"They escaped." Exasperated, Qarc and several others rode to the front of the carriage, where Zysera paced with worry etched across her face.
"I know…" Zysera muttered, tightening her fist before slamming it into the carriage wall beside her. Losing the humans was bound to bring disaster to Yolan village. It would have been one thing if they had left willingly, but this show of defiance made it seem as if the villagers were holding them against their will.
If word reached the human kingdom, they would mobilize their forces without hesitation, seeking to eliminate Yolan village and its people. This was how they handled such matters; it would not be the least bit surprising.
"What do we do?" Qarc asked, concern evident in his face. He could see the helplessness in his mother's expression—this was truly bad.
"I'll need to return to the clan. If anyone can fix this, it will be your grandfather." After a few moments of contemplation, she finally came to a decision.
The human Tribes was one of the strongest forces under Yi Mountain, but they weren't the only ones. No one had died yet, leaving room for negotiation, but only a power equal to theirs would be able to strike a deal.
"But in the meantime, the villagers can't stay here. We need to relocate everyone," Zysera ordered, glancing at the guards.
They needed to hide somewhere the humans wouldn't think to look, a place with a strong, reasonable individual who could serve as a deterrent. One place came to mind.
"Round everyone up."
---
Malvorrak's Mountain
The crystals atop Yi Mountain had begun to dim, marking the end of the day and the onset of night. Though underground, there was a strange symbiosis between the outside world and this subterranean realm.
"Hmm, so peaceful," Malvorrak murmured, gazing at the view before him. He had ordered Cious to move the goblins further up the mountain, sparing himself the constant clamor of their activities.
Now, his mountain was once again a tranquil, peaceful place, untouched by the bustle of Yi Mountain.
*—creeeak—*
As Malvorrak enjoyed the gradual darkening of the sky, he heard a sound erupt from the base of the sandy mountain that served as his home.
"Why is she back here?" His eyes narrowed as he spotted several mounted lizardmen making their way toward his cave.
"Grrrr…" Malvorrak growled, anger flaring within him. He had spared her life, and now she dared return with armed men to try and kill him? The gall of these people—they were no better than the filthy humans.
If they wanted a fight, he would oblige them.
Rising slowly to his feet, Malvorrak's jade-green skin glowed as his muscles flexed involuntarily. He strode out of the cave, claws extended, to confront the approaching troop.
At the same time, about 15 goblins used ropes to rappel from above, bows drawn and aimed at the lizardmen, with Cious watching from his perch.
This time, they were in for a fight. If they couldn't deal in good faith, he would not be merciful.
"Hold." Twenty meters from the cave, Zysera raised a hand, signaling her men to stop.
Looking around, she could already feel the tension. Just seeing them approach had primed Malvorrak for battle, and she noted the shadowy figures atop the mountain.
"We come in peace." Zysera raised her hands, showing she meant no harm. She was here to talk, not fight.
"She's surrendering?" Malvorrak squinted, but suspicion lingered. If she came in peace, why bring so many armed lizardmen?
His question was answered when he noticed the villagers of Yolan approaching from a distance.
"What is this?" Malvorrak's frown deepened. This was a very strange situation.
---
At the entrance to Malvorrak's cave, Zysera knelt, head bowed toward the massive creature.
"Revered one, I know we're overstepping, but we need your help." The goblin elder standing beside Malvorrak added, "The human Tribes are ruthless. If they move, the villagers could be massacred in one night."
The Yolan village had been a safe haven for all creatures, including goblins. Despite the occasional discrimination, the village's culture had always leaned toward inclusivity. He did not want to see it destroyed.
"I see," Malvorrak replied nonchalantly. He didn't particularly care—the village was not a place he frequented.
"What will you do now, Chief Zysera?" The elder, noticing Malvorrak's indifference, asked gently.
"I'll head into the Hundred Tribes' territory to seek support from my clan. If they stand with us, we might be able to salvage the situation," Zysera replied, honest in her approach. She didn't expect Malvorrak to protect her people indefinitely, and there was no need for deception.
"Hmph. I don't like the noise," Malvorrak said, his gaze sharp as he looked at Zysera.
But then he added, "However... I might consider it. If you can give me something I want?" Greed sparkled in Malvorrak's eyes as he awaited her answer.
This would cost Zysera an arm and a leg, this was evident.
They weren't friends, and she understood that. But if the benefits were enough, he might just help. After all, his hatred for the humans was greater than his indifference toward the hypocritical villagers of Yolan.