After talking for a while, Mia and I decided it was best to get some rest. The day had been long, and we both needed the reprieve. The house was quiet as we settled in, the night wrapping itself around us like a heavy blanket.
Morning came early, sunlight filtering through the windows as we rose. The world smelled fresh, wet with dew, and the forest outside seemed calm, almost peaceful. We didn't linger. There was work to do. Together, we headed toward the goblin camp.
As we approached, the sight made me pause for a moment. Slug was standing at the gate, feeding Lance—my newly tamed Spitfire—what appeared to be an entire deer. The massive creature's jaws tore into the meat with shocking efficiency, but it didn't seem messy or chaotic. Lance ate with focus, muscles rippling with each bite.
Slug glanced at me, his eyes flicking toward Mia, then back to Lance. There was a subtle nod between us—a silent acknowledgment of the strength we now commanded. With that, we pushed open the gate and stepped inside the camp.
The air was alive with movement and noise, but it wasn't chaotic. Goblins bustled about, sharpening weapons, stacking supplies, and tending to daily tasks. The camp had grown far beyond what I'd first imagined. It was alive, breathing, and ready.
I made my way toward the blacksmith's hut in the center of the camp. Inside, I found Ez, the goblin leader, overseeing work with practiced authority. Beside him was Guk, my orc slave, diligently following Ez's instructions. Despite the hard labor, Guk spoke cheerfully the entire time, cracking jokes and bantering with the other goblins.
It was oddly comforting to see. Even here, in a camp built from necessity and survival, there was a sense of life, of community. Guk moved with strength and precision, hammering and bending metal exactly as Ez requested. Every so often, he'd glance at me with a sly grin, clearly proud of his work.
Ez caught my eye and gave a nod of recognition. There was satisfaction in his gaze—not just because the work was being done efficiently, but because he trusted me enough to allow Guk, a new addition to our ranks, to move freely in the heart of the camp.
I exhaled slowly, taking in the scene. This was more than just a goblin camp. It was a small army in formation, growing in strength and discipline. And it was ours.
I decided to check in with Guk first. "How many weapons can you make in two weeks?" I asked.
Guk tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Enough for this whole camp," he said confidently, a small grin tugging at his lips.
I turned to Ez. "Do we have enough materials for everyone?"
"Yes," he replied. "Enough iron, wood, and leather for every goblin here."
Guk immediately set to work, sparks flying as he hammered steel. The metallic clangs echoed through the camp like a heartbeat, signaling progress.
I glanced at Mia. "What weapon do you use?"
"Poison magic," she said instantly, her voice calm and firm. Her silver-black hair shimmered faintly as she slithered toward the ten goblin mages waiting nearby.
"Good. Teach them control first," I instructed. "I don't want accidents."
Her violet eyes met mine briefly before she focused on the goblins. Her tail coiled slowly, a sign of authority, and she began demonstrating the precise motions to channel their magic. The goblins mimicked her gestures, some struggling, others succeeding.
"Focus on control, not power," Mia instructed, her voice steady. "If you can't control it, you'll harm yourself—or worse, others."
One young goblin muttered in frustration. Mia leaned closer, her presence commanding yet calm. "You will. Trust yourself. Trust me. Try again."
He inhaled, exhaled, and this time a small green vapor floated above his hands. Relief and pride shone on his face. Mia allowed herself a faint nod of approval.
I walked through the village, checking on others. At the archery range, most missed repeatedly, but one young goblin hit the bullseye again and again. "Now aim for two consecutive hits without stopping," I said. He nodded, narrowing his eyes in determination.
Meanwhile, Guk's hammering rang from the forge. Weapons for every goblin were taking shape: swords, spears, and axes, all forged carefully. The clang of metal and the scent of smoke filled the air, a reminder that preparation was just as important as strategy.
By midday, the camp was alive. Goblins trained with wooden swords, sparred in pairs, practiced formations, and adjusted to their new weapons. Poison magic lessons continued under Mia's guidance, while younger goblins lifted logs, testing their strength and learning resilience.
I paused for a moment, taking it all in—the smell of iron and earth, the clanging of the forge, the shouts and movement of the camp. This wasn't just a village anymore. This was the start of something greater. Something that could end the pointless wars that had scarred these lands for decades. Something that could be the foundation of my empire.
Slug appeared silently beside me, watching the camp. "They respond to guidance," he said quietly. "That's rare."
"They need purpose," I replied, my eyes sweeping over the goblins training, Mia instructing, and Guk hammering at the forge. "Someone to show them the way."
"And someone strong enough to enforce it, if necessary," Slug added, his voice low, almost amused.
I smiled, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on me, but also a thrill. The sun began to sink toward the horizon, casting long orange shadows across the camp. Weapons had been forged, magic had been tamed, and the goblins were no longer just followers—they were soldiers in the making.
This was just the beginning. The road ahead would be long, filled with battles and challenges, but for the first time, I felt certainty. I was no longer just surviving—I was building. And the empire of Amos had taken its first, unshakable step.