by Jeff Inlo
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Sy watched the goblins and shag descend down the shaft. He had many of his men in defensive positions, not that they were in any state to truly fight. It burned him to see the serp get his way.
When the creatures dropped out of sight, he was more than half-tempted to collapse the tunnel. He knew the serp would not keep his word. He decided against it only to keep the serp from knowing of his mistrust. He would not, however, fail in taking other precautions.
He looked to two of his men. "I know you're both tired, but I want you to watch that hole. If anything comes out, sound an alarm. It'll just be for a while. I'll have you relieved well before sunset." He then turned to his other guards. "Rest up. We may have another fight on our hands later today. I want us to be prepared."
Holli walked up to the captain as if she had rested all night. "I agree with your mistrust of the serp. The elves at my command will stay for a few more days. We will remain at your service until you can rebuild your defenses."
"I appreciate that."
"We will do what we can, but I believe your most powerful advantage will be to get your wizard well-rested. Goblins are not resistant to magic, and Enin has the power to destroy many of them."
"I'm glad to hear you say that. I'm sure Enin will be even happier. He wants you to trust him."
"I believe the wizard knows my feelings. I don't know if anyone could hide them from him now."
"Yeah, well, I ordered him to get some sleep."
A single guard ran furiously to the captain and the elf. She was half out of breath and half captivated by shock.
"Sir, coming in from the north. I don't know what it is. It's unbelievable. Giants, about a dozen of them, maybe more."
Fatigue hung on Sy's words. "Godson, what now. Shags?"
The guard shook her head vigorously. "No, bigger!"
Sy looked to Holli. The elf had no explanation.
