Claire took a deep breath. She studied the goblin closely, taking note of its physique. It had broad shoulders, a slight height advantage, and its equipment looked well-crafted. Claire gripped her shield tightly.

"Before we begin," Claire said, turning slightly to signal to Jasmine. "Can you answer my question?"

"I'll only answer if you win." The goblin replied firmly. Claire could hear the leather creak as it tightened its grip on the hilt.

Claire glanced at the goblins that lined the treeline, weighing her options. More had arrived, easily doubling their numbers. They'd lose the war of attrition.

Her eyes dropped to the shield in her hand. The faint glow it radiated. She thought of its previous owner, one likely slain by that troll. The weight of the shield grew heavier.

She drew her sword. She's ready.

"Claire, wait." Jasmine appeared beside Claire. Her sudden presence made Firewater flinch. "Let me. It's stronger than it looks."

Claire shook her head. "Firewater challenged me, not you."

Jasmine glared at the goblin, her knives at the ready. She wanted to end this before it escalated. Its armor had gaps near its ribcage, it'd be easy. Firewater met her cold eyes.

It had fear.

She saw fear in its eyes. Its glowing yellow eyes darted between her and Ursa, yet it stood its ground proudly. Jasmine understood now. This wasn't just a goblin, it was like Samira. It had conscious thoughts.

"Apologies," Firewater said, bowing his head. "Challenging the least experienced among you seems cowardly... but she carries herself as your leader. I understand it isn't very honorable."

"Honor?" Jasmine scoffed. "What the fuck would you know about honor?"

Jasmine's anger was evident in her voice, yet Firewater didn't waver. It raised its head and got into its fighting stance.

"Enough talking," it said. "Claire, we either fight or my kin joins in."

Claire nodded. She leaned in to whisper to Jasmine. "It'll be fine."

"No it-" Jasmine tried to speak, but Ursa nipped at her hand, cutting her off.

"Watch over the others," Claire said calmly. "Make sure they don't interfere."

"I assure you they won't unless I command them to," Firewater interjected.

"We have no reason to trust that," Claire replied. "Just as you have no reason to trust us."

She was met with silence, then Firewater let out a sharp whistle. Claire watched as the goblins lining the trees marched in tight formation. They lined up behind their leader, unmoving.

"Better?" Firewater asked.

Claire sighed. This creature knew kindness and trust. Why couldn't they talk this through?

"Yes, thank you."

"One of my kin will approach, he'll signal the start." Firewater said.

A decorated goblin approached. It had decals like the captain looking goblins, but had a hat instead of a helmet. Almost like an admiral of a fleet.

Claire and Firewater both nodded. They inhaled together, steadying their breath. The Goblin let out a gargled croak, then threw the cloth between them. It fluttered in the air.

The moment it hit the ground between them, both charged.

Firewater moved faster than Claire expected, his strike nearly catching the paladin off guard. She raised her shield in time, intercepting the blow. She could feel the impact throughout her whole body, reminiscent of the troll's strength.

It was strong, but Claire had a plan. She batted the sword away and slammed into the goblin, using her defensive strike. Her follow-up jab missed as Firewater dogged, staggering backwards.

Firewater studied Claire for a moment, then its sword began to glow. With incredible speed, it lunged forward. Claire was able to block the strike, but the sheer force knocked her back.

She expected the goblin to pounce the moment she tumbled. But she was able to roll to her feet. She found Firewater staring at its left arm, green blood oozing through its armor.

"Mmm, should have realized that shield had magic." It muttered.

Claire caught her breath as the goblin adjusted its grip. She nearly froze upon seeing the goblin holding the blade itself. Firewater was half-swording, a grip that turned a sword into a bludgeoning tool.

She heard Jasmine gasp behind her. Both were surprised that a monster could understand armored combat.

She had to go on the offensive. That was a technique made to combat opponents like her. She pressed forward as Firewater met her advance. While it knew the technique, Claire remembered her lessons.

She met the strike head-on. She angled her shield at the last moment, causing the crossbar to glance off the shield. It caused the goblin to stagger.

Claire took advantage of this and stabbed Firewater. Her sword met resistance as it pierced steel. The goblin backed away fast enough before Claire could penetrate deep.

Claire glanced at her sword, seeing green blood dripping from it.

"Interesting." Firewater tilted its head. It glanced down at its side, inspecting the wound. "You were taught well…"

"So were you," Claire responded. Their eyes were locked as the goblin circled her. "I doubt it was this Astrid woman. You act and speak like a knight from long ago."

It stopped circling, a faint chuckle escaping it. After a silent moment, it charged.

Claire tossed her sword to the side as she readied herself. The act confused her opponent, creating the perfect opportunity. Her shield once again met Firewater's sword. She used her parry skill to bat the sword to the side.

Firewater lost its balance as Claire grabbed the goblin's wounded arm with her free hand. She slammed her shoulder into the goblin, hitting the wound at its side. The goblin wheezed as Claire lifted the creature. It flailed against her, but she already had control of its center of gravity.

With a turn and all her might, she slammed the goblin to the ground. Its sword went flying from its hands. The wind was knocked out of the goblin's chest as Claire pounced.

She straddled the monster's chest with her knife at the ready. She pressed it against the goblin's neck. Its stunned eyes stared back at her as it struggled to breathe. Claire pinned its arms with her knees, taking a deep breath.

"Yield"

Firewater writhed against her, fight returning to its eyes. Claire pressed the blade closer, causing blood to trickle down the creature's neck.

It stopped resisting, closed its eyes and gently nodded.

"I… yi-eld."

"Good, now. Answer my question." Claire pressed firmly. She didn't dare move.

"Whi-which one?" Firewater said, catching his breath.

"Are you being forced into this?"

She could feel the monster tense beneath her, a mix of emotions in its eyes. It swallowed hard, but nodded.

"Do you want our help?" Claire asked without thinking. She could feel that commanding feeling fill her chest as her adrenaline rushed through her blood.

"Please. They… have my wife." Firewater said, choking up.

Alongside her racing emotions was a familiar nudge. Her Goddess was curious too. Firewater's voice sounded vaguely like a man's, yet too deep.

She reached down, unfastening the goblin's helmet. She threw it to the side, revealing the face. She was stunned.

He looked like a man. Not like the fragile men of today, but like in the ancient stories. From the Tyrant's time.

The world spun around her as she struggled to her feet. Firewater was quick to support Claire, slinging an arm over his shoulder. Jasmine tensed up. She moved to intervene, but Ursa growled at her.

"Th-thank you," Claire muttered. Firewater said nothing as he supported her over to Jasmine and Ursa.

Jasmine nearly collapsed herself, leaning into Ursa for balance as Firewater approached. He lowered Claire gently and stepped back, head bowed.

"I understand." He said quietly. "I was cursed with this hideous face."