Wraith(2)

‘She must know about the Fior Ghal though. After Saturday night, she must know it’s not her.’

Gabriel’s voice was quiet. ‘She knows about it but she doesn’t really believe it. Few people who aren’t Dark Elves do.’ He met Rymark’s eyes. ‘And it doesn’t help that even some of us are sceptical.’

There was a sharp scream from somewhere in the darkness that made both men start. Rymark shivered. ‘I really bloody hate it here.’

‘We’re going out after dinner. We need to see what’s really happening.’

‘The goblins won’t like it, whether they’re Filits or Gneiss.’

Gabriel’s mouth twitched. ‘Good.’

***

Gharshbreg, the latest in a long line of goblin lords who’d been trotted out to waste Gabriel’s time, let out a loud a belch and leaned back in his chair. The thick candles on the table, which were all that illuminated the dim room, flickered as if caught in a draught. ‘Chicken isn’t a traditional Filit dish,’ he said, ‘but we’ve learnt to love it. Those spices are quite extraordinary, don’t you think?’

Gabriel dabbed at his mouth with his napkin and smiled. ‘Indeed.’ Then his eyes hardened. ‘Do many of Stirling’s citizens enjoy chicken on a regular basis?’

Ghrashbreg might have been brash but he wasn’t a fool. ‘You already know the answer to that. There’s not much we can do when the Gneiss are barricading us in. They are the ones causing the problems in the city. Not us.’ He curved his lips into a twisted semblance of a smile. ‘Would you like some cake and coffee to finish? We have the most delectable chocolate confection that I’m sure you’ll both enjoy.’ He turned and gestured at a nearby servant who bowed once and hurried away.

‘I don’t want chocolate cake.’ Gabriel stood up. ‘I’m going out.’

Ghrashbreg remained where he was. ‘Out? Goodness me. I presume you are heading back to Kanji. Perhaps a lady took your fancy there after all.’

‘No, not there. I think a stroll in the other direction is in order. I’d like to see more of the city for myself.’

The goblin hooked a finger into his mouth and began picking at one of his teeth with a curved fingernail. ‘That’s not wise.’

‘I wasn’t asking for your opinion on the matter,’ Gabriel returned, although his tone was mild. ‘But I appreciate the sentiment.’

‘Sit down and have some cake.’

‘Thank you but no.’ He turned and headed towards the open door. Rymark hurriedly stood up and trotted after him.

Ghrashbreg coughed. ‘I know what you’re capable of, Lord Gabriel,’ he called out.

‘Then you know I can look after myself. I will be in no danger on those streets.’ He paused. ‘And I’m no lord.’

‘No,’ the goblin returned. ‘But you are one of fewer than fifty Dark Elves who reside in Scotland. Don’t overestimate your powers. You don’t know Stirling.’

Gabriel growled, ‘I know enough.’

Two large guards appeared from nowhere, blocking Gabriel and Rymark’s path. They were armed – and not just with the gleaming curved blades favoured by the goblins. Their expressions suggested barely restrained violence.

‘Are you threatening an Envoy of the Realm?’ Gabriel enquired. His tone remained calm. Everyone in the room knew that they could throw several such goblins in his direction and he’d barely lift a sweat while beating them to the ground. The goblins were merely making a point – and not a very subtle one.

Ghrashbreg still hadn’t moved from his chair. ‘We allowed you to come here. We have been gracious hosts who have met your needs and answered your questions. We have even made several concessions towards the Gneiss goblins at your bidding. Given all this, why would you want to risk creating a diplomatic incident over an evening stroll?’

Gabriel schooled his features into an impassive mask and turned back to face Ghrashbreg. ‘Am I a prisoner here?’ His tone might have been mild but his message was clear: mess with me and suffer the consequences.

The goblin chuckled, although the flicker in his bright eyes revealed his inner fear. ‘Don’t be ridiculous.’ He crossed his legs. ‘It grates though, doesn’t it? You’ve only been here a few days and you already feel the weight of being trapped within the city walls. Imagine how we feel after three years. It’s not Filits who are the enemy. We are as innocent of wrongdoing as you are. We’re simply trying to keep a hold on what is ours.’ He gestured at the door. ‘If you’re really so desperate to see the less salubrious parts of Stirling, you are welcome to visit them. But let us arrange a small escort for you. If any harm were to come to you, Holyrood would not be pleased. We wish to avoid the Prime Minister’s displeasure. In fact, if you can be patient and wait until tomorrow night, I will come with you.’

‘I don’t want a guided tour. I want to see the city for myself.’

‘Then you can lead the way and we will follow.’ Ghrashbreg paused. ‘But please, give us time to arrange it so we can do what we can to guarantee your safety.’

Gabriel watched him for a long moment. Eventually he inclined his head in agreement. The two goblin guards at the door melted away and Ghrashbreg stood up.