"This way! Hurry! Hurry! The others are waiting!"

Sven scampered through the dense forest, beckoning to Malcolm, who was currently tangled in a groove of prickle bushes.

"I'm moving as fast as I can Toesy!" The man yelled, pulling himself free of the thorns. "Not all of us can squeeze under these wretched things!"

"Excuses, excuses." Sven mumbled, turning away.

Finally they broke through the foliage and into the Toe Goblin's camp. Just as Sven had said, the three other Toe Goblins were waiting for them.

As Malcolm emerged from the forest, the little creatures drew their knives, pointing them at the man.

"Listen up murderer!" One of them hissed. "Don't get any ideas! We will not think twice about killing you. In fact, I might even enjoy it a little!"

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The other Goblins laughed, making faces at Malcolm. Except for Sven, who simply smirked. He allowed his crew a few moments of mockery, and then gave an order.

"Prepare the ceremonial cutting of the toes!"

The goblins scampered around, and in a short while, they had constructed a crude cot, just barely big enough for Malcolm. Confused, the man lay down, then asked Sven.

"So what's all this about cutting of the toes? Is it some kind of initiation ritual? And whose toes am I cutting?"

Sven simply cackled. "You're not cutting anything, human! Bring the sacred knife!"

One of the Goblins soon walked forward, carrying a large, ornate knife. In true Toe Goblin fashion, it was fashioned like an extremely large toe, with the jagged blade making up the toenail.

Malcolm tried to sit up, but one of the Goblins jumped on his chest, while the others pinned his arms. "SVEN! What the HELL IS HAPPENING!" Malcolm screamed, fighting against the Goblins pinning him down.

Taking the knife, Sven removed Malcolm's boots, exposing the man's toes. Again, Malcolm called out to him. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING YOU LITTLE FIEND!"

"Like I said!" The Goblin cackled. "The ceremonial toe cutting!"

SLICE