Chapter 4: A Goblin’s Advice

Chapter 4: A Goblin’s Advice

Stryg woke up with aches ranging all over his body. Gathi had not held back. He thought he had a chance of beating her. No, he shook his head. He definitely could have beaten her, had someone not pushed him from the crowd. That one moment had cost him everything. He groaned from pain as he rolled out of his straw mat. He took a deep breath and tried to steady his nerves.

Everything had gone horribly wrong last night. He had lost his first night challenge, been beaten up, shamed in front of the whole tribe, and worst of all, he had cried in front of everyone. Crying was the sign of the weak. And now everyone knew just how weak he was. Stryg forced his injured body to stand. But, there was still hope. He was still alive and the moon herself had chosen him, given him a chance to redeem himself. He may not be strong, but he was special. Maybe not as special as Cruvor, but Stryg too had been chosen by the moon. This was his chance. He could finally become strong. This wasnt the time to wallow in self pity. He had gone down that path before, and there was nothing for him there. Only the truly fragile would cry themselves to sleep. And he wasnt ready to accept such a fate just yet. Today would be the beginning of his change. He picked up his spear and walked out of the tent.

Several goblins were already waiting in the front of the village. Cruvor, the shaman was speaking with the chief and First Mother. Bril was already there, but was standing behind some other goblins, keeping her distance from Cruvor. As Stryg drew close, other goblins noticed him, and turned away, going so far as walking a dozen feet from him. Stryg sighed, it was expected, he admitted grudgingly.

Ostroz, a young goblin a few months older than Stryg didnt shy away, in fact, he greeted him. Hello, Stryg. How are the injuries?

Stryg was surprised, he hadnt thought anyone would talk to him. He knew Ostroz was a bit shorter than the other male goblins, but he had still managed to become a decent fighter and hunter.

I-Im fine, Stryg spoke with caution.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Ostroz smiled, Im glad. I was worried you wouldnt be able to travel.

Stryg clenched his teeth, little fangs appearing above his lip, Im not as frail as you think.

Ostroz gave him a quizzical look and laughed, I dont think youre frail at all. Heres your travel sack by the way, some of the cooks got them ready for the group.

He handed Stryg the sack and walked away.

Stryg was unsure of what to make of him. Goblins werent just kind to each other. They only respected the powerful, and Stryg hadnt made a great showing of that trait. A few minutes later, the group was ready to leave.

Cruvor, may the moon bless you on your journey, The chief said in a solemn voice.

Cruvor nodded, Thank you and may the stars light your path. He was ready to leave already, and be out of the prying eyes of the chief and First Mother.

Be sure to tell me of everything you see during your travels. Do I make myself clear, Second Mother? First Mother spoke.

Yes, First Mother, I promise you I will, Second Mother bowed.

Oh, and Second Mother, I am well aware that some feeble goblins may try to push other goblins without a challenge. If you see any goblin try such a thing be sure to let them know that I will personally punish them on their return. Remember, there will be no night challenges on this journey, The chief spoke in a loud voice, his eyes never leaving Cruvor.

Cruvor cursed under his breath. Those two had it out for him, it would be difficult doing anything drastic while their lackey Second Mother was around. Not that it mattered if all went as planned.

Well, we best be off now, said Cruvor. Lets go everyone, he waved them onward. He noticed how Bril stayed at the back of the group as they began walking. Dammit, hiding wont help you, Ill have you soon enough, he swore.

Stryg tilted his head, Ok, but what are you trying to get at.

Ostroz shook his head, The chief can call off challenges anytime he wants, like last night.

Stryg frowned; he didnt want to think about his own fight that had ended so badly.

Ostroz continued, But, he can also start challenges. He could even go as far as to bypass certain rules.

But if he does that the others would rebel.

Ostroz smirked, Maybe in the village where the chief and First Mother could object. But do you think anyone here is willing to go against Cruvor? Are you?

Stryg stopped walking, Of course not. I dont want to die. But, why are you telling me all of this?

Ostroz scratched his head, Because you remind me of my old self. I was always smaller than the others. They made fun of me too. I hated being at the bottom of the food chain, until I realized something. Do you know why you lost last night?

Because I got pushed by someone in the crowd. It gave Gathi a chance to knock me down. I couldnt get back up. Stryg replied, anger dripping in his voice.

Ostroz shook his head, Wrong. While I admit that getting pushed hurt your chances, it's not why you lost. You lost because you gave up.

What was I supposed to do!? Stryg exclaimed.

Ostroz stared at him, Anything. Everything. If you want something you dont give up on it. You do anything to achieve that goal, whether it be biting off their face, or stabbing them in the back. Thats how you survive, thats how you get what you want. Who cares what they think. If they cant stop you, then they dont matter. Thats what I learned and thats my advice to you.

Stryg wasnt sure what to think. He had always wanted the respect of his tribe. But, if I do something that goes against our ways, something cowardly, like backstabbing someone, theyd just call me a coward and hate me.

Ostroz saw the look of shame on his face, Stryg most of them already hate you. Look, you dont have to think so hard about it. Its simple, you can either be the runt of the tribe, or you can be a giant.

Youre not a giant, Stryg muttered.

Ostroz raised his hand to the evening sky, as if he could grab the moon herself. Not yet. But, I will be. Just watch me. Youll see. He turned and walked away.

Stryg thought of the tribes most important lesson.

The strongest get what they want, so be the strongest, huh? He muttered.

Deep down he knew hed never be the strongest, but maybe he could still get what he wanted, if he followed Ostrozs track of thinking, just maybe. Stryg shook his head, what was he saying? He remembered Cruvors words. The shaman had said he was chosen by the moon so that he could redeem himself. Stryg smiled, he was chosen, special even. Hed do great things, right? Soon hed have the respect of the tribe and even become great. There was no need for him to act cowardly. Still, he couldnt help but watch Ostroz as the goblin walked away, his shadow cast a silhouette larger than the rest.