Back in the cave.
The atmosphere was heavy with exhaustion.
Most of the goblins were asleep, sprawled out on makeshift bedding of moss and tattered furs. The day had wrung them dry. They'd lost their home that morning, lost their chief and several clan mates along with it. Then by midday, were attacked by a troll. Not one but two.
And now, ironically, they shared their new cave with one. At first, most of them stayed awake, fearful the troll might wake up and lash out. But exhaustion eventually won. One by one, they surrendered to sleep, stress weighing heavier than fear.
The troll Eli had brought in now lay on its side, its massive body rising and falling with deep, guttural snores. The wound across its chest had closed completely. Its regeneration had done most of the work—Flogga's potion only sped things along. Impressive… and a little unnerving.
A few goblins were still awake.
