Elven Rebirth

Chapter 9. Training Begins

Eryndor knew that transforming the goblins into a cohesive fighting force required structured training. He drafted two comprehensive schedules: one for the enlisted goblins and another for the children.

Enlisted Goblin Training Schedule.

Phase 1. Basic Training Weeks 1-4.

Physical Conditioning. Morning runs, 5 miles. Strength training, rock lifting, bodyweight exercises. Agility drills, obstacle courses.

Combat Fundamentals. Sword and spear techniques. Shield wall formation. Basic tactics flanking, pincer movements.

Discipline and Teamwork. Drill exercises. Unit coordination. Leadership rotation.

Phase 2. Advanced Training Weeks 5-8.

Combat Scenarios. Simulated battles. Ambush drills. Defensive strategies.

Specialized Skills. Archery. Stealth and reconnaissance. Basic first aid.

Unit Cohesion. Team-building exercises. Inter-unit competitions. Morale-boosting activities.

Phase 3. Tactical Training Weeks 9-12.

Strategic Planning. Map reading. Battle planning. Adaptability exercises.

Advanced Tactics. Pincer movements. Encirclement strategies. Feigned retreats

Leadership Development. Officer training. Decision-making exercises. Communication drills.

Children's Training Schedule.

Phase 1. Foundation Weeks 1-4

Physical Development. Play-based exercise, tag, hide-and-seek. Basic athletic skills, running, jumping. Coordination games, obstacle courses.

Basic Skills. Sword and spear introduction. Shield basics. Teamwork exercises.

Discipline and Focus. Simple drills. Attention and listening exercises. Reward system for good behavior.

Phase 2: Building Skills. Weeks 5-8.

Combat Fundamentals. Basic sword and spear techniques. Shield wall formation. Simple tactics

Agility and Endurance. Increased physical activity. Scavenger hunts. Nature survival skills. Teamwork and Communication. Group projects. Storytelling and listening. Basic signaling techniques

Phase 3. Advanced Training Weeks 9-12.

Advanced Combat. Complex sword and spear techniques. Shield wall variations. Adaptive tactics

Leadership and Problem-Solving. Simple puzzles. Group challenges. Basic strategy games

Preparation for Enlistment. Introduction to enlisted training. Mentorship programs. Preparing for advanced training

Eryndor reviewed the schedules, satisfied with the comprehensive plans. He knew that executing these training programs would transform the goblins into a formidable force.

Grimp approached, curious about the schedules. Eryndor explained the plans, and Grimp nodded enthusiastically.

"Chief, this will make us strong. We'll defend our clan and village."

Eryndor smiled. "We'll make our clan proud, Grimp. Let's begin training."

As Eryndor finalized the training schedules, a group of older goblins approached him. Their weathered faces and worn bodies testified to years of hardship.

"Chief Eryndor," one of them said, "we may not be fit for battle, but we can still contribute. We'll provide food for our kin through hunting."

Eryndor's eyes warmed with gratitude. "Thank you, honored elders. Your contribution is vital. Our warriors need nourishment to train effectively."

The older goblin nodded. "We'll ensure the clan's bellies are full. What precautions should we take, Chief?"

"Be cautious when hunting," Eryndor advised. "If you encounter prey too large or dangerous, don't hesitate to retreat. Our scouts can provide guidance on safe hunting grounds."

The elder goblin nodded, his eyes twinkling. "We'll bring back the best meat for our kin. And if we find anything... unusual, we'll report back to you."

Eryndor smiled. "I trust your judgment, elders. Your experience will keep our clan fed and safe."

With renewed purpose, the older goblins set out to hunt, their worn bodies carrying a sense of pride.

Meanwhile, Eryndor turned his attention to the training grounds, where Grimp was organizing the enlisted goblins.

"Today, we begin our journey to become the Legion," Eryndor declared, his voice echoing across the grounds.

The goblins stood tall, ready to embark on their transformation.

As the sun approached its peak, a commotion broke out at the village entrance. An older goblin, out of breath and sweating, stumbled toward Eryndor.

"Chief! Chief Eryndor!" he exclaimed, gasping for air.

Eryndor rushed to his side, concern etched on his face. "What happened, Thorik? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Thorik swallowed hard, his chest heaving. "Humans, Chief. We found humans near the orc battle site. Two females and one male. They... two of our hunters fell by their blade, but we managed to capture them."

Eryndor's eyes widened in surprise. Humans? So close to their village? He quickly composed himself.

"Summon Grimp," he ordered a nearby goblin.

Grimp arrived, bowing slightly. "Chief?"

"Thorik here has captured humans. Follow him and bring them to me," Eryndor instructed.

Grimp nodded, his expression serious. "I'll ensure their safe transport, Chief."

With a bow, Grimp followed Thorik out of the village.

Eryndor's mind whirled with questions. What were humans doing so close to their territory? Were they scouts, or merely lost travelers? He needed to interrogate them to understand the potential threat.

As he awaited Grimp's return, Eryndor's thoughts turned to strategy. If humans were encroaching on their lands, the clan's safety was at risk. He must be prepared to defend his people.

Minutes passed, and the sound of approaching footsteps echoed through the village. Grimp returned, escorting three humans – two women and one man – bound and guarded by several goblins.

Eryndor's gaze locked onto the humans, his expression stern. "Bring them forward."

The youngest female could not hold a steady gaze at Eryndor.

"A dark elf." She muttered to herself but Eryndor heard it.

Eryndor stepped forward, inspecting the humans. The youngest, likely 18, wore exquisite jewelry and a silk gown, indicating royalty. The second female, around 24, donned silver steel armor with a red dragon insignia – a Knight. The male wore chainmail armor.

"Introduce yourselves," Eryndor commanded.

The older female Knight straightened, her eyes flashing defiance. "We'll only speak to the goblin chief. A dark elf like you is beneath our notice."

Eryndor smiled, amused. He squatted beside the Knight, his voice low.

"I am... the goblin chief."

The Knight's eyes widened, her expression faltering.

"Eryndor, Chief of the Gobrou clan and commander the Legion," he continued. "And you are?"

The young royal's eyes darted between Eryndor and the Knight, alarm written on her face.

"I.. I am Princess Isabella," she stammered.

The Knight remained silent, her jaw clenched.

Eryndor's gaze lingered on the Knight. "And you, Knight?"

The male, breaking the silence, spoke up. "I'm Sir Edward, her protector."

Eryndor nodded. "Sir Edward. Princess Isabella. Knight...?"

The Knight's resolve crumbled. "Lady Commander Adara."

Eryndor's smile broadened. "Welcome, Princess, Sir Edward, and Lady Commander Adara. You'll find our hospitality... unique."

Eryndor beckoned Grimp, who approached with a bow.

"Take our guests to an empty hut," Eryndor instructed. "I'll attend to them later."

Grimp nodded, his eyes flicking to the humans. "As you command, Chief."

Eryndor turned to the trio. "As much as I'd like to entertain you and address your crimes against my clan, I'm afraid now is not the time."

He gestured toward the training grounds, where goblins jogged, did push-ups, and clashed swords.

"As you see, we're in the midst of training. Your presence is... untimely."

Princess Isabella's eyes widened, taking in the bustling training grounds. Lady Commander Adara's expression darkened, while Sir Edward's gaze lingered on the goblin warriors.

Grimp stepped forward, gesturing for the humans to follow. "This way, please."

The trio hesitated, then complied, flanked by Grimp and several goblin guards.

As they disappeared into the village, Eryndor's attention returned to the training grounds. He watched, satisfied, as his warriors honed their skills.

The sound of clashing steel and shouts of exertion filled the air, a symphony of strength and determination.

Eryndor's thoughts, however, remained with the humans. What brought them to his lands? What secrets did they hide? He would uncover the truth soon enough.