Some Answers

You sit there in stunned silence as the goblins continue to chant and cheer. In one night, you went from prisoner to chief of their tribe! This didn’t make any sense!

“Whoa, whoa, wait! Stop!!!” You raise your arms and shout at them. The cheering ceased instantly and all the goblins stare at you. You then look down at the goblin shaman. “What the hell is going on?”

Reta cocks her head to the side. “Something wrong?”

“Yes, something’s wrong. What is even happening? How did I become your chief?!” You question her, still confused.

The female goblin closes her eyes. “Troika, special law of tribe. When dark sky’s eye is open, all who fight must set rules. Must follow rules and punishments. Those who break laws, suffer greatly.”

‘So basically, when the full moon’s out, anyone who takes part in troika needs to be ready.’ You guess as she continues.

“Chief must fight, no matter reasons. Dispute, grudge, bigger hut, no matter. Chief sets example, prove tribe united. Lose and victor proves might.” She finishes and bows to you. “You proved might, you showed strength, you now chief.”

“Chief Alder.”

“Feihc A’der!” All the goblins shout before bowing as well. Guess that’s how they say your name. Something still doesn’t make sense.

“B-but Murook was your chief and he didn’t know anything about it. Why was he different?” You ask. Reta opens her eyes, a darker glow than usual comes from them, and frowns.

“Orc appeared one day, killed chief and guards, took over. Murook strong, tribe tried fight back.” Reta looks back at the other goblins. “Lucky ones still live.”

Glancing, you spot a few goblins with furious, snarling faces, some even baring their fangs. You even remember how Scar was last night. Guess there was no love lost.

“Tribe different, but goblins follow the strong. Orc crude, but strongest here, he leads.” The dark glow fades as she looks up at you. “Until you, you proved stronger.”

You leaned back against the chair as you take this in, still confused. How did it even come to this? These were your captors up until a couple hours ago and now you're supposed to be their chief

“You said if I won, I’d earn my freedom.” You say looking at Reta. “What happened to that?”

The goblin shaman looks at you and notices her eyes softening from her normal mischievous.

“…I not lie. You won Troika, you won freedom.” She turns to the side and points to the forest with her staff. “Leave, guard show way to road. Back to other humans. Find new feihc”

“Stay, become chief, lead us. We follow, tribe protect you. Make us strong.” She adds, looking back at you.

All the goblins look at you as they await your answer.