Between the Hills

Though both routes had their own risks, if he wanted to maintain his stealth the darkness of the shadows cast by the surrounding hills made this path Edmond's best bet. Stalking through the shaded pass, ducking between long shadows, bushes, and outcroppings of stone, Edmond kept an eye out for any goblin defenders. This pass seemed like an easy and obvious place to set up some sort of defense or guard station to Edmond, so he maintained caution.

Whatever Edmond was expecting to find, however, wasn't what greeted him.

Up ahead was a sign, a simple piece of wood nailed to a spear stuck in the dirt. In the dim light, Edmond could barely make out what was written on the sign. Written crudely in what Edmond could only assume was paint were the words "GOBLINZ! KEPE OUT!" Next to the sign were two goblin women dressed in stitched together leather and hide that barely hid anything at all, each with a short sword at their hips and a short bow slung over their backs.

The first was leaning against the sign looking bored while a second chattered away enthusiastically, waving around what looked to be a stone rod. Whatever she was saying - for it wasn't in any language that Edmond could understand - she clearly wasn't getting through to her fellow.

Edmond considered his options. He could attack. Neither goblin was expecting a fight, and with the element of surprise he might be able to take them both out before they raised an alarm. Alternatively he could try simply sneaking past them. One goblin, at least, was distracted and engrossed in her one sided conversation. But with the path being as narrow as it was, and with no easy way up the hills without leaving himself in the open for anyone to see, that would mean he'd have to pass by awfully close to them to do so.