Chapter 224 - Claret Ⅱ (2/2)
Grok Gringotts narrows his sharp eyes at the clever speaking goblin. ”By right of blood and marriage, Urlort and his widow have earned our care. For they wed according to our laws and their union was recognized by the head of their clan and mine. There will be no such argument to be made before me, Bodrig.”
Bodrig pursed his lips and quickly changed tactics. ”Then what of avenging our fallen brother? Will we wait for the wizards to seek justice for him?!” A chorus of echoing mutters can be heard after him.
”The wizards will find the killers for one of their one has already been killed at their hands,” Grok growled back.
Bodrig narrows his eyes and mutters, ”And how can we be so sure that will indeed be the case?!”
Grok's lips twitch menacingly as the temperature in the stone hall seems to plummet. ”My word should be enough for you, Bodrig. I have warned you before, did I not?”
Bodrig quickly bows his head and strategically takes a step back. ”My apologies, my King, I have not forgotten your last reprimand for my out of turn words. But I am sorely vexed by said tragic events.” Still bowing, Bodrig silently took his seat.
Grok sneers in reply but does not take any further action against Bodrig. Turning towards his people, Grok says, ”From now on until the killer is caught all goblins are to arrive and depart from Gringotts in assigned pairs. If there any plans or outings are made, they are to be reported to said partner. As for our wizarding employees, they too shall be subject to the same rules.”
Groans can be heard throughout the room as Grok ignores his subject's complaints. ”On the morrow, said assigned partner will be given. And in an understanding of said forced compliance, there will be an increase in your pay for all for your troubles.” Instantly gazes brighten up as the goblins seem a great deal more cheerful at said prospect.
”As for the elders and the clan heads, I ask that you keep careful watch over all of your own,” Grok sternly ordered as they nodded their heads in agreement.
”Are there any arguments from the council?” Grok turned his head to the side to ask them.
The council members remain steadfastly silent as Grok nods his head in approval. ”Good,” before turning his head towards Bogrod, who still kneeled on the floor.
”Bogrod,” Grok rather gently said as Bogrod raised his rather sorrow filed gaze to meet with that of the King. ”I shall accompany you to see your nephew's widow. I shall ensure the funeral arrangements are made as in accordance with our traditions so that your nephew may be buried on the hills of our forefathers.”
Bogrod numbly makes a sound of agreement as Grok says, ”You are all dismissed.” Grok rises to his feet as the rest do the same. Soft murmurs fill the room as Grok and Bogrod make their way out of the stone hall closely followed by the council members and spear-wielding guards.
The minute the King is gone, Bodrig's pleasant expression falls from his face as he sneers after their king. ”Wizard loving fool,” Bodrig spat under his breath.
At his side, a larger burlier goblin, Radnok, the pigeon-toed coughs and says, ”Shall the Brotherhood take action, Bodrig?”
”No,” Bodrig muttered through narrowed eyes. ”But it would be wise to keep an eye on Urlort's widow lest she has any foolish ideas of using her newfound position.”
Radnok, the pigeon-toed sneered with maliciousness as he and Bodrig began to chat with other like-minded brothers. After all, they were far from being the only ones dissatisfied with the present situation at hand. For even after all this time, the goblins were still considered lesser than the wizards and witches of the magical world. And it was their right as well to possess wands such as they.