Chapter 21: The Drums of War

[Leav POV]

The distant thud of war drums echoed through the ruins, reverberating in Leav's chest like an omen. The Bonefangs were near. Standing atop the fortress walls, he watched the distant torchlights flickering between the trees, a slow but inevitable march toward battle.

His hands gripped the cold stone of the parapet. The goblins behind him whispered in hushed tones, their fear evident. Leav inhaled deeply, steadying himself. Fear was natural. It kept them alert. But fear alone would not win them this battle.

"Frot," he called.

The scout appeared at his side, his eyes sharp. "They'll be within striking range by dawn."

Leav nodded. "And their numbers?"

Frot hesitated. "Worse than we thought. At least a hundred, maybe more. The hobgoblin leading them is experienced—armor, formation tactics, the works."

Leav cursed under his breath. Their forces barely numbered fifty, and half of them weren't even battle-ready. The recent skirmishes had left them exhausted. But there was no running now.

"Weal's traps?" Leav asked.

Frot grinned. "Set and ready. The eastern approach is laced with spikes, the northern path funneled into a choke point. Any idiot who charges in will be begging for mercy."

Leav allowed himself a small smirk. It was a start. "Good. Tell Weal to make sure the poisons are properly distributed among the archers."

Frot nodded before disappearing into the shadows.

Leav turned back toward the training grounds. His warriors were preparing, sharpening their blades, adjusting their armor. Tear stood at the center, barking orders while Yorl sparred with another goblin.

This was their chance to prove themselves.

If they survived.

[Tear POV]

The metallic clang of steel echoed as Yorl charged, his heavy fists swinging in a wild arc. Tear sidestepped, delivering a sharp strike to his ribs before stepping back. Yorl grunted but didn't falter.

"Again," Tear ordered.

Yorl rushed in once more, this time with more control. His punches were fast and calculated, but still not enough. Tear dodged and countered, forcing Yorl back.

"You're strong," Tear said, watching as Yorl steadied his breathing. "But strength without discipline is wasted power. You're learning, but not fast enough."

Yorl wiped the sweat from his brow and grinned. "I'm getting better, though."

Tear allowed himself a small nod. "That you are."

He turned to the rest of the goblins, who watched with anxious eyes. "Listen up!" he shouted. "Tomorrow, we fight not just for survival but for our future. We are not mere scavengers anymore. We are warriors! And we will show the Bonefangs that we are not to be taken lightly!"

A chorus of battle cries erupted from the goblins. Their fear was still there, but so was their determination.

Tear allowed himself a small smile.

Tomorrow would be the true test.

[Weal POV]

The dim candlelight flickered as Weal worked in silence, carefully mixing a vial of thick, purple liquid. The poison hissed as he added the final ingredient, creating a faint trail of smoke. Perfect.

Footsteps approached, and he didn't need to look up to know who it was.

Frot leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "Is it ready?"

Weal held up the vial with a smirk. "One drop will paralyze a goblin. Two drops? Even a hobgoblin will struggle to stand."

Frot whistled. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."

Weal chuckled as he stored the vial among his many others. "This is only a precaution. If Leav's plan works, we won't need these."

"And if it doesn't?"

Weal's grin widened. "Then I hope they like screaming."

Frot shook his head with a smirk before stepping back into the shadows.

Weal exhaled slowly, staring at the rows of poisons and concoctions before him. This battle was different. He wasn't just killing for survival anymore.

He was killing to win.

[Leav POV]

The first rays of dawn stretched across the battlefield as the Bonefangs emerged from the trees. Their numbers were overwhelming—goblins, hobgoblins, and even a few dire wolves snarling at their sides. Their leader stood at the front, clad in crude iron armor, his red eyes gleaming with confidence.

Leav stood at the fortress gates, his forces behind him. He could feel their unease, but he would not let it consume them.

He raised his voice, letting it carry across the ruins.

"This fortress is ours!" he declared. "The Bonefangs think they can take it from us, but we will show them what happens when they underestimate us!"

The goblins roared in response, their fear momentarily forgotten.

Leav turned to Tear and Yorl. "Hold the line. Do not break, no matter what."

They nodded, gripping their weapons tightly.

The Bonefang leader stepped forward, raising his weapon high. "Kill them all!"

The war had begun.