Chapter 194: A pretty slave boy
Hiding behind one of the tall blades of grass, Evanna craned her neck and tried to look past Garrett and Arawn, but it was pointless. Her view was obstructed by them. The metal screeching continued making her clench her teeth and her body involuntarily shudder. Garrett and Arawn looked at each other and then at the pair behind them; with a single nod, Garrett jumped ahead and rolled to the side, followed by Arawn.
Evanna slid into their original position and assessed the rock they hid behind in the sudden open clearing. Still, she could not see around the bend where the sounds rang from. Swiftly, she followed suit and knelt on one knee beside the two elves and peered over the rock.
Evanna pulled back slightly, startled by what she saw, but Ronan’s appearance behind her pushed her head back down while Arawn placed his finger to her lips. That action alone made her quieten by his sudden touch, but her attention went back to the grimy-looking creatures sharpening their falchion blades. There were five of them, two seated talking to each other. What Evanna found bizarre was that she could understand them. They spoke of making a stew while the other three argued about what they would do with their treasures.
Without needing to look in her book full of creatures, she knew from the darkened shade of mossy green, slick skin, warty faces, bright yellow eyes, and pointed ears that these were goblins. This was the first Evanna had seen them in person, of course. They never ventured to the human realms of Dunhurst and Hatherland, but she knew what they were from her mother’s descriptions and the books she’d read about them. They were much bigger than she anticipated and were the same size as any man, if not a little taller, broader.
"*In our state, it will be best to go around them,*" Garrett muttered. Arawn whipped his head to look at him, then followed his gaze to where Evanna was.
"You know, not all of us speak Muranthian," Ronan said irritably.
"I’m sorry, Roach." Evanna patted his shoulder, smiling apologetically. Ronan’s ire seemed to melt as he gazed at her.
Before Evanna could repeat what Garrett said, Arawn was the one to inform Ronan of their decision. "We will go around them-"
"Afraid you’ll mess up that perfect head of hair?" Ronan goaded, his blue-green eyes flashing in a challenge.
Arawn smiled a smile that did not reach his cold gaze. "My hair never gets messed up. That is beside the point. Unlike some.. We make our decisions based on what is best for everyone in the group." His gaze moved to Evanna, who glanced between them, confused.
"I am fine if you want to slay.." She trailed off after the five creatures moved as one around the bend. They returned, pulling on some chains, and Evanna gasped, almost bolting upright and revealing their position. Arawn’s hands clasped at the top of her arms and pulled her back down. Ronan followed her gaze and almost did the same, he started to move, but Garrett tackled him to the ground.