The Monster's Caress - S.E. Smith Page 0,17

of the alien returned. The animated creature had also filled him in on some of the quirkier details of goblin etiquette while Asahi had completed his gruesome task.

The echo of footsteps, the loud creaking of leather, and the telltale clang of metal on metal attracted his attention. Nali must have been successful in her search. Asahi turned on his heel and faced the approaching group, stunned when he saw that there were already hundreds of goblins gathered at the gates, and more were joining the group every moment.

“Ah, here comes the leader of the goblins,” the winged lion murmured, sitting up on the dagger’s hilt. “Make sure you show respect or she’ll take you down to her level with one swing of her ax—literally,” the lion added with a suggestive swipe of a claw across his front leg.

Asahi distractedly nodded. His attention was focused on Nali. She had returned to her natural form—or at least what he suspected was her normal self. Her creamy skin was the warm color of mocha, and her hair hung about her shoulders in thick, curly waves. She was, in a single word, breathtaking.

He forced his gaze away from Nali and looked at the creature walking beside her. He was surprised when he realized that the leader of the goblins was a woman. The royal goblin stared back at him with vivid green eyes that glowed like the vein of luminescent bacteria in the rocks. She held a short sword in her hand and wore a large, double-headed battle axe slung across her back, much like a Minoan labrys.

Asahi wasn’t sure what the proper protocol was for a Goblin Queen since the winged lion hadn’t included that part in his ongoing description of the creatures. He tried to remember if his grandfather had ever shared any information that might be helpful, but when he came up blank, he did the only thing he could think of and gave the Goblin Queen a deep bow.

“Your Majesty, my humblest regrets for the horrific loss your people have suffered today,” he formally greeted her.

“You are a stranger to our world,” the Goblin Queen stated in a raspy voice.

When Asahi heard the rumble of concern that ran through the crowd of goblins, he slowly straightened and looked around at hundreds of eyes staring back at him in curiosity, suspicion, and fear. He returned his attention to the Goblin Queen.

“He is a human from another world,” Nali responded, stepping up beside him.

“Another alien!” hissed an old goblin as he pulled his short sword and pointed it at Asahi.

Asahi watched as a wave of alarm swept over the crowd. Suddenly more swords, spears, and even rocks appeared in the hands of the goblins. He warily watched the increasingly upset mob. He understood their anxiety, especially considering the dead lying on the ground behind him.

“Silence!” Nali commanded, lifting her arms.

Asahi looked at Nali in surprise. In the short time that he had known her, she had always been quiet and reserved with a touch of amusement in her tone. She was different now. Her eyes flashed with a silent warning not to disobey her.

There was an immediate compliance to her command. Silence fell over the group, and the old goblin standing next to the Queen lowered his sword. The Queen walked forward and bowed her head.

“My apologies, Empress,” the Goblin Queen stated.

Nali looked down at the little Queen and slowly lowered her arms. Her mouth was still pursed into a straight line, but her displeasure dissipated at the apology. She stepped aside and motioned to the row of dead goblins.

“Asahi saved my life—twice. He is not a threat to our people. In fact, the humans who came before him are the reason the Sea Witch is herself again and the alien who controlled her no longer exists. The alien who attacked you is alone now. I must find it before it causes any more deaths,” she gently explained.

The Goblin Queen nodded. “You said it went through the drainage pipe beneath the bridge?” she inquired.

“Yes,” Asahi answered.

The Goblin Queen chuckled gleefully, surprising him.

“Why is that amusing?” he inquired.

The Queen’s thin lips curved upward at the corners, showing off a row of her small, very sharp teeth. Her eyes glittered with devilish humor. The old goblin next to her chuckled sardonically.

“The drainage tunnels are a labyrinth of dead ends and circles. Each passage is enchanted with wards and traps to discourage visitors. The creature will wish it had never encountered a goblin before long,”