Telligence Ball

The ball is so similar to the last two. Telligence has a long history in the country now. Would a newer house put in the same effort or pull off the same quality? Maybe I should've spoke with Ryan before coming. I watch as his sister walks across the room looking radiant. Daniel's brother is here as well. The two have danced quite a bit. He's been chasing and she doesn't always allow him to catch. But it looks like flirting.

It wouldn't shock me if the engagement happens today. Although there may be a reason to hold off.

"He looks like a whore." Daniel scoffs again. He's been watching his brother. I smile at him. We saw each other early and haven't separated. William has gone back to his dancing with every possible bride. Although all signs say he'd caught by Callie. Butch isn't being given presence by Daniel. I hope they are aware of each other enough.

"Are you that upset Priscilla is taken now?"

"She isn't taken." Daniel throws a hand out. "She's just giving him a chance."

"More than you'll get." I point out. Daniel rubs his neck without commenting. Not that I blame him. Most have been watching the two tease about the room.

"Let's get some fresh air." Daniel faces the door. He looks at me. "Coming?"

I glance to Butch. He's at my side for the walk out into the fresh air. Daniel doesn't seem surprised or shocked by Butch being there. "Daniel..."

"There was supposed to be hoards of goblins encroaching." Daniel steps out into the garden. "I... Haven't seen one."

"You have been focused." I say.

Daniel grumbles. "No reports. We did security sweeps yesterday. I'm glad you were away. Her Majesty made sure we were drilled. But nothing. Not a single goblin. Was the report faked? Should we assume there is an issue at the halls?"

"Or the castle. Did Lord Telligence suggest this was a concern?"

"Yeah. He offered us the contents of the letter without issue. And I do trust him." Daniel stares at the garden. "But... Nothing..."

"Think the queen scared them?" Butch says quietly.

Daniel taps his chin. "You know... I never thought of that. Maybe the goblins are aware of how dangerous the queen is. She's murdered countless goblins."

That... Sounds horrible actually. Goblins being murdered. Should we really get upset when they try to counter? Who started things? Can we end things? They're known as sneak thieves, but it feels as if there is something more to it.

"When Telligence become a part of the country..." Daniel sits on a garden bench. "You heard about the people living here, right?" I nod. "There are few left. The goblins were destroying them. Their population was on the brink of collapse when we showed up." Daniel leans back looking exhausted. "Telligence came up with a plan to take out as many goblins as possible without losing any lives." He pauses. "We only lost one to their countless."

"And he became a silver noble." I know the history in the vague sense. It's not recent history nor do I come here often. Telligence was one of our first Houses made after we established our country. The capital was still at the shoreline back then. So much has changed.

"Telligence was the first silver noble. And the houses became equals because of the fight the nobles back then caused." Daniel's family wasn't nobility back then. A lot has changed. The Crowne family line and the Warton family are the only ones to still be in their original House. "The goblins are normally straight forward."

I eye him.

Daniel waves his hands. "Not as in straight forward attacks. As in not complicated methods. They don't normally change their patterns. So... This feels off. Why would they pick to show their numbers right before a ball season? They had to know about it. It's almost annually held here."

I have no idea. I don't understand goblins. And my mission doesn't have to do with the goblins. I'm here trying to figure out the assassin problem. What red knight is the problem? Is a minister involved?

"Can't believe this is my first mission." Daniel stands up. "Alright. That's enough fresh air."

A rustle in the bushes has us stop to look. We're just white knights, kids more than adults. A goblin still shouldn't be a problem. I touch the hilt of my sword. Should I draw my weapon? Be ready to attack? Butch is the one to move closer to the bush. When he pulls aside the leaves, nothing is there.

"Spooky." Daniel scans out area. "How'd a goblin get this close? Or is it something else?"

Perhaps a house cat? Or a dog? Or maybe even a fox. If they're nervous among humans, they wouldn't wish to get close to us. If they know we're dangerous, they'd keep distance even more. Maybe it's not a goblin.

"Let's go back." Daniel heads for the doors in.

Butch waits for me to take middle position before taking up the rear.

Noise has me stop to look to my life. Daniel didn't notice this time as he continues on for the door. Butch and I focus on the noise.

"Let's head in, Thomas." Butch whispers to me. He has a point. We'll be safe inside. Someone else can check the garden.

Daniel grabs the door handle turning back to us in the process. "Let's..."

The rustling stops me again. I don't have a heightened battle sense. That was my thought when the hand grabbed my arm. I am not quick to struggle.

Even when I manage to try to break free, I know it's too late.

William said it would make sense goblins can access teleportation as a mage skill. It suits their style. So he wouldn't be shocked by me being teleported away without him.

I stare at the small green creature holding my arm. "Um..."

"Welcome to my home, Your Highness." The goblin sorcerer? It looks the same as the one I saw before. How does it know I am a prince? "There is much to talk about. Would you like some tea?"

I blink staring at the thing. "Um... I'm fine..." What just happened?