As the reports of the scouts confirmed the impending arrival of the goblin horde, the defenders at the dwarven fort hurried to complete their final preparations. The tunnel system and traps were diligently dug and readied, and any unnecessary buildings near the gatehouse were demolished to create space for retrenchments. These new fortifications were designed to funnel and trap any invaders who dared storm the gates.

Inside the fort, Enchantress Leandra and Enchanter Erevan were busy discussing their preparations with the other enchanters when they were approached by Garrok and Tink.

"Hail, Master Smith," greeted Erevan. "Do you have business with us?"

"Hail, Master Enchanter," replied Garrok. "I have some weapons for the rider who will be harassing the goblins from the air." Leandra stepped forward and introduced herself, "That would be me, Enchantress Leandra, at your service, Master Smith."

Garrok presented Leandra with a saddlebag he had been carrying. "This is for you," he said, "inside are specially made grenades you can throw at the horde. I have treated the fuses so that they will not quench when you fly high up in the air."

Leandra accepted the bag but expressed her concern, "I thank you for this, but it will be difficult to light the fuses while I'm flying in the air."

With a mischievous grin, Garrok pulled out a pair of metal rings with his left hand and presented them to Leandra. The other enchanters around them began whispering amongst themselves. "What is this?" Leandra asked, puzzled by the gesture.

Garrok then showed her his right hand, where his own rings were on his thumb and forefinger. He snapped the rings together, producing a large spark. "These are special rings I crafted myself. I present them to you, may they aid you in the coming battle."

Leandra blushed slightly as she accepted the rings. Nearby, Erevan smirked, and the elves among the enchanters couldn't help but giggle.

"I accept your rings," Leandra said with a smile, "but we will see how things fare after the battle."

She quickly scurried away with the saddlebag, while the enchanters openly laughed at the exchange. Garrok, confused, turned to Erevan. "I feel that I might have missed something," he commented.

Erevan approached Garrok, still smirking. "Leandra is from a Smiting family," he explained. "Among the customs of the elven smiths, when one intends to express romantic interest in a she-elf, they let their intentions be known by crafting a pair of rings and presenting them to their intended. And she accepted them in front of witnesses."

Garrok's mouth dropped open in surprise, while Tink slapped her hand over her face. "Seriously, you big lug, again!?" she exclaimed, unable to contain her exasperation.

Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

X---X

As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow over the dwarven fort, an eerie and unfamiliar sound pierced the air. It was a strange melody, accompanied by an array of musical instruments, that alerted the defenders to the goblin's arrival. To their astonishment, the first wave of goblins was not a menacing horde of warriors but a marching band of over 60 goblins, all dressed in elaborate robes and brandishing an assortment of musical instruments. Bass drums resonated, cymbals clashed, triangles tinkled, and both large and small kettle drums boomed, while clarinets and trumpets blared through the twilight. The goblins chanted war songs as they advanced slowly and methodically toward the fort.

Captain Firebeard, standing on the walls of the fort, couldn't help but scoff at the peculiar scene. "They're trying to intimidate us with this racket," he proclaimed mockingly to the other defenders. However, instead of instilling fear, the goblin's unconventional display only served to ignite the dwarves' resolve.

Addressing the defenders, Captain Firebeard's eyes glinted with determination. "Right, lads, let's show these gobbos what real music is!" he declared.

The dwarven defenders roared with excitement, swiftly retrieving their own musical instruments. Horns, drums, and bagpipes were quickly prepared, their metallic clangs and vibrant notes blending with the goblin's strange melodies. The fort's musicians joined forces, matching the goblins' intensity and transforming the atmosphere into a cacophony of sound.

Resolute in their determination to defend their home, the dwarves played traditional tunes that spoke of valor, courage, and the unyielding spirit of their people. The music swelled, and the fort's walls seemed to reverberate with the powerful sound.

The goblin band's march faltered momentarily as they attempted to compete with the dwarven music, but the fort's musicians played on with unwavering determination. The dwarves' unified performance sent a clear message to the goblins – they would not be cowed, and they would fight with every ounce of strength they possessed.

Amidst the musical duel, the rest of the goblin horde began to arrive, establishing their siege camp. The Kapudan Pasha's elaborate tent towered over the camp, and the formidable leader stood surrounded by his well-armed Janissaries. Adorned in flowing robes and an elaborate headdress, he wielded a decorated mace in his right hand, his gaze fixed upon the dwarven fort.

Undeterred by the goblin's arrival, the fort's defenders took advantage of the musical interlude to finalize their preparations. Rangers and Thundraveers assumed their positions on the walls, cannons were loaded, and guards stood ready with their weapons at the ready.

When the goblin band eventually ceased their strange performance, they were met with a thunderous response from the dwarves. Horns blared, drums pounded, and bagpipes wailed, their triumphant music echoing throughout the valley.

Captain Firebeard's gaze locked with that of the Kapudan Pasha, who appeared momentarily taken aback by the dwarves' defiance. After a brief pause, the pasha raised his hand in a signal, and the rest of the goblin horde let out a resounding war cry, eagerly accepting the dwarven challenge.

As the goblin siege camp took shape and preparations for the next day's assault were made, the dwarves showed no signs of relenting. They continued to play their music with unwavering determination, bolstering their own spirits and demonstrating to the goblins that the fort's defenders were not to be underestimated.

Throughout the night, the musical battle raged on, with the dwarves and goblins taking turns to play their respective tunes. The sound of the fort's defiance filled the air, serving as a reminder to the goblins that they were facing a united and resolute enemy. As the night wore on, both sides braced themselves for the inevitable clash that awaited them with the rising sun. The dwarven fort stood firm, determined to defend its walls and repel the goblin invaders with unwavering strength and unity.