The oak-paneled council chamber of Iguro's Town Hall smelled faintly of rain-wet wood and candle wax. The air was close, heavy with both the midday heat and the gravity of the situation. At the center of the room, Mayor Valerio leaned forward over the goblin map, his thick fingers resting near the outpost markers James had copied with meticulous care.
Three guildmasters sat across from him, each a figure of authority and reputation.
Olivia Verga of Silver Phantom—straight-backed, hands folded neatly on the table, eyes calm but sharp as a blade.
Lortel Gabutan of Red Scorpion—his scarred jaw split by a faint grin, one massive arm resting casually on the head of the battle-worn axe propped against his chair.
Mayara Agustin of Black Claw—silent, robed in deep violet and black, her hood casting shadows over her pale features, eyes fixed on the map with the patience of a predator.
Valerio broke the silence first. "The three of you were either present or have had people in the field. I want your accounts before I decide how to proceed."
Lortel was the first to speak, his voice carrying an easy rumble. "My lad Dannevie gave me the rundown. Small group went out, found the outpost crawling with goblins—more than you'd expect for a nest that size. Not just numbers either. Said they moved like a trained warband." He tilted his head toward Olivia. "She's right. This isn't your usual forest scum. Someone's whipping them into shape."
Olivia met his gaze evenly. "And if that's the case, we can't let them fortify. The map shows four confirmed sites, but there could be more. We strike fast before they unify."
Mayara's voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried across the table. "Fast is one thing. Blind is another. Charging into an unknown enemy is the quickest way to lose half your force before you understand what you're facing."
Lortel chuckled under his breath. "You're thinking like a mage again, Mayara. All prep and no punch. Sometimes you've got to hit before they know you're coming."
Her head turned slightly, and though her hood shadowed most of her face, the chill in her voice was unmistakable. "And sometimes you swing too soon and find yourself surrounded, your weapon buried in the dirt while your men die screaming."
The faint smile on Lortel's face didn't fade, but the air between them shifted—like steel meeting steel.
Olivia interjected before the exchange could sharpen further. "Neither approach works alone. We can't take weeks to prepare, but we also can't rush in blind. We need a coordinated assault. Scouts in the field while strike teams are formed in town. When the first blow falls, all camps must be hit at once."
Valerio nodded slowly. "You're proposing a simultaneous strike on multiple fronts. That would require precise timing and clear communication between all guilds involved."
Mayara's fingers tapped once against the table. "It's possible. But the goblins' coordination suggests a commander—perhaps something stronger than a hobgoblin. If that's the case, the real battle will be when we find them. If they're clever, they'll flee before the camps fall."
Lortel leaned forward, resting both elbows on the table. "Then we cut off their escape first. Box them in, break the line, and put them in the dirt." His grin widened slightly. "Simple."
Olivia's expression didn't change, but her eyes flicked between the two. "Then that's our division of labor. Black Claw can handle reconnaissance and disruption—laying traps, sealing off paths. Red Scorpion leads the vanguard, with Silver Phantom reinforcing and handling recovery. We move when the scouts confirm positions."
The mayor studied her for a long moment before giving a single, firm nod. "Agreed. You have my authority to coordinate between the guilds. I'll allocate supplies and additional town guards for support. Strike fast, but do not underestimate this threat. Iguro cannot afford to lose its guilds to reckless action."
Mayara rose without a word, her robes whispering across the stone floor. Lortel stood next, hefting his axe onto his shoulder. "Reckless?" he said with a smirk. "That's half the fun."
Olivia rose last, gathering the goblin map and sliding it back into her satchel. She didn't smile, but there was a hard, quiet resolve in her gaze.
When they left the council chamber, the rain had begun to fall outside, drumming softly against the cobblestones. The streets of Iguro bustled on, unaware that in the forests beyond, the drums of war were already beating.