Where There Be Humans

by Rebekah L. Purdy

  He grinned. “We’ve got ourselves a feisty one, lads.”

  That was when I noticed two other goblins slinking out of the gloom.

  Pudge stepped forward, his fist clenched. “How about you back off.”

  The man snorted.

  Did trouble always follow me? Slipping my hand down my waist, I freed my dagger from its holster. Moving fast, I kicked him in the shin, and he released me. But his surprise didn’t last long, and soon he launched himself at me, blade pointed at my throat.

  I dodged to the right, and he missed me. Instead, he staggered into Pudge, who latched onto the back of his shirt.

  “Let go!” the man shouted. He swiped his knife at Pudge, and I rushed forward. My fist raised, I punched the man in the face, knocking him to the ground. By now the other two goblins had pulled out their own weapons. More blades.

  “Pudge, look out!” I said, right before I got slammed into the side of a cart. Pain shot up my spine, and I cried out.

  The goblin smiled. “Didn’t your father ever tell you the alley is no place for a youngling?”

  Clasping my dagger tight, I twisted to the side as he tried to strike another blow, and he hit rock instead.

  “Damn it!” His lips pulled back, revealing jagged teeth when he hollered. Eyes fixed on mine, he rushed at me and caught hold of my cloak. He used it to drag me closer, and I knew if I didn’t take him down, he’d do something awful to me.

  For a moment, I let him bring me in, then, with a quick thrust, I jabbed my weapon between his ribs. “Didn’t your father teach you it isn’t nice to pick on girls?” I said.

  His mouth formed an O, surprise registering on his face as I stepped back. The goblin touched his chest and came away with blood.

  “Y-you stabbed me.” He staggered, then fell to the ground.

  By now, Pudge had taken down our other pursuer with a dagger to the heart. He wiped the blade on the man’s shirt.

  “Hurry,” I called over my shoulder. I should’ve felt guilt or something after the stabbing. But I didn’t; I felt relieved. It was either him or me, and I’d chosen me—or, rather, chosen our kingdom. Because right now, I had to figure out how deep the treachery in Gob Hollow went.

  “Wait, what are we going to do when we find Dundry?” Pudge asked.

  “We’ll just see what he’s doing down here. Then we’re heading to Archer’s. It’s closer than the palace, and I’ll be less likely to be spotted going there.”

  We moved around the fallen bodies and rushed ahead.

  When we got to the end of the alley, I stiffened. We’d entered the one place I never thought I’d step foot. The heart of the Route of Skulls, aptly named for all the dead bodies that had been dumped in the port area of Gob Hollow. A few carts rolled past while raucous laughter filled the night air. There were only three things over here: the seaway, a brothel, and a tavern.

  “How do you feel about grabbing a pint?” I nudged Pudge, then pulled the hood of my cloak up over my head.

  “How’d I know you were going to say that? The shite I do for you…” He followed me.

  The stench of smoke and ale practically slapped me in the face as we pushed through the doors. The toughest of tough goblins threw back pints and played cards while the barmaids sashayed around the room, giving them great views of cleavage and other body parts.

  Suddenly ill, I froze as my pulse quickened and my mouth went dry. Okay, I needed to stay calm. I could do this. I’d survived the human world; I could survive a few minutes in the Route of Skulls.

  At the back of the tavern, I spotted Dundry along with several other members of the King’s Council. Wouldn’t the king be surprised to find they, too, were holding secret gatherings? However, I was sure he already knew about them. Even if he didn’t know their ultimate scheme.

  Pudge and I plopped down at a table close enough to hear what they talked about.

  “So what can I be getting ye?” A barmaid leaned over, her breasts almost taking out my eye.

  “We’ll have a pint,” I said, deepening my voice.

  I watched as she rubbed a hand down Pudge’s chest. “Ooh, I like a tall man with big muscles.”

  Beneath his hood, I saw Pudge give me a startled glance. When he didn’t answer, she giggled and moved away.

  “I don’t like this place,” he hissed.

  Neither did I. Tattooed sailors and thieves and murderers and prostitutes—not exactly what I’d call a party. Or at least not my kind of party.

  The barmaid delivered frothy steins of ale, and I pretended to take a drink while leaning back in my chair to listen to the conversations at Dundry’s table.

  “We’ve got enough funds now,” Councilor Girt said. “My contacts have already put in a bid for the trolls. And with the prince still missing and Ivy Archer likely dead by now, we should be able to make our move soon. We’re just waiting on Honour to get back. Should be any day now.”

  “And are you sure we can trust the trolls? There’s been a lot of bad blood between us,” Dundry said.

  “Aye, they’ll get the job done. I’d rather deal with them than with the elves. Starshooter’s a fool if he thinks we will agree to any treaties. Now all we need to do is take care of a few council problems.”

  “Archer will never go along with us,” one of the others said.

  Pudge leaned closer and whispered, “Shit cakes, what do they mean by that?”

  Lifting a finger to my lips, I shook my head. I tried to catch the rest of the conversation, but the barmaid had come back.

  “You lads aren’t drinking much. Perhaps you were looking for something more adventurous?” She licked her lips, and I almost choked.

  Just then, a goblin crashed into a nearby table as a fight broke out.

  With a look over my shoulder, I noticed the council leaving.

  “We need to get out of here. Now,” I said. My chair fell when I leaped to my feet. Two goblins slammed into our table, knocking over our drinks.

  A hand slapped my butt, and I turned to see the barmaid grinning. “Come back soon.”

  Heat raced to my cheeks, and Pudge gave a nervous laugh. “I think I’ve had my fill of this place.”

  Pudge reached back and clamped hold of my hand, dragging me down the alley like demons were on our heels. And when we turned around, I noticed Councilors Dundry and Girt glancing our way.

  “If there was ever a time to run like your life depended on it, this is it,” I said under my breath.

  Pudge glanced back. “Good idea.”

  We bounded into the dark, our feet pounding the cobblestone like a stampede of horses. The bodies of the goblins we took down earlier still sat where we’d left them.

  Once we stumbled into the main marketplace of Gob Hollow, Pudge and I lost ourselves in between carts.

  “Do you think they recognized us?” Pudge asked when we stopped to catch our breath.

  “I don’t think so. If they had, I think they would’ve fought harder to catch us. No, I think they believe their sons have already taken care of us.” I found the nearest vendor selling food and bought Pudge a smoked mutton leg, which he took a couple of bites of, then handed over to me.

  “Here, have some. You’ve barely eaten today,” he said.

  I took a couple of bites as well, then gave it back. Hag, he’d changed so much. But I liked this Pudge a lot. He was brave and smart, and I couldn’t imagine ever getting through this without him. Even though he’d changed, deep down I also knew he was still the same loyal, kind, and loving Pudge. The one who’d started giving me flutters in my belly way before we’d left on our Mission.

  We attempted to blend in with the other goblins as we made our way to my place. Or, I guess, Archer’s place. Not bothering to knock, I swung the door open.

  “Archer? Cook? Are you home?”

  No one answered.<
br />
  “Piss, I thought they’d be here. We can’t risk going to the palace. Not now.”

  “Maybe Gob Benchley’s around,” Pudge said. “We could see if he could deliver a message for us.”

  “Good thinking.” We hurried out of the house and down the narrow lane to Gob Benchley’s.

  When we got to the door, I noticed the lights were off, which was strange. Gob Benchley was always open this time of night.

  “Pudge, something’s not right.”

  He pulled me back and proceeded to push the door open. “Gob Benchley?” Pudge called out.

  It was then that I saw the body on the floor. “Oh, Hag.”

  Pudge knelt down and flipped it over. It was Gob Benchley all right. Someone had slit his throat. But why? Unless he knew something he wasn’t supposed to.

  “Maybe Cook’s at the tavern. We could try there,” I said.

  “No. We don’t know who we can trust, and if someone else sees us in the tavern, it might not go well. We need to get back to the ship, Ivy.”

  “But what about warning the others?”

  “We’ll have to go with plan B,” Pudge said.

  Plan B. I only hoped we had enough time. With our cloaks tugged back into place, we hurried back toward the Route of Skulls, but this time we climbed to the hill overlooking the small port and lit a fire, signaling to Thezriel that we were coming back aboard.

  Chapter Thirty-Six

  A fog set in over the bay as we approached Gob Harbor. The clang of buoys echoed eerily, and I shivered. The elves crouched behind barrels, keeping their heads below the railings.

  The prisoners had been brought above deck, their hands and feet secured, mouths gagged.

  “The docks are just ahead,” Thezriel called from behind the wheel, easing us into port. Pudge and I tossed ropes to workers on the dock, and they secured us. We’d been hiding at sea for a couple of days so we could come in on the day that Honour had originally said we’d be back. This gave us more time to come up with a plan. One that I hoped wouldn’t fail.

  The haze parted enough for me to just make out my father, Archer, and the King’s Council waiting for us. A crowd of villagers gathered farther back, nervous anticipation evident on their faces.

  I met Father’s glance, and his face fell. He was looking for Dorian. I turned away, motioning for Pudge to bring Honour forward.

  Honour thrashed around, mouth gagged. Pudge held tight to him, dagger pressed to his throat.

  “We know the King’s Council has betrayed the king,” I shouted. “You sent Honour, Vane, and many others to make sure we didn’t come back alive. Isn’t that right, Councilor Wayfarer?”

  Everything happened so fast. Councilor Dundry grabbed hold of my father, and half of the council circled around, weapons drawn.

  “Back away or the king dies,” Councilor Wayfarer warned. His eyes dared someone to make a move.

  “Father, don’t do this,” Pudge hollered. I heard the panic in his voice. “It’s not too late.”

  “Stay out of this, Pudgeons,” Councilor Wayfarer snapped.

  With a shout, Archer rushed forward, his sword in hand.

  “Stop, Archer, or we’ll kill him.” Councilor Dundry stepped between him and Father.

  Archer’s gaze turned black, his muscles tight with eagerness to battle. To protect his king.

  My chest tightened. Hag, this was a nightmare. I knew, without a doubt, they’d kill him. Even if we cooperated, I didn’t think they’d let him live. Alarm sounded from the crowd, some of the bigger men coming forward.

  “This is your final warning,” I said. “Unhand the king.”

  “Or what?” Councilor Wayfarer smirked. “What can you do, Ivy Archer?”

  A slow smile spread across my face. “You don’t really want to know.” I grabbed a handful of Honour’s hair, tilting his head closer to me. My blade grazed his neck. “Just one quick swipe and your son is dead. Your choice.”

  He wavered. “You won’t kill him.”

  “Try me, Councilor Wayfarer. I’ve been mocked, teased, beat up, used, and betrayed by several of the council’s children. My whole life, the council has looked down their noses at me. Do you think I really give two shits about Honour? About you?”

  I heard the slight whir of anchors being dropped. I turned just enough to see another ship coming up alongside ours. Dorian appeared from the haze, riding in an elfin boat, accompanied by an army of elfin warriors, who disembarked from several other boats.

  My brother was okay. Relief flooded through me at the sight of him. The elves raised their bows, taking aim at the King’s Council.

  “If Ivy doesn’t finish off your son, then I will,” Dorian called out, directing the elfin warriors.

  In that moment, I saw the look of sheer panic encompass their faces. Amos pushed to the docks, leading a company of armed guards. With his sword raised, he plunged into the circle, taking down two council members. All around, goblins fought, my father caught in the middle.

  And me stuck on the ship. Unable to help anyone. Councilor Wayfarer jerked Father to the side, trying to sneak away from the crowd.

  “Dorian!” I shouted, pointing toward our father. He glanced up and followed my hand.

  He ran, shoving people out of his way, while Archer circled around from the other side. Councilor Wayfarer raised his dagger, and I went still.

  But he wasn’t quick enough. Archer leaped at him, knocking him to the ground, and Father rolled out of the way.

  “Seize the traitors!” he yelled. Guards swarmed the docks, taking down most of the council.

  Thezriel and Roland lowered the wooden plank from the ship and sent prisoners down. Each of them were led to one of two carts headed for the dungeons.

  Pudge grabbed Honour and tugged him toward the plank, pulling his gag out.

  “Someday, you’ll pay for this.” His eyes focused on me. “I’ll come for you when you least expect it.”

  “And I’ll be there to take you down.” Pudge shoved his brother forward.

  When my feet hit dry land, I scoured the crowd. Dorian noticed me the same moment I saw him. He pushed through the masses to my side. He grabbed me in his arms, hugging me tight to his chest.

  And I cried. He was safe.

  “I owe you everything, Ivy. You and Pudge. What you did for me…”

  I pulled away, taking his face in my hands. “Don’t ever do anything like that again. I’ve been worried.”

  He crushed me against him once more. “I love you, little sister. And I’ll always be here for you.”

  Over his shoulder, Sashine came toward us. Her long auburn hair hung to her waist, her violet eyes beaming. Given a thousand years, I could never be as elegant or beautiful as she was. But it was her kindness that had saved us. She and Dorian deserved each other.

  “You did good, young one,” she said to me as Dorian released me.

  I watched the looks exchanged between the two of them. The air seemed to sizzle, and I smiled.

  “Thank you. If it wasn’t for your people, this wouldn’t have been possible.” I touched her arm. Then my focus shifted back to the crowd. “Listen—I’ve got to find Archer. I’ll see you later.”

  I left them standing together, Dorian tucking her arm beneath his. Father had made the right decision. Even from here, I saw the attraction, the way they seemed not able to get close enough. They were happy.

  “Ivy,” Father called to me, eyes full of pride. He embraced me, rocking me in his arms. “You’ve done well. Your mother would’ve been proud.”

  My throat tightened, tears spilling off my lashes. At last, my father could hold me. And it felt good.

  “Let’s go home,” he whispered, placing a kiss on my forehead.

  “I need some time with Archer first.” I took a step back.

  “Take all t
he time you need tonight. Tomorrow, you’ll be presented as my daughter, and the Choosing Ceremony will convene as a celebration of our good fortune.” Father kissed my cheek, then made his way to Dorian.

  “Mighty proud of you, girl.” Amos winked, putting the last of the prisoners in the carts. “Always knew you’d bring honor to our kingdom.”

  “Well, I did literally bring Honour back to the kingdom, but not in the same way he left,” I teased.

  Amos laughed. “I see the mission has done nothing to get rid of the smart-arse in you.”

  “Learned from the best.” My hand clapped him on the back. My mood turned somber. “Captain Bushwell fell in battle. I—I couldn’t bring his body back.”

  He touched my arm. “He’d understand, Ivy. I promise we’ll send a small retinue out to bring him home. He’ll have a proper burial. And I tell you, he’d have been proud, Ivy girl. Mighty proud.”

  Choked up, I turned away, then finally saw Archer standing with Cook. With my pack in hand, I raced off the dock, tears blinding me.

  Archer glanced at me, arms wide open. I dropped my sack on the ground and latched onto him. He squeezed me tight.

  “We’ve been worried sick.” He cradled me in his arms.

  “I got back a few days ago. I stopped at the house to try and warn you, but you weren’t there. And Gob Benchley was dead—I couldn’t get word to you…”

  “We were at the palace. The king called an emergency meeting. But it’s okay. Everything will be okay now.”

  “Speak for yerself. She bloody drove me to drinking while she was gone.” Cook came up behind me, crushing my ribs through my spine as she crunched me between her and Archer.

  “Come on. Let’s get you home.” Archer kept an arm wrapped around my shoulders.

  Home sounded nice.

  I came to a halt, glancing into the distance to where Pudge stood by himself. “Wait, what about Pudge?”

  He’d lost everything. His whole family was headed to the dungeons. Even his mother, and we hadn’t even known she’d been involved.

  “Pudgeons,” Archer hollered. “Get a move on. We’re going home.”