The Beast Within

Crossroads

"𝔊𝔦𝔳𝔢 𝔪𝔢 𝔞 𝔫𝔞𝔪𝔢."

We sat alone for hours. Food appeared in our cells, but neither of us ate. Annika and I were no stranger to hunger, having been starved at home, fed only when we were to 'entertain' because, God forbid, anyone should hear our grumbling bellies while having their way with us. 
I'd given up my attempts to escape. It was clear the only way out was in pieces or by the mercy of the Goblin King. But a being as powerful as him wouldn't just free a couple of delectable runaways. Not unless we offer something in return. Yet what could we give when he'd already taken the very clothes off our backs?

"You haven't eaten."

I didn't have to look up to know the Goblin King was leaning casually against the wall, arms crosses over his chest, with a haughtiness only a person of noble birth could have. I'd been around the sort enough to recognise them. They were all the same.

"Is the food not to your liking?" he asked.

I sneered at the plate, filled to the brim with bread, cheese, fruit, and gingerbread. The scent wafting toward me both enticed and nauseated me. I huddled further in the corner, as if that would keep me from feeling the hunger gnawing at me. Yes, I wanted to eat. No, I trusted nothing I'd be given. I'd rather starve. 

"There's no need for dramatics, dearie. If I wanted you dead, you'd be dead."

Did he read my mind? 

"I did," he answered my unspoken question. "I'm a being of ancient magic with many skills, after all. But that doesn't mean I'm a monster, Jakob. I give everyone who ventures into my domain a fair chance. Answer my riddle correctly, and you live another day. Answer wrong... well, your sweet sister knows what happens then."

My eyes flashed toward Annika. Though her wound had been instantly cauterised by the searing blade, I feared infection. She looked dreadfully pale, a shimmer on her brow, and drifted in and out of consciousness, one foot already at Death's door. If she stayed here, she wouldn't last much longer. 

"Please." I finally looked at him. "Let us go."

The Goblin King snickered. "I think not, dearie. It's been some time since I've feasted on humans, so I have no intention of giving you up. Especially not since you're clearly smarter and more intent to live. Annika is all I can indulge in at the moment. And don't even think about giving me any false answers to take her place. I'll know if you do."

Damn...

"How about a riddle game, then?"  

"A game? You dare challenge me, boy?"

I gulped. "Yes."

Again, my captor laughed at me. "You have nerve, I'll give you that. Very well then. But I warn you; there isn't a riddle I don't know the answer to."

"And you'll release us if I win?"

"You have my word." The Goblin King's gloved hand moved up to rest over his heart and he inclined his head. "Go ahead and ask your riddle."

My mind was racing, briefly overtaken by the temporary victory. I wouldn't consider myself truly victorious until we were away from this horrid place. For that, I had to win. 
Every page of every book I ever read clashed with every memory of the games and lessons with my father. He'd left me with nothing but my knowledge to survive. While it hadn't helped against our abusers, I had to rely on it being enough this time.

"Poor people have it," I started. "Rich people need it. If you eat it, you die. What is it?"

"Nothing," answered the Goblin King. "I have one eye but cannot see."