It has been around four years since that fateful day at the waterpit, now being at the ripe age of eight, my coming of age ceremony was rapidly approaching. My time in this camp has been rather melancholic and monotonous, going through the same motions in the same order every single day for the last four years wasn't doing wonders for my mentality. I would wake up, stretch my thin, small body, wash my face at the water pit, grab anything to put in my endlessly growling stomach. Whether it was rotten fruit or fresh caught bugs I never complained, as long as my hunger was somewhat sated. After my “meal” I would head over to the farthest corner of the camp where the black hide flap was located. I spend most if not all of my time here. The Shaman inside would have me do various tasks such as gathering him water or emptying his strange vials in exchange for information, Information that I craved desperately.
He gave me so much knowledge about the world that coming back everyday and doing his boring chores were never not worth it. I had learned so much from the old geezer, I learned about the existence of magic, other creatures that roam and dominate the continent, the various powers that hid behind the scenes controlling all of the “mortals”. I learned basic math, history, and even memorized some blood magic spells, though the shaman had said multiple times that my talent in magic was comparable to a newborn orc. Even though I had no talent in it, it was so fun to learn, it was the only thing I currently enjoyed in this life, learning.
I approached the Shamans tent once again today, but today was different, the shaman had taught me everything he was willing to. Not only that, but my coming of age ceremony was tonight and depending on the outcome I may never see the old geezer again. To say I would miss him would be an understatement, I saw that croaking, ancient shaman as a mentor. He was the closest thing I had to a friend in my isolated world, and the only one in the entire camp I could stand to have a conversation with.
Pushing the black hide flap aside I walked inside the familiar chamber where he resides. Small glass vials littered the broken wooden shelves alongside evidence of failed or misfired magic. In the back there were multiple tables covered in blood and one containing it. My mentor's little project that he had been working on ever since I had known him, always covered in a thick gray material that barely outlined its massive frame. Shit, that thing had to be five foot tall, it would tower over any goblin, much less me. Even after all these years I still had yet to overcome my shortness, standing at 2.2 feet my growth had stunted a year ago while all the others my age had already reached full height or close to it.
Next to the covered thing was my mentor, the old shaman. No one in camp knew how old he was, some speculated he was the oldest living goblin here, he had been here long before anyone living in the camp today was alive. Many thought he would be here after they died as well.
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I slowly approached him, being careful not to step on any of his failed experiments. As he had long since noticed my presence he set down his tools and turned to face me with his crooked and twisted old face.
“So you finally decided to show up you little brat, I’ve been waiting ALL MORNING!”
Though his words were cold I could see the small traces of a smile forming on his lips. He would never admit it but he loved the company I provided him.
“Ehhhh? You should be glad I even showed up old man.”
“Whatever you little gnome, small thing like you doesn't even deserve to be called a goblin. Enough with the banter though small one, I have something for you”
‘This bastard, did he call me a gnome? I swear I'm going to kill him one day. He better be happy he provides me with so much or I would have lost my cool long ago…though I can't do anything more than lightly punch him do to my weakness…..dammit all’
The shaman turned around and ruffled through a small sack that seemed to be deteriorated enough to be used as cloth at the relieving pit. After a minute of the shaman spewing small curses under his breath he finally pulled something small and pointed out of the “sack”.
“Aha! Here boy I want you to have this, think of it as a thanks for helping me with my projects all these years.”
He stretched his hand out toward me to reveal a small surprisingly shiny metal shiv, it couldn't be called a dagger as it was too small and crude. Despite that the weapon was clearly sharp and didn't look like it would have any issue piercing even bone.
“Young one this dagger belonged to my old and close comrade Crat, he was a fine warrior, even if he was always on the short side”
He finished that last part with a small grin.
‘Bastard is mocking me even at a time like this’
“T-Thank you geezer, I wouldn't call that a dagger though, doesn't it seem a little to well..you know? Small?”
He looked at me with an evil smile.
‘FUCK I WALKED RIGHT INTO IT’
“Well then it's the perfect weapon for a runt like you”
‘One day i'll be as tall as a highland troll and we’ll see whos laughing then you old piece of shit’
I outstretched my hand and held the light sharp dagger in my hands. This could prove to be extremely useful tonight, no one ever told us what to expect at this ceremony after all.
“Boy, be careful tonight, if all goes well I hope not to see your body on one of my tables”
With resolution in my eyes I looked up at the only person I could be considered close to in this world.
“You should worry more about the others old man, I'm going to prove my worth tonight and show this whole tribe how valuable I am, I will prove that SIZE DOESN'T MATTER”
My face instantly reddened as the shaman laughed, I practically screeched that last part, ok that might be a sore spot but I meant what I said. I will prove myself tonight and start my journey to become the best in this village. The best in this forest, and the best everywhere else. I have to make myself invincible to prove that a goblin is more than his heig- I mean to prove to myself that I can be the best. But most of all to finally have some fucking fun.