more than the standard amount of cookies. And they were iced oatmeal, his favorite. Maybe he’d have one.
A little movement caught his eye, and he realized he was being watched. He smiled at his unexpected visitor. “Hello there, little cat.”
The sleek black cat, glossy even in the dim light, sat on the balcony railing. Robin’s quarters were on the second story, so the creature had put in some effort to get here.
Where the cat had come from, he had no idea. He knew Shadowvale had a few strays, but this one looked well cared for. Although perhaps a bit thin. But then, what did he know about cats? Not much except that they were good climbers.
He changed positions slightly to see the creature better. No wings, so not a meowl. Just a regular housecat. Except this one was watching him rather closely. Did cats do that? He wasn’t sure. He’d never had a pet of any kind.
Elswood hmphed at the sight of the animal. “That won’t do.” He waved at the cat. “Get lost, you scrawny pest.”
The cat hissed at Elswood, who then raised his hand further.
“No,” Robin snapped. “Leave it be. It’s not a pest. I think it’s just hungry.”
Elswood lowered his hand. “As you wish, Sire. But those creatures can carry disease.”
Robin shot him a look. “The same can be said for any being. And this one isn’t hurting anything.” He thought for a second longer as he studied the creature’s slender frame. “Fetch a dish of salmon from Mrs. Applestock.”
Elswood’s pinched expression said he clearly didn’t care for that request, but he nodded anyway. “Yes, Sire.”
As he left, Robin moved to the end of the chaise. Slowly, so as not to startle the cat. “Hi there, puss. Are you hungry? Do you like fish? I do. But then, goblins tend to have an affinity for seafood.”
The cat blinked once, then lifted a paw, licked it, and cleaned an ear.
“I’m a goblin, by the way.” He snorted. “Used to be king of them, but I suppose that doesn’t matter one bit to you.”
The cat changed paws and moved on to the other ear.
“You’re very handsome. Or pretty. Whatever the case may be.” A pet might be nice. He’d never considered it, but he already felt less alone. “How did you get up here, hmm? You must be a very good climber.”
The cat stopped cleaning and went back to staring at him. Then it meowed, a squeaky little sound that showed off nice white teeth and a little pink tongue. It jumped down, tail curving into the air, and took a few strides toward Robin before sitting down again.
Robin thought he might not need a pet, but this little animal might need him.
The cat looked around as if inspecting the place.
Robin held back a laugh. “This is my house,” he explained. “You could live here if you want. I’ve never had a cat. Or any pet. But I can learn. I’m a fast study, too. I would take the best care of you, I promise.”
He was bargaining with a cat. Had he lost his mind? Maybe. All things considered, he was okay with that. For a while, the cat just sat there, cleaning. Were all cats so fastidious? It was an admirable trait.
Elswood announced his return by clearing his throat. He was carrying a second tray.
Robin glanced up at him. “A whole tray for one dish?”
Elswood frowned. “Mrs. Applestock insisted on sending an array of options in case salmon wasn’t the preferred choice.”
Robin laughed. “Of course she did.”
Elswood set the tray on the end of the chaise. “Besides the little dish of water, there’s raw diced salmon, cold salad shrimp, and a can of tuna. Packed in water, not oil. Mrs. Applestock thought it important that I tell you that. Also, I am to tell you she has a tin of sardines at the ready if required, but will not be sending milk or cream. She said that’s not good for cats. Upsets their stomachs, despite what you see on television.”
“Is that so? Glad she knew that.” He checked out the tray. Mrs. Applestock had used the good china and had added a sprig of parsley to each food dish. He almost laughed. She was a treasure, that one. He gave Elswood a nod. “That’ll be all for the night, thank you.”
“Very good, Sire.” Elswood bowed and left.
Robin looked at the cat. Its little nose was sniffing the air, making its whiskers quiver. He smiled. “Something’s got your attention.