The Monster King's Legacy

Chapter 49 A Threat II

As Lance settled down in a meeting with his elders, including two goblins from the tribe that joined him a while ago, they began their discussion on the impending threat.

Lance raised his head, his expression serious as he spoke. "We've got human soldiers approaching," he began, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Now, they could be headed elsewhere and just happen to be passing through, or we could be their target." He said.

Everyone was confused at first, after all, they only just got here in this new location, there was no way the humans would know of them yet.

Lia spoke after reasoning the situation a bit. "We should consider their motives," she said. "Are they here to attack, or is this an intimidation tactic? Also, they would have to have received some kind of information way ahead of time."

"That is the second issue." Lance said. "According to Tharok, the nearest human territory is several days journey away, at least two to three weeks journey on foot. This means, someone must have given them the information ahead of time." Lance said.

In his mind, however, he also factored in the possibility that some kind of divination magic had been used, after all, this is a world that had magic. The only reason he didn't suggest it to the rest, was because he still wasn't sure the extent of magic that this world had. Was it just a world with predominantly elemental magic and some miscellaneous magic, or something broader and deeper?

Well, following Lia's shamanic roots, Lance believed the latter rather than the former.

They all debated on Lance's words as they moved to Lia's, but Rynne seemed to have a different opinion, and Kaeli was the same.

Rynne's brows remained furrowed as she spoke. "I don't understand why we're so worried and scared of the humans. We've prepared for this. We've built defenses, trained warriors, and grown stronger together. We can meet this threat head-on." She said, turning to Lance. "We have you here also, we will also do it smartly."

Kaeli backed her, holding up a newly forged spear. "I stand with Rynne. Our weapons are better than ever. They won't expect goblins to be this well-armed to begin with."

"And our warriors are ready," Rynne added, her golden eyes glinting. "We've trained for this." Rynne said, a glint of fire in her eyes.

Zarra smirked as she listened, her eyes sharp. "They're too heavily armed for a casual visit. But, we'll know more once they're closer."

By late afternoon, Zarra returned with a report. "They're closer now," she reported, her voice tight. "A little over thirty soldiers, heavily armed. They're moving fast and with purpose."

Lance frowned, his mind racing. "Are they making camp anywhere, or coming straight here?"

"Straight here," Zarra said. "No sign of hesitation."

"So they were coming for us all along?" Lance turned to Lia, "looks like talking might not be an option after all."

"We can only try. Regardless, we'll be ready," Lia said, her voice calm but firm.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the camp was a fortress of activity. Readied themselves, relying on their usual traps and sneak attack strategies. While the warriors readied themselves for an engaging bout to come, archers positioned themselves in the watchtowers, ready for what was to come.

Lance stood at the center of it all, his heart beating faster as he prepared for what was to come.

"They're almost here," Zarra said quietly, appearing at his side.

Lance nodded, gripping the hilt of his sword, his dagger sheathed away on his lower back. Over his usual clothes, he had worn another layer of gear to hold his dagger, with space for other things as well.

As the first flickers of torchlight appeared in the distance, the camp fell silent, every goblin holding their breath. The soldiers marched closer, their armor gleaming in the firelight, their expressions cold and calculating.

"They've abandoned their mounts." Zarra said.

Resolving himself, Lance stepped forward, his eyes narrowing as he prepared to face the impending trial.