51 Out Of The Black (1/2)

Root hid inside their home for days, hiding from the Chief and his followers. His sister, Mist, told him that the Chief had forgiven him, but he can't take the risk. Who knows what the Chief may do to him? Or worst, to his book?

The Chief showed an unsettling curiosity to his sketchbook. What if the Chief shows it the tribe and mock him in public? What if they burn his book? Root would instead prefer to be whipped a thousand times than have his precious treasure taken from him.

But another thing bothered him. Why did Mist sacrifice herself for him? Mist always bullied him, so Root could not believe that Mist would even give her body in order to protect him. Or maybe she took this opportunity to get close to the Chief? Either way, Root could not help but feel guilty for running away.

Someone outside began knocking on the door. Root walked closer to the door while clutching his sketchbook close to his chest. ”Who there?” Root whispered nervously.

”Me Lake. Olr tell Lake get Root.”

Root shifted gears and run to the door and opened it. ”Olr need Root. Me come now.” He told Lake.

The two goblins walked across town to meet with Olr and his followers. They carried with them large sticks with a circle top and on its surfaces were bumps mimicking large footprints. Olr greeted Root and gave him a stone knife. Root looked at the knife, wondering what it was for, but before he could ask, Olr took his book off his hand. ”What this?” Olr asked, ”Root carry this last time.”

Root tried to get his book back, but Olr kept it away out of his reach. ”That me book. Please give back Root book.”

”Book? What useless thing.” Olr opened the book and flipped through the contents. After glossing over the pages, he tossed it back to Root. ”Bah! It useless.” Root caught the book before it landed on the snow. ”Listen Root. When Sun no Chief and Olr be Chief, Root no need book anymore. Book replaced by any girls Root want! Free girls, slave girls! Just follow Olr and Root be rich and fed.”

Root didn't care much for wealth or power. The only reason he came to Olr for help was to free her sister from the whims of the Chief and to protect his book. ”What Olr want Root do with knife?”

”Cut! Destroy! Whatever Stick make, destroy it! Then we come from hunt and tell Sun we find troll feet on snow.” Olr took one of the sticks and plunged on the ground. When he lifted it, the circle bottom left a large footprint. ”Sun panic and order guards ready. But when Stick and guard look at trap they make not working, they tell Sun. Sun panic and cry and Olr show to tribe Sun is not brave Chief.” Olr laughed with excitement. ”All tribe follow me and all kick Sun out. Then me, Olr, be new great Chief of Lev!”

”Who helps Root?”

”No one! We all go out on hunt make fake tracks on snow. Root only one know of Stick's plan anyway. Now, what waiting for? Go already.”

”Yes, Olr!” Root hurried out while holding his knife and book. He walked for hours around town, trying to calm himself after taking on a burden he did not expect to receive. After walking around for nearly two hours, a goblin called out for him. Root looked around and saw his sister waving at him.

”Root!” She ran and hugged him, ”You out of home! Finally, sun good for skin.”

”Hi Mist. Where Mist going?”

On Mist's shoulders were bags carrying various tools and supplies. ”Mist going to square. Build se q

e t measure. In case troll attack.”

”Um, can Root come too?” Root's legs were shaking and his voice was raspy.

Mist couldn't help but be concerned for her brother. ”Root ok? Legs shaking.”