Lumberling parted ways with Skitz near the outskirts of the human village where Uncle Drake lived. Accompanied by Jen and Old Man Dan, he continued on foot while Skitz and the others returned to the goblin village.
Before entering, Lumberling briefed his companions.
"Don't mention the goblin village or me being their lord," he told them.
Old Man Dan nodded in understanding. Jen just tilted her head, confused, but agreed anyway. She didn't get all the details—but trusted Lumberling to handle things.
As they approached the village—
"Who goes there?" a familiar voice called out.
"Uncle Drake?"
"Lumberling?" There was a pause. "It really is you... Have you become the village guard or something? Didn't expect to find a Knight Page posted here." Lumberling chuckled.
But Uncle Drake didn't smile.
"What's wrong?" Lumberling asked, the tension prickling in his voice. "Where's the village chief?"
