Where There Be Humans

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  “That’s kind of extreme.” I tossed vegetables into the pan. “Okay, let’s say after all this, he comes to you and apologizes.”

  “Is this hypothetical, or is there something else ye’re wanting to say?” Cook wiped her hands on her apron.

  Straight to the point—that’s what I liked about Cook. Being the gossip that she was, she probably already knew everything anyway. So I broke down and explained the Dorian situation to her.

  “What do you think?” I asked when I finished.

  Cook frowned and stared at the fireplace. Why wouldn’t she meet my gaze?

  “I think ye better use yer head. He’s the prince, for Hag’s sake—ye believe him. And in the end, if ye find out he’s been toying with ye, well, we can take care of that.” Cook held up her knife. “But I don’t think he’d risk coming to see ye today if he wasn’t sorry.”

  “Then why the secrecy, and why did he go along with our fathers’ plans?”

  She patted my hand. “Maybe they don’t want the council to be privy to everything. Lot more goes on than ye know.”

  “Is that why he entered his name into the Choosing Ceremony right after Birdie?” I said.

  “Could be. Don’t worry about any of this until he returns from the Mission. He gave ye his medallion and apologized. Enough said. But don’t ye go letting yerself get carried away with that boy. In other words, don’t ye be kissing on him or anything. Ye can get yerself a reputation that way.” Cook swatted my hand as I reached for a chunk of bread.

  Rubbing my fingers, I grinned. “Trust me, that’s the furthest thing from my mind.” She had no idea it was Pudge stirring up my feelings. “I told you before—I don’t like him like that. And I’m not going to go around kissing boys. Well, unless some elfin bard comes to Gob Hollow. Or a well-built soldier. Nothing I like more than a goblin who can wield his sword.”

  Cook chased me around the counter, her rolling pin in hand. “If I ever hear ye speak such unladylike things again—”

  I laughed. “Unladylike? Heh, I’ve seen the smutty books you buy from Gob Benchley.”

  “Ivy Archer, I’m warning ye.”

  A knock echoed through the house, and Cook stopped chasing me to take off her apron and straighten her hair. She moved through the Great Hall to the foyer to open the door.

  Creeping into the Great Hall, I peeked out to find Amos standing with Cook, talking. “Lord Archer wanted me to deliver this,” Amos whispered, handing over a scroll. “He said to make sure you get word to the others.”

  What’s going on?

  “Very well. I’ll see ye this evening, then.” Cook shut the door and peeled back the wax seal. “Ivy,” she called.

  I hurried back toward the kitchen, then pretended to come out again. “Yeah?”

  “I’ve got to go see Gob Butcher to get some fresh meat,” she said, rushing toward the study. She slipped in and grabbed a package from Father’s mahogany table. “I need ye to deliver this package down to the docks. Don’t give it to anyone but Honour Wayfarer, ye hear?” She placed the item in my leather purse. “Pudge will be there in a bit to walk ye home. Don’t go dawdling around.”

  “Cook, what’s going on?” I fastened the purse around my waist.

  She attempted to chuckle. “Nothing. Just council business.” She resealed the parchment from Father before she put that in my purse, too. “Go straight to yer room when ye get back. I’ll have some food ready and waiting for ye and Pudge. Whatever ye do, don’t disturb your father.”

  With that, Cook hurried out the door toward Gob Butcher’s. I locked the door behind me and ran down the cobblestone street toward the docks.

  Torches and lanterns flickered off the stone buildings. The marketplace had only a few vendors left open. They were selling special candles and ribbons for the Sending Off tomorrow night. The Sending Off. Just the thought of it hurt. Instead of being one of the chosen, I’d have to say goodbye to the others as they left on the Mission. My Mission.

  I kicked a stray stone.

  “Good evening to ye.” Old lady Maive waved from across the way. “Hear you’re gonna be in the Choosing Ceremony this year.”

  “You heard right.” I crossed over to see her.

  Her rickety fence stood waist high, made with whale bone, wood, and twine. Wildflowers covered most of her yard, nearly taking over the walkway.

  She lowered her voice. “Hag knows we all thought you’d be going on that Mission tomorrow. You deserve it more than any of them others. Sometimes I don’t understand why the council does the things they do.”

  I forced a smile. “We’ve got to work with what the Hag deals us, I suppose,” I said.

  “Right you are.” She handed me a small bouquet of blue flowers. “May you be blessed, Lady Ivy. I’ll pray at the hearth that you’ll get a good match.”

  “Thanks.” I nodded, then hurried back toward the main road. Following the turn into the woods, I drew my cloak tighter about my shoulders. Even with torches lighting the way, the inky blackness seemed to swallow me up.

  Branches reached toward the path like skeletal hands. There were no carts to drown out the sound of my footsteps crunching along. My heart drummed wildly when I spotted a pair of glowing eyes up ahead. I pulled my dagger from its scabbard, gripping it as the eyes disappeared into the brush. A loud crash sounded, and a large dog bounded toward me. Its tongue hung from its mouth, and it nudged my leg.

  “Dragon’s arse, you scared the hell out of me.” I bent to pet its head. “Where’s your master?” My eyes scanned up and down the road, but I didn’t see anyone.

  Then I saw it—a bronze tag around his neck. Oh crap. This wasn’t happening. There, etched into the metal, was the same statuesque sign I had tattooed on my back, and below that was etched the name Grr. What a silly name for a hound like this.

  “Did the Hag send you?” I asked.

  He barked. Which, I assumed, meant yes. “Great, just what I need.” The dog rammed into my leg, almost knocking me over. “Sorry, I didn’t mean that.”

  When I started walking again, he followed alongside me. His head raised, he sniffed the air, as if searching for danger.

  When Grr and I reached the bend in the road, a figure detached itself from the shadows. Grr bristled next to me, his teeth bared.

  “Ivy Archer, what a surprise.” Vane blocked the path in front of me. “Thought you’d be at home, packing. Oh wait, that’s right. You didn’t get chosen to go on the Mission.”

  I gritted my teeth as blood pounded in my veins. “Piss off.” I attempted to push around him. But he gripped hold of my cloak, tugging me closer. His face was inches from mine.

  “Looks like you got caught with the wrong noble.” He bent down; his breath smelled like stale tobacco and rotten meat. “Maybe if you do something for me, I could change the council’s mind.”

  “Or maybe you can get out of my face before I shove my fist through yours.” Raising my hands, I gave him a push, then jerked free from him.

  “Stupid halfer.” He lunged, but Grr put himself between us, snarling.

  “Get away from me or I’ll let him chew you to pieces,” I said through clenched teeth.

  Vane backed away but didn’t leave. “Don’t think for a second this is over. When I come back from the Mission a hero, you’re going to beg for my forgiveness.”

  “I’d rather give birth to a dragon, claws first.”

  Vane’s teeth glittered as light from the torch washed over his face. “Little Ivy Archer, you never learn. I always win.”

  “Except when you fight me.”

  “And tell me again who’s going on the Mission?”

  Before I could move, Grr grabbed Vane’s leg, tugging him by the breeches and living up to his name with a throaty growl. After dragging him several feet, he released him.

  “Hey, what’s going on?” a familia
r voice shouted.

  Suddenly, Vane flew through the air and landed several feet away.

  I looked up to see Pudge staring at me. He…threw him?

  His eyes blazed as he reached for my hand, fingers entwining with mine.

  “What is wrong with you?” Vane scrambled down the path toward the village.

  Pudge glared, then turned back to me. “Are you all right?”

  “Yeah, thanks,” I muttered, face going hot. “Seems like you’re rescuing me an awful lot lately.” My gaze shifted to our hands, then back to his eyes. I swallowed hard.

  Pudge grinned. “Yeah, the tables have turned. It’s nice to be able to do something for you, for once. You’re better with a weapon, so you don’t normally need me.”

  Which was partially true, but the fact of the matter was, I’d always need Pudge. He just didn’t realize how much I depended on him. Without him, I’d be lost. I’d have no best friend. No companion to run around Gob Hollow with. Just thinking about him not being with me made my heart ache. I gave his hand a squeeze, then released it.

  “So where are you headed?” he asked.

  “To the docks to deliver something to your brother.”

  His nose wrinkled. “Well, I’ll come with you, then.”

  Side by side, we continued through the woods, with Grr following close behind us. In the distance, the clang of bells and sound of gulls chirping filled the air. The scent of the sea overwhelmed me, the salt layered thicker than a Gob Hollow meal. We stepped out of the trees and onto the docks. Men loading cargo lined the wooden planks. Anchored near the shore, small, dingy boats bobbed back and forth like a child’s forgotten toys.

  “Hey, I’m going to grab something to eat real quick. I’ll catch up with you in a minute.”

  “Okay.” I waved, and he trotted off.

  The large ship tied at the end of the dock caught my attention. It was the Moaning Mermaid, Honour’s ship. The biggest in the port. Green-and-black Gob Hollow flags flew from the masts, cannons bristling from the sides. Its crew was a mixture of goblins, dwarves, and even an elf or two. Honour wasn’t prejudiced against other races. As long as you worked hard, he didn’t care where you came from.

  I soon caught sight of him standing ahead of us. He wore his blond hair tied back, except for two strands with glass beads hanging down. His tunic was unlaced, revealing the upper part of a well-sculpted chest. Most of the female population and a decent number of the male population were in love with him. Partially because of his looks and partially because of his reputation. Honour reeked of danger. He worked for his uncle and sailed one of the biggest ships in Gob Hollow. But to me, Honour was like an honorary big brother.

  “I heard you were coming to see me,” Honour said.

  “What, are you psychic now?” I snorted.

  “Maybe. Come aboard my ship and I’ll give you a free reading from my crystal ball.” Honour’s eyes twinkled. Hard to believe he was only three years older than me. He seemed to know more about the ways of the world than most folks around our age.

  “Now you’re just teasing me. Listen, Cook sent me down here to deliver a package to you.”

  His brow furrowed, and he peered around. “Here, let’s go farther down the docks to avoid anyone overhearing us,” Honour said. We walked closer to the end, where no one else stood.

  With a smile, he turned to me. “So, the Choosing Ceremony, eh?” Honour said when we stood away from everyone else.

  I frowned. “Unfortunately. Which just goes to show I shouldn’t have pissed off my father.”

  “Who knows, maybe you’ll get paired with some handsome devil of a guy.” Honour grinned.

  “Real funny.” My foot connected with his shin. “You’re just lucky your father got you a pardon from the ceremonies.”

  He winced, then reached across to tug on my hair. “See, you should’ve chosen to captain a ship.”

  “Arse.”

  “And proud of it.”

  Grr lay down at our feet while Honour glanced around the docks, the waves crashing against the shore. I closed my eyes, letting the breeze trace my cheeks. The lapping water relaxed me and almost made me forget how terrible things were.

  “You have a package for me, sis?” He reverted to my old nickname.

  Snapping back to reality, I opened my eyes, reached into my purse, and handed over the package and scroll. “So what is it?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “Nothing that concerns you. How about you let me take you into the pub for a pint?”

  I laughed. “Do you want my father to kill you? I’m in enough trouble already.”

  “Whoa, whose dog?” Pudge interrupted, thudding toward us.

  “Perfect timing, as always,” Honour muttered under his breath.

  Turning toward Pudge, I answered, “Mine. He walked all the way to the docks with us.”

  He quirked an eyebrow at me. “Really? Because I didn’t see him.”

  “Yes…” Why hadn’t he been able to see him earlier?

  Honour grabbed Pudge and put him in a headlock. “How’s my little brother?”

  “Hey, knock it off. You’re going to make me drop my food.” Pudge scrambled from his brother’s grip. Sure enough, a drumstick fell from his pockets and onto the deck.

  Grr leapt up and grabbed it before anyone could move.

  “That was my last one. Damn mangy dog.”

  “You don’t need it,” Honour said, then glanced back to me. “I think you two should head home now.”

  “Okay, Dad,” Pudge teased.

  “Well, good to see you again,” I said before this devolved into a sparring match between them.

  Honour smiled. “Yeah. Who knows, maybe you’ll be seeing a lot more of me.”

  Pudge snorted. “Your lines don’t work on Ivy. She’s smart.”

  “I’d never use a line on her. She might be beautiful, but she’s like my little sister.” Honour winked, ushering us down the dock.

  My lips twitched. “More like you’re scared I’d hack off your arm with my sword,” I called over my shoulder.

  “You wound me.” He clutched his chest before disappearing into the crowds.

  “He’s full of himself,” Pudge said when we reached the tree line. “No wonder Father sent him to work with Uncle.”

  I laughed. “He’s fun. And admit it, you’re only mad because with him gone, you get into a lot more trouble.”

  Pudge grinned. “True. If Honour was still home, I’d be the least of my parents’ worries.”

  We walked in silence for a few minutes before he turned to me again. “So, what’s the story with the dog?”

  That’s what I wanted to know. “This is going to sound unbelievable, but I think he’s a gift from the Hag.” I tugged him to a stop. Reaching for Grr, I showed Pudge the bronze tag around his neck.

  He jumped back. “That’s spooky. I mean, first the tattoo, now this? Maybe you should talk to your father.”

  My teeth grazed my bottom lip. The last thing I needed to do was make my father think this was another prank. He had enough issues to deal with. If the Hag wanted me to do something, I was certain she’d find a way to let me know.

  “No. And promise me you won’t say anything, either.” I caught his arm. “It might not mean a thing, and then we’ll look foolish.”

  Pudge frowned, eyes darting around. “Fine. But if something else happens, we’re talking to someone. Our fathers, Cook, Amos.”

  “Okay,” I agreed, and we started walking again.

  When we got back to my house, the sound of voices drifted toward us from the Great Hall. In fact, several familiar voices raised in argument: the king, butcher, Amos, Councilor Wayfarer, my father, Cook, and a few other select Gob Hollow residents. The only voices absent belonged to the King’s Council members.

  Then I heard Honour.
How had he gotten here before us?

  Pudge and I looked at each other. This was a strange bunch to be congregating in our house in the middle of the night, when they should’ve been going about their typical business. Normally if there were special holidays or a lot of council matters and meetings, Father would stay at the palace, which meant Cook and I would often join him there. So why did he have these specific goblins here, in what seemed like a secret meeting? In fact, I wondered why the whole council wasn’t present. Then I remembered the odd conversation Pudge and I overheard outside the Archives between Councilors Dundry and Girt about the weapons. Should I have told Father about it? Or was it nothing?

  Chapter Nine

  Instead of going up to my room, I moved closer to the door and peeked in. Pudge pushed in next to me, nearly knocking me into the Great Hall.

  “Watch it,” I whispered. My gaze drifted to a pair of boots propped up on the table and along the muscular legs they were attached to. Honour was so informal, even with the king sitting at the other end. His eyes roved around the room, taking it all in.

  “The final arrangements have been made for the Sending Off tomorrow,” King Starshooter said. “Dorian has been briefed on how to conduct himself in front of the Council.”

  Amos shifted away from the wall and paced. “Still think you should’ve sent Lady Ivy. At least then you could be sure of the prince’s safety.”

  The king frowned. “She serves us better here.” He raised his cup to his lips, took a long swig, and then set it back down. “We must not forget Dorian’s closest confidants will be with him.”

  “I agree,” Father said with his back to the door. “The council needs to believe they have the upper hand. And with her out of the Mission and Dorian adding his name for the Choosing Ceremony, they believe things are going their way.”

  “There’s too much unrest in Gob Hollow. Dorian will be safer outside the kingdom,” King Starshooter said. “And after tomorrow’s announcement, I’m sure the council will be in an uproar. We must ensure he lives to succeed me, should the unthinkable happen.”