Necessary Villain

13 - Spotted

My two hours of guard duty are brought to an end by Lucas screaming to gather. He informs us of the tasks we'll be doing today. For starters, anyone confident in their dexterity will be called upon to work on crafting wooden shields of all kinds to combat archers. Along with crafting, a group of people experienced in goblin hunting will take the people who hadn't encountered any goblins to a camp in the south. This excursion would be for them to gain experience and steel their resolve as we need all the manpower we can muster.

Then, the final mission is announced. Once again, scouting. Two groups of scouting to be exact. However, one group is tasked with getting to know the immediate lay of the land around our new home camp to check for a closer water source or nearby enemies. As for the other group...

"We're looking for the castle?" I speak up as if doubting my hearing.

"Correct," Lucas affirms what he said is no jest.

"But you want us to go in such a small group?" I ask again.

"Of course, we'll have to run like hell if we get spotted. In a larger group, we'll be easier to spot and slower. Do you object to this mission? Being scared is fine, others can take your place. However, by that creepy smile on your face, I'd say you want to go."

Oh, oops. I didn't even notice. This sounded so fun that I couldn't help but let the corners of my lips curl up.

"Now, all of you not involved in the castle expedition disperse," Lucas orders as if he's become the captain of some knight brigade... well, I guess he kind of has... furthermore, everyone listens to him, even those who oppose fighting.

Once they all go it leaves just the castle location expedition group.

"At this point, I don't think we need to introduce ourselves," Lucas says while his eyes scan over the seven of us. "So let's get going."

In no time we exit out of the camp and begin our trek straight north with our elite group: Lucas, Zayn, Cory, Connor, Cayden, Leora, Ryon, and Claire. We all have swords except for Connor who has an axe and Claire who is the sole proprietor of the bow as no one else can even use it properly. We also brought some rations in case we have to spend the night outside. As for Maks, despite his strength he insisted on leading the other scouting group instead of joining this one, so in his stead is a man named Cayden who's quite strong.

We quickly cross the river where we turned back last time and step into uncharted territory. The second I make the fateful last step over the stream I feel a spine chile but I readily ignore it.

For ten minutes we continue to walk at a brisk pace making sure to not be spotted by any roaming goblins until we all come to a grinding halt at once.

"What the..." Leora, who's right next to me, mutters under her breath. Although the others don't speak, the shock on their faces equals hers. As for my look, it's probably the same as theirs, because in front of us is a clearing that houses another goblin camp. However, the word camp is an understatement of what lies in front of us.

"It looks like the size of an entire baseball stadium..." Cayden expresses while in awe.

"...Stands included," I add without much thought.

"It doesn't just look like, I think it is," Lucas responds to our amazement with affirmation.

"Could this be the goblin castle?" Claire asks while gripping her bow tightly.

"It could be, but it doesn't look like a castle," Cory chimes in.

"For now, let's observe and analyze it," Lucas suggests while slowly beginning to walk in a circle around the gigantic enclosure while making sure not to step into the clearing. Soon, we all follow behind.