Chapter 24: A Savior’s Image

The aftermath of the battle settled over the camp like the calm after a storm. The goblins moved through the clearings with voices filled with quiet pride. For the first time in memory, they had not only survived but triumphed over a foe far stronger than themselves.

Lance stood near the central fire, watching as Rynne and Zarra directed the clean-up efforts. Kaeli was already back at her forge, repairing broken weapons. S small team was put together to gather the scraps left behind by the ogres, and the next day, the goblins would pay a visit to the ogre's camp to salvage whatever was left there.

Mira and Lia, with combined effort, looked after the wounded goblins. Though Lia knew no healing magic, her assistance was still very much needed.

As different activities were carried out and the place stayed busy, Lia noticed Lance alone.

"You're quiet," Lia said, approaching him with her usual calm. She held a small wooden bowl filled with water, offering it to him.

"Just… taking it all in," Lance admitted, accepting the bowl.

'I can't believe we actually pulled it off.' Was the thought that ran through his mind at that moment, but he couldn't say so out loud. As a leader, he had to speak measuredly. At least, that was the conclusion he had come to, and was willing to adhere to, to the best of his abilities.

"We managed to pull it off." He said, framing his words.

"You doubted us?" Lia asked, her tone teasing but her yellow eyes warm. It even seemed like his efforts to mind his words didn't work this time.

"Haha, No," Lance replied with a small smile. "I doubted myself."

"Hmm, you were wrong, then." She said as they sat in silence for a while, observing the others work.

The goblins began to gather around the fire as the evening wore on, their work done for the day. They spoke in what seemed like hushed tones at first, their gazes frequently flicking toward Lance. He felt their attention like a physical weight, a mix of admiration and expectation that weighed on his chest. It was certain that not all of the goblins had grown used to him, but slowly, that dynamic was set to change.

Rynne stepped forward, her spear resting across her shoulders. "Chief," she said, her voice carrying over the murmurs. "You did good today!"

The other goblins murmured in agreement, their voices growing louder.

"It wasn't just me," Lance said, his voice steady. "You all fought hard. You all made this happen."

"But it was your plan," Mira said softly, standing beside him. "You gave us the confidence to fight."

"And the traps," Zarra added with a smirk. "Can't forget those. They were nasty."

The crowd laughed, the sound light and genuine, and Lance felt an ever present knot of tension in his chest begin to loosen a bit.

As the fire crackled and the goblins settled into a loose circle, Lia stepped forward, her presence commanding. She raised her hands, silencing the crowd with ease.

"Today, we faced a great threat," she began, her voice steady and clear. "A threat that would have destroyed us if not for the strength, the unity, and the leadership that we found in ourselves—and in our chief, Lance."

The goblins cheered, their voices echoing through the forest. Lance's face grew warm as he tried to wave off their applause, something he was not getting used to, but Lia continued, her gaze fixed on him.

"You've given us hope, Lance," she said. "Not just for survival, but for a future. For that, we owe you more than words."

The cheering grew louder, and Lance felt himself pulled into the center of the circle by Rynne and Zarra, who wore matching grins.

"Speech!" Rynne called, her golden eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Yeah, chief," Zarra added. "Say something inspiring."

It was warming to see a bunch of goblins speak with such intelligence not reminiscent of monsters.

Lance laughed nervously, raising his hands to quiet the crowd. "I don't know about inspiring," he began, "but I will say this… Today proved what we can do when we work together. We're stronger than anyone gives us credit for—stronger than even we realize."

The goblins murmured their agreement, their expressions growing serious, but warm.

"We're not just striving to survive anymore," Lance continued, his voice gaining confidence. "We're building something. A tribe that's united, resilient, and ready to face whatever comes next."

He paused, meeting their gazes one by one, at least, the elders and a few others. "I'm proud to be part of this tribe. And I'll do everything I can to keep it safe, to keep all of you safe."

The goblins erupted into cheers once more, their loyalty shining in their eyes.

"We will rise, and very soon, we won't just be a tribe, but a prosperous nation!" Lance said as he raised both hands in the air.

The goblins raised their voices even louder, cheering for Lance as their eyes shone even brighter with new found loyalty and determination. Lance was captivated by the atmosphere he had created, wondering in that moment, if this was how the politicians did it.

It goes without saying, even the modern day politician that has refined their speeches would give Lance a pat on the back and tell him to open his wings and fly… if only there was money to steal and embezzle in this small community, perhaps, Lance would have even gotten a handshake.

…

As the night wore on and the celebrations continued, Lance found himself sitting by the fire with Lia and the elders while the rest of the goblins engaged in other activities.

"You've changed them," Zarra said, her sharp features softened by the firelight.

"No," Lance replied, shaking his head. "They've changed me, you all have. Never would I have thought I'd be the leader of a goblin tribe, yet, here I am." Lance said, honestly.

Lia smiled faintly, her gaze thoughtful. "They look at you differently now, you know. Not just as a leader, but as a protector… A savior."

The word made Lance's stomach twist. "I'm no savior," he said quietly.

"You are to them," Lia said, her tone firm but kind. "And whether you like it or not, they'll follow you wherever you lead."

"Actually, I'd like that."

…

Later that night, as the camp fell silent and the goblins drifted to sleep, Lance stood at the edge of the clearing, staring up at the stars, thinking about the events of the day, especially the latter part of it he was yet to fully process. The weight of their trust and admiration pressed down on him, but it wasn't completely unwelcome.

He thought of his life here in this foreign place, the battles they had fought, the progress they had made, and the bonds they had formed with one another. The goblins weren't just a tribe he led anymore, at least, not as it seemed, they were more like his family now, and strangely he felt he would do whatever it took to protect them.

As a soft breeze rustled the trees, Lance felt a quiet resolve settle over him. "Haha. Is this how easy it is for the human mind to be swayed? Or is this an internal need for something more…" He thought to himself.

The goblins might see him as a savior, but he knew the truth. He wasn't a hero. He was just a man trying to do his best and survive, and while that seemed enough for now, Lance was starting to see that there could be more.