Chapter 4: A Goblin’s Advice (Part 1)

  Stryg woke up with aches ranging all over his body. Gathi had not held back. He thought he had a chance of beating her.

  No, he shook his head. He definitely could have beaten her, had someone not pushed him from the crowd. That one moment had cost him everything. He groaned in pain as he rolled out of his straw mat. Stryg took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves.

  Everything had gone horribly wrong last night. He had lost his first night challenge, been beaten up, shamed in front of the whole tribe, and worst of all, he had cried in front of everyone. Crying was the sign of the weak. And now everyone knew just how weak he was.

  Stryg forced his injured body to stand. There was still hope. He was still alive and the mother moon herself had chosen him; given him a chance to redeem himself. He may not be strong, but he was special. Maybe not as special as the shaman Crovor, but Stryg too had been chosen by the mother moon.

  This was his chance. He could finally become strong. This wasn’t the time to wallow in self pity. He had gone down that path before, and there was nothing for him there. Only the truly fragile would cry themselves to sleep. And he wasn’t ready to accept such a fate just yet. Today would be the beginning of his change. He picked up his spear and walked out of the tent.

  Several goblins were already waiting in the front of the village. Crovor was speaking with the chief and First Mother. Bril was already there, but she was standing behind some other goblins, keeping her distance from Crovor. As Stryg drew close, other goblins noticed him, and turned away, going so far as walking a dozen feet from him.

  Stryg sighed, it was expected, he admitted grudgingly.

  Ostroz, a young goblin a few months older than Stryg didn’t shy away, in fact, he greeted him, “Hello, Stryg. How are the injuries?”

  Stryg was surprised, he hadn’t thought anyone would talk to him. He knew Ostroz was a bit shorter than the other male goblins, but he had still managed to become a decent fighter and hunter.

  “I-I’m fine,” Stryg spoke with caution.

  Ostroz smiled, “I’m glad. I was worried you wouldn’t be able to travel.”

  Stryg clenched his teeth, little fangs appearing above his lip, “I’m not as frail as you think.”

  Ostroz gave him a quizzical look and laughed, “I don’t think you’re frail at all. Here’s your travel sack by the way, some of the cooks got them ready for the group.”

  He handed him the sack and walked away.

  Stryg was unsure what to make of him. Goblins weren’t just kind to each other. They only respected the powerful and Stryg hadn’t made a great showing of that trait.

  A few minutes later, the group was ready to leave.

  “Crovor, may the moon bless you on your journey,” the chief said solemnly.

  Crovor nodded, “Thank you and may the stars light your path.”

  He was ready to leave already, and be out of the prying eyes of the chief and First Mother.

  “Be sure to tell me of everything you see during your travels. Do I make myself clear, Second?” First Mother said.

  “Yes, First, I promise you I will,” Second Mother bowed.

  The chief cleared his voice, “Oh, and Second, I am well aware that some goblins may try to take advantage of the fact that First and I won’t be joining the quest. If you see any goblin try such a thing be sure to let them know that I will personally punish them on their return. Also, remember to inform everyone that there will be no infighting of any sort while on this journey."

  “Gladly,” Second Mother nodded with a smile.

  Crovor cursed under his breath. Those three had it out for him, it would be difficult doing anything drastic while their Second Mother was around. Not that it mattered if all went as planned.

  “Well, we best be off now. Let’s go everyone,” Crovor waved them onward.

  The shaman noticed Bril stayed at the back of the group as they began walking.

  Dammit, hiding won’t help you, I’ll have you soon enough, Crovor swore.

  Stryg looked at the village. He had spent his whole life here. He had only gone a few miles away to practice hunting at most. This was the first time he’d be leaving for such a long journey.

  He caught First Mother glaring at him. Stryg quickly turned around. She may hate him now, but someday, he’d come back here and they’d all stand in awe of his prowess. He would become the greatest hunter they had ever seen, he swore to himself.

  Looking at the endless grey trees before him, the sounds of creatures echoing in the distance, Stryg knew he had a long journey ahead.