As reports from the scouts confirmed the impending arrival of the goblin horde, the defenders at the dwarven fort moved with purpose, finalizing their preparations. The tunnel systems were fortified and booby-trapped, and unnecessary buildings near the gatehouse were demolished to create retrenchments designed to funnel and trap invaders.

  In the fort’s courtyard, Enchantress Leandra and Enchanter Erevan discussed the final touches of their magical defenses when Garrok and Tink approached.

  "Hail, Master Smith," Erevan greeted with a nod. "Do you have business with us?"

  "Hail, Master Enchanter," Garrok replied. "I’ve brought weapons for the rider who will be harassing the goblins from above."

  Leandra stepped forward, her tall, commanding presence unmistakable. "That would be me, Enchantress Leandra, at your service, Master Smith."

  Garrok handed her a saddlebag. "Inside are specially made grenades with treated fuses—they won’t quench even at altitude."

  Leandra raised an eyebrow. "Thank you, but lighting them while flying will be difficult."

  Grinning, Garrok revealed two metal rings. "Crafted these myself. Watch."

  He snapped the rings on his fingers together, producing a bright spark. Leandra accepted the rings with a faint blush. Erevan smirked as a few of the elven enchanters giggled knowingly.

  You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

  "I accept your rings," Leandra said playfully, "but we’ll see how things fare after the battle."

  As she hurried off, Garrok turned to Erevan, puzzled. "What did I miss?"

  Erevan chuckled. "Among the Elven smithing families, gifting crafted rings is how one expresses romantic interest. You just proposed, big man."

  Garrok’s mouth dropped open as Tink slapped her face with a groan. "Seriously, again!?"

  X---X

  As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the defenders spotted the first sign of the goblin vanguard—a bizarre procession of over sixty goblins clad in elaborate robes, playing a cacophony of music. Drums, cymbals, horns, clarinets, and trumpets clashed in chaotic unison as the goblin Mehter band advanced.

  Captain Firebeard scoffed from atop the walls. "Trying to scare us with noise, are they? Right, lads, let’s show them what real music sounds like!"

  With cheers, the dwarves produced their own instruments—horns, bagpipes, and drums—joining together in a thunderous chorus of traditional war tunes. The clash of melodies escalated into a full-blown musical duel across the battlefield.

  As the goblin band struggled to maintain their chaotic rhythm against the dwarves’ disciplined harmony, the remainder of the goblin horde arrived, setting up siege lines. At the heart of the enemy camp stood the towering tent of the Kapudan Pasha, flanked by Janissary bodyguards. The Pasha, dressed in lavish robes and wielding an ornate mace, surveyed the fort with disdain.

  Despite the growing siege camp, the dwarves played on, their music defiant and strong. Amid the notes and battle drums, final preparations continued. Rangers and Thundraveers took position on the walls, artillery was readied, and supply wagons were secured.

  Throughout the night, the music echoed between the two camps, each side refusing to yield. The defenders stood proud and unbroken, ready to meet the goblins’ assault with the rising sun.