Rick ended the meeting and let everyone go back to what they were doing before. He just spent the rest of the day in his tent.

Daydreaming about what his next adventure might hold in store for him.

After living a fairly normal life at least by what society thinks is normal, he was really enjoying the thrill of adventuring to somewhere new.

Needless to say, Rick didn’t plan on being one of those leaders that delegates everything to their subordinates.

Maybe he’d have to do that at some point in the future when his dreams of goblin domination and a thriving empire ruled by goblins have come to fruition, but right now it's a joy he’s grown to love.

He is going to take advantage of the fact due to the small size of his tribe that there aren’t any restrictions on how the leader is supposed to behave.

He didn’t plan on introducing anything like to the tribe either, at least for the time being.

Rick knew that as an organization grows bigger and bigger, that certain political aspects always tend to come into play. But he hoped in his heart that maybe things will be different in goblin society.

That the greed and jealousy of humankind are just foreign concepts when it comes to goblins.

But that might just be wishful thinking, he knew at some point in the future as the tribe gets bigger, that there might be a goblin who covets the position of leader and the power it holds.

Though if that actually happens, it’ll be far in the future. For now, Rick will just worry about the things he can, like going on an adventure to find more goblins, or how to get Velora to stop asking him to train.

Just simple things.

Oh, he’s also wondering as to why Jaba woke up the same time as him, even though he planned to leave long before anyone else woke up.

~~~

“So why are you up and waiting for me at the entrance of the cave Jaba?”

“I wanted to see you off on this long journey. I don’t believe the leader of the tribe should set off without anyone there to see.”

“Oh, that’s really classy of you Jaba, very noble goblin-like.”

“Thank you, but do you have any idea as to which direction you're going to go in?”

“Not yet, I’ll probably head to the lake and decide from there. By the way, I should’ve probably told you all yesterday but I’m leaving all my stuff here for you all.

It was just bones and hides from various creatures from my journey into the forest. I’m sure you all can figure out some uses for it.

Also, remember everything I told you going deep into the forest. Never go on the north side of the lake, and never get too close to the lake itself. If you stick to the east and west side of the lake you should be fine.”

“Understood, I’ll keep it in mind.”

“Alright that’s enough dilly-dallying, take care of the tribe while I’m gone.”

“Yes Sir!”

~~~

Just like that Rick left again for another adventure. Even though he’s barely been back to the tribe a day, he’s now back on the road or in this case in the forest again. And he’s already facing his first challenge once he arrived at the lake.

~~~

So where the hell should I actually go? I told Jaba I’d figure it out at the lake, but now that I’m here it’s kinda hard to actually decide where exactly I want to go.

Any thoughts on the matter Velora?

[You can always go ask the fox-like monster located on the northern side of the lake. I believe his name was Ezekiel.]

Now why in green goblin's name would I go do such a thing?

[Well one of the first things he said to you during that encounter was “Haven’t seen a goblin of your size in a long time.” This should mean he has seen other goblins before, and even one of your current evolution.]

I forgot you can remember everything. It’s because you feel like more than just a skill these days. Anyway, there's a lot that can go wrong here. Plus I’m not too comfortable with talking to someone who can kill me and wipe out the entire tribe before I can spell goblin.

[It’s either that, or you can start walking in a random direction.]

Well, when you put it like that.. I still don't want to talk to him!

What if he questions why I want to find other goblins? What if he wants to stop me from doing exactly that? What if he just kills me?!

[You won’t get anywhere asking these questions. Just make a decision and go.]

Ah, fuck it! Let's go find the damn fox!

[He’ll probably come to you once you reach the Northern side of the lake. I don’t think you’ll find him if he doesn’t want to be found.]

Fair point, anyway let's head over there.

~~~

Rick slowly and alertly made his way around the lake to the spot where he met the wolf, or at least as close to it that he can remember.

He only had to stand there and wander around aimlessly for a few minutes before a familiar fox greeted him.

~~~

“It’s only been a couple of days and you're already back. I honestly didn’t think you’d be back so soon. I even thought you’d be too scared to come back.”

Who the hell is he calling scared dammit!

[You but calm down. This is important.]

Your right, I know. I just don’t like him.

“Yeah I’m back, but I just came to ask a question. I’ll be on my way right after.”

“Hmm..Interesting. What is this question then?”

“Where can I find more goblins?”

“What an interesting question. Why do you want to find more goblins? Isn’t your tribe south of here?”

“I want to be around more of my kind.”

“Another interesting comment. I’m no fool goblin. I don’t care if you want to grow your little tribe of goblins, but I do care when someone tries to play for a fool. Be careful young goblin.

I last saw other goblins far west of the lake, they could be gone by now though so don’t get your hopes up. Goblin tribes don’t tend to last too long.”