Duval Estate.

The Hombottle stirred awake as he looked around. He shook his head as he tried to shake away memories of leafy goblins, living veg, and the screams and cries of his cohorts. Then his sight adjusted to the dim light that pierced the area of the hedge he found himself in.

"Nononononono!" He said in a panic as he tried to get away only to find his arms and legs bound together.

He tried harder to get free as the verdant gardener goblins began to appear from the green shade and surrounding greenery and gathered around where he was bound to a pillar of hedge that stood straight and alone in the clearing. Three goblins dressed in robes of leaf and vine walked towards him, each accompanied by a goblin waving what was most likely their tribal banners. A bird, a fish, and a horse.

The three tribal leaders glared at him with vibrant green eyes as their banners were placed in a semi-circle before him. They turned away from him and one of them began to address the gathering of gardener goblins.

"Verdant Children of He Who Sleeps Beneath The Hedge! His leafy domain has been violated once again!"

The leafy goblins snarled and howled and shook thorned spears and clubs in the Hombottle's direction. Another of the tribal leaders spoke.

"Never has another braved His Hallowed Hedge since the arrival of the Blue Man!"

Cries of anger and chants of "Blue Man" from the group as the leaders pointed in unison towards a wall of leafy green hedge, and the halfling saw the desiccated husk of what used to be a human wearing some sort of light blue uniform. All he could see from this distance and this light was writing on a tan bag with the partial words U.S. Post- on it. Another of the leaders continued.

"He was dealt with in accordance with the will of He Who Sleeps Beneath The Hedge! And so to will these trespassers face the same fate!"

The goblins cheered and shouted and raised their arms and weapons as tribal drums began to beat within the green darkness. The halfling cried out and tried to speak over the tribal and savage noises.

"Wait! I 'ave coin! Gems 'nd jewels! They're all yers ifin you let me go!"

But the drums just beat faster and faster. One of the leaders walked over to him and smiled sadistically at him.

"The only thing He wants is the nourishment of your blood trespasser! You and the other defilers here will feed him and bring him one step closer to awakening!"

The halfling peered to his sides as best he could at the mention of friends. It took him straining his fat neck to the sides to see that he wasn't the only one tied to the pillar of hedge. On either side of him were one of the thieves that accompanied him to this green hell. If he had to guess then that meant that another of their number were on the opposite side of the pillar as him.

The Hombottle struggled and fought against his bindings, but it was as if the vines themselves were alive and actively keeping him there! He turned to the side towards one of the thieves!

"We gotta get outa 'ere lads! Any o' you 'ave a knife er a shiv! Somethin' ta cut our bonds!"

He heard a voice to his left.

"No! They cleaned me out!"

"Same as me! Don't even have my holdout dirk!" A voice to his right confirmed.

The drums continued to beat, the sound making his heart race and pump in his ears! Ceremonial chants and cries came from the goblins as they swayed back and forth as they chanted hymns about He Who Sleeps Beneath The Hedge while the leaders spoke and chanted with them.

"We offer these sacrifices in your glorious name! We submit them to your wrath! May their free flowing blood nurture and sustain you like a river feeding the land! May their cries ring and echo within your leafy realm! And may they bring you one step closer to awakening and bringing your glorious verdant touch to the land! And may we be forever blessed to tend to your form in your Hallowed Hedge!"

The ground seemed to pulse, though whether that was because of the rhythm of the drums or something else, the halfling didn't know. But one thing was for sure, he didn't want to stick around and find out! He pulled and pulled against his bindings! Then he stopped as he heard a cry behind him. Then another to his left. Then to his right.

He fought more and more as the cries rose in agony. He wasn't paying attention though as it seemed whatever was binding him was distracted with the others and allowed him to get an arm loose! He pulled and pried his other arm, earning a cut along his hand for his efforts against the hedge. He paused as he felt the ground rumble again as he watched his blood drip onto the green brush below him, and stared wide-eyed as it was soaked up by the veg like it was a sea lamprey!

Suffice it to say that he doubled his efforts in getting free. Especially as the cries of the other thieves began to die down. Eventually he managed to get completely free and tumbled down from his leafy perch. He quickly got up and made ready to fight his way out, only to find the goblins so engrossed in their chants and ceremony that they weren't paying attention to him at all! He took the chance to flee the area. He could hear the calls of the other thieves to come back for them, but he wasn't about to end up like them for some sort of honor among thieves!

Yet as he ran, the drums and chants didn't get dulled or lower. No matter how far into the hedge he ran it sounded as if they were right behind him! He even chanced a look back as he ran. But he saw nothing in the green gloom that seemed to suffocate him.

There's a way out, he just had to find it. The halfling knew that. They entered this green hell and he'll get back out! So he ran, and ran, and ran. The chants and drums always accompanying him wherever he went.

Then he saw light! Clear yellow light of day and open sky!

"Oh thank tha Harvest Mother! I swear when I get out Imma gonna plant myself inta yer knockers 'nd ne'er leave again!"

"Hombottle!" A deep raspy voice called from behind him as he made his way towards the exit, and freedom.

Something in the voice forced him to stop his flight and he chanced a look behind him yet again and saw a figure standing not far behind him. But he didn't even see him there just a second before! The halfling squinted as his eyes adjusted to the flow of light he felt he had been starved of and got a good look at his face that stared back at him with eyes that were a deep emerald green with blood red irises. It was one of the thieves! A younger lad that had joined them in the hopes of swag and reputation among their lot!

The lad had vines running up his legs that seemed to move like snakes. He stretched his arm out and the halfling could see green veins under his skin and leaves growing in his hair, along his arm, and surrounding his face. He spoke to the halfling in a deep raspy voice that seemed to come from everywhere around him that pierced straight to the soul!

"He wants you too, Hombottle."

With those words the hedge came alive! The brush below him flew up and the hedge walls reached out like limbs that grabbed and held him. The halfling tried to cry out only to have vines shoved down his throat, cutting off his pleas. His eyes welled up with fearful tears as he saw inch by inch the glorious light of freedom taken from him as he was pulled further and further into the hedge even as the hedge itself forced itself into his flesh and bone as it feasted upon him and drank deeply of his lifeforce.

The lad just watched with glee as he saw the one responsible for his predicament meet the same fate as his so-called friends. But maybe he should thank him, the lad thought. If he didn't come here, then he wouldn't've had the opportunity to serve something greater than worthless hopes and dreams for a better life or even simple greed. To JOIN something greater, he thought as he felt the influence and voice of He Who Sleeps Beneath The Hedge invade his mind like a warm blanket.

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

Others will come, it said to him. Invaders seeking to put his sacred halls to flame, trespassers wishing to stop the ritual combat and sacrifices made in His name, usurpers to his vibrant flourishing domain. His children must be ready for when the time comes. There will be those like him that saw the writing on the wall and would submit to him. But most will simply be used to sate his hunger and quench his thirst. For a time.

But He Who Sleeps Beneath The Hedge is patient. He will wait for them to come within his domain to face his wrath, and his tender mercy, the lad thought as he walked further into the hedge maze even as the next Chosen ran past him to claim the Sacred Shears. The rituals and ceremonies must be continued after all. Just because they had a sacrifice doesn't mean that the ritual combat must be put on hold. He Who Sleeps Beneath The Hedge was patient, but he also always hungered for more blood. Especially that offered so freely and willingly. Either the free flowing red that used to run in his veins that he offered up to his new patron to spare him of the same fate as the others, or the thick sap-like fluid that was gifted to him in return and now flowed within them and the goblins both.

-----

"Work faster!" The Red Cap taskmaster barked as he rapped his cudgel across the back of a thief.

He was one of the ones that were unfortunate enough to survive the initial conflict with the goblins in the kitchen. He thought they would hang them or just outright kill them. But it seems their fates weren't to be so fortunate, the thief thought as he continued to cut and chop at logs.

It was him and another that survived, the Hombottle was deemed worthless for hard labor and was quickly dispatched when he was surrounded and caught. The rest put up too much of a fight to be deemed worth keeping around. But not him and the other thief. They knew what was coming and had the "good" sense to throw down their arms and surrender.

The thief snorted, which earned him another beating. Good sense indeed, he thought as he swung the axe against the log. For about half a second he thought about turning it on the Red Cap, but that thought didn't last long as he's had to use it to fend off "accidents" by his fellow menials. The gray-skinned goblins that acted like some sort of labor or even outright slave class for the green-skinned goblins and the Red Caps.

Apparently they deemed that him and the other thief, despite being human, were now fair game as they tried to kill him, and one another, in some sort of vain hope of a better place. Maybe they thought he got better food, if barely cooked gamey rat counted as "better". Or perhaps they wanted his sleeping spot, as leaky and infested with pests as it was. He didn't know, but already the thought of turning against the Red Caps was quickly banished as thoughts of just surviving replaced it.

At least the other thief was in the same boat as him, he thought. Honor among thieves was seagull shit. But here they had little choice. It was them against an army of spiteful goblins that wanted their rattish rations and sleeping spots that were barely protected from the cold and wind. If they were to survive they would HAVE to trust one another.

Yet he couldn't help but think that perhaps he was swinging that axe just a little too close to him. Or how he looked at him when they had their brief break to eat. Like HE wasn't the one that got a fat rat to eat!

The thief shook away those thoughts. What was he thinking, getting paranoid and suspicious over rat?! No, they needed one another or they wouldn't last long here. If they worked together and kept their heads down they could make their escape.

But his water rations did look a LITTLE cleaner compared to his own, the thief thought as he starred at the slightly less murky water can. Did the guards give it to him for something he did? Did he find a clear puddle nearby? Why didn't he tell him or even offer to share?! They needed to trust one another and work together!

He glared at the other thief, a glare returned as the other thief gestured towards his own meal.

"That uh, looks a little long for a rat there. Squirrel?"

"Maybe? Found it trapped by a log nearby." The thief said guardedly.

"Oh? Did you now?" The other thief asked suspiciously.

"Yeah. Real lucky find! Even has a bit of fat stored for the winter." The thief bragged.

The other thief smiled a false smile and nodded as the two continued to fake being friendly and ate their rodents and drank their gutter water. Occasionally laughing at nothing other than just to appear friendly to one another, then they would almost immediately return to glaring at one another.

Bet it's his fault we're here in the first place, the thief thought as he starred at the OBVIOUSLY clearer water running down the other thief's chin! That's it, he thought. Didn't want to scrape and starve on the streets in town so he made a deal with the goblins! That was it, he thought as his knuckles turned white from rage.

"So uh, how do you think we got in this situation?" The thief asked with a note of accusation in his voice.

"Don't know. How do YOU think we got here?" The other thief retorted with a bit more force.

The two glared at one another and seemed ready to trade blows. But then immediately they laughed fake laughs and returned to their rations. All while keeping their eyes on one another as they sat further and further apart as they held onto their rations with fervent greed.

If we are to work together than he should be giving ME the clean water! I'm the stronger of the two, he thought as he sat back a little more and crept his hand over towards a rock nearby even as he took a bite of his stringy bloody meal.

Then like a spell broke, the taskmaster came by and rapped his club across their backs. Ordering them to get back to work as they were forced to discard their rations. The piss poor rations they were seconds from offing one another for. They picked up their axes and went back to work. Looking at one another like they weren't sure what had just happened.

"Did you think or feel anything just now?"

"Yeah."

"You think they spiked our rations somehow?"

"I don't know. But we have to eat and drink sometime regardless."

"Yeah. Just keep an eye out." The thief said and the other nodded as they went back to chopping wood. Casting an occasional suspicious glance at one another as they did so, paranoid thoughts lingering and even growing with every swing of the axe.

-----

"You want to do what?" Morty asked Gerard.

"I wish to press them into our service." Gerard stated.

"But weren't we going to do that already? Or at least have them killed?"

"We could do that. But I believe having them work for us would be a more valuable use than simply having them break rocks like any drague could do, or serving as yet another gruesome warning." Gerard explained.

"Valuable how?"

"As spies and agents, Master. While they got caught, they are still experienced thieves and I believe it would be a waste to simply cast them aside so soon."

"Alright, say I'm interested. What would they be doing exactly?" Morty asked around a mouthful of étouffée.

"Whatever we have need of them for. Breaking in where we might need them to retrieve something of a sensitive nature. Or plant something. Acting as more... acceptable representatives in our dealings outside the estate. Simple spies." Gerard listed as he poured Morty another glass of bourbon.

Morty wasn't against the idea. He preferred using the goblins for the simple fact that they were loyal to him, and expendable. Neither of which the thieves entirely were. But they were also human and people would be more willing to talk and even accept them than the goblins. No matter how refined the noble goblins were becoming. Not like the goblins could act in such a manner and have it NOT be immediately pointed towards him.

Morty washed down his food before sighing.

"Fine. But make sure they understand this is a golden ticket. They fuck it up and there won't be another chance!"

Gerard bowed.

"Of course, Master. I will see it done."

The butler left Morty to his meal, and the sisters ever watchful eye, and went down to the cellar. It had been restocked since Morty's grand event with the people of Daele. But the walk-in freezer was being used as a makeshift prison in the meantime until they could make one that wasn't quite so unsanitary.

He gestured to the two Red Caps that stood on either side of the door. They glowered down at him, but opened the door. They didn't like the idea of taking orders from what they considered a simple goblin. The only ones they would take orders from were Morty and the sisters, and they only followed Gerard's orders because it was under the authority of Morty.

But that will change soon, Gerard thought as he walked into the freezer and beheld the rather frosted forms of the thieves from the other night. The temp was turned down so that they wouldn't freeze to death. But it was still rather cold in here for them. Which was yet another reason for them to want to leave.

"Good evening gentlemen."

The thieves just glared at the goblin. One of them tried to spit at him, but it was too cold for such an action.

"What do you want gob?"

"Simple. I want you to work for us."

The thieves laughed.

"And why would we work for YOU?"

"Because if you don't then my Master will just have you killed, or out breaking rocks like some of the others."

The thieves looked at one another before turning back to him.

"And what is it you want us to do?"

"What you've been doing before last night. Except it will be in our employ and at our direction as to who and where your targets will be from now on."

"And in exchange?"

"You live and don't have to slave away doing menial labor. But if that isn't good enough I can convince my Master to give a suitable fee for services rendered." Gerard stated.

The thieves stared at the goblin before they huddled up and spoke to one another in a whisper that echoed slightly in the freezer. But it wasn't a surprise to Gerard when they broke and turned towards him.

"What's the job, gob?"

"Gerard. If you are to be working with us you WILL learn my name."

"Fine! What's the job... Gerard?"

"Good. First things first. We need to get you into something more... appropriate for your new station." Gerard said as a handful of goblin grunts walked in with glowing brands.

"What the hells are those for?!"

"Incentive. You work for us now and should you think of repeating last night or betraying us in any way then let this be a reminder that things could be far worse for you." Gerard stated as the grunts moved towards the thieves with malicious grins.

Gerard left the freezer as screams rang out. He called as he left.

"We'll get you some proper uniforms as well as room and board when you are finished!"

Gerard left the cellar and returned to the study where most of his duties now found themselves. Most of it was organizing the staff around when and where needed. But with his recent duties expanded to dealing with matters of the fair as well as the recent arrival of an unwanted annoyance they have expanded and he now found himself penning several letters that were ready to be delivered to certain people. Delivered by their new agents. Their new human agents. While he would like to be able to walk and talk without fear of prejudice. He was still a goblin in their eyes and little will change that at the moment.

After almost an hour of writing he heard the sounds of feet approaching and as he finished the last of his letters he turned and beheld the now warm, and appropriately clothed, former thieves. They now sported something more common among the locals. Plaid shirts and blue jeans with boots and thick jackets. Nothing expensive but quite common enough that they'll blend in easy among the locals. Even the new arrivals will be hard pressed to recognize them from their former sordid pasts with the new clothes and well needed baths they received and haircuts and trimmed beards.

He noticed several wince as they rubbed their shoulders or arms where they were recently branded with a stylized D standing for Duval. Gerard spoke as he retrieved several letters ready to be delivered.

"Excellent. I trust you all enjoyed your thorough cleanings?"

The former thieves grumbled but Gerard could see them admiring their new comfortable clothes and even looking at themselves in a nearby mirror with looks of appreciation.

"Good. Now for your assignments. Nothing fancy nor difficult. Just a few deliveries for me."

The thieves-turned-agents walked forwards and received the plain envelopes with fine writing on them as he listed who and where they were supposed to be delivered to.

"Master Ulrin at the railyard down the road. The City Council and Mayor Roberts at City Hall. Master Cliven MacConner at the halfling colony southwest of town. Master Jebadiah Jefferson to the east of town. Sheriff Steinburg at the sheriff's station. Master Barnaby at the brothel. Master Devens who I am unaware of where he currently resides within town or if he even does so, check with the sheriff when you get there."

The names and places continued until the last of them departed to run their simple errand. Now he just had to wait to see if they were smart enough to see the opportunity they were given, or if they were just another loose end to be dealt with.