The Goblin Throne

Rosalita’s control over her growing horde is tested when one of the goblins breaks her orders. As punishment turns to fire, Gwen’s compassion clashes with Rosalita’s harsh pragmatism — and a single slap threatens to unravel their fragile alliance. But night brings quieter reflections, and even the hardest hearts must face the cost of command.

After the dawn assault on the rival horde, Rosalita’s command holds firm—but victory brings no triumph. As the smoke clears, she faces the aftermath: wounded soldiers, shaken allies, and a frightened captive who forces her to confront the cost of her own tactics. Even among victory’s embers, mercy and guilt linger side by side.

Rosalita and her companions secure their new stronghold after a brutal battle, forging order among the surviving goblins through strength and resolve. New loyalties are tested as Jake rises to leadership in a trial by combat, and Rosalita begins shaping her army into something greater. But as she leads her column back toward familiar ground, an arrow interrupts their march—her past returning in the form of Blake, the ranger who once fought beside her.

Rosalita’s past returns when Blake, her former companion, steps from the forest to face her and her goblins. Suspicion turns to uneasy conversation as old wounds resurface — betrayal, ambition, and the nobles who wanted her dead. Over a tense meal in the cave, they uncover what became of their former allies and the truth about Grace’s new life among the nobility. Rosalita must now decide whether to trust Blake’s offer of help, or prepare for the vengeance she knows is coming.

Rosalita tries to keep order in the growing hoard while Gwen takes a short trip with Blake. When they return—with Gwen cheerful and Blake irritated—Rosalita learns the sheriff recognized them, hinting at danger ahead. Deciding Gwen should remain behind, she and Blake travel to Barnett, a city of smoke, lanterns, and vice. At the mayor’s grand tavern, they meet Cameron, a charming but dangerous figure who immediately sees through Rosalita’s disguise. To uncover who wants her dead, Rosalita must accept his terms—protecting a mysterious shipment and promising help against his rivals. A new web of obligations begins to form, and survival now has a price.

Rosalita wakes after an unexpected night of drinking with Blake, sharing an honest moment before he departs on his own journey. Determined to begin her covert task, she secures a wagon from a friendly farmer and returns to gather her goblins. With Gwen beside her and their cloaked escort hidden in the wagon, she sets out toward the rendezvous point, unaware of the challenges waiting ahead.

Rosalita begins shaping her ragtag goblin band into something more than brawlers. Over a shared meal, she lays out her vision—spears, shields, and the discipline to fight together. But her plans demand supplies. With Gwen at her side, she heads south toward Harbern to buy what they need, leaving Greg and the others in charge. It’s a small step, yet one that could decide whether her horde survives or collapses.

Rosalita and Gwen reach the small city of Harbern under assumed identities, posing as an orphanage mistress and her ward. Their errands—selling horses, buying supplies, and securing weapons—force them into crowded markets and strained bargains. Gwen delights in a new dress, but danger quickly reminds them both of the risks of standing out. When a group of young thugs corner Gwen, Rosalita’s quick defense—and the intervention of a smith—keeps matters from escalating. Yet the exchange leaves Rosalita sharper, Gwen sobered, and the lesson clear: survival in a city demands wit as much as strength.

Rosalita and Gwen find respite at the Twin Arrow tavern, where meals, books, and a budding friendship offer rare moments of normalcy. Gwen takes her first steps toward reading, while her heart drifts toward Tum, the blacksmith’s earnest apprentice. But peace never lasts long—when old trouble staggers through the tavern door, a fight erupts, forcing Rosalita to reveal more of her power than she intended.

After an evening that ended in a bruising tavern scuffle, Rosalita and her small charge leave the Twin Arrow with more than a headache — they carry a reputation. Rumors of magic and a broken arm follow them down the road, forcing Rosalita into a terse bargain with Sheriff Hargerd. Morning brings work at the forge and awkward new attachments: Tum’s pride and Gwen’s worry. By day’s end Rosalita has organized defenses and set the goblin camp to productive use, but the quiet road and the sheriff’s fine make clear that strength invites questions—and cost.