Damon took a slow breath as he watched the trolls spreading across the meadow.
They moved quickly, cutting off every path of escape. Within moments their group stood in the center of a ring of towering shadows.
The leader stepped forward.
He wore thick red armor, and a crude helmet shaped like an iron bucket with horns welded to the sides. Sparks burst from the ground as he dragged a massive mace along the dirt before slamming its head down with a heavy thud.
"Women hand over. Mana cores, mana crystals, money hand over. Then you go. Or me kill you."
His voice was rough and guttural, but his massive frame made the threat clear enough.
Damon stared at him for a moment.
Then he sighed.
"Hmmm. And here I thought I'd hear you speak fluent Common." He shook his head slowly. "My disappointment is immeasurable, and my day is ruined."
His casual tone made the goblins behind him grow uneasy. Their shields trembled slightly as they held formation.
