The trio stared at me for a moment before Sazz answered first “Want lots of food, never be hungry again”. The other two nodded before Ultai piped in next “Safety, wants to play and laugh without worry.” The trio scooted together at that answer, reminding me I had just recently killed a member of their hunting party. Viess thought for a moment before looking me dead in the eye and stating matter-of-factly “Babies, lots of babies.” This set the other two giggling and left me to stare blankly at Viess.

Teaching the goblins how to herd would be an endeavor but do-able. Beefing up security and training them with the bows would definitely have a positive impact on their safety. I'm an irresponsible mess as proven by until recently I was a wizard studying aether side effects and now I'm an oversized, chargrilled, freak of a human with claws. Viess is still making direct eye contact as if to emphasize her point but Babies! I am in no way suited to be a parent. Look at me Kalder, human, wizard, goblin chief, and now father to a gaggle of pint sized, green skinned, murder machines with oversized ears. Choosing to put off that train of thought before it drove me fully into the pit of despair, I nodded at the trio and began staring at the fire as if it held the secrets to the universe.

I laid down on the newly made bedding to rest. My body was healing quickly but it had been a physically and mentally tiring day. It wasn’t long before the goblins followed my example and started to retire for the day. I swiftly learned I wouldn’t be free of my goblin blanket so easily, as Viess, Ultai, Sazz promptly decided I made for the best bed. It was still a far cry better than being buried alive under the twenty plus goblins I'd so far managed to count. Thankfully sleep came quickly and soon the cavern had quieted.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

I awoke to my left arm completely numb, my head was craned at an awkward angle underneath one of the sleeping trio, and a mild pain in my right foot. Using my free arm, I rolled what I discovered to be Ultai off my head. I could now see Viess was curled around my let arm like her life depended on it, and Sazz was laid across my legs lightly chewing my foot in her sleep.

“Let's eat” I said loud enough to make sure and wake everyone. Immediately there was a flurry of activity as everyone woke and set about their business. Ultai managed to step on my head, twice, in her hurry to go gather meat for breakfast. Sazz giggled at the tooth prints she had left in my foot before heading to stoke the fire. Viess stared at me for an uncomfortable amount of time before releasing my arm and going to gather sticks for us to cook our meat on.

The tribe at breakfast quickly, with minimal throwing of thing at each other, at least by goblin standards. We discussed some plans for the goblin's future, the tribe was going to go out and try to catch as many live rabbits as they could today so we could attempt to raise them. The trio and I would attempt to turn the make-shift palisade in front of the cave into a proper defense.

As I was lead through the tunnels again the humor wasn’t lost on me that I felt like I'd taken the first steps to being a real leader, while being completely blind and led by the hand.