CH 152: Fare Thee Well

It didn’t take the goblins long to prepare the carriages, and they even let Claire help them. She needed the distraction from everything. It was the best way for her to cope with what she was shown.

They were able to make the carriages far more comfortable, adding blankets and pillows to the wooden seats. They no longer looked like the carriages that brought them here, at least on the inside.

But the moment the carriages were wheeled into view, Claire saw the boys’ reactions. They clung tightly to each other or to Ursa the moment it was wheeled in. Her chest tightened upon seeing it. They opened the doors for them, showing the cozier interior.

But it didn’t matter.

They didn’t dare go near the carriages. It took all of the Scarlett Serpahs to coax them into the carriages. The goblins did their best to make the cabins within more comforting, but their fear wasn’t easily erased. With the boys loaded in, one final conversation was held.

“Here,” Silkie said, holding out her hand. A seashell rested in her palm, glowing faintly with green magic. “Use this to call on us.”

Claire tilted her head and examined the shell. She accepted it from the goblin woman. “How did you get a seashell all the way out here?”

“It was within the stronghold,” Silkie said with a half smile. “That bitch Astrid had expensive taste. Hold it up to your ear and infuse it with magic. Should be good for a handful of uses.”

“Thank you,” Claire said, placing the shell inside their carriage. “I’ll reach out when we get to Restol. Any idea on where you and your kin will stay?”

Silkie pursed her lips. “For now, there are some caves nearby we can stay in. But those traffickers know about us… so we’ll have to leave the area soon.”

“I wish we could help more,” Claire said, lowering her head. “I’ll speak to the people of Amora, they’ll need that bandit hideout for the wintertime.”

“It’s okay, we’ll survive,” Silkie said with a smile.

“Claire,” Firewater called from the side. The goblin’s face was full of concern. “I hope you rescue your brother. And, we are prepared to be hunted to aid you. Call on us when you need an army. We’ll be waiting.”

“I can’t do that,” Claire replied. She rubbed the back of her neck. It was tempting to accept the offer, but that risked their existence being known. Their peace. “This isn’t your fight. Let humanity deal with its troubles and focus on your kin.”

Firewater looked coldly into Claire’s eyes. He let out a slow exhale, “That does not matter. You saved my beloved, aided us in ending those women. It’s the least we can do. And…”

The goblins exchanged a look. Something they couldn’t tell Claire. Firewater shook his head. “There are things I cannot say. The magic around us forbids it. Perhaps next time we meet, I will be able to explain.”

Claire’s head throbbed, another riddle for her overloaded mind. She only nodded.  “I figured. It’s the same with my Goddess.”

Firewater nodded. “Your Goddess… is she like the others?”

Claire tilted her head. “Uhh, I’m not sure. She’s taking on traits from my party members. Some physical and some personality.”

“Interesting…” The goblin man said with a gentle smile. “Humanity is what they need.”

He was hit in the shoulder by Silkie, a stern look on her face. “Seriously? You dumb oaf!”

“I’ll take the consequences.” He replied sternly. “Good luck, Claire. I hope to fight alongside you again.”

Silkie rolled her eyes. “We’ll be fine. Call on us when you face your Lady’s estate. We’ll figure something out.”

“It would even out the odds,” Jasmine said, appearing at Claire’s side. “We’ll have the royal army after us anyway, might as well have an army behind us.”

“Right, it would be considered treason…” Claire muttered. Still, she didn’t want to bring them into this fight. They owe humans nothing. “I’ll consider it.”

“No,” Ursa said firmly. She departed from the boys after calming them down. “They’ll be necessary for your goal. Take their offer.”

“Ursa, I get it,” Claire said, frustrated. “Logically, I’d have to be insane not to use this army. Yet… they just reunited. They suffered at our kind’s hands. And I don-”

“And they still want to fight for you.” Ursa cut Claire off. Her red eyes were glowing faintly. “They witnessed the suffering firsthand and, like you, want to change it.”

Jasmine slipped her arm around Claire’s waist. “She’s right.”

“I know, but…” Claire couldn’t express herself in that moment. All she could think about was the small bit of peace they reclaimed. It held her back from accepting their offer.

“It’s like she said,” Firewater said as he kneeled before Claire. He grabbed her right hand, holding it with surprising gentleness. “On my honor, I will answer your call.”

“I swear if you make a binding oath,” Silkie said, exasperated.

“No, just an oral promise,” Firewater said, squeezing Claire’s hand. “Your cause is just. That is reason enough to fight.”

Claire’s head was spinning. He was acting just like she had during her oaths. Jasmine clearly noticed, too, as her hand slid off Claire.

“Oh, you fucking idiot,” Silkie groaned.

Firewater rose to his feet with a wide smile. “Didn’t tell her anything, dear. I thought it was pretty clever.”

“Can you take him with you?” Silkie said in a deadpanned voice. “He’ll be the death of me.”

Claire shook her head. She glanced at Jasmine, who had a similar expression. “Wait, what the fuck?”

Firewater chuckled. “No more, sorry. I’ve got punishments to look forward to.”

With that, he scooped his wife into his arms despite her protesting swats. He carried her to the goblins formed up in the field. Claire watched the two, still stunned.

Firewater set Silkie down by the admiral goblin, who raised his sword. With a clatter of armor and weapons, the legion of goblins raised their arms. A salute to the party that aided them.

“Thank you!” Firewater’s voice boomed. Ana, Elsie, and Lily joined them just in time to hear it. “We thank you, Scarlet Seraphs, for everything. Rescuing my wife. The boys. And fighting those wicked women.”

Claire hesitated. Ursa didn’t. She raised her axe and let out a howl. In response, the goblins dropped their salute. With a clatter of steel and wood, they sheathed their weapons.

“Fare thee well, Claire!” Firewater called out. “Hopefully, next time, you are strong enough to duel with my full strength.”

Claire waved. It was all she could do. Her words were still lost.

Firewater bowed to them, his wife alongside him. The admiral goblin barked out a command, and the ranks of goblins started to move. Two by two, they marched into the woods. It took several minutes for them to file out of formation before it was only the three remaining goblins.

The admiral goblin waved to them before turning to join them. Then Silkie grabbed Firewater’s hand and pulled him away. Claire felt her voice return.

“Be safe!” She cried out. “We’ll find you peace.”

Firewater waved without looking back as he disappeared into the trees. A moment of silence fell over the group. It was only when Jasmine spoke that they started to move.

“We should get going,” She said calmly. “Faster we get to a village, the better.”

“Right,” Claire said with a sigh. “Who’s riding with me?”

Elsie stepped forward and grabbed her hand. “I will.”

“Ursa? You riding with me in the other one?” Jasmine asked. The Ravian nodded without speaking and walked to the other carriage.

“And we’ll take our carriage,” Lily said.

“Alright, let’s get these kids somewhere safe,” Claire said, still watching the forest.