Where There Be Humans

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  As we headed toward the large structure, Dorian leaned forward. “I heard the council is coming in to speak to us during class today.”

  “And on whose authority do you have that?” I teased.

  “I’ve got connections in the palace.” He grinned.

  “So what does the council want?”

  He leaned in closer, whispering, “There has been mention of a Mission.”

  Blessed Hag! The council hadn’t called for a Mission since before I was born. There were rumors that something happened in the human world the year King Starshooter and his advisors went, which was about seventeen or eighteen years ago—something bad enough they’d quit sending goblins. King Starshooter’s father deemed them too dangerous. It was around that time, too, that he declared humans as fairy tales and set laws against speaking of them or trying to search them out. Penalty being prison or possible death, depending on how far one went with their stories and ventures. However, I knew there were people who worked in the Gob Hollow black market and still supplied information—for a price.

  I chewed my bottom lip. If I were part of the Mission, it could change everything. The Mission used to be a coming-of-age journey that consisted of royals, nobles, and a few select warriors trying to prove they were ready for leadership. The king would grant them a special task to test their abilities outside of Gob Hollow.

  Yet, even I knew there’d never been a female goblin chosen, and being a half-blood on top of it, I’d have my work cut out for me.

  “Do you know who they’re going to choose?” I asked.

  Dorian’s hand tightened on my waist, pulling me back toward him. “I’m not sure yet. Father is being secretive. But I’ve put in a good word for you.”

  I peered over my shoulder and smiled.

  “Prince Dorian and Lady Ivy, heads to the front and mouths shut,” Kimblay barked. “One more word from the two of you will result in an evening in the gutters.”

  Eyes facing forward again, I sighed. Titles didn’t mean a thing to the headmistress, and I couldn’t be put on gutter duty tonight. I had plans and things to figure out.

  First, how to get into the Archives.

  And second, how to make sure I got on the list for the Mission.

  Chapter Two

  Our footsteps echoed off the stone walls as we formed a line behind the carved rock tables and chairs. We stood facing the front of the class. Candlelight created eerie shadows on the ceiling and on the gray-and-red cavern walls.

  Headmistress Kimblay hobbled to the front of the room and gestured for us to take our seats. Dorian sat on my right with Pudge on the other side of him. We hurried to pull out our parchments, ink, and quills, along with ancient leather-bound textbooks on the history of Gob Hollow from the slots in our tables.

  The book itself was a historic beast that had probably been around since the creation of goblins, or at least as long as Kimblay herself.

  A smile tugged at my lips, and I ducked my head.

  “Psst…” Pudge slid a piece of parchment across Dorian’s desk to me.

  Kimblay glanced up at us, then went back to organizing her notes for the day’s lecture. I unrolled the parchment to read Pudge’s familiar, sloppy loops.

  Where do you want to meet tonight, it read.

  Dipping my quill into the inkwell, I scribbled back, Let’s talk about it during meal break, otherwise we might both get flogged.

  I reached across Dorian’s table and dropped the parchment onto Pudge’s.

  “Lady Ivy,” the headmistress said, “since you don’t seem to need my classes and would rather socialize, perhaps you can volunteer to explain the importance of the Sword of Avarik.” Her thin lips disappeared, and she glared at me, then lifted a hand, signaling for me to stand.

  I cleared my throat, holding back a smirk. Lucky for me, my father had drilled the information into my mind. He was the King’s Advisor and required me to know our history.

  “The Sword of Avarik can only be wielded by a goblin,” I recited. “This particular blade can kill trolls, elves, or any other kind of creature, and was used in the Great Wars to defeat the troll king. It is said to only appear to those in great peril or need.”

  Dorian shot me a quick smile before Headmistress Kimblay slammed her book onto her table. It was hard to miss the disappointment on her face—she’d wanted me to fail. Not that she didn’t respect who my father was; she just hated Pudge and me.

  Applause sounded at the back of the room. I turned to see the King’s Council, Advisor Archer (my father), and the king himself filing in. I immediately dipped into a bow of respect.

  “Well spoken, Ivy Archer,” King Starshooter said.

  Everyone around me stood and bowed.

  “Yes, it’s good to see the children are learning so much in class. But they have a great teacher, don’t they?” Father gave me a wink as he, too, made his way up front. His dark brown hair was tied back with a green ribbon, and he wore breeches and a tunic of the same color, threaded along the hems with gold. Gray hair peppered his temples, but his familiar golden eyes glittered with excitement.

  Were they here to tell us about the Mission? I held my breath and directed my attention back to the teacher.

  Kimblay’s lips turned up in a rare smile, making her look like a werewolf in labor. Once the full council stood before us, they gestured for everyone to take their seats.

  “You may be wondering why we are visiting your schoolroom today.” King Starshooter glanced around, making eye contact with each of us in turn as he spoke. “After a series of discussions with the King’s Council, for the first time in seventeen years, we have decided there will be a Mission to the Outer Realm. There’s been word that a goblin artifact, the Hag’s Crest, might be in the mountains near the border. So what better reason to reinstate our Missions again than having some of our younglings prove themselves in finding it?”

  So it was true. My heart thudded in my ears like a cart wheel thumping over rocks. Everyone began to whisper, excitement growing as they realized the importance of the announcement.

  “Quiet,” Headmistress Kimblay called. She picked up her willow switch and slammed it down on her desk. The room went silent, and I sat up straighter as we waited for the king to continue.

  “Our plan is to choose individuals from this class to make the journey. The council will meet over the next two evenings and make their choices,” the king said, candlelight reflecting off the sword belted at his side.

  There was no keeping us quiet now. Several students turned in their seats to chat with the goblins behind them, while others cheered. Dorian gave me a knowing look, and Pudge stood, then squeezed around him to sit in the empty seat on the other side of me.

  “We’ve got to get on that list,” I said as Pudge leaned down.

  “Our fathers are on the council,” he answered. “They can’t keep us from going.”

  Sure, I wanted to believe that, but I knew better than to get my hopes up. At the same time, I thought I stood a fair chance of going. I was one of the best warriors my age. Not only could I wield a sword, but I’d also trained with the King’s Guards. I planned on being the next king’s top advisor, like my father was now. My blood sang at the thought of the Mission. A chance to prove myself as one of the elite. Never had there been a female advisor. Father said it was because some of the older families didn’t like the idea of putting a woman in charge, which made no sense to me, since we worshipped the Hag, who was indeed a female deity. And I knew the only way to earn the position of advisor was to do something daring—like charge into the Outer Realm and return with the Hag’s Crest, unscathed.

  “One way or another, we’re going,” I said.

  Dorian chuckled. “I already told you I put in a good word for you. My father would be foolish not to send you along.”

  “He’s right. I don’t know anyone here who c
an beat you in a fight.” Pudge took a chunk of pungent meat from his pocket. He glanced up at Kimblay, who tried desperately to settle everyone down, and shoved the food in his mouth.

  My father cleared his throat, gaining our attention once more. “There will be just six younglings going on the Mission, along with two soldiers. Travels to the Outer Realm are treacherous, not only because of the creatures that lurk there, but because of the differing terrains.” Father’s face lost all humor. “This is not a picnic or a tournament. The dangers are great. You must remember even if you’re not chosen to partake in this journey there are other ways to gain the council’s attention.”

  “The King’s Council has requested to watch your weapons practice today,” Kimblay said. “Before moving to the courtyard, I would ask that half of you come draw your sparring partner’s name from the cauldron.”

  She counted off my side of the room, and I hurried to grab a scroll. Undoing the red ribbon, I stifled a groan. Vane. Of course I’d draw him, because out of everyone in the class, he was the only one I’d made angry today. Bloody hell! However, I did love a challenge…

  “Who’d you get?” Dorian whispered in my ear.

  “Vane.”

  “I’ll trade you. I got Pudge.”

  No way did I want to fight my best friend. He wasn’t good with swords. In fact, he shouldn’t be allowed to touch a blade. Give him a bowl of intestines and he could make magic happen, but letting him swing anything with a sharp point meant risking the health of everyone involved.

  I gave Dorian an apologetic smile. “Sorry, but if I’m going to thrash anyone today, it’s going to be Vane.”

  “How am I supposed to fight the prince?” Pudge asked when we reached the courtyard. “What if I accidentally chop off a limb? I’ll be stoned to death.”

  “Pudge, you’ll be using wooden practice swords, not a meat cleaver. Just do your best,” I whispered.

  “Why won’t you trade?”

  “Because I need to make a good impression on the council, and I can’t do that if I’m worried about making you look like a fool.” I sighed. “I’d much rather show Vane up.”

  The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of getting back at Vane for all the mean things he’d said and done to me over the years.

  Pudge took a practice sword from Amos. “Fine, but if I maim Prince Dorian, it’s your fault.”

  “Quit acting like a witch’s tit and line up.” With a slight shove, I maneuvered him into place.

  Amos unloaded the rest of the wooden weapons from the back of a cart and handed them to us. Across from me, Vane’s lips curled in a sneer.

  “You’re going to wish they paired you with a dragon when I’m through with you.” His eyes glowed with animosity. His fingers tightened around the handle of his sword, his stance already on the offensive.

  With a snort, I rolled my eyes. “You’re right. I’d much rather be partnered with a dragon. At least then I’d have a challenge.”

  Pudge laughed, nearly poking out his own eye with his weapon. “The dragon would be better looking, too.”

  Vane’s eyes narrowed, his jagged teeth tearing into his lower lip. “We’ll see who’s laughing when this is over.”

  “Ready your weapons!” Amos belted out from behind me. “The objective is to disarm your opponent. First one to do so in each pair is the winner.”

  Palms sweaty, I took a deep breath. I had to beat Vane. The council had to see that I could expertly wield weapons and I was ready to go on a Mission. If I couldn’t even beat someone as untrained as Vane in a sparring match, I knew they’d think me not ready. My whole future was riding on what happened today. Sure, my father was an important figure, but that might not be enough to get my name on the list. Not to mention, I wanted to prove to myself I was ready, too.

  “Begin!”

  I shifted my stance as Vane rushed forward. He swung at me, and I dodged out of his way, spinning around and raising my blade to block his advance. Hacking at my weapon, he tried to back me up, but I gave him a solid kick to the chest, sending him staggering backward.

  He growled. “I’m not letting you win.”

  “Trust me, you don’t have to.” My blade arced up over my head, and then I brought it down with a crack against his. And I didn’t let up. If he parried left, then I met him to block the advance. It was like dancing, the way I swung my weapon and leaped out of his reach. The more he sliced at the air between us, the more visibly tired he became.

  All around me, I heard the crack of practice swords hitting one another as others fought on either side of us. But I stayed focused ahead of me. I couldn’t become distracted—not now.

  He held his blade too far to the side, and I slashed upward, catching him in the ribs. But he didn’t loosen his hold. In fact, he came at me in a counterattack, driving me back. After a few moments, I realized everyone else had finished sparring and now watched us.

  Vane’s sword twisted toward me, almost nicking my arm, but I spun out of reach right before he struck. A snarl sounded in his throat, and this time when he charged me, I dropped down and rolled to the side. I came up beside him, and with one swift motion and flick of the wrist, I sent his weapon flying through the air. It hit the stones with a thump.

  “Dead.” I tapped him in the ribs with my wooden sword. Relief flooded through me. And something else. Elation. I’d beaten Vane, and seeing how much it bothered him made the victory even sweeter. If Father and the others weren’t around, I might’ve taken a moment to gloat or rub it in. But for now, I’d enjoy a silent triumph.

  Everyone cheered, and I looked to my father, whose eyes glowed with pride. He strolled forward and extended his hand, palm up. I placed my hand over his, palm down, and bowed.

  “Splendid job,” the king said. He glanced at my father, who stood between me and Dorian. “We will have a hard time making our decision. Mission or no Mission, you all have something to be proud of today.”

  “I don’t think they’re talking about me,” Pudge said, coming up beside me. “Dorian dislodged my sword within seconds of starting our match.”

  “I’m sure you did fine,” I said, patting his back.

  “What did you do to get the king’s attention?” Malin Tumblewood asked, glowering at me. “Was it your father?”

  “She fought hard, you arse,” Pudge said.

  “C’mon, just ignore him.” I ushered Pudge away, trying to ignore the under-the-breath mutterings Malin said behind us.

  The council filtered from the courtyard and through the tunnel to the palace, leaving us with Headmistress Kimblay.

  “Take your mealtime and be back in the classroom after the next bell toll,” she said.

  Stars twinkled above as Pudge and I plopped down beneath a white oak, pulling out our food. Cook had packed her homemade apple bread for me, along with goat cheese and salted pork. Pudge, on the other hand, shoveled in a handful of sheep innards. A more traditional goblin meal, but just thinking about them made me lose my appetite. My non-goblin half had no stomach for it. When he finished, he gave a great belch, then lay back and stared up at the tree.

  “I don’t think you downed that fast enough. Try harder next time.” I stared at him for a moment. “Seriously, though, you need some lessons in etiquette. If your father saw you eat like that, he’d send you straight to the stocks.”

  “Since when do you care how I eat?” He quirked his bushy eyebrows at me, then nodded toward Dorian, who sat across the yard from us, next to one of the wrought iron lanterns in the courtyard, which cast a halo of light around his head. “Trying to impress a certain high-ranking goblin?”

  I traced my fingers through the grass, picked up a stick, and tossed it at him. “No. I don’t care what any of those royal arses think. It’s just that you need to be more mindful of what you do.” Which was true. Dorian was a friend, nothing more. I respecte
d his ability to fight, same as I did Amos and my father.

  The real reason I wanted Pudge to be on his best behavior was so we’d be chosen to go on the Mission together. Hellfire, we’d done almost everything together since we were babies. I didn’t want us parted on something as important as this. He always had my back, and I trusted no one else more than him. Tingles erupted in my belly as I stared at him. He had no idea how much he meant to me.

  A breeze rustled the leaves overhead as Pudge sat up, pulling a pouch of chicken bones from his belt. “Let’s read the bones and see what they have to say.”

  I fell back laughing. “Now you’ve lost your mind. Don’t tell me that fortune-teller, Marta, has gotten you to believe that hogwash.”

  Pudge scowled. “I’ll have you know she predicted our run-in with Vane.”

  “Oooh, scary.” I snorted. “Really, Pudge, we have a run-in with him almost every night.”

  He shook the bag of bones, his face scrunching up. “I’m telling you, she predicted it. And she gave me these so I could be better prepared for the days to come.”

  “The only thing we need to prepare for is tonight.” My stomach growled, and I reached for my bread and took a bite.

  Pudge stopped shaking the bones and cocked his head to the side. “Where do you want to meet?”

  “Outside the Archives.” I lowered my voice. “The King’s Council will be in meetings, so the guards will stick closer to the palace while they’re in session.”

  “I’ll be there after last toll.” Pudge shook the pouch in his hands once more and let the bones fall to the ground. His smile faded, and he glanced up at me.

  “What is it?”

  “Three bad things are going to happen to you, and all before the next full moon.” He grabbed the small bones and roughly shoved them in the bag as if they were going to come alive and murder him in his sleep.

  “You’re talking nonsense. Nothing is going to happen.”

  A shadow fell over us, and I peered up to see Vane glaring at me. If his eyes could shoot arrows, they’d be sticking through my heart.