“Would you like to explain what’s going on?” Her stare pinned me in place, as if she dared me to lie—to give them a reason to take me down.
So I told them about the Mission and my brother’s capture. I even gave them details about my own time in the human world, finishing with the ambush and Captain Bushwell’s final words.
“I think it is best if Pudge and I continue to the docks—pretend Dorian’s dead so we can get back and forewarn my father of the council’s intentions.” I watched the elves closely. They’d been cordial enough to let us into their kingdom, but that didn’t mean they would let us leave.
Sashine smiled. “I agree. It’s the only way to keep him from being suspicious. Don’t mention the goblins you killed; in fact, tell him you were captured by woodland elves and questioned for trespassing.”
My lips twitched. “Is that what we are? Captives?”
“No. You’re guests. And soon you’ll be my sister.” Sashine pushed up from her chair. “In the meantime, we’ll take care of Dorian and Grr and return them to Gob Hollow once they’re strong enough for travel. Which should only be a short time now.”
My throat thickened. “Thank you. I can never repay you for the kindness you’ve shown us.”
“The only repayment I ask is that you tell my brother hello for me.”
“Your brother?”
“Thezriel. He’s working on Honour’s ship, keeping tabs on him. We noticed that not all of his cargo is legal.”
“Hag. My whole family is corrupt,” Pudge said softly. “How come I never figured it out?”
“He tricked all of us.”
Did I ever really know Honour at all? The man I’d looked up to as a big brother all these years—he was responsible for my brother being captured and his almost death, or at least partially so. But why? Especially when Pudge was his own kin. Pudge was definitely the better of the two brothers. Now he only needed to see that for himself. “I’ll be sure to relay the message.”
“Look to Thezriel for help. He’ll be ready to take up his sword if necessary.”
With that, we were excused to pack our things and head into the enemy’s lair.
…
We traveled for days before reaching the docks. The scent of salt hung in the air, the waves crashing against the shore. Honour’s ship bobbed in the harbor, and I gave Pudge a nervous glance.
“Ready for this?” I touched his arm.
His jaw tightened, his eyes blazing with vehemence. “More than ready.”
We moved down the dock. The wooden planks creaked beneath our feet. At the end of the pier, Honour was talking with two dwarves. As if sensing our approach, he spun around, a look of surprise on his face.
“Ivy? Pudge?” He hurried toward us.
Biting my lip, I forced myself to run to him, crying.
“Oh Honour, it was horrible.” I sobbed, pressing myself against him. “The humans killed Dorian. And we lost Grr to the dwarves. We—we waited in the clearing for you, but you weren’t there, and the elves took us in for questioning.” My words ran together, and I hoped I sounded distraught and not like I’d fabricated a story.
“What do you mean, the elves took you in for questioning?” he demanded.
I sniffled. “As soon as we crossed the border between the human lands and ours, the elves captured us. They wanted to know what we were doing in their woods.”
He seemed to relax. “Those bloody elves are always causing trouble. I’m sorry I wasn’t there, Ivy.” He stroked my hair. “I got stuck here, trying to patch a leak in the ship. Did you have any trouble along the border?” he asked. “Did you see Vane or Barthe or any of the others?”
“No. No one was there.”
Pudge met my gaze over his brother’s arms. His fingers toyed with the sword belted to his side.
“We’ve had a rough journey. Ivy sustained some wounds and needs her rest,” Pudge said at last.
Honour touched my face. “I’ll take care of you, little sister. I promise. Let’s get you two on the ship.”
His arm circled my waist, and he guided me toward a small boat tethered to the dock. Hatred bubbled in my gut like Cook’s spicy chili. I wanted nothing more than to hurt Honour.
The way he stood there, feigning compassion, when he’d set us up to die. The way he so easily betrayed our people sickened me. We’d lost good goblins because of him.
We climbed into the boat, and Honour glanced at Pudge with a grin. “Looks like you lost some weight. Maybe Father should’ve petitioned to send you on a Mission sooner.”
“Then you might have lost the title of best-looking brother,” Pudge said in an even voice.
Honour turned to me. “I see his disposition hasn’t changed much. I hope his attitude was better on the journey.”
“He made it bearable,” I said. “If it wasn’t for him, I never would’ve escaped the human world. He’s a hero.”
Pudge gave him a cocky grin, then took the paddles and started rowing.
When we reached the ship, the crew helped us aboard. The chains groaned, lifting the anchor while Honour stood at the helm, ship’s wheel in hand.
I stood on the deck, watching as we sailed from the harbor. We’d started our journey on foot here. My memories seemed distant—the excitement, the danger. And none of it had prepared me for what I found.
“Sorry to hear about Prince Dorian.” Thezriel joined me, leaning against the railing next to me.
“Thank you.” I glanced over my shoulder to see Honour watching me. I gave him a smile and turned back to Thezriel.
He gazed at my tunic with interest. “I hope the elves were good to you.”
“Very. In fact, Sashine is like a sister to me. And if I had a brother, I’d encourage him to marry her.”
He smiled. “And did she send any messages for me?”
“She sends her love and warm wishes your way,” I said.
Thezriel leaned closer, his arm brushing mine. “The elves are kind to those in need.”
“Especially those who’ve been injured.”
“And have they managed to mend everyone?”
“Indeed,” I answered. “They will be traveling soon.”
Honour shouted orders to deckhands to raise the sails. Goblins bustled around us, taking their positions, tugging on ropes that hung from the masts.
“He’s got the ship headed for the Route of Skulls, not Gob Harbor,” Thezriel said.
I gave an internal groan. Of course he’d pick the one place in Gob Hollow filled with more murderers than all the dungeons in the five surrounding kingdoms. But also a place where he’d be less noticed coming into harbor.
“Then we better make this quick. Are you with us, Thezriel?” I nodded toward Pudge, who’d just come on deck. He looked piqued again, and I hoped he wasn’t about to have a bout of motion sickness.
“Yes,” Thezriel said. “But we should wait until some of the men have retired for the night. Less of a fight then.”
My hand squeezed his arm. “I’ll let Pudge know. Thank you.”
Thezriel nodded, then moved toward the hull of the ship and disappeared.
Pudge smiled, then came to stand with me, and I leaned my head against his shoulder.
“Tonight, then?” He pulled me closer until his chin rested on my head.
My heart thudded in my chest. Hag, I hoped we survived this. Because there were a lot of things I needed to tell Pudge. For now, though, I had to concentrate on our mission at hand. Taking down Honour and his men.
“Tonight.”
Chapter Thirty-Five
With a yawn, I waved to Honour. “I’m going to retire for the night,” I said.
“Of course.” He smiled when I came to stand next to him. “I’m glad you’re safe, Ivy. I’ve spent so much time worrying.”
Worrying tha
t I’d come back alive.
“I’ve missed you,” I said. “And I’ve had a lot of time to think about things. Mainly of what Father might say about me officially joining your crew. I mean…if the offer is still open.”
He stiffened under my gaze, and I bit my lip to keep from smiling. Let him squirm for a bit.
“I didn’t get a chance to talk to Archer yet. I promise to do so as soon as we arrive in Gob Hollow.”
If you make it to Gob Hollow. “If you’ve changed your mind, I’ll understand.”
His hand lifted my chin, forcing me to look at him. To stare into the face of a liar.
“I’ll never change my mind, sis. The offer still stands.”
“I’m glad.” I turned, then headed toward the cabin I shared with Pudge.
“Did you have to pour it on so thick?” Pudge said with irritation. “Acting like you want to be on his ship.”
I snorted. “Well, you said to make sure he didn’t suspect anything. And it’s not like I’m a good actor.”
“I don’t think you had to fawn all over him. A quick ‘good night’ would’ve sufficed.” He stood, arms crossed tight at his chest.
“Fine. Next time you pretend to dote on him, and I’ll sit in the cabin.”
“Ivy.” He caught my arm as I shoved by. “Sorry, I’m just anxious about whether or not this will work.”
“If it doesn’t, it’ll be a quick trip to the bottom of the sea.” I gave a bitter laugh, relaxing as Pudge’s hand loosened.
“Let’s just get the lantern off and wait for Thezriel.” He moved to his hammock.
We sat in the darkness for a couple of hours before we heard two knocks on the door, followed by three, then another two. Sliding my feet over the edge of the hammock, I prepared my sword and dagger.
“Honour is mine,” Pudge said from beside me.
“Are you sure?” This wasn’t some common criminal we talked about; this was his brother.
“Yes.”
Thezriel met us at the stairs. “There are four goblins on deck. The rest are asleep below. Wait for me to secure the trapdoor before moving in,” he said.
I crept up the stairs. Moonlight filtered along the masts and hull. Pressing myself against the railing, I stayed in the shadows, waiting for Thezriel.
A moment later, he whistled, and I sucked in a deep breath. Pudge came up behind one of the deckhands, striking him in the back of the head with a paddle. He sank to the floor, and Thezriel tied him up behind some barrels.
Thezriel and Pudge took down two more, then circled around to me.
I clapped my hands, the sound echoing in the night. Moving slowly, I made my way to Honour.
“Bravo, you really had us fooled.” I laughed, trying to control the rage that streamed in my veins. “And I almost believed you liked me.” I unsheathed my weapon.
He whipped around to face me, then went still. The point of my sword scratched his neck.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He gaped at me.
“Try again.” Pudge came up behind him, knocking him to his knees. “I’m your brother, and you would’ve let me die out there.”
“You chose her over us.” Honour’s face twisted in fury. “Always trailing after Ivy. But you never had a chance, brother.” He smirked. “The only thing you’re useful for is screwing things up. And you were helpful in keeping an eye on her, whether you knew it or not. Because you never could keep a secret.”
Pudge’s face hardened, his arms flexing as he hit Honour in the side of the head.
The last deckhand burst around the corner. “What’s going on?”
Thezriel went on the offensive, swiping the goblin’s feet from under him. He crashed to the floor, and Thezriel leaped on him.
“Hand me the rope,” he said.
Keeping my eyes on Honour, I shifted backward until my hand brushed the rope, and I tossed it to the elf.
“You never should’ve sent that idiot Vane to do your dirty work. You can thank him for our survival.” I lowered my sword, watching his lips purse in anger.
“Where is he?” he demanded.
“At the bottom of the river, where he belongs. And when my father finds out you’ve betrayed him, he’ll condemn you to the dungeons before slitting you open and feeding you to the buzzards.”
“Your father can’t do shite to me,” Honour snapped. “By the time we get home, the King’s Council will have done away with Archer.”
My stomach churned as my legs trembled.
“He’s not my father. The king is.” I forced a smile. “And my brother’s on the mend and will be to Gob Hollow shortly with reinforcements.”
“No.” Honour tried to stand, but Pudge shoved him down again, this time holding him in place with his knee. “Your father is a fool. He lets others come in and take what’s ours. He wants to make treaties with the elves. Soon he’ll have the whole kingdom bowing to those heathens.”
I leaned down. “My father is brilliant. It’s because of him we’ve enjoyed peace for so long,” I said. “While you and your father betrayed our kingdom.”
He spat at me, and the next thing I knew, Pudge punched him square in the jaw. “Is that how you want to do this?” Pudge’s voice went cold, nearly frosting the air around us. “Fine. We’ll tie you up and gag you.”
Thezriel brought him rope, and they secured him, then moved him to the cabin. From below deck, we heard shouting from the deckhands, who’d discovered they’d been locked in.
As I looked around the empty deck, I realized a flaw in our plan.
“I hope one of you knows how to sail this blasted ship,” Pudge said, echoing my thoughts.
“Why else do you think I took a job working for a goblin?” Thezriel grinned.
Somehow this didn’t make me feel any better. “Well, I might be wrong, but I think it’ll take more than just the three of us to sail this thing,” I said.
“Don’t worry. We’ll have help.” He gestured toward the railing.
Giving him a quizzical brow, I hurried to the side, and there, emerging from the fog, was a ship. It came up alongside us, and within minutes, elves boarded the Moaning Mermaid, swinging from ropes and landing on our deck.
“I see you’ve got things handled,” Roland said after he landed next to me.
“Nice of you to help.” I grinned.
He held a hand to his heart. “You wound me with your words, goblin.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well, I suppose better late than never.”
“So, I think we still need to anchor in the Route of Skulls. Or at least on the outskirts. If we land in Gob Harbor right away, the council will know something’s not right, especially since they’re the ones directing Honour’s moves. I need to try to get word to my father or Archer and warn them about the Council, and it’ll be easier for us to sneak around in the Route of Skulls and come in that way. Because if what Honour says is true, they could be in serious danger.”
“Very well. We’ll stay offshore and let you and Pudge row in. We’ll then take the ship up the coast and wait for your signal to pick you back up.”
“Thanks,” I said. “I hope we get there in time.”
“We will. Have faith.”
…
Thezriel anchored Honour’s ship in the harbor in the Route of Skulls long enough for us to be lowered in a rowboat over the side. Taking a deep breath, I glanced at Pudge. I sure hoped we knew what in the Hag we were doing. The Route of Skulls wasn’t a place nice people hung out. In fact, most of the criminals in Gob Hollow spent time in this place.
Already I worried about whether or not we’d make it in time.
Pudge and I managed to get the boat to shore. We didn’t dare tie it down at the docks. Instead, we opted to pull it up onto the stony beach.
“Whatever you do, keep your cloak
tight about you and your hood pulled up so no one recognizes you,” I said. Although with how much his appearance had changed while we were gone, I wasn’t so sure people would recognize him.
We climbed up the small incline until we reached the dirty cobblestone streets of the Route of Skulls. Oil lamps burned, sending up plumes of smoke. As we left the docks behind, I caught sight of a familiar form.
“Shit. Is that Councilor Dundry?” I caught Pudge’s arm, narrowing my eyes at Birdie and Barthe’s father. He was a traitor—one of the people who had helped set this whole thing in motion.
“Yes. I can tell by his weasellike face.”
“C’mon. Let’s see where he’s going.” Soon he veered down the Alley of the Slain.
“We’re not going down there, are we? People go that way and don’t come back, Ivy.”
A nauseous wave tossed in my stomach, and we ducked behind a row of stones.
“I’ve got to go, but you can stay here and make sure no one follows me, if you’d like.”
Pudge sighed, shaking his head. “Do you honestly think I’m going to let you go anywhere here by yourself? Besides, your brother and father, not to mention Archer, would kick my arse.”
The silhouettes oozed from the alley like creatures from the black abyss. The dank scents of tobacco and piss filled the air. Two female goblins giggled, staggering from behind a curtained door that led into one of the more dilapidated buildings. A soldier came out a moment later, tightening his belt.
My face went warm, and I glanced away. The farther away from the beach we went, the more run-down the shops became, and the goblins more dangerous.
“Care to buy a blade,” a raspy voice asked as a shadow stepped in front of us. He held out a dagger that could only have belonged to a palace guard.
Black-market specials. Not my thing.
Moonlight illuminated him, his dirtied tunic and ripped breeches, and the patch that hung over his left eye. My gaze drifted to his missing teeth.
“No thanks.” I wrinkled my nose and pushed around him. But he caught my arm and jerked me to a stop.
“I asked if you wanted a blade.” He pressed the dagger against my throat.
I took a staggered breath, fear gripping hold of me. “I’ll say this once and only once. Get your hands off me.”
Where There Be Humans Page 27