The options presented before me are not the best. I could try to bribe the guards. An option that would definitely fail since I have nothing of value. Promising or convincing the Guard Captain is not a viable option either. The way he handled controversial topics with Aram said a lot about his character. He knows his place and his limits. My other option is to convince Merrick himself. But he is an unknown factor. His motivations are unclear. Negotiating a deal with Merrick is slim at best.

I assumed my meditating stance while ruminating over my options. My thought process was interrupted by a filing noise. It was not a rough one, but a barely audible one coming from the direction of the barred window. It could have been night outside since I do not see the rays of light seeping between the cracks in the window.

As I silently watched, a crude serrated blade entered between the cracks. And slowly the serrated blade started cutting close to the hinges. A familiar voice followed, “Grand Dark Mistress?”

“Maapu?”

“Yes, Mistress. Taltil is also here. Theko near the forest. Refuses to come to human place. Goblins seek Mistress.”

Their vocabulary might be limited, but Goblins are skilled with thieving. Breaking in through a closed window is a basic skill for any thief. An unexpected but nevertheless a welcome opportunity.

After a while, the planks gave away and I could see Maapu on the otherside.

“Maapu, I need to get out quick. Do you have another blade or weapon?”

Taltil passed her hand and handed me another serrated blade. I pointed to another plank and instructed Maapu to file it.

With both of us working together, we quickly removed another plank from the barred windows. It appears that the windows were barred as a temporary measure and hence a patchwork wooden board was used.

Taltil suddenly grew anxious and started interrupting Maapu. From the corner of my eyes, I could see a light from a distance. Probably the patrol of the night watch. I urged the Goblins to hide while I took the two planks and held them back in their position. I waited till the sound of the footsteps receded. After sufficient time has passed, I removed the planks and started working on the third plank. I was quickly joined by Maapu and after a brief period of time, an empty space stood where previously a plank occupied.

With three planks removed, there was enough space to heave myself up through the window. Once outside, I allowed Taltil to lead the way. She seemed to be more aware of her surroundings than Maapu. A possible effect from her experience with captivity. She was swift and fleet of foot. She cautiously explored corners before dashing through the alleys. In another situation, she would have made a decent scout. If the chances persist, I might make a good scout or ranger out of her.

We gingerly made our way out of Meranvale. Having managed to avoid patrolling guards twice, the goblins kept low to the dark alleys when possible I managed to haul myself to rooftops. Once I made certain that we were out of town, I called for a small break. But Taltil insisted on marching further. Deciding that putting a bit of distance between myself and the town would be in our best interest, I fled the area with them.

It was Maapu who finally voiced his concern.

“Grand Mistress, Theko waits. We can rest. Theko watch”.

Still keeping my voice low, even though I know that we are far away from that place, “Lead the way”.

***

After what felt like a span of wandering, we finally caught up with Theko. Theko was seated near a mound. A few bundles were scattered around Theko. Seeing us, Theko stood up and exclaimed. “Mistress, things for you. Theko guards.”

He pointed excitedly towards the bundles lying next to him. Then he went on to open and empty the contents. There were a few soft leather boots, vambraces, an ivory-handled dirk and tuck. The dirk and tuck might come in handy. I held them in my arms to feel the weapons. The dirk felt more ceremonial and heavy, while the tuck was clearly designed with what it was meant to do.

I selected the most sturdy looking one of them and tried it. It was loose fitting but in my present condition with blisters and boils in my soles, I could not complain. Looking at the second bundle which Theko emptied, I found a rough, durable cloak. The material was not familiar to me, but it was warm to wrap, and it serves its purpose. Further, examining my newly acquired wealth, I noticed a codpiece among them. I will ignore that for the time being. Not that I have any use for it.

Next, my eyes fell on a masterwork crossbow. I lifted it in my hands, it felt heavy, but the balance was perfect. It also felt comfortable in my hands. At last, a weapon I could rely on. While I was admiring my newly procured weapon, it was Maapu who broke the silence.

He handed me a bundle of flint headed arrows.

“Metal arrow too heavy. Grand Mistress, please, we have good arrows.”

So no bolts. They took the crossbow but left behind the bolts.

“I need the bolts,” I said, controlling my exasperation. After all, they risked themselves to save me. Their intentions are well-placed.

“Dark Mistress, our arrows good. Mistress can have all.”

I am definitely not in any state, nor is this the place to explain why a crude arrow will not withstand the force from a masterwork crossbow.

“Your arrows will not work,” I said finally and remained silent.

Rummaging further, I found a simple smock. The proportions were not optimal for me. It was huge around the waist and dropped short of my ankles. I decided to worry about it later and kept it separate in another bundle.

“So, how did you track me?”

I need to know how they managed to track me. As for the rest of what transpired after I got unconscious, I can interpolate. Seeing me knocked would have also knocked their spirits, and they would have gone into hiding. Since Aram has decided to cut his losses, It is certain that he left some of the loot behind. After a brief period of waiting, the goblins would have gone and taken what they could salvage. My current interest lies in knowing how they were able to track me to Meranvale.

This time it was Taltil who spoke. “Mistress Mercy. More Mercy. Lizardman too strong.“

Her lips stuttered, and her hands were shaking. Her eyes were cast down on my feet. I took the initiative and cupped her face in my hands again and forced her to look into my eyes. Then I spoke as softly as I could, “I am not angry at you. If you have gotten yourself killed while trying to save me, my rescue would have been for nothing.”

She blinked a few times with her big eyes.

“I am happy that you are safe. You did well. Good Goblin.” I added.

This brought a bright shine to her eyes.

Releasing her face, I circled back to my original question, “So how did you follow me?”

Theko stepped forward and declared, “Magic person said Grand Mistress in human place.”

“Magic person liar, not believe. Always lies. Magic person say truth but still lie. All magic person liars”. Maapu chimed in.

Theko continued further.

“But still came and found Grand Mistress.”

“You mean a mage?” A mage who is interested in rescuing me. Shadowing me? I hate unknowns.

“No, not man with magic. Magic Person. Not know Mistress word Magic person”, this time it was Taltil who spoke.

I need to interrogate.

“Is the person a man or woman? Are they big or small?”

“Big, but also small. change.”

After a few moments, in which it seems Taltil was arguing with herself she responded with, “woman thinks.“

Maybe an elemental?

“Where do they live? Do you know?”

“Magic person. Live in forests, woods everywhere. But not see.”

Finally, so they were guided by a Fey? My mysterious benefactor could be a pixie. That would explain their insistence on their so-called Magic person being a liar. Since pixies usually interact with lesser races for their own amusement. But pixies are usually small but Taltil was certain my benefactor could change their size. So that rules our pixies.

It could also be a dryad. But dryads rarely take interest in other races, and I am definitely not a male. So *that interest* of theirs is out of the question.

Seeing my pensive mood, Maapu added, “Magic Person can fly.”

Fey who can change shape and fly. A sylph. This is unexpected.

However, the next statement made by Maapu made things simpler and complicated at the same time.

“Dark Mistress, move. Magic Person might come. Magic person more strong with moon.” he said these statements as he pointed up to the sky.

A sylph or at least a fey with Lunar affinity. Definitely not a passing by fey who decided to meddle in mortal affairs. This is a fey associated with the fey court. Though which one is unclear.