Talia, Kurt, Jacob, Warlord Travis, High Shaman Simon, Layla, Fredrick, and the elf Peter had all come as the command for the forces of Goblins, Elves, and humans. There were many horses, rams, and a few barbariapes. Joe was on a Rider Hawk. And of course Harvey.

The trip would be a bit long, but the way back could be made through the gates and back to Layla's well. The problem was getting there now that they didn't know where Bright Flame's Castle Gate led to.

All of the goblins had gotten bigger almost the size of Travis, Thomas, and Simon. But those three themselves also gained a larger frame than that. Carla had taken up a guardianship and some of their powers dealt with the broods she had and empowered them. And it was fully seen now that Carl's connection to her brood was slow and long.

Kurt had never left the area around the pillar at least beyond a half day's trip. He realized the effects of the well's growth on the surrounding area were further and also multiplied other growth.

They would make a path with Harvey in front and some of the barbariapes to clean up. It still wasn't straight. But Layla and Travis knew the way, having gone there before. But they certainly didn't make as big a move. Travis told them in the end they would have to start moving smaller groups to not cause such noise on the final approach.

The Valentine clan had a simple goal: kill every shadow clan member they could find. They just attacked their homeland. There was a price to be paid in blood, the entire Gateway Keep had been slaughtered. Layla simply wanted the time to talk and reduce the fae there. And Darien hoped to find the sorcerer and it was their best bet in doing all three.

The goblins and the rest of the men just wanted glory.

Maliki had come with them after learning the path. There was a place he wanted to go on the way. And would make the time himself he said once they were close.

Jacob was really the outlier there. To Kurt, he had no reason to want to be here.

Although, the saddle he made for Harvey was something else actually. Since Harvey was wide enough it could actually seat four people, two by two. It didn't have much in the way of reigns though. Harvey was intelligent enough not to need them and on which head would you put it?

It was strange though the other head was the one that made a twist, and looped back, to get next to Kurt and talk to him. If he needed to be quiet.

Talia, Kurt, Jacob, and Fredrick took up the seats. Since Layla could essentially fly, more of a hover, she actually didn't need a mount at all.

They traveled for the first day. And the terrain

They had set up camp, and the goatmen had made sure it was shadow-resistant. Jacob was seeing up a saddle that had started to rip.

"So you really love that stuff?" Said Kurt, Talia at his side watching the fire ember.

"Well, I figure everything has its good and bad parts. Just something about making something with your hands and seeing it used. I don't know man."

"It's just not how I pictured you."

"I've been thinking about that a lot," said Jacob, "This isn't how I pictured you."

"Yeah…"

"No. No. It's good. It's just. I really have just been coasting on my family haven't I?"

Kurt gave a cheeky smile to Jacob.

"I'll take that as a yes."

"Dude, when it was, you know that time. I couldn't have asked for a better friend."

"Yeah," Talia said, "growing up sucks." They all laughed.

Kurt tugged Talia a little closer and they faced each other, "It's not all bad though."

"Okay guys," said Jacob, "but, the reality is. I was scared. Even going up against some of the goblins here. I can fight but I'm never going to be running into battle. I can see that now. Against some of the other recruits even. I don't have their eyes. At least I hope not."

"Trust me," said Talia, "I've been scared in battle. Only an idiot isn't." Giving Kurt a knock.

"I dunno they just won't stop," said Kurt. "Am I supposed to let things kill me? I'm not part of the party trying to kill their enemies here."

"Are you sure?" said Talia.

Jacob picked up the saddle trying to find the light from the fire to hit so he could inspect his work. And seemed pleased with it. And set it down.

"But I don't want to be useless," said Jacob. "I might not swing sharp blades, but I can make them really damn sharp now for others."

"What about a sling?" said Talia.

"A sling?"

"I use it."

"She makes small rocks into boulders," said Kurt, "I feel that should be mentioned."

"No still," said Talia. "The sling is super useful and something anyone can keep in their pocket. Sure Jacob can't make the rocks…but," Talia bent a little over and picked up a rock from the ground, "not exactly hard to find. And well-placed sling rock is moving really fast with the right aim and they're dead, no magic at all. Less in your face and last resort, throw and run, unless you're me and have the earth abilities."

"Actually," said Jacob. "That gives me an idea. I could make a sling for you, my lady."

"I meant for yourself," said Talia. "Well-maintained equipment is a sign of a well-maintained fighting force as well. There is no shame in the logistics. It's what most nobles really do."

"Sling is really just some rope and a patch," said Jacob, "you're missing the spellwork."

"I thought you couldn't."

Jacob showed his arm and there was the mark from the Kitsune but there were more rungs. "It's not the same as the elvish, some of what I do is weird to them but a lot of principles are the same. But this has been helping. A sling is so simple…start just speed."

"Aim," said Taila. "You underestimate how fast a basic sling throw can go. I swear to you. I will show you." Talia picked up a rock from the ground and a sling fell. She placed the rock in its pouch. And made a quick three arches and the stone had hit a tree. Hard. Piercing it. She came back and sat down.

"Damn," said Jacob, "just…like…that."

"Yes but as you can see I had to move away from you all. Formations won't hold against a charge with just slings and arrows. It's not as hard as it looks. And once you get it all you do is go faster and faster."

"And you…"

"I can reload the pouch mid swing. And the boulder growth thing. Also a scatter shot. Those handle most issues."

"Ohh shit."

Talia smiled and nodded at him. "It's easy to learn and it's as hard and fast as you make it. I would think," Talia turned her head a bit, "Someone with your build would be able to get that speed fairly easily. A day or two with some guidance on some forms."

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