The Goblins (53)

      “I have gained us the use of the Mound's portalling device to reach the Goblin Enclave.” Cole announced. “It would be faster and more secure than travelling the roads between Bermeo and Eibar.” he informed us. He waved off the offer of a plate from the servant. “Lady Rosalia informed me of bandits along that path.” he explained.

      “It is true but only sever beatings without death have been noted thus far.” the servant reported to us.

      “I would rather not involve Atlantis in a blood bath that the Spanish military can deal with.” Cole told us. He glanced at the woman for but a second. “Which would arrive upon that roadway at the time we are using it.” he stated quietly.

      “It would not be hard to explain our presence as simple travellers.” I remarked. “But best to err on the side of caution.” I continued pensively. “Being Atlantian would change nothing in their eyes if we are found embroiled in a fight with the bandits.” I stated.

“It is an unfortunate truth since they would question why we have not presented ourselves to their royals.” Cole supplied. I nodded my agreement to this minor change in plans. “Worse outcome would have us all executed as spies.” I added. Both my other two companions gulped at this possibility as they nodded their agreement to our new transportation method.

      “We can leave once you done breaking fast.” Cole stated.

      “Are you not joining us?” Sert asked.

      “I have already eaten.” Cole replied with a slight blush.

      “Shared a meal with Lady Rosalia?” I mused. Cole reddening face was the only answer I received from him as he joined our table. Sert chuckled under his breath at him while Meli missed the blush. “What should we expect from the goblins?” I asked to the table. The servant had walked away as we started talking once more.

      “Goblins are seen by humans as evil because they are scavengers mostly.” Sert remarked. “They are neither formidable fighter nor formidable craftsmen.” he continued pensively. “It is these lacks in skills that makes them attempt stealing items from the nearby humans.”

      “Agreed.” Cole interjected. “But they do have good tunnelling and engineering support structures underground.” he corrected. “Their entire Enclave is underground and goes to a good depth under Eibar.” he continued. “Do not confuse this with good mining abilities.” he warned me. “They cannot seem to collect ore properly nor have the technology to smelter it into purer forms of metals.”

      “Which explains their lesser quality of product.” I returned calmly. “Would sharing technology and training them to collect ore cleaner be a problem with the Council?”

      “No foreseeable problems unless you intend to hand them the ability to make Atlantis quality weapons and armour.” Cole replied with a shrug.

      “Just good enough to help them defend against equally armed and armoured humans.” I returned easily. He scratched his chin for a few minutes as I read his thoughts. “If we give them better than human technology, they become a threat to humans which will cause a war between the Goblins and Spaniards which should be avoided.” I told him directly. He simply nodded back.

      “Not a truly great problem since the Goblins are pacifist when it comes to humans.” he returned.

      “Which would suggest they would become easily overrun by humans if they attack them.” Sert commented.

      “Best to have them ready to defend themselves properly than having them removed from existence.” Meli pipped in.

      “Fully agreed which is why I would convince the Council on this matter.” Cole replied. They both stared in shock at him being agreeable to their suggestions.

      “I understand you ideals Cole.” I said softly. “But we must attempt to keep a balance between the humans and mystical races.” I reminded him. He nodded back to me with an agreeable smile. “It will make Atlantis appear as a peaceful force in the world.”

      “Which will keep us being embroiled in conflicts.” Cole returned. “And have the world turn to us as mediators instead of going to war.” he continued. “Which in a way allows us to control them by avoiding conflicts between our allies.” he concluded. A little smirk formed on his face as Meli and Sert groaned at his suggestion.

      “Gives Atlantis a chance to guide them without placing a slaves collar around their necks.” I remarked. My companions looked at me in confusion by my suggestion. “As a guide, Atlantis would be seen as a friendly partner instead of a tyrannic dictator sitting above the humans.” I explained.

      “And the Council would see it as having enough control to stop any threat from those allied nations toward Atlantis.” Cole stated with the same self satisfied smirk. “Every party gets a benefice while neither truly looses any power.” he added. Meli looked and felt confused still while Sert nodded as he smiled. He reached across the table to shake Cole's hand amicably.

      “Truly a conniving mind but with a good purpose for once.” Sert told Cole. Cole nodded back with a deep chuckle. We finished the meal as I sensed the change that took root in Sert's and Meli's mind toward Cole. Rosalia met us as we walked toward the portalling unit.

      “May I have a moment before we leave?” Cole asked softly. A small blush coloured his cheek as he looked at the fairy Ambassador. I nodded my agreement and watched as he took Rosalia by the arm for the remainder of the short walk. I watched to notice they whispered to each other while both had flashing moments of blushing. As we reached the portal, I saw how they stood while mentally both resisted performing the action they wished to not hide anymore.

      “Kiss her already Cole.” I stated loudly. “Maybe this Mound will realize that having Council representative favouring them is a boon instead of a curse.” I added. Sert signalled toward Cole to proceed while Meli giggled at his side. Cole finally turned to take Rosalia's chin in hand to guide her lips to his in a slow chaste kiss.

      “I will see you on Atlantis soon.” Cole half whispered to her. She smiled as both blushed one last time before we stepped through the prepared portal. A trio of goblins stood at attention as we exited the portal under the city of Eibar. “Lord Kestrel and myself, Colêsträ, are here for diplomatic discussions with the Eibar Enclave.” he announced. They chuckled as they bowed to us signalling us to follow.

      The trio lead us through the brightly lit tunnels. Sparkles from gems and minerals veining the walls added light and gave the tunnel a feeling of life. Triple candle lanterns hung every five to ten feet from the wooden counter beams that crossed the ceiling. I smelt the air half expecting the odour of staleness and burning wax. My sensitive nose met clean air with only a hint of the stenches of life which should be found in tunnels. I glanced at the nearest lantern spotting the minor flickering proving air currents constantly refreshing the breathing air in this underground complex. I half turned toward Sert to signal my eyes and nose at him. He shrugged back as he smiled blankly at me.

      “They do have some technological ideas fitting their subterranean needs.” I remarked to him. I watched Sert as he glanced more closely around him, sniffed the air, and slowly nodded back to me. “Teaching them basic smelting and forging might be easier than we originally considered.” I whispered to Sert. He smiled as he nodded his agreement.

      “Truly a incredible change from my last visit here.” Cole remarked to us. “It was my first visit after they established this Enclave.” he informed us. “And none of these ideas are Atlantian influenced.” he added. I felt his mild shock and surprise formed in him from seeing these changes. The trio of guards chuckled once more suggesting they understood Atlantian.

      “What is the origin of the aeration system?” I asked in Goblinoid. The one closest to us turned while still following the path blindly.

      “A small group of humans we have been in contact with.” he replied in Spanish. He chuckled as he looked forward once more.

      “When did they begin contacting humans?” Cole asked slowly in Atlantian.

      “About two months ago.” the goblin responded in Spanish. The other two chuckled back at us. “We have made arrangement to help in mining support structures for mineral smelting.” he continued. “The lighting is the idea of one of our tinkerers which is being adopted into the closest human mine already fitted with our structural support system.” he explained. He had easily change to Atlantian as he spoke. I held my laughter in check at Cole's stunned look. “We have also been able to earn human money by working the mine as extra help supplementing for ill, injured, or vacationing workers.” he add with a smile.

      “Sounds like a good level of exchange between this Enclave and the Humans.” I pondered out loud. “How did it come about?” I asked softly.

      “That will be explain shortly.” the lead of the trio stated. “You will understand all of it easily once you meet our ruling group.” he added quickly. We continued through these well made tunnels to reach a central cavern where goblins and a few human children played together. I scanned the room seeing a handful of humans going about as if this was natural. At the far end of the room, three older goblins sat in throne like chairs with a human woman using the last throne. I did not need to look back as I heard the strangled choking sound emanating from Cole.

      “I bring greetings from Atlantis to the Eibar Enclave.” I announced. I let the camouflaging magic slip off my companions while allowing myself to grow to their size. I bowed deeply before the four on the thrones in fluid Atlantian fashion. I know my companions followed suit behind me and now waited like myself to be introduced.

      “Lord Kestrel, Envoy of the Ones On High, noble representative of the Living Heart Annianka of Atlantis!” a voice proclaimed through the chamber. I tried finding the source of the voice but it remained a mystery. “He is accompanied by his Honour Guard Sertian and his Healer Mekiliean.” the mystery voice boomed out. “He comes to us with the Noble Colêsträ representing the Council of Atlantis.” it added.

    “Might I request an explanation of Lord Kestrel's title and whom he represents?” the human asked the trio of goblins. The other elders turned to nod at her. She smiled at me politely before speaking again. “Please explain to me your title and whom you represent?” she now directed at me. As she spoke, she leaned forward to be closer to me.

     “I am in Atlantis under the mantle of the Ancient Ones who sit above the present deities of this world since they can no longer manifest here.” I replied slowly. I took a step closer to her as I spoke noting that the goblin guards did not move from their position. “Her Holiness Annianka sent me as her diplomatic spokesperson to this Goblin Enclave.” I continued. I saw in her mind the connections forming with my oration.” “She is a religious leader accepted as a counterpart to the Council.” I concluded. She nodded slowly at me as the piece fell all in place in her mind. I stepped back as she straightened on her throne.

      “I thank you for your description and patience with a mere human female.” she returned softly.

      “There is nothing mere about a woman that sits with the Goblin Elders of the Eibar Enclave.” I told her quickly. I bowed to her in a slow but flawless Spaniard style. “I must ask if your presence represents the city of or the Enclave of Eibar?” I stated. “Or the human allies of these Goblins?” I added quickly. One of the elders chuckled as the woman looked confused by my request.

      “She is the selected head of the human families allied to this Enclave.” one of the elders replied.

      “Her standing is equal to ours and is as much part of the Eibar Enclave as ourselves.” the other female continued. I watched as the scarlet hue of a blush spread across her cheeks.

      “As a human female, she has problems accepting equality with males.” the last added. The throned trio of goblins chuckled as her face turned a brighter shade of red.

      “I must add to Lord Kestrel's personification of Her Holiness Annianka.” Cole proclaimed. He moved to stand by my side as I heard the grinding of teeth from my other two companions. “Her strength upon Atlantis is equal in all ways to that of the Council.” he informed them. “Neither sits above the other which is reserved only for the royal bloodline of Atlantis.” he concluded. He bowed his head toward the human female before stepping back to join Sert and Meli. I glanced back to spot their glanced at Cole while mild curiosity bubbled in their minds.

      “The open minded and curious human is Lady Isabella Trastámara representing a large extend family of allies.” the first goblin elder announced. “General Cortez who is the military head for the Enclave.” he continued. He motioned to the man sitting closest to Isabella. “Lady Grenadine representing the tinkerers of the Enclave.” he rimed off. The aged female bowed her head to us before replacing her odd eye-wear to its proper position on her face. “And I am King Diaz of the Eibar Enclave.” he added. His did not change between the introductions to make any one seem more important than the other which included himself.

      “Well met your Highness, Ladies, and sir general.” I replied for our group. I did not glance back knowing my party bowed and curtsied behind me a second time. “I bear words from Her Holiness Annianka of Atlantis for your Enclave with a list of newly acquired products for trading.” I informed them. The scroll appeared as if by magic in my hand which I held out before me as I bowed to them. I waited until a goblin to retrieve the missive from me and carry it to their King before straightening. “My last duty is on a more personal note regarding your heirs.” I explained hesitantly. He signalled me to continue speak. “Her Holiness hopes that your Princes, Princesses, or one of each are in good health.” I concluded. The King laughed as the other three throned nobles smiled at my comments.

      “Prince Razling and Princess Rosalind are in very good health.” he answered beaming. “With the help of a human wet-nurse, they are growing strong quickly.” he continued joyfully. “And I am sure you noticed the human children playing with our own goblin offspring?” he mused. A small crooked smile formed on his face as I felt pride coming from him.

      “It would be the best way for the goblins and humans to understand each other better.” I conceded with a smile. “But at this time I allowed Colêsträ to take control of the discussion regarding Council matters.” I stated. I bowed one last time before stepping back while signalling Cole forward. I mostly ignored Cole's dialogue with the goblins while I examined the subterranean hall around us. I knew with a quick glance that Sert and Meli would split their time between listening to Cole and examining the hall. It took maybe an hour for Colêsträ to complete his diatribe to the Elder Goblin Council. A dozen scroll were handed to them before Cole congratulated the King on his new heirs.

      “Now to the feast since I am sure the Elders and your groups have questions they wish not to speak publicly.” King Diaz stated. All the scrolls were collected in a tightly woven basket by a young goblin page with a much younger human following him. Cole added to his odd behaviour by waving me into the lead position once more. He fell in step with Meli and Sert at my back. General Cortez fell back to walk with me down a new tunnel.

      “I must wonder why the Council's representative walks behind you?” he calmly asked. His voice was loud enough for my three companions to hear clearly. “Both of you stated equal power in those you stand for.” he mused. I sense no anger from Cole at these words.

      “Colêsträ is also my attache to the Council because I am an Envoy.” I replied easily. I heard a small chuckle escaping from Cole. “Her Holiness assigned Sertian and Mekiliean to me avoiding conflict with Colêsträ's duties to the Council.” I explained calmly. A soft trio of chuckles arose at my back from my companions. It is at that moment realization dawned on me of Cole selected behaviour. He was showing his proper position hoping it would cause the goblins to see Annianka as the greater force upon Atlantis.

      “It does not avoid all conflicts.” the General remarked. “Most Atlantians see the Council as an enemy within Atlantis.” he added softly. Cole caused the rumours of Atlantians still standing against the Council. It gave Annianka an opening to proclaim acceptance of the Council's misdeeds.

      “You would understand as a military leader that doing what is best for your people is not always perceived as correct by your people.” I returned. He nodded back slowly at my words. “Good intentions can lead down the darkest paths.” I added quickly. A bark of laughter escaped Cortez.

      “Good intentions can lead you into a hellish cavern of lava and brimstone gases.” he snapped back. I saw in his mind this event as he stood thinking this would be the end of his race. “All to save people that believe you are nothing but evil monsters.” he added. The anger of ancient hatred was in his tones and in his mind. I quickly glanced at him to know he stared at the back of Isabella's head.

      “Actions that placed goblin in double the dire danger from their actions to cause a chance for peace.” I surmised softly.

      “The goblin squad dragged a dozen injured humans from that Hell back to their own people.” he reported. “One foolhardy goblin rushed back into the black smoke alone.” he stated. Fear mixed with pride inside the General's heart as he spoke. “Just to free one human while fighting in vain to remain conscious in the brimstone laced air.” he continued. His voice lowered in magnitude as the tale dribbled out of him. “We believed them lost and begged forgiveness from the human healers working on the survivors.” he started. He stopped speaking as I felt the emotions choking his words at that moment before a great joy flooded into him. “From the fire splattered smoke crawled a human carrying my son on his back to safety.” he concluded.

      “A good deed is always repaid in kind.” I mused out loud. “You must sometimes walk through hellish darkness to see the light within ourselves and others.”

      “Wise words befitting the voice of Her Holiness of Atlantis.” he returned softly. “Also a good view from Her regarding the Council.” he continued. “I hope Her wise words reaches the Atlantian citizens.” he added. I nodded my agreement to him. We entered another grand chamber where tables and chairs sat with a dozen servant ready to carry food to us. The seating arrangement centred on the King and his Queen at the main table. I was placed between her highness and Isabella while Sert sat by the General at the King's right. Grenadine sat between Sert and Meli while Cole took the spot on the other side of Isabella. I did wonder if the partners of the other Elders felt displaced at this main table while forced to eat with the other goblins and the small number of humans at the secondary tables.