Chapter 9: The Commoner District

Stryg twisted between the crowds of Hollow Shade. A few shouted curses as he accidentally bumped into them. He didnt look back, instead he turned a corner whenever he had the chance. He needed to put as much ground between himself and the poacher as possible. He paid no mind to the strange beings he passed by. After about half-an-hour he finally managed to lose the human. At least he hoped, because his lungs were killing him, and he didnt think he could run much more. He stared at his hands. They felt red-hot, as someone had lit a fire within them. He expected his skin to melt off at any moment, but they looked their ordinary cyan, no sign of burn marks, not even a drop of sweat.

He remembered when the searing sensation had begun. He had been trying to break through the ropes, when they suddenly darkened and broke apart like fragile reeds. It shouldnt have been possible, but here he was. If mother moon hadnt blessed him, which she clearly hadnt based on his strange appearance and weak constitution, then there was only one logical answer. Was it magic? Could he be a shaman? He recalled his ability to see in the dark when he had been in that damn cave. His enhanced sight hadnt left him. He could still see everything in perfect clarity last night. It really seemed like magic, though he had to admit he didnt know much about magic in the first place.

But, wait, werent shamans chosen by Lunae herself? There was no way hed be chosen, especially after he had abandoned his tribemates. He thought of Cruvors final words, of how hed taken away Strygs last hopes of having a place within the tribe, how his destiny of being the tribes champion had been a lie. Hell, he was basically an exile at this point. Stryg shook his head, now wasnt the time to think about that. He had to stay positive, there had to be a way to get back in good graces of the tribe. He was a goblin of the Bloodfang tribe. Hed figure out a way to escape this place and get home.

Stryg was in a new land. He needed to be as sharp as a hunter. He rested his hands on his knees as he scanned the area. The buildings here were made of wood, compared to the stone houses by the gate. While buildings in both areas were only a single story tall, the wooden houses had fared worse, the logs were decrepit. Rain and wind had clearly done their worst, the wood was bleached and small cavities poked out through some. Even the people who milled about seemed to have known better days. When Stryg had entered the city he had assumed that most of the inhabitants were covered with layers of lavish clothes and shiny metal trinkets. But, the people who walked past him now were dressed in simple woolen spun clothes.

They must have been the weaker members of their tribes. Gatherers and builders probably, Stryg guessed. From the sorry state of the houses, they seemed to be pretty terribly builders. The Bloodfang tribes village mainly consisted of tents, but the few wooden structures they had were made of strong healthy timber and designed to hold against any storm that flew past Vulture Woods. These buildings seemed to have so many cracks riddled all over them the rain would easily get inside. They were in dire need of goblin carpentry.

Stryg spotted three humans walking towards him. Two boys and a girl, roughly around his age, he inferred from the stubble growing on the boys. Though Strygs face was bereft of hair, another oddity he had among the tribe. Not to mention, he wasnt sure if humans aged like goblins. For all he knew they could be forty years old, or five. Their clothes were even shabbier than the passerby, with torn holes throughout the fabric. Their hair was a mess of unkempt mottled browns.

Who do we have here? A nasty goblin? the first boy said.

Ew, I bet he has warts all over, the second boy snickered.

Stryg glanced at his muddy hide shirt and pants. It was true he hadnt been able to take a shower in over a week. That wasnt very strange was it? No one wanted to take baths in cold rivers often. But warts? He had only ever known one goblin with warts, and they had killed him before it could spread to the rest. Diseases of any sort were not tolerated in any tribe. He was confused. Did they think he was sick?

He looks different than others Ive seen, the girl said as if studying a new fascinating animal.

You mean ugly, the first boy laughed.

Ah, insults, Stryg thought. He should have expected humans to insult differently. He was in a new land, the terrain may have been different, but it was still like the forest. You had to be quick or else youd get eaten by the largest predator. He was tired, but he couldnt show weakness in front of an enemy. There were three of them and they were all two feet taller than him. The odds were stacked against him. He needed to act calm and run at the first chance he got.

Whats the matter? Too dumb to talk? The first boy drew closer.

The girl pulled on his tattered sleeve as she turned her head back and forth, Dan the suns setting. Everyones already gone into their homes. We should get out of here before we get caught.

Relax, Lily, we still have time.

Stryg bolted away as soon as they looked at each other.

Hey get back here, you freak!

Stryg focused on keeping one foot in front of the other. He had been running too much these past few days, his leg muscles were spasming in pain. The crowds had dispersed and the streets were empty. There was nowhere for Stryg to hide. He took a turn and glanced behind. The three humans were still chasing him.

"Shit, he cursed under his breath.

He did know how to use the spear, yet he knew he wasnt excellent hunter material, but he had to embellish. He needed to join their tribe to survive. At least long enough to prepare for the long journey home.

The goblins stared at him, their eyebrows crunched, heads tilted.

Um, Im also good at reading and writing His voice grew quieter as he spoke, ending in an almost inaudible whisper.

I think he wants to join our gang, Jax.

Gang? Is that what they called tribes here?

Uh, yes! I would like to join your gang, Stryg adjusted his vocabulary quickly. He was getting good at this.

Jax glanced at his friend. What do you think, Leroy? He looks a bit off to me.

Leroy raised his hands, Hey, youre the boss. But, please, whatever you decide, can we be quick? I dont want the guards to catch us with this guy. He kicked the human on the floor. The man twitched. Stryg was surprised he was still alive.

Jax rubbed his chin as he thought. Alright you can join us, but first youre gonna have to prove yourself.

Of course, Stryg nodded in affirmation.

An initiation challenge was always expected when joining a new tribe. You had to prove your strength after all. He may have failed his first night challenge, but this was different. This wasnt to get with some girl or to prove his honor. This was survival, if he didnt manage to win here, hed never get in the tribe and would probably starve to death.

Stryg took a deep breath, rolled his neck, and wiggled his shoulders. He bared his teeth, It is my honor to fight the chief himself. I will do my best.

Wait. What? Jax took a step back.

Stryg rushed him, and swung his fist in a right hook. Jaxs eyes widened as he barely managed to duck, but Stryg was prepared. He slammed his knee into Jaxs waiting face. This chief was slower than Stryg had expected.

Ah, fuck! Fuck! Jax tumbled to the floor as he held his face, blood dribbling from between his hands.

Jax! Are you okay! Leroy grabbed him by the shoulder.

The motherfucker broke my nose! Shit it hurts!

You piece of shit, Ill kill you! Leroy turned to Stryg and pulled out a knife.

Huh? Eh, eh? Stryg didnt understand. All he knew was that he really was running too much.