It became clear in the next few days that the force that was split off was going to be scattering. There was no longer much of an organized unit but a mess of people trying to find disguises to run away.

They were outmatched and surrounded. Their national plan had failed spectacularly with the involvement of Rosie.

That still left the core of the shadow clan territory. But with taking out the one force it allowed them to redouble their efforts on the main front.

The resulting war ended up being a boon for Wellspring having been able to take over a large section of the continent, including a port, though it wasn't the largest. Kurt's influence was expanding.

Kurt still had to figure out what was going to end up happening in Hamlet on top of that. Midas was still not showing interest in changing their position.

It seemed likely Midas was supplying the shadow clan and there wasn't much they could do about it without engaging them. They had seemed too offended by Kurt's first strike at Helmsbrig.

The reality was most of the same people were running things, with the goblin's help.

The real solution was to destroy the shadow clan or contain it to a small area that they could.

The problem was as they went deeper the more entrenched their forces were. They had wyverns. There was also the small concern that the pantheon would eventually attack them in Terra as well.

It was still a bit of a secret, but there was no way to keep it for very long. Some of the gods would notice soon, Horus's Angels, Kurt was told, would be greatly weakened.

As he was having a war meeting with Talia, his small council, and a few Valentine officials. Mistress Lilly had decided to allow herself in.

Though they had seen goblins before, Hank, Tom and Joe were there, the massive difference between males and females did cause many of them to make some odd faces.

"Mistress Lilly," said Kurt, "is there something wrong, we are currently in the middle.."

"I know what you are doing. I wish to attend."

Kurt had started to realize that for Mistress Lilly interrupting was basically all she did. Her guards were always around; she may have never had an interaction where it wasn't interrupting in her life outside the brood.

Mother Carla had always kept her influence more background with the goblins themselves, or in a formal declaration, like at the emergence she introduced Mistress Lilly at. Never attending regular meetings herself, though her wishes would be known.

Lilly had waved off her guard, after a few protests, but she reminded them who was also in the room. She could never actually dismiss her guards, she would always be guarded for the rest of her life, especially outside. She gave a relieved face after they had left, meaning basically sitting out in the hall waiting for her.

Claiming a seat next to Kurt, Tom had given up his seat, she sat down, "You may continue."

"Umm," said Fredrick, "is this…

"You are welcome to join us," said Kurt. Making a face towards Fredrick and Valentine. He didn't have much choice; they wanted her on their side. And if she demanded being more involved than Carla was, it would be something they would have to allow. "If you allow me to forgo all the normal formal introductions, and get back to the matter at hand."

Lilly nodded back, and so did the rest of the table. "I have been informed somewhat of the situation, don't let me stop you."

They nervously continued their meeting. Planning on where to go next. Coming up with a few possibilities. Though everyone seemed to have an option they preferred, it was just that there were several options so there was no consensus.

"Which option is safest?" asked Lilly.

"Are you that concerned with everyone's safety? The safest route is sometimes the folly. You take too little because it is safe and you miss big movements being made against you. The key is being bold, but prepared. And taking advantage at the right time." said Fredrick. "If they know we won't take risks, they will."

"Is it less of my concern, than of my guards?"

"Why would your guards be concerned?" said Kurt. Mistress Lilly's personal guards wouldn't be anywhere but by her side after all, or as currently waiting outside in the hallway nearby.

"I wish to witness the glory myself, of course," said Mistress Lilly.

"No, absolutely not," Hank shouted immediately, "I can not allow that. It's too dangerous."

Kurt was very surprised he had never seen a male goblin counteract a female's wish or talk back to one at all. The Mother Goblin was considered the ruler of the horde.

But at least it proved that she couldn't actually do anything she wanted, or else Hank wouldn't have said anything. Mother Carla had said things like that before but he's never seen her test it, she knew how far she could push.

"Hank," said Lilly, "it is not uncommon for a Mother to be on the battlefield. Can I not see my kind in their glory?"

"That's not the point," said Hank, "there is no need for it. Yes when goblins Hordes are nomadic the mother moves with them, and some will be more active in battle plans than others. Like you are now. But we don't have to do that here, our situation is much different. You are not a Mother, Mistress."

"Hank," said Joe, "this isn't your decision to make." Tom nodded with Joe.

"Ohh It will be," said Hank. "And what do you know about this?"

"That's not fair, we all have different roles. Just because…," said Joe.

"My point exactly, and hers is not fighting and possibly getting hurt."

"I think we can arrange it," said Kurt.

"You don't know about this Kurt," said Hank. "A Mother Goblin's survival is…"

"I'm not done," said Kurt, cutting Hank off. "There would be restrictions."

"Such as?" said Mistress Lilly.

"You will have to convince Harvey and Barney to accompany you with them as part of your guard. With Barney being able to bring you back quickly in the worst case. And Harvey is able to carry and protect you better than any single goblin or mount. I think most of Hank's valid concerns can be alleviated."

"I accept these conditions," said Lilly. "I will speak to them." Mistress Lilly smiled, Kurt thought she was happy to get maybe another chance to ride Harvey, especially into battle. And those two especially would be easy to convince.

"I'm joining your guard for it," said Hank. "And Barney will send you away on my command."

"Why would I object to that? You don't have to worry so much," said Mistress Lilly.

"I will be talking to Mother Carla and Queen Layla about this. And if either says no." Hank had never threatened to go above Kurt's head to Layla for anything.

Mistress Lilly gave Hank an annoyed glance. "Be sure you tell her of Lord Kurt's conditions when you do."

Hank gritted his teeth, "Yes, Mistress." It was clear Hank did not like the idea at all, and was planning on fighting it. Kurt got the impression Lilly had just ordered Hank.

"I'm sure everything will be worked out," said Talia, "but we should get back to figuring out our next move."

"Yes and if it is too dangerous, I won't allow it," said Kurt looking at Hank. "But I think we can find something for Lilly to attend," Kurt looked back at Lilly. "It might not be our next move. I don't think we should limit our plans based on your interest. But we'll find something timely. So can we table this for discussion now. I think we've wasted enough of our allies' time with our internal bickering."

"Yes, Lord Kurt," said Mistress Lilly, "I apologize for the interruption. This is something we can discuss in detail later, more privately." Lilly gave Hank a stare.

He should have expected this, goblins and their glory. Why wouldn't that affect Lilly?

They continued their discussion and had made a plan on where to move next. It could potentially be something Lilly could come to. But they would need to do a bit more reconnaissance to make sure nothing was waiting for them. It was a small fort, but it could disrupt some supply lines.

Kurt had to take a few minutes after Mistress Lilly left to explain her presence. The alliance was a bit worried about it.

But Kurt had seen a greedy eye or two after explaining. It was likely that Valentine and some of the alliance would be making their own offers to Mistress Lilly. And it was unlikely he could stop them from making it. The choice was to be hers.

To them, having a goblin mother of their own was an opportunity they couldn't pass up.

She would be getting a much warmer reception from the table the next time. That was for sure.

Kurt thought they were underestimating her a little. He had some feeling that if she wanted some of their territories, she would just take it herself. And Kurt wondered if he could really stop her.

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