Rogu and his team began the long two month journey towards the plains. He was at the front of the formation with the others trailing behind him, while Kris, Krel, Ra and Surgsha were spread out on the left and right respectively.

They moved with speed and efficiency and didn’t have to fight a single battle as they blazed their way through the forest. Taking very little time to rest once it became dark before they once again moved through the night.

If one overlooked the Fox in the North, and the Monster at the bottom of the Lake, the Nameless Forest posed little to no threat to a team that consisted of Tier 4s and one Tier 5. So, it was little to no surprise that the one-month timeframe that Rogu had set out ended up being right on target.

It probably could’ve been even shorter, but he wanted the team to still be able to fight at a moment’s notice. Arriving with no energy to do anything probably wouldn’t be a good idea.

POV Rogu

‘Wow what beautiful plains…we have crossed many different plains to reach this point, but I don’t think any of them touch upon the beauty of what’s in front of me. Though…this beauty is overshadowed by what I see in the plains themselves…’

“Captain…that tribe…”

“I see it Ra. They are living poorly. I didn’t doubt him, but Jaba was truly right about the Goblins being oppressed. Not a single Goblin above Tier 1, and they looked skinny. This can’t continue.”

“We should wait until we find the Royal, Captain.” Said Vice-Captain Loruk.

“I know…but…sigh”

‘It truly is a good thing my father wasn’t the one to come, or even my younger brother. Both of them wouldn’t have waited for the Future King, they would have just charged right in. Not even out of disrespect, neither of them would be able to stand this sight. Of course…neither can I…’

Rogu then turned around to address his team.

“Alright, spread out and look for the Future King, the stone probably won’t grow any brighter than this, he…-”

“Captain, there’s movement.”

Rogu paused his words as he turned around to see what looked to be orcs approaching the small tribe before him.

“Orcs…Prepare to move.”

“But shouldn’t we fin…”

“I am not sitting still if one of them dares to put a hand on one of our people. I said prepare to move.”

It was Teral who spoke up, but once she heard Rogu’s response, she ceased all complaints and both her and the rest of the team readied themselves to move at moment’s notice.

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‘Three Orcs…they are all Tier 3…but what are they doing?’

Rogu watched on as the Orcs slowly made their way to the tribe. Walking as if they were kings among peasants. Of course, the tribe had long since noticed them and were already making the necessary arrangements. Of course, Jala was the one leading these arrangements.

And although the distance from the tree line and the tribe was well over 600 feet, Rogu and the rest could still see and hear what was happening clear as day.

‘They are gathering a chest of some sort…a tribute?’

Eventually the Orcs made it to the tribe.

“Where is my damn tribute! We have other tribes to hit today hurry this shit up!”

“Yes sir!”

As always Jala is the only one to talk as the other Goblins quickly finished putting everything together before stepping away. Though as Jala himself began to step away, one of the Orcs slapped him across his face, and he slammed into the ground. The Orcs were massive, and with Jala being only Tier 1, a single casual swing from a Tier 3 Orc was more than enough to break bones.

‘How dare they…’

“Mo…-”

Just as Rogu was about to rush into the tribe and teach the Orcs their place. He immediately felt something that made him shudder.

Not just him, all the Goblins in the Royal Retrieval Team felt something run up their spines, before the atmosphere itself began to feel heavy.

Rogu then looked down at the Goblin Bloodstone as it began vibrating, before it quickly shattered.

“What…the Future King…he is angry…we are feeling his anger. Find him now.”

Of course, Rogu could’ve spread his senses out over a wide distance, and likely find his target a lot quicker, but he thought that would be disrespectful and settled on the good ol’ fashioned way of just using your eyes.

Rogu watched as the Orcs eventually started walking out of the tribe and it wasn’t until after they left that Jala finally picked himself off the ground, while the other Goblins rushed to his aid.

By this point Rogu’s fist was clenched tightly and it was taking everything in his body not to run after them and show them that there are things in life that are worst than dying.

But he held himself back.

If the Future King could do it, even still while this oppressive aura permeated through the air, then he could too.

That was the only thought holding him back.

A few moments later, Kris returned.

“We found him. Though we did not approach.”

“His Royal Guards?”

“A few Tier 2s and 1 Tier 3.”

“I see, remind the others to still treat them with respect. Where is our Future King?”

After being shown the way by Kris, Rogu slowly made his way over towards the location, and although he was still angry at the situation he just witnessed, his heart couldn’t help but start to feel warm. He would seen meet the Future King of all Goblin kind. He would make a great first impression.

Rogu made his way through the Forest and eventually he laid his eyes on Rick and his party.

He didn’t bother hiding his presence as he didn’t want to cause a fright.

So of course Rick, and Geedi noticed him quickly. It was hard to miss such a large Goblin walking towards you.

“Stop moving. Where did you come from?”

Geedi stepped towards him with her spear pointed forward, while the other members of the Royal Guard quickly split into two groups. One slid back and surrounded Rick, while the other moved to provide support for Geedi.

‘Hm, their reaction time is far too slow, but they show promise.’

“I said…where did you come from?”

‘She’s not loud…but she isn’t quiet either. Good.’

“I won’t ask…-”

“And you do not need to ask again. I apologize for the scare…” Rogu paused as he slowly lowered his head while taking a knee. He rested his arm across his knee before continuing with a lowered head.

“I come from the Dark Lands of Mir. Home to 14 Goblin Clans. I hail from the Raguur Clan. Whose Chieftain is Chief Rogur. My name is Rogu, Captain of the Royal Retrieval Team, First Son of Chief Rogur, and General of the Raguur Clan. I carry with me the wish and hope of the 14 Goblin Clans to carry out a mission that is worth more than my life. A mission to bring back the Future King of Goblins so that he may claim his rightful Throne and lead our people into an age of prosperity.

“Future King, I Rogu, am at your service.”