by Jeff Inlo
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It was late afternoon six days after Sy Fenden left for Fort Nebran when the full force of Nebran’s extended cavalry struck the outlying farms within sight of Connel. Small bands of goblins patrolled the outer fields. As they turned to the east to view what sounded like thunder, they beheld a large dark mass low on the horizon. It stretched across the hilly fields and extended beyond their sight. One thing was very clear, it was moving fast and moving directly toward them.
The echoing thunder grew in intensity and soon it became clear that this storm was the force of soldiers on horseback. The rhythmic galloping of the horses pounded fear into the black hearts of those goblins unfortunate enough to be patrolling the far eastern limits of Connel’s farmlands. Knowing there was no possible way to outrun or outflank the angry mass of soldiers that rushed toward them like a flood during the great thaw, most goblins dropped to the ground in balled up heaps hoping to somehow miraculously avoid the fate before them. Miracles, however, would not belong to these goblins on this day. They were saved for others more deserving, and these creatures had earned their death.
If it wasn’t the tip of the spear that skewered them, it was a mighty hoof that trampled them. Death was sudden and instant, the goblins unable to even scream for mercy. Every goblin in the field that could not retreat to Connel’s safer borders was annihilated in that massive, angry rush.
The soldiers made no shouts of joy, no cries of victory. They knew this was only the first and easiest part of their task ahead. Instead they wore grim expressions of determination, blinking back the wind, dust, and debris that battered their faces as they rushed onward with Connel clear in their sights.
In Connel’s north side within a large elegant home, Chal stumbled into his master’s quarters. He moved hesitantly to the serp standing near a window that faced west. Chal stole a quick glimpse out that window and could only see the fading red and orange of a brilliant sunset as the sun dropped below the peaks of the vast western mountain ranges.
“I’m quite aware of the attack from the east,” Sazar stated before his lackey could speak. “Do not look so concerned.”
“But there is a great number,” Chal blurted out.
“Of course there is, did you think they would return with five soldiers in a wagon drawn by a three-legged horse? I can see what the hook hawks see, never forget that, thus I know their numbers. None of this is unexpected, actually. When I allowed the cavalry to flee to the east, I knew this was a distinct possibility. Why do you think my first act was to have the supplies in the farms moved into the city? The humans don’t want us here and they’re going to try and make us leave, but I have no intention of leaving.”
Even in the face of Sazar’s calm, Chal could not contain his growing apprehension.
“What will happen when they reach the city?”
Sazar sighed. “I assume all goblins are probably reacting like you, that’s why I am receiving so much fear. Your passions are sometimes very tiring. I suppose it is time to reassure you all.”
Sazar concentrated deeply and grasped every link within his mind to literally thousands of goblins within the city and beyond. He sent one blanket message to them all.
Every goblin outside the city must return at once if possible. Those to the west, flee to the forest and wait my command. Those inside the city, take your posts behind the webs. Disregard the number of humans, they can not break through into the city. When they come within range, fire upon them.
“Does that make you feel better?” Sazar asked.
Chal nodded but Sazar already felt the wave of relief flushing into his mind from goblins throughout the city, and thus, he knew the answer before Chal replied.
“We have some fortune in this,” Sazar continued to Chal. “We did not send the humans to the mines today and so every shag is here in the city as opposed to guarding miners in the hills. I am impressed with the contingent of soldiers the humans raised, but it will not avail them. The shags will guard the few unblocked entrances into the city and the humans will not be able to enter. It is surprising, however, that their timing is so poor. The sun sets and the darkness is ours, not theirs. Still…”
Sazar stopped in the middle of his thought. He said nothing further as he grasped tightly to the links of several special minions. He opened his being to their senses and took hold of new knowledge.
“Something is below the city,” Sazar stated with an angry edge to his voice.