Chapter 13: The Tides of Strategy

Back at the outpost where Strossburg and the fresh recruits were encamped:

The defences had been strengthened, and since the wolf attack, no new assaults had occurred at the outpost. During this quiet period, Stross used the time to fortify defences and prepare his men for any possible threats. Daily, Stross guided a select team of men to the location of the ambush for investigation. Today was no exception. The team was meticulously inspecting the area for any indications of foul play or evidence. Stross himself participated in the search for additional clues, lost supplies, and tools. "Boy, that prototype changed the landscape," He remarked. "I wonder how the Boy (Arc Crafter) is holding up." As he uttered these words, he continued his search. "I hope we find something today." Stross murmured in frustration. Yet, his disappointment swiftly transformed into hope as one of his men declared, "I have found something!"

Deeper in the Elder Grove Forest:

Lady Elowen Moonshadow and Sir Garrick Thunderstrike marched through the dead of night, leading 100 soldiers toward the Aldergrove Forest. The moonlight barely pierced the thick canopy above, casting shadows that danced with their quiet, deliberate movements. The Crafter forces had a diversion planned, set into motion by the developments from the prior day. Initially, the focus was to engage the Goblins directly, hoping for a surprise hit. Sebeth Muller, ever the foresighted one, harboured reservations—especially concerning Arc Crafters condition in Strossburg.

To bolster the faltering defences of Strossburg, Sebeth dispatched Elowen and her forces to assist. Most of the Outpost garrison were fresh recruits, and vital forces had been reassigned to other fronts. Elowen, known for her healing magic, had her skills called upon here to aid those in need. Despite her prowess in healing, she was a formidable combatant, weaving magic and physical combat into a style all her own.

Sir Garrick, however, was sceptical that such a lightly armed unit would be enough. After seeing how the troops were outfitted, he offered assistance, bringing his command of knights into the fold. Sebeth approved, and the two Knight Captains formed a rare dual-command unit.

As the unit moved forward silently, clad in black and armoured for nocturnal stealth, they were abruptly met by a small group of Goblins. Dressed in a manner different from what was typical in the region, the Goblins were taken by surprise. Both sides froze for a heartbeat, the tension of surprise hanging thick in the air.

Sir Garrick was the first to react, deftly slaying two Goblins from atop his horse before they could sound the alarm. Lady Elowen followed suit, her strikes precise and calculated. The remaining Goblins fell in seconds, their deaths quick and silent.

The group halted briefly to inspect the fallen enemies. Among the Goblin's belongings, Elowen found a peculiar wooden seal adorned with a design that seemed both unfamiliar and unsettling. Sir Garrick, meanwhile, examined a weapon in the Goblin's possession: an unusually well-crafted spear. Though lightly armed, they had little space to carry additional supplies, so Garrick kept the spear for further inspection.

Elowen frowned as she examined the seal more closely. "These Goblins… They are not like the others We have encountered. We need to be cautious."

Garrick nodded but said nothing, eyes scanning the trees for further threats.

Farther behind:

Lady Seraphina Dawnblade led her vanguard of 600 soldiers Deeper into the forest. The stealthy march had gone uninterrupted, and the groups had reached their designated positions. Seraphina extremely conscious of her operation's gravity, sought information on troop movements while leading the column.

The senior officer in charge of relaying orders provided a concise report. "The 1,000-strong force has been divided into five groups, each commanded by a Knight Captain. Sir Cedric Firebrand, Lady Isolde Frostwind, Sir Dunstan Ironwright, and Sir Garrick Thunderstrike are already in place. Each unit is positioned at the right place on the board and is assigned independent charge of their men and mission."

The officer rolls up the map and states "That is all knight captain."

Seraphina nodded, her gaze distant as she considered the strategy. “Good. We hold the advantage for now. Keep the movements coordinated, and remain vigilant. We can’t afford to alert the enemy prematurely.”

Her instincts flared as they moved closer to the designated ambush site. Something felt off. She turned to one of her officers, a skilled mage. "Cast a detection spell, but limit the range. Keep mana usage to a minimum."

The officer hesitated. "At such a low range, the effectiveness—"

“Do it,” Seraphina interrupted firmly.

The officer complied, sending a small pulse of magic through the nearby forest. His eyes widened as the information hit him, and he quickly dispelled the magic. “Goblins… They are closer than expected, moving straight towards us.”

Seraphina's eyes narrowed. "So, they intend to ambush us as well. Perfect." She unsheathed her sword and addressed her troops. "Ready your weapons! We will strike first and tell them to keep the mana expense to a bare minimum. The battle is long, and we do not want our enemy to get alerted.”

Her force advanced swiftly, encircling the Goblins before they could react. In minutes, the Goblins were overwhelmed and cut down with precision. Seraphina forces incurred minimal casualties, a testament to their effective strategy.

Once the battle was over, Seraphina had the same officer extend his detection spell further this time. He did so, but the strain was evident, and he nearly collapsed from mana exhaustion. Still, the information was valuable and worth the risk.

“They are all engaging,” the officer said breathlessly. “The other units… They have also encountered the enemy.”

Seraphina smiled grimly. “Good. Send up a red flair to signal the others. We are ready.”

At the Goblin meeting spot on the outskirts of Elder Grove Forest:

Back at the Goblin meeting spot on the outskirts of Elder Grove, the negotiations between Sebeth and the Fake Goblin Chieftain continued. Sebeth had been stalling the entire time, his calm demeanour masking the tension beneath. Sir Alaric Stormrider, standing guard nearby, kept his eyes on the Goblins, searching for any sign of treason. The Fake Goblin Chieftain, adorned in bones and trinkets looted from captured members of Clan Vyrnsteel, seemed too pleased with himself.

Alaric noticed Sebeths eyes briefly flicker toward the Fake Chieftain necklace—a ghastly collection of skulls, each bearing the ornamental teeth of Vyrnsteel warriors. The Goblins had not wiped out their entire clan, but they captured and killed enough members to adorn themselves with gruesome trophies. Alaric's fists clenched at the sight, sensing Sebeth barely contained rage.

As Alaric readied to soothe Sebeths fury, a subtle stir among the Goblins captured his attention. Using a subtle area detection spell, he quickly scanned the woods. The results shocked him. More Goblins lurked in the shadows, numerous and biding their time to launch an attack.

With a subtle tap on Sebeths shoulder, Alaric signalled the discovery using sign language. Sebeth nodded imperceptibly, never breaking eye contact with the Fake Goblin Chieftain. Sebeth was receiving this crucial intel. A red flair was a scene glowing brilliantly in the night sky. This dragged the attention of everyone except sebeth whose attention was still on the Goblins. He remained unflinching; the flare and the signal from Alarics merely affirmed his pre-existing plans. It was time.

Elsewhere in the Elder Grove Forest:

Having regrouped her forces, Lady Seraphina was about to issue new marching orders when something caught her eye—a brilliant bluish-white flash in the distance. This was from the direction where Sebeth and his team were located. The light flickered briefly before it vanished, yet it was discernible. Lady Seraphina Dawnblade men saw this light flickering from afar. They were all awe-struck as if thunderclouds had descended upon the earth." Someone exclaimed from the crowd.

Seraphina's heart raced, and a mixture of awe and concern flashed across her face. "Sebeth," She murmured under her breath, watching the last flickers of lightning magic disappear into the night.

Back at the Goblin village:

In the Goblin village, a scout approached the Chieftain, breathless and panicked. "Chief, the bird has been sent to Master Vorag as you commanded, but… We have lost contact with our advanced party."

The Goblin Chieftain's eyes narrowed. He was no fool. “Prepare the forces. We still have the advantage. What they have faced so far were mere hatchlings. Let them come. We will be ready.”

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