The words hung in the air like a drawn bowstring. Even the faint crackle from the hearth seemed to dim.
Lumberling's gaze lingered on Eldric for a long moment before he spoke. "Depends."
Eldric's brows rose. "On what?"
"On whether they're with me," Lumberling said simply. "If they stand beside me, then I'll stand beside them. But if they see me, and my people, as the enemy…" His tone sharpened ever so slightly. "Then that's exactly what I'll be."
A flicker of understanding passed over Eldric's face. He'd heard enough from Drake and Orrin to know exactly who Lumberling's people were. Goblins, Kobolds, monsters. And he knew just as well that most men, given the choice, would rather put such creatures to the sword.
Eldric gave Lumberling a curt nod before speaking again, his tone shifting. "Actually… after seeing your subordinates here, I want to ask for your help."
Lumberling tilted his head slightly. "What kind of trouble are we talking about?"
