Night Reconnaissance of the Furbolg Colony (1)

After showing his disdain for the Furbolgs, Andy ran over to Hawkins, looking at the elves lying scattered across the ground. Some were covered in blood and motionless, while others writhed in agony within pools of gore. Hawkins was kneeling beside the middle-aged driver, gripping his hand tightly with tears welling in his eyes.

"Rad, my brother!" Hawkins choked out, "I never should have let you take this trip!"

"Cough, cough! Don't talk like that between brothers," Rad said weakly. "It's just... I can't stop worrying about my daughter!"

"Don't you worry, I will take good care of her!" Hawkins declared with ironclad resolve.

Andy sighed; this middle-aged man named Rad was clearly beyond saving, his chest caved in significantly. Rad's gaze began to lose focus, yet a faint smile still lingered on his face.

Andy patted Hawkins on the shoulder and walked toward the other elves. Most of those who lay still were already dead, so Andy helped those still capable of movement to comfort the wounded and bandage their injuries.

"Little brother, you saved us, and I don't even know your name yet," Hawkins said, watching Andy as he worked while crouched on the ground.

"Don't mention it," Andy said, looking up at Hawkins. "You should hurry and gather your people. Those who can walk should take those who can't and leave this place immediately. If you stay too long, I fear those monsters will return for revenge."

Hawkins wiped the tears from his eyes, nodded hurriedly, and went to call the others. Hawkins didn't actually know if these Furbolgs would seek revenge; to be precise, he had never seen them actively attack elves before. While directing the remaining few to load the corpses onto the rear wagons and the wounded onto the front ones, Hawkins set off toward Darnassus City. This had been a devastating blow to Hawkins; the elders who followed him were either dead or injured, and it seemed his caravan would have to rest for a long time.

Andy walked at the rear of the caravan with his bow on his back, keeping a vigilant watch on the surroundings.

They hadn't traveled long before Hilar arrived with the city guards, meeting the returning caravan. Seeing that Andy was unharmed, a weight lifted from his heart. "Andy, I'm glad you're okay!" Hilar said with concern.

"Of course I'm okay. They were just a few measly Furbolgs!" Andy wiped his nose and chuckled.

"Hmph, keep bragging. It's a miracle you managed to handle them with your limited skills," Hilar retorted.

"So the little brother's name is Andy." Now that the caravan was under guard, Hawkins was finally able to catch his breath. "Great kindness requires no thanks. If Brother Andy ever finds himself in trouble, just come find me, Hawkins."

Andy smiled, signaling that it was nothing, though he thought otherwise: If you can even survive when the Orc army arrives, then we can talk about favors.

Darnassus City, Temple of Elune.

"That is how it happened. Although those Furbolgs cannot communicate, they have always lived in peace with the elves. Who would have thought this time... sigh!" Hawkins slapped his thigh hard as he spoke.

"Leave the rest to us. Boss Hawkins should go back and get some rest, and comfort your injured members," Tyrande said softly. "I will send a priest to help treat the wounded and pray for the departed."

Hawkins hurriedly performed a deep, fearful bow: "Thank you, High Priest, for everything you have done for us. On behalf of my subordinates, I thank you a thousand times!"

Tyrande smiled, signaling that Hawkins could leave. Hawkins bowed once more and backed out of the Temple of Elune with his head lowered.

"This is highly abnormal!" Tyrande frowned once Hawkins had left. "The Furbolg tribes have never actively attacked elves. They rely on the elves for survival. What could have made them act so strangely?"

"Have the Furbolgs always lived near Darnassus?" Andy asked.

"They live in Starwind Village at the end of the road outside the city, and that is the only Furbolg tribe in the area!" Tyrande replied.

"It is indeed strange; once those Furbolgs lost their leader, they all scattered," Andy said. "If they were truly intent on attacking us, they should have fought to the death. Besides, I was the only one capable of fighting at the time. They had the absolute advantage; there was no reason for them to run."

"Are you saying they fled?" Tyrande asked.

"Yes, fled. Once the Furbolg that let out that roar died, the rest all ran into the woods," Andy said.

"We must investigate, but I have no one available to send right now. It seems I must wait for Malfurion to return," Tyrande sighed. Ever since Andy had revealed that earth-shattering news, Tyrande had tightened the defenses of Darnassus, leaving no one free to leave the city for errands.

"We can't wait for him to return, or who knows how many more will suffer. If you trust me, let me go!" Andy said.

"No, that is too dangerous!" Tyrande disagreed; she could not let a sixteen-year-old child take such a risk.

"It's fine, if it gets too bad, I'll just come back. Besides, I have Hilar with me. If we encounter danger, can't we at least run away?" Andy laughed.

Seeing his firm resolve and unable to find a better solution, Tyrande nodded slightly and said, "Very well, but prioritize your safety. Hilar, take good care of him. When do you plan to leave?"

"No time like the present, we'll go now," Andy said with a playful wink. "The dark of night is perfect for getting things done!"

"Good!" Tyrande stepped down from the dais, chanted something in unison, and then opened her hands. A faint, milky-white light enveloped Andy for a full ten seconds. "I grant you a blessing to aid you."

Andy moved his limbs and felt as if his body had become much lighter. Hilar slapped him on the back and said, "You lucky brat, the High Priest blessed you personally. Aren't you going to get moving?"

Andy nodded, bid farewell to Tyrande, and set off toward Starwind Village outside the city as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Outside Starwind Village, there was absolute silence. Andy and Hilar waited until the sky was completely dark before daring to approach the small Furbolg village. Inside, clusters of campfires were scattered everywhere, and there were even sentry posts along the only road in the village.

"Is this normal?" Andy asked, pointing at the sentry posts.

"Not really!" Hilar shook his head. "The Furbolgs are just a loose tribe; they have never had sentry posts before."

Andy frowned, deep in thought. Based on the current situation, it seemed the Furbolgs had developed a unified leadership and were now consciously defending their village.

"Looks like I'll have to find a Furbolg and ask," Andy muttered.

"You're joking, right?" Hilar looked at Andy strangely. "These Furbolgs cannot communicate!"

"Just leave that to me and wait and see!" Andy seemed to have everything under control.