As the moon ascended into the starless sky, Eryndor met Lady Commander Adara at the agreed-upon location. Adara led the way, her knowledge of the elven territory guiding them through the shadows.
They navigated silently, avoiding detection by the elven guards. Eryndor's eyes adjusted to the darkness, his senses heightened.
Once they paused in a secluded alley, Eryndor focused inward.
"System, are there skills in the shop that can aid in locating rare herbs and treasures?" he asked mentally.
The system responded,
"Ding!
The skill Treasure Seeker is available for 500 points. Enhances detection of hidden treasures and rare resources."
Eryndor purchased the skill without hesitation.
"Follow me," he whispered to Adara.
She raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "You don't know the layout. We can't risk alerting the guards."
Eryndor smiled confidently. "Trust me."
With renewed assurance, Adara trailed behind Eryndor as he navigated the winding paths. The Treasure Seeker skill highlighted hidden routes and concealed dangers.
They evaded guards patrolling the settlement, Eryndor's newfound awareness guiding them. Adara's eyes widened in surprise; she hadn't expected Eryndor's sudden expertise.
After several close calls, they reached the storehouse, a nondescript building nestled between two larger structures.
"This is it," Eryndor whispered. "The Dragon's Breath and elven seeds are stored within."
Adara's gaze locked onto the storehouse. "Let's proceed with caution."
With a nod, Eryndor led the way, he knew this was a one time thing, and he could not afford to make a mess of it.
Eryndor focused his fire magic, melting the lock on the storehouse door. The mechanism clicked open, and they slipped inside.
The dimly lit room was filled with shelves stacked with rare herbs, seeds, and precious items. Eryndor's eyes widened, his Treasure Seeker skill highlighting the valuable treasures.
Adara muttered under her breath, and the bronze ring on her finger glowed softly. Suddenly, most of the items in the storehouse were sucked into the ring.
Eryndor's jaw dropped, his prepared bag forgotten in his hand. "What sorcery is this?"
Adara smiled tersely. "I have a space ring. Let's go before the guards return."
Eryndor nodded, stunned, but resolved to question her about the space ring later.
Just as they exited the storehouse, a patrolling elven guard spotted them.
"Intruders!" the guard shouted, raising his bow to sound the alarm.
Adara and Eryndor sprinted in the opposite direction, dodging through the shadows.
"We must move quickly," Adara urged, her breathless voice low.
Eryndor kept pace beside her, his mind racing. The space ring's secrets would have to wait; survival came first.
As they fled, the alarm spread, echoing through the elven settlement.
After running for a while, Eryndor halted, turning to Adara as she struggled to keep up. His elven traits granted him superior speed, but he knew they couldn't risk leading the elves to the goblin village.
"We need to make a detour," Eryndor called out, beckoning Adara toward him.
Adara reached his side, panting. "Why?"
"If we head straight for the village, the elves will discover our home. We can't risk it."
Adara's eyes widened in understanding. "You're right."
Eryndor pointed west. "We'll head toward the river, into Lizardmen territory. It's our best chance to shake them off."
Adara nodded, and together they altered their course.
As they ran, the elven guards' shouts grew fainter. Finally, they reached the river's edge, its flowing waters a welcome barrier.
Eryndor and Adara stopped, chests heaving, and waited.
"For the elves to catch up," Eryndor clarified, his gaze scanning the horizon.
Adara raised an eyebrow. "You want them to find us?"
Eryndor smiled wryly. "Let's say, I have a plan."
The sun began to rise, casting a golden glow across the landscape.
A few minutes passed before twenty to thirty elves, clad in leaf armor, arrived at the riverbank. Their leader, an elf with intricate markings on his armor, stepped forward.
"Surrender, intruders," he demanded. "Return with us to Heartwood Palace."
Eryndor smiled mischievously and turned toward the river. With a casual flick of his wrist, he threw a pebble into the water.
The elves exchanged scornful glances, thinking Eryndor had lost his mind.
But then, ripples disturbed the river's surface. Half-man, half-alligator creatures, towering as tall as a full-grown man, emerged from the depths. The Lizardmen.
Their scaly bodies glistened in the morning light as they rose from the river, eyes fixed on the elves. The air thickened with tension.
The Lizardmen, notorious for their territorial ferocity, charged toward the elves. Their powerful tails swished, sending water spraying everywhere.
"Beneath the Surface, we were not to be disturbed!" one Lizardman bellowed.
The elves, caught off guard, scrambled to defend themselves. Bows fired wildly as the Lizardmen closed in.
Eryndor grasped Adara's arm, pulling her away from the chaos.
"Time to leave," he whispered, smiling.
As they fled, the sounds of clashing steel, snapping bows, and Lizardmen roars faded into the distance.
Adara shot Eryndor a sidelong glance.
"Your plan?" she asked, impressed.
Eryndor chuckled. "Sometimes, it's better to have friends in unexpected places." He lied. He knew very well he had just come with that plan on a whim and the Lizardmen were in no way affliated with the goblins, but he wanted to create non-existent connection between the goblins and the Lizardmen so the humans may think twice before attacking his village when the Princess returns to her kingdom.
They disappeared into the dense forest, leaving the battle behind.
Eryndor and Adara arrived at the goblin village, greeted by curious onlookers. They gathered around, eager to witness the spoils.
"Divide the loot," Eryndor declared, gesturing to the treasures retrieved from the space ring.
Adara handed Eryndor a small pouch containing the part of the Dragon's Breath and the rare seeds as well as the water crystals Eryndor had asked for. "Your share."
Eryndor accepted it, his eyes gleaming.
With the division complete, Eryndor turned to Adara, Princess Isabella, and Sir Edward.
"Take your share and leave the Dark Forest. Return to your kingdom."
Princess Isabella's gaze lingered on Eryndor, her expression unreadable.
"Thank you," she said softly, before turning to leave with Adara and Sir Edward.
Eryndor watched them depart, his expression solemn.
He sighed, aware that the Kingdom of the West would soon focus on him.
"Sooner or later," he muttered, "they'll come for us."
The old goblin Hunter, Thorik approached, concern etched on his face.
"Chief, what troubles you?"
Eryndor's resolve hardened.
"We must strengthen our numbers. Prepare for battle."
Thorik nodded, understanding.
"The Western Kingdom won't hesitate. We must be ready."
Eryndor's eyes narrowed, determination burning within.
"I'll ensure our survival. No matter the cost."
The goblin village buzzed with activity, warriors training, and preparations underway.
Eryndor's thoughts turned to the future, anticipating the inevitable clash.