You draw your Shortsword from it sheath in one fluid motion, ending with you dropped into combat stance and your blade pointed directly at the Goblin. You instinctively count the number of strides between you and the Goblin -- if the creature makes one wrong move you'll slice him in two.
The Goblin's eyes widen and, in complete panic, drops his spear. He covers his eyes with his hands and takes off squealing in the opposite direction.
That was unexpected, but you'll take it. Once you're sure the goblin is out of range you return your sword to its scabbard.
As you take a moment to process what just happened, you become acutely aware that it's going to be completely dark soon. You start moving quickly again, looking for a place to hide and rest.
Luckily you see two options. Up ahead to the left of the road stands the ruins of an old guard tower. Right of the road, across a small grassy area, appears to be a small cave in the rock wall.