Wow, 14 pages already?

I'm amazed at the level of elf-hate here. That hobbo had to die, bottom line. Don't forget that they're vastly outnumbered in hostile territory, so anyone saying "the goblins take prisoners but the elves don't?" is forgetting that it's far easier to be merciful from a position of strength. They couldn't keep the hobgoblin a prisoner.

1. He couldn't have been tied up and left behind. What if he happened to have heard one of the elves making mention of where their hideout is? Or some other similar important information?

2. He couldn't have been taken with them. There's a fair chance of escape enroute, with the confusion of having to lead so many former prisoners, and being a small force, they can ill afford to waste resources having to keep a prisoner under guard. Plus the ever present chance of escape.

The method was perhaps harsh, but it was very much necessary.