Chapter 26: Into the Mines
Srabon's mind raced as he and Mira prepared for the mission. The information Leto had provided was invaluable — the Goblin King had taken his sister hostage and was holding her in the old mines. But how deep did the Goblin King's network of spies run? And what other traps awaited them in those dark tunnels?
"Are you sure about this?" Mira asked, tightening the straps of her quiver. "The mines are dangerous. The Goblin King could have entire squads waiting for us."
Srabon adjusted the sword at his hip and met her eyes. "If we don't go, Leto's sister will die. And if we don't send a message to the Goblin King that we won't tolerate his threats, more of our people will be targeted."
Magnus approached, his massive axe slung over his shoulder. "I'm coming too. You'll need someone who knows how to handle goblins in tight spaces."
"Agreed," Srabon said, nodding. "But keep it quiet. The fewer who know about this mission, the better."
[New Quest: Rescue the Hostage. Reward: 1500 Gold, 1000 Elixir.]
The entrance to the mines loomed ahead, a gaping maw carved into the side of a mountain. The air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decay. Magnus took point, his axe ready, while Mira kept a vigilant watch behind them. Srabon moved silently in the center, his sword drawn and senses heightened.
Inside, the tunnels twisted and turned like a labyrinth. Rusty mining carts lined the walls, and the echoes of dripping water created an eerie rhythm.
"Stay close," Magnus whispered, his eyes darting around. "Goblins love to attack from the shadows."
Suddenly, a faint whimper echoed from deeper within the tunnel. Mira's ears perked up. "That's a girl's voice."
Srabon's grip tightened on his sword. "Leto's sister."
They followed the sound, but as they moved deeper, the air grew colder, and a foul stench wafted through the corridor. Magnus halted abruptly, raising a fist. "Trap."
Before Srabon could react, the ground beneath them gave way. The floor crumbled, and they plunged into darkness. Srabon hit the ground hard, pain jolting through his arm as he rolled to a stop. He coughed, spitting out dust. "Mira? Magnus?"
"Here!" Mira called, limping toward him. "Magnus?"
"I'm fine," Magnus grunted, his voice echoing from the shadows. "But we're not alone."
Guttural growls reverberated through the chamber. Goblins. Dozens of them, their eyes glowing like embers in the dark. They charged, weapons raised, and Srabon raised his sword, bracing himself.
"Get ready!" he shouted as the first wave hit.
The battle was chaotic. Goblins lunged from all sides, their blades flashing in the dim light. Srabon parried a strike, his sword clashing against rusty metal. Magnus swung his axe, cleaving through two goblins with a single blow. Mira fired arrows rapidly, each shot finding its mark.
But for every goblin they cut down, two more took its place. Srabon's arms ached, his breaths coming in ragged gasps. A goblin lunged at him, and he sidestepped, slashing its leg. The creature howled, collapsing to the ground.
"There's too many!" Mira shouted, an arrow grazing her cheek.
Srabon gritted his teeth, scanning the chamber for a way out. Then he saw it — a narrow tunnel leading upward. "Mira, Magnus! This way!"
They fought their way through, pushing back the goblins as they retreated. Magnus led the charge, using his sheer size to bulldoze through the horde. Mira covered the rear, firing arrows with deadly precision.
They scrambled into the tunnel, Magnus blocking the entrance with a fallen beam. Srabon slumped against the wall, breathing heavily. "Did we lose them?"
Magnus wiped sweat from his brow. "For now. But they'll be back."
Mira pressed a hand to her bleeding cheek. "We're close. I can still hear her crying."
Srabon pushed himself to his feet, determination hardening his gaze. "Then let's finish this."
With weapons ready, they pressed forward, deeper into the mines — toward the Goblin King's lair and the hostage waiting to be rescued.