Chapter 30: Chapter 29: Past memories (10) - Meeting with goblins
After the two mages left, Lireesa met with the rangers and she already had made up her mind to recruit 3 female rangers. But first, she needed to talk with leader. The lead ranger was a male elf, golden blonde long hairs, and sleek figure. His name was Lelothenis Theron. After polite introduction with each other, he asked Lireesa if she had any task for them. Lireesa decided to let them rest first and called the remaining women rangers with her hand and informed them her idea. The three were glad to be accepted into Windrunner family.
The addition of members brought happiness for Lireesa as if she accomplished a difficult mission. Now with extra helpers, her shoulders lightened and nearly drifted into sleep. Luckily, her friends had woken up and discovered the changes. Coming to Lireesa, they saw her sleeping, her face at ease and exhaustion. They couldn't bear to interrupt her dreamworld and continued their own works. It was only in the evening, Lireesa woke up and was surprised, she slept this long.
Every step and plan pursued efficiency in their plan. For instance, marching at night, saved energy from heat exhaustion. Now, that she was up, she had already decided to harass all the trolls as much as possible and with the addition of mages, their combat power nearly doubled. Now previous unimaginable plans were now being implemented. Three days passed and, on the way, forward, whenever they encountered trolls, they would wipe them off. From small patrols to villages, everything was pillaged.
Naturally, they only eliminated the armed trolls in those villages. If there were no threatening action, the elves ignored them. It was a matter to kill someone who could potentially kill you. It became another matter to kill someone who didn't post a threat to you. True soldiers couldn't bear to do so. All her members knew, even the child of the troll, once they grew up would also pose a threat to Quel'Thalas. Even with that knowledge, hurting a cub's life was unthinkable for them.
Over time, trolls' higher level knew something was amiss in their backline, threatening villages and wreaking havoc. They all decided to eliminate the annoying bees on their back. Noticing the changes in her surrounding, Lireesa already knew based on her scout's report, the activity of trolls rose. She had to immediately changed her strategy, from slow withdrawal to a quick one. During these times, they met easy targets, where they completely eliminated the trolls. Other times, they also encountered huge number of trolls, and they avoided their edge. In these situations, Lireesa based on her memory, as much as she remembered the map was leading the way.
Until Sena broke in and said, "Lireesa, are you sure you remember correctly? Because based on our drawing, we were supposed to arrive at this point 5 days ago." Lireesa nudged her temple with her fingers and thought deeply whether she made a mistake. Even if she did, she wasn't going to admit it until they were back in Windrunner's manor.
"Trust me. I know what I'm doing. We'll be fined. Anyway, we went to the opposite side of trolls, we'll get into human settlement and we can return back. So, no need to panic." Lireesa said each and every word, very slow and calm.
Even though her subordinates had doubt, no one said it out loud except for Sena. Now was the time to avoid chaos and confusion. They understood, Sena was trying to make the whole group lively, after being in brutal combat for such long time without support from homeland was physically and mentally tough. The bickering between the commander and the deputy was always fun to watch, until the moment of surprise came.
One day, they were continuing their journey based on Lireesa's direction and her calculations. They met a troll group around two dozen, fighting with other race and Lireesa discovered they were goblins. As enemy of my enemy was my friend, Lireesa helped the goblins but didn't full trust them. Afterward, goblin thanked them for their help and asked Lireesa, "Is there anything we, little guys, can help you. Although, we don't like longed ears, we don't like to owe them."
Lireesa said with smiling, "I've never heard goblins famous for their integrity. It seems you guys are very unusual."
"Of course, I'd to. You elves are already stronger than mine. It's nothing wrong with giving in to avoid offending. Plus, your temperament tells me I'll get benefits, if I made friends with you."
Everyone chuckled at the old goblin's flattery. Even though there might be exaggeration, Lireesa still felt good about this goblin, whose height didn't even reached half of her waist. The goblin had a pair of pointed ears and green skin. And Lireesa had her own demand and said it out loud, "So, your excellency goblin, as a return to my favor, why don't you send us back to Quel'Thalas? I heard goblins had numerous ships. I bet you can use'em."
The goblin was swearing in his heart about the cunning elf in front of him. It seemed like it was just a request, but was actually forced to comply with her wish. Otherwise, who knew the woman was capable of. Their lives were now pretty much in the hands of elves. A person must be capable of bending and stretching. With a wry smile and ugly expression, he nodded his head.
"Don't worry, you aren't going to lose anything. Besides, we'll pay you in Quel'Thalas coins." Lireesa added a carrot after a stick. Sure enough, the goblin's face instantly brightened like a luminescent beam in the dark night, a hope sprang out from his grieving mood. He was already satisfied with being paid and he didn't doubt them, because elves were known for their profound morals and integrity which other races couldn't fathom. Furthermore, they paid him in Quel'Thalas coins, which was worth a lot compared to coins made by other race. For instance, this specific coin was equal to 10 coins manufactured by human and could hardly be imitated or couldn't.
Their whole expedition was worthwhile with the addition of mages, many task were facilitated. Poison had also increased the lethality of their platoons, so much so that the whole group was amazed at their own capabilities. Due to experiencing so many small battles, most of her subordinates made a breakthrough in their rank. Even her friends had already upgraded themselves into high-level intermediate and could easily enter the advance stage as soon as they return to Quel'Thalas. Now that they found an easier alternative to leave with goblin, they couldn't be happier.
Goblin gladly agreed without hesitation as if fearing their regress. He also asked, "If milady haven't met us, what's your plan to return, if I may ask you." The address at which goblin changed caused the elves around Lireesa to roll their eyes. It was true goblin only cared about money and everything they saw were measured in coins.
Lireesa simply told her destination. "We harassed these trolls in their backyard and since we cannot retreat back to Que'Thalas straightaway, we assume a roundabout approach by going back across the sea. Initial plan was to arrive at Stratholme and take a boat back. Now that I met you, it's easier."
The old goblin was speechless for a moment and finally said the truth. "Milady, if you were aiming for Stratholme, you have to go westward but you inexplicably seem to be at the southern direction. Right here at this place. The closest human settlements should be Arathil Highlands." The whole group went quiet and everyone looked at Lireesa's reaction closely. Lireesa was definitely shocked, not disbelieving goblin because he had no reason to lie to her. Even though she was extremely embarrassed, her skin was thick enough to hide the change. "Maybe it is fate, that allows us to meet each other, and sent warriors to rescue me. I'm also able to help you back."
The scene went to silence. Everyone seemed to hear loud croaks of crows above their head. They also heard a groaning thunder, as if even the sky laughed at them. It was because Lireesa was the highest officer that no one questioned her at the moment. Otherwise, people holding you by the collar and yanking in disgust was even an understatement. But, that didn't include Sena, who mercilessly said, "That's why I told you something was wrong with our direction, because we didn't seen the landmark we're supposed to."
Lireesa hastily alleviated the crisis by saying, "What do you know? This was actually all part of stratagem, to trick the enemy into thinking we were marching in a direction where we completely throw their brains out. You had to know, that's why we're still victorious. I called it strategic feint ambush and retreat."
All her friends opened their mouth wide and their eyes bulged. Sena slapped her forehead and shook her head, having nothing to say. Even the scholar-like mages felt their corner of the lips twitched. The old goblin as clever as the legend had said of this race, instantly figured the ins and outs after sifting through their expressions. His eyes glanced at Lireesa with sympathy but received Lireesa's chilling eyes, as if he would be murdered should he say one more word.
Now I'm working with a devil, he bitterly thought.
Lireesa warned the old goblin with her eyes and insisted her plan was actually a strategy. What could her subordinates say except for nodding and applauding her for cleverness. At least, as a commander, she saved their lives. If it weren't for Lireesa, they would probably in the mouths of trolls. As if ignoring Lireesa's warning, the old goblin took out the ancient but detailed map, where the whole pieces was stained with yellow patches. It appeared the old goblin used frequently. He pointed out where they were currently at, and, watching Lireesa's expression carefully, he again pointed the location of Stratholmes. The distance was very large, if they were combating at the same time.
Lireesa was full of grief, as all her subordinates clearly were aware of future lord's black history and they would become confidantes soon. She could imagine how her prestige were useless in front of these subordinates, who would definitely say it out, you thought too much.
Everyone remained quiet in tacit understanding, while the old goblin explained his path and it appeared their dangers would be alleviated soon.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone