Chapter 194 - Barely A King

Vell and Sonder followed the sentries through the heart of the goblin village. Crude wooden huts lined the dry riverbed, their roofs patched with leaves and moss. The goblins they passed stared openly—some with curiosity, others with hostility.

At the center of the settlement stood a larger structure, cobbled together from logs and stones, giving it the appearance of a crude throne room. Atop a raised platform sat the goblin chief—or rather, as he soon corrected, the king.

It reminded Vell far too much of the other goblin settlement.

The self-proclaimed king was a squat, round figure draped in a tattered red cloak, a tarnished bronze circlet perched on his brow. He clutched a gnarled branch as a scepter, nearly identical in nature to the one wielded by the other goblin leader, though he held it like a true symbol of authority.

"Bow before the king!" the lead guard barked.

Vell dipped into a respectful bow. After a brief hesitation, Sonder mimicked the gesture.

The king eyed them suspiciously. "Outsiders? Fairies, or tricksters?"

Vell kept his tone calm and measured. "Neither, mighty king. We are travelers seeking to restore the river's flow. The dam built here has stopped water from reaching the village downstream."

The king snorted and tapped his scepter against his throne. "Aye, that was the idea."

Sonder was baffled. "But why? Surely both villages could share the river. Crops are withering. People could suffer."

The king's expression soured, his lips curling into a scowl. "Let them wither! That so-called 'Chieftain' downstream insulted me—me—during a feast! Called me a moss-eater! He eats moss too; we all do! It's traditional goblin food. Then he dared mock our mushroom stew—said it didn't even have enough mushrooms. That after he had stolen our mushroom patches! No, I say. The river stays mine!"

Vell took a deep breath. He reminded himself why he hated politics, but since he had been asked for help, he would do his best.

"Surely, a ruler as wise as yourself wouldn't let an old slight jeopardize the well-being of his people? If the river stays blocked, it could lead to desperation... and conflict," he said. "Is there no other way to settle this?"

The goblin king's grip on his scepter tightened. "Words won't wash away insults. If that fool wants water, let him crawl here and beg."

Sonder leaned closer to Vell, whispering, "Maybe we could offer... another solution?"

Vell shook his head. "Goblins don't change their minds easily."

He turned back to the king, speaking clearly. "Is there truly nothing that would make you reconsider?"

The king's eyes blazed with irritation. "No!" he roared, and, in a fit of anger, hurled his branch scepter at Vell.

The branch struck Vell lightly in the chest, but he didn't react.

"I suppose we're done here, then."