Chapter 5: The Ruthlessness of Goblins

Chapter 5: The Ruthlessness of Goblins

The shaman Cruvor calls the group to stop and rest for the night. He tries to get Bril to come with him, but Second Mother tries to stop them, since she is suspicious of him. Ostroz challenges Srixa to a night challenge, which she accepts, intent on beating him. Srixa has the upper hand in the fight, but loses when Ostroz tricks her and goes as far as dislocating her arms. Srixa challenges to a mating battle, in which the two struggle to make the other submit. Cruvor uses the commotion of the fight to take Bril away from the crowd and pressure her into sleeping with him.

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Crovor raised his hand, signaling the group to stop for the night. The sun had just begun to set. This spot is pretty safe. Lets rest here for a while, I need to meditate as well.

Isnt it a little early to rest, great shaman? Second Mother questioned, her head bowed.

Bril stood behind Second Mother and grinned. It was disrespectful to try and question ones leader. Second Mother was trying to undermine his authority, while still being polite.

Crovor glared, Not at all. We need our rest for the rest of the journey.

The goblins put down their packs and started a fire. Under normal times, night challenges would soon begin. Everyone was eager to prove to others that they were worthy of their intimate attention. Srixa looked around, imagining who her potential mate would be. She licked her lips as she imagined beating someone into submission and forcing everyone to see that she was the best among the lot.

In goblin culture power was everything. Finding a mate was just another battle, some argued the most important, where goblins found out who was most worthy of passing down their legacy. There was no such thing as making love in goblin tribes, goblins had sex for pleasure and necessity, but never out of such an impotent emotion as love.

Power, ruthlessness, even sadism and lust, were taught as being of the greatest importance when choosing a mate; endearment and empathy came last or were non-existent. Many species would have found the goblins culture revolting, but this was the Ebon Realm, after all, most species held similar beliefs around these lands; although perhaps none were as quite literal and vocal as the sylvan tribes of Vulture Woods.

Srixa noticed a handsome goblin standing a few feet away, Ragg was his name. The goblin noticed her ogling and swallowed in fear. She had challenged him a few months ago and he was foolish enough to accept. She had won with ease. Awed by her overwhelming skill he had put himself forward as a mate for the evening. Srixa had accepted with a smirk and proceeded to ravage him the rest of the night. She had left him with bruises and claw marks for weeks and not from the night challenge. Crovor called out, Bril come over here, it is time for my meditation and I require your assistance.

Huh? Bril had been busy talking with Second Mother all day, she had almost forgotten about the shaman.

Crovor glowered, but said nothing. Instead he took a deep breath and raised his right hand. After a brief moment a bright orange flame appeared above his right palm. Everyone backed away in fear. Even Second Mother seemed thrown off by the show of power.

Beads of sweat began to appear on Crovors forehead. He was panting from the exertion of the spell, but he didnt stop.

Crovor frowned, Bril, are you refusing to obey me?

This too was a battle, one of intimidation and to see who would crack first.

Bril stared at the magical fire. N-no.

Of course she cracked first, Stryg thought. Crovor was a damn shaman for Lunaes sake. Who would dare fight against their tribes shaman?

Then come over here. Now!Crovor yelled, emboldened by her falter.

Stryg watched as Bril, a venerable fighter, visibly cowered and ran towards Crovor. Visit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

Is this how you greet your shaman? Crovor asked as he tapped his foot.

Bril spoke in a quiet voice, Bril, daughter of Blood Fang, greets the great shaman.

Crovor smiled, Thats better. Now, you will help me with my meditation.

She gripped her fists but nodded, Yes, my shaman.

Crovor, what do you plan on doing with her exactly? Second Mother asked. I hope you dont plan on proposing a night challenge or Lunae forbid, mating. The chief declared that all night challenges will be postponed during our quest.

Of course not. Ah, I almost forgot, Crovor grinned.

Ostroz stepped in front of Srixa, I challenge you.

Stryg was surprised, did the crazy goblin actually challenge the best fighter of their generation?

Srixa laughed, Did you hit your head? Didnt you just hear Second Mother? You cant issue a night challenge, not today. And even if you could, do you really think you could beat me?

Ill allow it, Crovor said with an authoritative tone.

Second Mother whipped her head around, What? You cant do that!

Crovor looked around, Im the acting chief on this quest, I can allow any challenge as I see fit. Does anyone else disagree?

The dozen or so goblins stood quiet, no one wanted to speak against the goblin wielding fire. Bril opened her mouth, but as she saw everyones faces she realized her one opinion wouldnt be enough.

Crovor noticed Bril and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, Do you disagree?

She bit her lip, No.

Remember when you broke my arm, Srixa? You just laughed at me with the other hunters! Let me return the favor! Ostroz pulled back, stretching her arms behind her as far as possible.

Srixa groaned in pain.

Give up! Ostroz shouted.

In your dreams! Srixa said through clenched teeth.

Oh, now you wanna talk huh!?

With a loud crack he dislocated her shoulder. Srixa shook her head vehemently and yelled in pain. For the first time that night the crowd of goblins cheered, they loved such violence. In their eyes, such ruthlessness was a virtue.

Stryg watched in silence, he didnt enjoy this, Ostroz should have just finished her off.

Ready to give up now? Ostroz asked.

Fuck you, Srixa cursed.

One more to go then, Ostroz and pulled her other arm.

Srixa gritted her teeth, Ill kill y-

Ostroz yanked hard, dislocating the shoulders joint in an instant. She groaned in agony, tears in her dim eyes.

Ostroz smiled, he released her dislocated arms and grabbed her face,Oh, are you crying? The great merciless Srixa, crying in front of everyone?

F-fuck you, she muttered through ragged breaths.

Ostroz looked over at the shaman.

Crovor nodded, Ostroz is the victor.

Ostroz stood up in triumph, his hands raised in victory. No one cheered, but neither did they dispute his win.

Srixa lunged and sank her teeth into his ankle. Ostroz squealed and fell over. Srixa pinned him down with her legs and bashed his face with her forehead, over and over. The night challenge was over, Ostroz had won. Srixa shouldnt have attacked, yet no one made a move to stop her.

Srixa grinned maliciously at the half-conscious goblin, You damn cheater. Did you really think Id let you get away with that?

Ostroz mumbled a few words, but no one could make it out through his broken nose and cracked teeth.

Srixa bent down and licked his bloodied cheek, But I kinda liked that initiative. Most men in the tribe are terrified to step into a night challenge with me. How about I show you a real challenge?

Ostroz blinked blearily, ...Y-you mean?

Lets find out if you actually are a man under all that swagger, Srixa licked her lips.

Hah youre on.

You think you can win? Ill have you whimpering in seconds, Srixa laughed.

Thats my line, Ostroz grinned, blood still dripping from his mouth.

But first you better pop my shoulders back in or I swear I will tear out your throat, Srixa bared her fangs.

Right, Ostroz swallowed.

After a few painful moments, Srixas shoulders were back in place, and Ostroz had two new welts on his shoulder.

Normally in the village goblins would mate inside their tents, but out here in the open woods, Srixa and Ostroz simply went behind some trees. The other goblins cheered at them as they disappeared into the dark.

Srixas gonna eat him alive, a hunter mumbled.

Another hunter nodded, Yeah, Ostroz isnt coming out of this without several more bruises and cuts. Srixa likes to play with her prey, why do you think she chose to sleep with him? I bet he wont last half the night before she gets bored of him.

Stryg ignored their remarks and looked around the group. Two people were missing. Where had Crovor and Bril gone?