80 Red Rain (1/2)
Shuja helped everyone get in line to wait for their turn to relieve themselves. She was particularly cautious of the men who were trying to peak at the women. She made sure she stood between the line and nipped out any dissidents.
It wasn't long before the men started to holler at the women. One of them that finished tried to scale up a large boulder that overlooked the crevice. Shuja spotted the little pervert and jumped after him. She grabbed him by the neck and planned to make an example of him in front of the other men.
Sun was listening to May's story, but the commotion caught his attention. ”Oh, sorry, but it looks like I have to give Shuja a hand. Or rather stop her hand from hitting that kid.”
Sun got up and ran towards the crowd. May watch Sun intervene, saving the goblin from Shuja, but he also scolded the goblin, warning him to control himself or face the consequences. Or rather, face the Shuja's wrath. Shuja was annoyed that Sun stepped in for the goblin. Showing generosity from time to time is fine, but if he lets the men act like uncontrollable animals, then it could lead to more trouble. Men from their tribe are the complete opposite of their rival tribe, Razin. They lack the discipline to control themselves while being greedy and controlling. Sun needs to flex his dominance over the tribe if he wants to make sure the men stay in line.
But Shuja knows Sun isn't that type of goblin. He is too kind. Most goblins would have taken the opportunity to abuse their power, but he didn't. This gave Shuja mixed feelings. She liked the kindness part of Sun, but she also wished he was harsher because his kindness could be the end of him. And she doesn't know what she'll do if Sun disappears from her life.
Sun was aware of this problem. He knew that social inequality existed in the tribe, but he wasn't sure how to fix the problem. He could increase his influence over their life just as he did before, but he had to so they could prepare for the impending troll attack and the harsh winter. Without a boogeyman to force the tribe to follow him to survive, then they will see Sun's actions as tyranny just as Tama saw Cala's rule to be unfair.
But he could improve their quality of life. Sun just needs to figure out how before he could begin to reform. For now, Sun is only focused on one thing, and that is to exit the cave and arrive at their final destination. There he will begin his plan to take over their rival tribe.
Mary watched the two bicker at one another after leaving the goblins waiting in line. Shuja bonked Sun's head while talking to him so casually. May was envious of Shuja's position. Not only can she spend most of her time with Sun, but she has near equal standing with Sun. And there was also the fact she was not a full woman. Flute told her that she had no chance with any man, let alone the most powerful man. She could not give anything to Sun; she could only take away. She is just like winter, cold and barren without anything to give to the goblins besides hardship. May raised her legs and buried her face on her knees. She wants to have the chance, but she can't.
Cast noticed the young lady trying to hide her sorrow. And he knew the source of her anguish. Sun and Shuja were talking to each other like friends would. But an aura of uneasiness leaked from them. As if there was more between them. Cast understood May, but she needs to accept reality. She is but a meager goblin without the ability to give life, while Shuja is a strong, well-endowed conqueror. May can't hope to win.
While the legions were busy, some of the goblins that finished walked towards the edge of the light. They stared at the empty void with anxiety and frustration. They regret leaving their tribe and entering the cave, but they also want to get to their new home as quickly as possible, even if it means spilling the blood of their enemies.
Looking through the darkness, the goblins saw red light glowing beyond the black. Out of curiosity, one of the youngest goblins stepped outside the light and approached towards the red light as slow as possible. Suddenly, the light multiplied surrounding the goblin, who peed his pants from fear. But they had no interest in the child. Beyond the border of the light, they saw three light shining brighter than the large glowing mushroom sheltering them from the surrounding darkness.
Without hesitation, they leaped forward, flying towards their targets. The goblins saw the red light appear before them, and the mushroom's gentle light revealed their hideous body. The perytons have arrived, and they are seeking to satiate their hunger.
The legions quickly mobilized surrounding the goblins and protecting them with their shield. Shuja and Sun charged at the beasts and pulled those too far from the legions towards safety. Luckily for them, they had no reason to worry about the other goblins, because the two of them are the main course meal for the perytons.
A peryton charged towards Shuja, but she took her club and smashed the perytons' skull inward. She continued to swing her club, killing each peryton with one swift blow to the head. But they were beginning to swarm her in all directions. One of them snuck behind and jabbed its long antlers through her hind legs.