The Goblin's Heir

Chapter Thirty Six: Survive

My head was full of the scent of smoke, death, and the sounds of countless people crying out as they were devoured. The goblins themselves uttered not a single world or delighted cackle. Their mouths were too full of flesh, their teeth too busy gnawing on bones. 

So far the ones within the city walls hadn't noticed our presence, which made no sense to me, considering the explosive way we'd entered, though that would soon change once we descended or once our scent made it downwind. "There. Do you see that?" I asked the others, stealing their attention from the gore and chaos below us and directing it toward the crumbling house where plumes of fire rose up in waves. 

Frit raised himself up, standing nearly upright on his bird-shaped goblin's back. He looked around at the city below, studying the layout. "The city seems larger than I remember. This might seem like a foolish idea, but I think we should split up. We can cover more ground that way." He suggested.

I nodded quietly, tightening my grip on the tough bit of leather that looped around Snorri's strong torso. I was loathed to let them out of my sight, but Frit was right. The search for survivors would go much faster if we spread out and the smaller our group the less obvious we were as a target. However, it was a hard pill for me to swallow. To allow them to go beyond my reach. I still couldn't shake that helpless need to keep them near me.  I had to put aside my motherly protectiveness and do what made the most sense in a battle even if it put them in danger. I had to trust that Knut and I had prepared them enough. A task easier said than done. 

Frit's eyes shone with delight and he smiled. He pulled back and his bird-shaped goblin retreated to the center of our group. "Neasa will keep trying to thin their numbers. Floki, Ask, Cerise, check the northern end of the city for survivors. Odd, and Dara, you'll take the west and Cat, Mother and I will cover the south." 

"You've always been bossy, but this is getting ridiculous." Odd sighed. 

"My plans have worked so far, haven't they?" Frit asked, "Just do as I say and don't be a brat." 

"Just don't bloody die," Odd said with his usual grumble. "That goes for all of you. If I'm the only one left, the coronation will be a tragically boring affair."

"Same to you, Odd." Floki turned his eyes toward his twin and cousin. "Take care of Mama and for the love of The Hollow, don't let her out of your sight. She's a pain in the ass." 

I grinned and chuckled beneath my hood, though my heart was doing flips within my chest. I hated how bittersweet their farewells sounded. How final. I felt like we were waiting for the coronation to start all over again. 

Our goblins beat their powerful wings as a moment passed, the air thick with death around us. My sons had never really spent much time apart from each other. They were a unit. In my mind, they had come to form a singular entity. The boys. Though I knew one day The Hollow would demand it, I couldn't imagine what it would be like not to have all three of them together. They knew as well as I did how dangerous this task was and how likely it was they might never be together again. Judging by the sound of their voices and the somber looks on their faces, they were just as frightened as they were excited for the battles ahead.

Screeching from the goblins below put an end to any more farewells. They'd finally caught our scent.  Once one saw us, the others soon followed. They screamed, clamoring over each other while they reached toward the sky with razor-sharp claws. Winged goblins burst from the masses like a flock of birds startled from a tree. They moved in a dark wave over us. 

We parted hurriedly, dodging the numerous winged goblins taking to the sky. We split up into our respective parties. Floki and Odd each watching me over their shoulder until attacking goblins demanded the attention of their weapons.