That's just unfair

It seemed the enemy was a lot more disjointed than originally thought. Their were at least two groups watching and waiting to see how everything played out while the guy who started this whole thing is no where to be seen.

Merli ended up getting this knowledge from one of the said leaders. Merli had some help capturing Tide, he was the leader of the nalph clan or whatever he called it.

I looked at the captured leader, he was a creature called a shawb. Some kind of Murloc, Goblin thing. Though I doubt he had any relation to either of them.

I leaned down, "So buddy, pal. Mind telling me about this Tarluk guy?"

He clicked his long tongue. "Tarluk that scruff bastard. I have no clue where he ran off to. One second he was leading his men then he was gone."

Merli gave a brief nod, "I did detect concealment magic."

I rubbed my chin in thought. I blinked as my axe whispered into my ears. I got up, "Can you still detect that magic?"

Merli shook its head, "I can't why do you ask?"

I can't just say my axe is telling me that Tarluk is still in the area. However my hair bristle up it seemed Merli had the same feeling.

I paused, "You feel that static too right?"

Tide froze, "St-Static?"

I looked at him and asked, "You know something?"

Tide shook his head, "Tarluk's clan is called the Odin clan for a re-"

Thunder struck and a flash of light blew me back. I slammed against the ground. I rolled to my knees and checked Merli who was struck by the lightning with me.

The last thing I checked was Tide who was smoldering charcoal. However an Orc stood above him. He gave off the feeling of raw power.

I shook off my worry and lifted my axe and activated my abilities. "You Tarluk?"

I put away the sword he had used to come down as lightning. "Now, Now, I don't wish to fight."

I raised an eyebrow and Merli backed me up. "One wrong move and I blast you!"

He laughed, "Small Kirin, I know you can't use offensive magic. Best you can do is place an illusion like the one you captured Tide with."

He lifted his hands into a shrug and I stood in front of Merli just in case. "Speak then."

Tarluk shrugged, "let's just say I care more about back stabbers than you. Shame about the people lost, but... You win some you lose some."

Before I even had the chance to say anything, he vanished into thin air. My eyes widened and I moved to attack if needed. However the axe's whispers made me sigh.

The axe was right, I couldn't detect him coming in and Merli couldn't either. My axe was the only thing that had a vague sense direction to Tarluk's magic.

Merli spoke while brushing against my side. "Its fine, I managed to cast sight seer spell on him. From what I can tell he was more worried about the forces that didn't attack us."

I patted Merli's head, "Good, if those guys attacked us with the others. We'd have lost. I think our next move is reinforce, while we enter the dungeon."

Merli agreed, I imagine so hey can finally evolve. Tarluk would like be back. Despite the feeling of intimidation he gave off. It didn't feel malicious. I shook my head. I have this strange feeling I couldn't explain.

-------------

I paused, "Hey anyone else incredibly annoyed? I kind of feel, uh, underwhelmed."

I got a few achievements, but they were all minor and based on group battle. Well except one that gave me nothing that was just said, 'You resisted the draw of power.' Then nothing else, honestly Gnar made it out with the most 'loot'.

He was smiling, but he responded to me. "I think this is rather fun. You know just because we are monsters doesn't mean we don't break down in truly amazing material. I mean look out how many goblin ears I collected!"

He held up a string of severed ears which unnerved a goblin walking by making him gag. I gave a shrug and Merli shook their head.

Merli moved and spoke as they walked forward, "Mother once told me war is often disappointing and those who find enjoyment in it aren't there for the sake of the war itself."

Was that a jab at me? Nah, Merli is good natured. Why would they make a jab at me? I shrugged, "That's fair, but I always thought battle was more intense?"

I guess media really blows life and death situations up. Statistically though people are more likely to die by a vending machine then a shark attack. Hm, though both of those are basically impossible for me now.

I returned my attention to the others and called out. "HM! Get over here." She ran on all fours like a dog or something. I sat down as she arrived, "Discussion time, What now?"

HM paused, before she got to ask something Merli spoke. "He called you since you represent the kobolds."

I nodded and HM shut her muzzle. I spoke again, "My best guess is me and Gnar got loot the camps of the other tribes. His brother can round up their people that didn't fight in the battle. While gathering them we can take books, gold, hell anything we can use and isn't a building."

Gnar nodded, "We did plan on attacking them to raid for those things. Though we likely weren't gonna actually kill them like they wanted to kill us."

I shrugged, "We should also investigate those clans that didn't attack us. I'd rather not be paranoid or looking over our shoulders for another attack."

Merli nodded, "Me and HM can actually stay back and just rebuild. Once investigations are done we should build a larger encompassing wall. Though I don't know much about architecture so its up to HM really."

HM gave a raised salute, "Of course! I'll survey the forest with the kobolds. Once the investigation is done we will begin excavation and stone gathering! I am not a fan of the wooden walls."

She stared at the large charred portion of the wall. I nodded in agreement. "Merli when me and Gnar get back I want to describe some things to you to draw."

Merli's telekinesis was better than my uh, sausage fingers. Merli also had a decent talent for art in my opinion. I'll describe some ideas based on my past life.