The goblins did
not expect to face this much resistance inside the tower.
Captain Snahl was the first to realize they may not have been facing Imperial soldiers. ["Retreat! Turtle formation on the double!"] he barked. The goblins leaped back toward their healer and formed a shield box around him. But that one archer's bolts still hit true, and pierced several of their number through the small gaps in the formation. And if that swordsman could cut through steel like he did to that one goblin... ["Shit shit shit! Rogit, mana barrier NOW!"]
Rogit whispered a chant into his staff, and a shimmering golden mana barrier appeared around the formation.
It won't stop his sword forever, or that wizard, but it should buy us a moment. ["Her Majesty ordered us to live, and that's what we're gonna do! Repeaters out, backstep!"]
The goblins sheathed their swords and broke into two groups. One group laid down covering fire with their repeating crossbows while the other moved toward the exit.