The moment I appear, my mother is hugging me. She came the moment I was back on grounds. I shouldn't be shocked, but I am.
"Um, Your Majesty?" William taps her shoulder. "This was only step one."
"Yes, yes." The queen steps back reviewing me. "Now, what happened?"
This time I need to explain from before I was taken. And I explain until I leave the cave safely. "I think we can have a real diplomacy with the goblins through Al. I don't know how long it can last, but we can't discredit it."
Mom looks at the various knights around us. "I'll cover here. Who did you wish would join you?"
Is Mom against the possibilities? We're always fighting the goblins. It doesn't matter if they're easy to defeat. They are still a problem. Diplomacy will stop the problem before it can begin. "For the diplomacy, Hydrangea. As for the team, I think Raida, William, and Butch would suit. Raida has done many missions and should manage this one well. I know Al will offer support during. And if things fall apart, William will get us out of there."
"Why do you trust this goblin, Thomas?"
Why shouldn't I? "I trust them as much as I trust any human I meet."
"It stole you."
"And we've done far worse to them. Was it safe enough here to have a proper conversation? If it tried to speak with us, someone would just shoot at it."
Mom stares at me for a long moment. Will she deny me? This Brok goblin seems to have a method to defeat Mom. I don't know it. We're constantly dealing with goblin issues for Harvest here. Diplomacy can change a lot of things. "Hydrangea? Raida? Please escort my son back to that goblin. I'll trust you to handle the concerns and threats."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Both offer a bow to Mom before coming to my side.
"The rest of you, ready for the goblin raid. It seems we're guaranteed to have one shortly. We assume at dusk. They preference then." Mom calls out. She'll lead things here.
As long as Brok doesn't join the concerns, Mom should be fine. How would Brok handle the queen? But it makes sense to go for a leader. That's a normal response from goblins. As long as they have a plan as to how. Mom is well known and I doubt she has new skills since last dealing with goblins.
"Ready?" William looks to the other two. We all nod. Switching back to outside of the illusion rock face has me inhaling. I am allowed entrance. Only me according to Al. "Are you really okay, Thomas?"
"Al is dangerous, but..." I basically have guaranteed safety. "Hydrangea... Can you come with me?" I offer my hand. Maybe that will break the barrier enough. "If she's teleported away, bring her back, William."
"Of course. Hope it works."
Hydrangea holds me hand and follows me into the illusionary wall.
Either my method worked or Al is accepting of her entrance. Can't guess.
"What do you know of the goblin?"
Do I know much of anything? I murmur instead of answer. I lack in a lot of knowledge. "I'm a kid. This entire event made me recall such a fact."
"You are old enough. Just because you are aware you lack experience doesn't mean you're younger than you are."
"Twenty really should be the minimums." I sigh. Fifteen is too young.
"You know why it's fifteen. It's easier to get a foolish teen to join the knighthood. There are a few other bonuses that it's best not to worry you with."
I offer her a fake laugh. "Not feeling like future king at the moment."
Hydrangea squeezes my hand.
Al greets us when we reach the room. "Welcome, Your Highness and guard."
"Diplomat." I motion to Hydrangea.
"I'm pretty sure Agoin wouldn't be chieftain if not for watching the women leads." Al offers Hydrangea a deep bow. "Thank you for offering such."
"Um... You're welcome." Hydrangea eyes me. "Are you joining the battle?"
"Yes." Al places a hand over our joint ones. Then we're back before the rock face. The other three jump seeing us. It wasn't that long. "Can I get names for everyone?"
Hydrangea releases me and bows. "I am Hydrangea. You know Crown Prince Thomas. Then this is Butch, Raida, and William." Butch and Raida offer bows. William waves. "Do you request further knowledge about anyone's skills?"
"No. It's fine. I've seen enough prior." Al requested Raida. This is a strong, but small party to handle the concerns. "Allow me to explain how we're going to handle things."
"Go ahead." Hydrangea says. We all focus on the goblin.
Small and green may be the case. Al is not a typical goblin. Sorcerers are rare, but can become very dangerous. A ninety year old sorcerer goblin would be concerning. If they wanted to truly fight.
But like all goblins, stabbing the heart or cutting off the head will solve everything.
"I will teleport us to Brok's hut. I'll put the place on lock down with my magic. Then you will handle him." Al explains. "No one will be able to enter or leave until I give allowance."
"Can I teleport items within?" William asks. Al nods.
"So we're just handling this goblin? Does he have any special moves?" Raida asks.
Al frowns. "I would say yes, but I doubt you'll struggle with my lock down. He has goblin call down really well. It's basically for fodder purposes. Sacrifice random goblins while he handles whatever thing he wants." The sorcerer pauses. "He can use magic. He is a sorcerer like me, but not nearly as old as I am. Chieftains normally classify as either sorcerer or warrior. We're born with bonus skills. No point ascending a weaker goblin."
"What type of magic?" Hydrangea asks next.
"Lightning. We all use that first. Then we figure out our strengths. His I believe is with fire. I'm not certain." Al shrugs. "I didn't train him. I only know the information that reached me out here. I'm not living in the city after all. I will make sure nothing can get in or out."
The biggest lightning spells require weather access, so he won't pull that off even if it's possible.
"Will you be able to fight?" Hydrangea asks.
Al shakes their head. "No. I'll need to focus on the lock spell. I will be unable to fight. I would hope you guard me well."
"Any chance someone else will be there?" Hydrangea knows what questions to ask. I wouldn't think of that.
"I'd said it's unlikely. They'll be slacking since the plan is to attack in a few hours." Al looks at the sky. "Dusk would be when they set out. We should be well enough to hit them before that."
Hydrangea looks to me. "You can support, can't you?"
I shake my head. "I can try to block incoming attacks, but... Goblins are quicker than me."
"I'll be guard." William squeezes my shoulder. "The two of us can guard Al. I'm fast with my spells." I duck my head. I wish I was more confident. I have no confidence. I was easily kidnapped.
"Raida and I will handle front guard position. Front or flank, Raida?" Hydrangea has fought with Raida before. I'd just get in everyone's way. I need to be back guard. Why am I coming? Raida picks flank. "Butch? You're going to aim for flank with your bows. Ready now."
"Okay..."
"You're stronger with your bow. I don't know why you don't focus on that option always." Hydrangea rubs her forehead. "Focus on your skills. Where you are strong. Others will fill in your weaknesses." Butch nods switching to bow. He was readying for sword again. I didn't realize he's stronger with bows. I don't know him well. "Alright. Everyone ready?"
Once everyone agrees, Al places its hand between everyone. "Once everyone is touching, I can teleport us."
I may be questioning if I should be going, but I still put my hand in. William offers me a grin while placing his hand on mine. Butch, Raida, and Hydrangea do the same.
We're ready. Let's go.