Chapter 196 - Solved Matter

Upon returning to the first nameless goblin village, Vell approached the chieftain with good news. 

Standing before the throne, Vell bowed slightly. "Chieftain, the river's flow will soon return. My apprentice and I have resolved the matter." 

The goblin chieftain narrowed his eyes, arms folded tightly across his chest. "You speak truth, elf-mage? Or is this more trickery?" 

"It is no trick," Vell replied evenly, though he carefully avoided mentioning the other goblin village's involvement. He chose instead to tell a tale of mischievous water spirits interfering with the flow, believing it safer than risking even more grudges from developing. 

The chieftain's brow furrowed. "Hmph. Elemental spirits—always causing trouble." He exhaled heavily, his grip tightening on his gnarled staff. "If the river returns as you say, you will have our gratitude. But if it does not—" he warned.

"It will," Vell offered a calm reassurance. "Perhaps even by sunrise." 

Sonder, standing silently by his side, resisted the urge to tell the truth. She disliked the lying but trusted that Vell understood the balance of goblin diplomacy better than she did. If it had been her choice, she would have told the truth—but she feared that could have only made matters worse. 

Suddenly, a young goblin rushed toward the chieftain, panting and wide-eyed. "Chieftain! The river—it has begun to flow again! The water—it's coming back!" 

The chieftain's face shifted from suspicion to wonder. Clutching his staff, he waved Vell and Sonder to follow as he hurried toward the riverbank. 

Sure enough, the water had returned, trickling steadily at first but growing stronger with each passing moment. The dry riverbed was now damp, the first streams weaving their way back along the natural path. Goblins gathered at the edge, murmuring in awe. 

The chieftain turned to Vell and Sonder, his stern expression softening. "You have done a great thing for my people. We will prepare a feast in your honor tonight. Stay, rest—you are friends of our village now." 

That evening, the goblins celebrated with music, roasted roots, and a towering bonfire. Vell and Sonder sat quietly on the village's edge, watching as flickering firelight shimmered on the newly restored river.

Sonder asked Vell in a hushed tone. "What if the king upstream changes his mind?" 

Vell nodded, his gaze fixed on the river. "For now, the river flows, and no one is fighting. That's the best we can hope for."