Chapter 15: Goblin Raid II
"In formation, everyone!" William commanded, his voice sharp and steady despite the growing danger.
Without hesitation, we snapped into position. Surrounded on all sides, we formed a tight circle, backs to each other, weapons drawn. William faced the Elite goblin head-on, his stance solid and commanding. Evelyn stood to his right, already nocking an arrow, her eyes narrowed with focus. Maya took the left, gripping her ornate staff, her expression unreadable but deadly calm.
Bob brought up the rear, his stance slightly less elegant but no less serious. His crimson, magically-forged sword shimmered in his hand, already humming with power.
I stood in the center of the circle.
As agreed, I wasn't on the frontline. I had told them I wouldn't fight directly, only support. But as I looked around at the goblins surrounding us, teeth bared and shrieking, my hands started to shake again.
Could I really just watch?
The Elite goblin stepped forward, dragging its spiked club through the dirt, its eyes locked onto William like a predator sizing up its prey.
The tension in the air was thick enough to choke on.
"I'll attract the Elite's attention. You three handle the others. Alan, stay close to me," William ordered, his eyes never leaving the towering goblin leader.
The others nodded without hesitation.
The goblins crept closer, their snarling faces twisted with hunger and rage. Our circle tightened instinctively, weapons raised, breaths held.