Another lie, another lesson. How many times do you have to bleed, meat sack? Not that I care. I love your screams. Just remember. This is what happens when you are too weak to fight back.

I open my eyes, shouting and looking for a weapon.

“Hold him.” Snaray’s voice.

“Get off me.” I scream.

“Your stitches. Th-You are ripping them open.” Another goblin says.

“Snaray?” I gasp.

“Right here, Volter. Calm down.” He responds.

“Where am I?” I ask, looking around.

A cave. Great. Flickering torches, linen tents with wooden frames, dozens upon dozens of gray goblins moving around. Most of them looking at me.

“You are safe. In the mines. Breathe.” Snaray says.

“No. Get me out of here. I need air. Now.” I say, breathing erratically.

“You are still under watch. You need to eat befo-”

“Take me out of here. Now.” I scream, interrupting him.

The image of that red goblin cutting me is taking over my senses, making my skin itch. My right shoulder pain remains.

“Careful, then. Come on.” Snaray says, helping me up.

They put me in a thick bed, reinforced with sacks of grass. They even gave me a good enough pillow.

I notice a cover haphazardly thrown away from the bed. My guess is I have been flailing around for a while.

“When did I pass out?” I ask.

“A few hours ago. I slapped you, you did not respond. So, we just gave you a few stitches and put some of our herbs on your wounds.” Snaray says. “Our healer was more than happy to repay a debt.”

“Who is the healer?”

“I am.” The second voice says, the one that mentioned the stitches.

A gray goblin with black spots over its mostly balding head. Wrinkles cover more of its body than not. It is holding a cane and is accompanied by three other gray goblins.

“Thank you. But, where is the hobgoblin?” I ask.

“Daldrag.” The healer says.

Daldrag. The hobgoblin that wants to kill me. The same one that I want to kill. The one that almost killed Meuko.

“How long?” I sigh.

“How long what?” Snaray ask, looking away from me.

“No pretending, Snaray. How long have I been down there? How long since you gave us up to the Queen?”

With the anger surging inside me, I can barely look around me. My vision is still blurry so I can only see general shapes. We move near a small wooden bridge, which means we are in the same place the fight against the troll happened. This is the thin chasm that Meuko climbed out of.

At least I know where I am.

“Two weeks since you escaped. This the fifteenth day.” Snaray says.

I can see the Sun’s light flooding the entrance and the walls.

“You cannot go outside. They will kill you.” Snaray says.

“Daldrag did not return?” I ask.

“Not yet. The delay means you have rattled them enough, though. You might make it yet.” The healer says.

“I can barely walk. They could allow me the gift of sunlight.” I wince.

“They would not. But we will.” Snaray says.

The gray goblins communicate in private, making hand signals and shouting around. Within a few minutes, there is an armored force around me, ready with raised shields and sharpened spears.

“Wait.” A voice behind me.

The daughter.

“You still have not eaten anything, have you?” She asks.

“I need some light first.” I say. “Please.”

“Here.” She reveals a pouch. “Do both.”

“Thanks.” I immediately munch on an unfamiliar taste.

This is meat. A very oily, salty meat. I am too tired, too hurt to reject an offering of help. This is survival. I have to do what it takes. It still feels weird, though. I do not eat meat.

“Are you sure about the guards?” I ask.

“You will die without them.” Snaray says.

With every step of mine, a series of clanging and dragging sounds occur. It is almost funny. If you disregard the horrible reasons behind these synchronized movements.

The wave of sunlight hits me. A warmth I never want to forget. The trees seem vibrant, the birds feel familiar. The sounds and smells bring tears to my eyes.

I made it.

Volter. The Empty One. The kid. The nuisance.

My eyes forget the weight of exhaustion. My muscles tighten, as if they are declaring the pain as non existent. How such a basic thing of life like the Sun can fill one human with energy, I do not know.

My excitement is cut short by the dozens of snarls and shouts, as two rival forces flank us. One force is composed of black goblins and the other of purple ones.

Snaray jumps in front of me, making wild gestures. The rest of the gray goblins tighten their formation around me, ready for a fight.

“Do I get a weapon?” I ask the daughter.

“Already in your holster.” She responds.

An axe, strapped around my left leg. Of course.

“Enough.” I shout. “Speak in a way I can understand and there will be no need for this fighting to continue.”

“You are a prisoner.” A black goblin says.

“You are worse than that. A threat.” A distant voice says, snarling and threatening.

A purple hobgoblin appears from the woods. It wears baggy leather trousers. Its body is something I am jealous of. Not only big but muscular. It is as tall as Daldrag but not as heavy. I notice a strap, keeping a staff with a gem on it fixed to the hobgoblin’s back.

A yellow gem in each end of the staff tells me it is a sorcerer.

Another threat?

The two forces take a few steps back, which means that this one is an important sorcerer.

“I already told Daldrag. I am here to help the gray goblins. You need help somewhere south, right?”

“Your usefulness is being thoroughly discussed. I assure you, as soon as I know, you will too. Until then, you are not to leave the gray mines.” The purple hobgoblin says.

“I am Volter. Who are you?” I sigh.

“Zamayular. You are a peculiar human.”

“I hear that one a lot lately.” I chuckle.

“Five minutes. Then you go back inside.” Zamayular says.

The stress this conversation brings is nothing compared to the joy I feel. If only I could stay out here longer. Instead, I have to go back there. In one of the caves.

I can hear it. The sounds of the red goblin dragging its daggers in the rock. The blood. So much-

“Let us go back.” I sigh.

“Before you go.” Zamayular stops me. “The Queen just told me. You are to remain in the care of the gray goblins. If you attempt to run away, you will be cut down. You are not in any shape to help us. Change that… Become useful in some way and there will be a renegotiation. Take too long, though, and your parts will be put in an effigy to let your friends know of the consequences of fighting us.”

“So. I am going to eat something now. Have fun standing watch out here. I hope it rains.” I say.

Zamayular laughs, dismissing the two groups of goblins. I safely assume they will keep watch around this place. Not that I am planning on running away.

“I need your help, Snaray.” I say.

“Careful with this one.” The old healer says. “He will get us in trouble.”

“But you find that entertaining. Right?” I respond.

The old goblin simply chuckles, choosing not to continue the conversation.

“As long as it is not getting you out of here.” Snaray says.

“Not me. Some metal on the other hand…”

“No. No way.”

“Snaray.”

“If they find out we gave-”

“They will not. Regardless. That is for tomorrow. Today, we eat. I am free. Sort of.”

They lead me to my bed, where a bunch of kids and other inquisitive goblins jump around, getting their food ready. They bring me a large plate made of stone. It is filled with a weird yellow paste and inside it are scraps of meat.

Well. I do need to survive.

“This is… Surprisingly chewy. What animal is this?”

“Do not worry about it. Just eat.” Snaray responds.

“Tell me I am not eating a human.” I whisper at Snaray’s daughter.

“No. Deer. You are fine.” She says.

“Want to tell me why you betrayed us?” I ask.

The kids keep moving around, trying to get my attention. The adult goblins, however, are looking away, avoiding my gaze. Still, if I want them to do what I am thinking, I need to address this. Now.

“Well, Snaray?” I ask.

“Even if we owe you, you are still-”

Snaray interrupts a goblin with the move of his arm. Taking a breath, I can tell he is trying to get the confidence to speak up.

“After we helped you, the Queen’s Guard came here. In this outpost, we do not have magicians. They knew how the troll died. Such bursts of magic are picked up by the purple hobgoblins, like Zamayular. When we explained what happened, they were ready to burn this place down. In the heat of the moment, I was declared the leader of the gray goblins. They said it was because of my fearless combat skills against the troll. An attempt to make me a scapegoat.” Snaray shouts the final part of his speech, looking at the rest of the gathered goblins. “After that, the Queen decided we should not be punished. Only reminded of our goal. They took the new leader’s daughter, saying that they would give her a place in their outposts. From what she tells us… She would not have made it out of there without you.”

This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author's work.

“The same is true for me. She guided me to this place.” I say.

The daughter hugs me.

“At least this time you remembered to grab me from the left side.” I chuckle.

“We cannot help you with the ores.” Snaray says.

There is something in Snaray’s expression. I always avoid looking at goblins straight in their eyes, thinking it makes me more unpredictable, stronger. In reality, I think I am just too scared to think of their lives.

Not this time. This time I am looking straight at them.

Snaray grabs his necklace, fiddling with it. He avoids eye contact, same as when we were ambushed. He does not like what he is saying.

“I understand.” I respond. “I thought bringing the leader’s daughter back and saving her life, as well as the lives of countless of goblins that would have died against the troll would mean something. That an alliance with my Village would be possible, if the goblins were all willing. I was wrong.” I feint a speech.

That is right. I have to believe in Snaray. We do not know if there are goblins here that are more loyal to the Queen. As I understand it, Snaray’s choice to fight the troll gave him the reputation of someone who can do the impossible. Which means it should be possible to convince the goblins here that the impossible alliance between the Village and the goblins is something only Snaray can achieve.

“I think I am going to sleep. Forever.” I say, immediately dropping on my back.

The goblins keep eating and talking. Right next to me. Personal space does not mean much here, I guess. Still, the exhaustion overwhelms the shouting.

– - - - –

I open my eyes to find myself in the same place I got my powers. The Varuna, roots ever so faintly moving, stretching outwards. Clear water covering the ground all the way out to the horizon. The air is different, clean. The area is filled with light but I can see no Sun.

My shoulder hurts even here. Discomfort is an understatement.

“Where are you? I am not touching you this time, so how am I here?” My voice echoes.

As the sentence trails off my lips, I notice my quiver. The hesitation in my speech. I am either scared of this place or inexplicably fond of it, as if there is a familiarity here. I honestly cannot tell which.

“Always so impatient. Moving from one thing to the next. Witness your situation now.” Varuna says.

The Voice runs through my body like the coldest air. My eyes sting, reeling from the vibrations in the water.

“Not like I have a choice. The goblins are going to burn the Village down, looking for this weird sword thing.”

“It is more than a thing. It is a relic of overwhelming and defiant power. One day, you will know of its influence.”

“Well, I still do not know anything that would save my life. But… You could give me more magic. I have been training just for that reason.”

My desperation is not something so easily hidden. Same as my desire for power.

The first time I was here, she wanted me to ask for help. She knew. She was testing me. No idea how or why.

“Poor boy. Lost a fight once and now considers himself a seer of death.”

“Once? I have been getting stabbed, bitten, shot and slashed into dangerous situations for months. I have almost died more times than I can count. Do not treat me like the inexperienced person I was when I rushed mindlessly into a bush.”

That is right. I am not the same. I am not-

“You have faced death, you presume. When? That instance when a sorcerer threw you onto the ground? I woke you up. Your friends were fighting that fight for you. When the goblins rushed you outside their home? The animals saved you before any harm could befall you. You gave your arms to kill a troll and you still were healed. Your friend had to run for you. The time you lost an eye? That was the only injury worthwhile of your crying. There was not a moment you did not count on somebody else. Sylvar’s watchful eyes and guidance, Meuko’s strength and confidence, Julie’s healing and attentiveness. You faced fear. Freezing and overwhelming fear, yes. But not death. Most struggles you have gone through were dealt with sheer willpower and, I have to admit, surprisingly smart thinking. There are fights where the enemy is simply stronger. Quicker. Better. Now you know what it means to lose despite trying everything.”

No matter how much I try to hold it together, my emotions are simply overflowing.

“I fought with all I had. I made sure we made the right decisions. Snaray betrayed us. All the fighting we did for him…” I shout, my throat hurting from the exhaustion. “He still betrayed us. Alayne does not want to help me, Blago is hiding information from me, Snaray is untrustworthy and I still fight everyone that is their enemy. What more can I do? What limb must I sacrifice? Which eye? You have seen me move forward despite fear and reason. I fought hobgoblins and trolls. I have done more than anyone could ask. How is that not enough?” I pant.

“You faced a hobgoblin that had superior armor and weapons, as well as magic, refined techniques in ways you could only dream of. And you convinced yourself that effort alone would get you through your ordeals. Sometimes, it is not enough. And now you know. You have finally faced a decisive and total defeat and were spared, even if you thought yourself dead. You gave up on yourself. Briefly but you did, nonetheless. Tell me… Now that you know the cost of you failing. Now that you know what awaits the people you love, even those that could do harm upon you, what will you do? What will you ask for?”

I drop on my knees, suddenly feeling small in the presence of this tree. Trunk thicker than any tree I have ever seen, branches creating a network so complicated, my eyes get dizzy. Roots still moving underneath the water, underneath me. Only now, some roots converge around me, encircling me.

What is this tree? What life has it lived? What has it seen? Why would it help me?

“Why would you help me?” I ask, under my breath.

“We are in similar situations, you and I. I found your determination admirable, even before you knew you were an Empty One. I wish to see for myself your progress.”

All this time. It has been watching me all this-

“Do you know of the threat the goblins are facing in the south? That is all I ask.”

“Not for more power? Or your shoulder healed?”

“No. I brought this thing on myself. I dashed in battle. Thinking I improved beyond fear. There is no such thing. And I think I get it now. So, I will train. Harder than before. I will improve my body. My decisions. I will never stop. No. Matter. What.”

“Very well, then. There is a sickness spreading through the lands. It is why the weather is erratic lately. It is the source of the storm that almost ruined your Village. I do not know the cause. Only that magic is at hand. Terrible magic. It corrupts the flow of energy. Corrupts the way of life. Do not betray any of this knowledge to the goblins. If I reveal anything else, it could prove problematic to your cause.”

“You can track me everywhere… Know my life, my problems. But this problem eludes you, suddenly? What are you hiding?”

The water rumbles, rising over my ankles now. The roots tighten below, as if Varuna in its entirety tightens. The light dims.

“I do not know. That fact alone should worry you on the scale of conflict you are about to enter. My only advice is from now on, prepare yourself for killing people looking like you. No more terrifying appearances to help you excuse your actions.”

“You could leave this discussion with a happier disposition. Like, eat well, drink enough water. Look at the Sun?”

“You are finding your former self already. You will need your strength of character with the challenges that await you. I shall assist as I can.”

The water starts rising, causing me to panic.

“No better ways to wake me up? Last time, I just blinked.”

No response.

The water reaches my chest.

“I hate this.” I say, holding my breath.

I wake up alone but weirdly calm and relaxed.

The rising tide of enemies, factions, problems. The lack of allies and the horrible odds. None of that matters now. It will in a few minutes, when my body starts moving. Now, though, I can just be glad I am alive and able to fight back.

I take large breaths, looking around me. My bed is right next to a bunch of broken unused crates.

I need to find Snaray.

I make sure the axe is still in my holster, then make my way through the goblin encampment.

This all seems strange to me. Not knowing how far the day is, not feeling the warmth of the Sun. Not stepping on the wooden floor of my room. Not opening a window for removing the stale air. No shouting or greeting of friends.

The right shoulder is not getting any better. The pain runs through my body with only one goal. To remind me the mistake I made. To remind me of my weakness. Today, I rest. Tomorrow, there is only training.

I need a plan. Which means I have to talk to Snaray.

The flickering lights of torches are somehow different than the ones I remember where I was kept. I just cannot figure out how.

There are gray goblins running around, carrying parts of broken stone, wood and metal. I notice movement in most of the tents but I cannot discern Snaray among the different crowds.

My fighting instinct kicks in when I look up. A couple of platforms are occupied by red, blue, purple and green goblins. They are all staring at me. Even though I do not freeze, I still can hear my blood rushing through my ears, I can almost taste the fear as my lungs rise and fall faster. I caress the axe blade, reminding myself of the possibility of a fight.

The sudden drop of a heavy blade on stone draws my attention. Three butchers work together, chopping the carcass of an unknown to me creature. There is a chitinous cover, countless spikes in the spaces between the hardened cover. An abomination? I mean, there are plenty of large creatures. This one is huge, six legs tensing even in death when the cleavers drop on the body.

The smell is intense, mostly of moss. This creature is spending most of its time between the rock formations of these caves. Was. What are the rocks called? Stalactites? Where is Sylvar when you need him?

“Snaray?” I shout, trying to surpass the loud exchanges of the nearby goblins.

The cacophony of banging, cutting, carrying, laughing and shouting is enough to give me a headache. Moving towards the exit, I growl as soon as I step onto something metallic. I remove a broken piece of a rod from my foot.

The torturing has taken its toll on me. My feet should be tougher than that.

Is it because I am walking sloppy?

I need to train as soon as possible.

“There he is.” Snaray says, opening his arms.

“You could not even stay next to me? What if somebody killed me in my sleep?”

“No one would dare. Queen’s protection and whatnot.” He grins.

“Bunch of different color goblins. Watching over me. Is that normal?” I pant.

This exhaustion is starting to get on my nerves.

“All the clans are interested in the human who walked into a goblin cave alone and lived.” An armored gray goblin responds.

Raspy voice. Intense.

“How is your daughter?” I ask.

“Eating for three and playing with her friends. They even caught a bunny yesterday. After you went to sleep.” Snaray responds.

I look around. Actually, I look mostly up. Might have something to do with all the goblins staring at me.

“We need to talk. Alone.” I say under my breath.

Snaray nods to the armored goblin. Probably his personal guard or something. The armored one moves away, gesturing at a few groups.

“We go back. My tent should be safe.” Snaray says.

“You have your own tent? And you gave me a couple of broken boxes?”

“You are not a friend, remember?” Snaray responds.

That is right. We are fighting in a different battlefield right now. This situation is not like the one with the Hunters. These potential allies could kill us if we show weakness.

The spaces look the same around me. It is all one mass of rock.

Should have asked for some time outside the caves before this.

“Wait here.” Snaray says, placing me on a box.

Time itself seems to leap from one minute to the next. My eyes close for what seems like a second but I know that in the meantime, I fell asleep for about half a minute.

Snaray’s tent is different than the others. Where the others carry ornamental covers and are filled with debris, helmets and animal remains, his is simple. Animal patches of skin stitched together, held up with the help of sticks, stones and metal. The only notable feature is the head of the troll, hanged above the entrance of the tent.

Even as an effigy, the head is terrifying. The combination of stone and fractured skin is enough to terrify people. The suffering pose of the head reminds me of the wailing. I can still hear the scraping of stone in the cave. The flames erupting from its skin. My warm blood running down the cold stone.

I just need to rest a while. Feel better.

“Wake up.” The old healer goblin says. “They are waiting inside.”

Shit. How long have I been-

“How long have I been sleeping?”

“Few minutes.”

I walk inside Snaray’s tent, accompanied by the healer goblin. There are multiple goblins in the sides of the tent. You could fit an army in here. I think the wall of the cave is carved, making more room inside for the tent itself.

“How come the troll’s head is not full of flies or something.” I say.

“It solidifies into stone when killed.” The old goblin responds.

“Ready? Make some noise.” Snaray says, completely ignoring us.

Armored goblins start drinking and laughing, kids run around, telling jokes and clanging on furniture. Some goblins that look like skirmishers, at least that is what I can tell from the light armor and the pouch full of stones next to a sling, are having loud conversations, stomping their feet every now and then.

Snaray nods and gestures for me to lean closer.

“That way, they cannot eavesdrop.” Snaray laughs.

“We also cannot talk properly.” I chuckle.

“This is what we have.” Snaray throws his hands up.

“What have I missed?” I drop to the ground. “Daldrag said something about capturing and killing your kind.”

“After the Queen captured you, your Village responded with unforeseen activity. A human lizard, a dwarf and a human destroyed three caves. Your group went north and captured about twelve goblins. Green, gray. They even managed to surprise black goblins, known for their ambush capabilities.” Snaray explains.

“Sylvar is one strong elf. They think I am dead?”

“No idea.”

Why would they avoid this place? The guards. Increased activity around these parts is not just because of me. They are here for the gray goblins. Ever since they grabbed me.

“Let me guess. I got knocked out, Daldrag carried me through this cave, showed my defeated body to all of you. Like a moving effigy. Then, different goblin clans brought guards around the mines to prove to the Queen that you are not sharing your ores with the Village. Others are waiting for their moment to take your place.”

“How did you know?” Snaray mumbles.

“You said some time ago that the Queen does not have direct control over everyone. If my Leader was claiming that someone from my Village betrayed us, I would try to prove that the Leader is lying. Or, I would try to prove there is a traitor so I can look better in front of everyone. I imagine not all goblin clans hate you.”

“You are smarter than you look.” The doctor goblin says.

I realize that more goblins than Snaray are interested in this conversation, giving us a look every now and then.

“I just thought you were a crazy kid that could kill a troll.” Snaray chuckles.

“We need a plan.” I say.

“What for?” Snaray asks.

“We need to give ores to my friends. Give them a message as well-”

“We would die. All of us.” The doctor says.

“Not if we do it right.” I say. “We make my friends stop with the whole capturing thing, I prove myself to the Queen and she lets me go, so there is no reason to fight each other.” I explain.

“You cannot be thinking ab- Snaray.” The doctor snaps Snaray out of his thoughts.

“He is not wrong. But there are other issues as well. Some of the gray goblins think you should die. I do not control them.” Snaray says.

“And there is no talking to them about it?” I ask.

“No.” The doctor says.

“Then we kill them. Before they kill me and force you into a war with my Village.”

“How?” Snaray asks.

“Not quite sure yet. We should come up with a plan for the ores.”

“We could just wait for you, if you are sure that the Queen would let you go. As soon as you are back, you can let your Village know that we are allies.” The doctor says.

“Allies?” I hesitate. “You almost got me killed.”

“I am sorry about that, Volter. I really am.” Snaray bows his head. “I am ashamed.”

“My bad. I am trying to move past it. The torturing makes it a bit difficult.”

“We know what you did to the red one that kept you in chains. You did good, fighting your way out of there.” Snaray growls.

“Good? Am I not some sort of a threat to you? I thought humans, elves, dwarves and the rest fight against the goblins constantly.”

“Most do. There have been some exceptions historically. After you saved our newly appointed chief and killed that troll, the gray goblins and other tribes hope that, together, we can be another exception.” The doctor explains.

“I have the same hope.” I sigh. “I will need some equipment as well. Soon as possible.”

“Right. The plan?” Snaray asks.

“What about the kids?” I ask.

The doctor and Snaray look at me shocked, not sure if I just proposed what I did.

Not one of my safer plans, that is for sure.