Call of the Shadow Heart

Chapter 4

As Kael stepped into the goblin's base, the oppressive darkness enveloped him like a shroud, the air thick with the smell of damp earth and the unmistakable odor of sweat and fear.

Jagged rocks lined the walls, and low ceilings created a claustrophobic atmosphere that heightened his senses. The faint glow of flickering torches illuminated the rough-hewn passages, casting elongated shadows that danced ominously with every movement. Kael’s heart raced as he tread softly, his footsteps muffled by the soft earth beneath him. He could hear the distant murmur of goblin voices, their guttural language mingling with the clinks of metal, hinting at the chaos that lay ahead.

As he moved deeper into the winding passages of the goblin den, the musty air was thick with the scent of damp stone and decay. He paused, sensing he was not alone. Pressing himself against the cool wall, he focused intently on the sounds echoing ahead.

Laughter bubbled up from two goblins just around the corner, their voices high and gleeful. “Did you see? Last guy… fell in trap!” one goblin cackled, barely able to contain his delight.

“Ha! Yes, yes! He no see it! Stupid human!” the other replied, his words tumbling over each other. “Next one… we make worse! Lots of spikes!”

Kael’s grip tightened around the hilt of his dagger, his pulse quickening at the thought of being ensnared in their traps. The goblins were so confident, so arrogant in their laughter, that they failed to realize how close danger was to them now.

“Put more surprises… near entrance,” the first goblin suggested, grinning broadly. “Boss happy! We get gold!”

“Gold! Yes, lots of gold!” the second echoed, his eyes shining with greed.

Kael stifled a smirk, aware that their ignorance worked in his favor. He watched as they scampered away, leaving the traps unattended for the moment. With each broken laugh echoing through the tunnels, he felt a surge of determination. If he was going to confront the head goblin and retrieve the necklace, he would need to be both cunning and stealthy.

Taking a deep breath, Kael slipped further into the shadows, prepared to navigate the treacherous lair. The goblins’ laughter faded, replaced by the ominous feeling of danger lurking just out of sight.

He peered around the corner and spotted a small group of elder goblins huddled over a crude table, assembling traps with a mix of crude materials. Their claws fumbled, but their laughter was genuine as they reveled in their perceived cleverness.

"Rope, rope! We catch big human! Lots of gold!" One elder shouted, it's beady eyes glinting with malice.

Kael stepped into the dim light, his presence suddenly shrouded in a cloak of danger. "Not if I catch you first."

The goblins froze, their laughter dying instantly. "Intruder! Me tell head boss!"

"No, you won't," Kael declared, swiftly moved as he sliced the goblin's body, green blood spraying on the cold uneven stone floor.

The goblins surrounded Kael, holding their spears, aiming at him. Kael smirked, holding his dagger, confidently striking each goblin as he moved like a lightning.

Coming from a nearby passage, a straggling goblin arrived, stopping dead in its tracks as the gruesome scene unfolded before it.

"Eeeek! Bad human! Bad human! Me telling boss!" the shrill voice echoed through the narrow passages. Kael hissed in frustration, "Quiet!" as his eyes locked onto the fleeing goblin.

As the goblin's shrill voice echoed down the narrow passages, it tripped over its own feet in desperation, hoping other goblins would notice. Kael's expression darkened.