’t worry.’
Before long the Guard Geedi sent, was soon seen running back towards the group, only this time he had around 10 Goblins with him. The tribe wasn’t even 30 Goblins strong, so 10 was a good amount of them. Of course, Jala himself was at the forefront of the group.
They eventually made it to Rick and the others.
Thanks for coming Jala, if you’re here to help build please talk with Ulgri here she’ll help you out oh and I almost forgot, Rogu, the Outpost should be a few days, maybe a whole week’s travel away from here. I don’t want it to be right at the edge of the plains. If the Orcs decide to follow us, then they need to bully within the forest.
“Understood My Lord, Loruk and Sarug, you two stay here. The rest of you with me.”
Rick watched on as Rogu and the others marched off deeper in the woods. Rick himself was still a little worried about what type of Outpost he’d see when he went to check on the results. He also wouldn’t mind going off to help, but Geedi would throw another fit.
The woes of being a loved leader.
…
‘It feels like someone is talking about me again…’
[I didn’t hear or sense anything. What are you talking about?]
‘Ah you wouldn’t get it.’
[…]
‘Are you judging me Velora?’
[Not at all.]
“Um Chief, you sent someone to ask how we’re doing on food right? We’re okay for now, since we were able to prepare well in advance for the tribute.”
“Ahem, I see. Well Jala, no more tributes alright? No more tributes, ever again Jala. I won’t listen to any arguments. Now with that being said, are you sure you all have enough food? So that everyone can eat their fill, right? I’m not sure when exactly we will be leaving but it likely won’t be today, but don’t try to ration anything. The forest is bountiful, and I will provide meat if you need it. Make sure everyone can eat their fill alright Jala?”
“…I understand Chief, no more tributes and the everyone in the tribe will eat their fill.”
“That’s good Jala, don’t worry, I’ll have someone deliver a boar or something before the day is over!”
With that, Jala went on his way. He was a bit skeptical at first, but hope had taken a strong root in him at this point. Ever since Ms. Gala passed away a few months ago, the entire tribe essentially looked up to him for everything. He was prepared to lead until it was his turn to go, but the stress was definitely mounting. He told Rick he had food, but that would only be true if they rationed every single piece of it. If everyone were to eat their fill, it would all run out by tonight.
He didn’t show it, but Jala was truly happy. When was the last time he got a chance to eat till his stomach was truly full? The answer was never. He would make sure the entire tribe ate till they couldn’t walk today.