69 Secret Tunnel (1/2)
After gathering the horny toads, Flute gathered her followers outside their tent for an important announcement. A new goblin by the name of May will be joining their ranks after her parents found no blood on her linens after two years of waiting. The lack of blood was a sign from the heavens that May was not suited to give into the world.
The caretakers welcomed the new addition to their ranks. Tie offered to teach the newcomer their duties. The two sat down next to a fireplace and got to know each other before doing their work. May was a meek goblin and a timid one. It took a while for her to open up to Tie. She did not have any hobbies to speak, often spending her free time looking at the stars at night. Tie found her lack of hobbies a problem. Most of the caretakers were given tasks befitting their experience. Tie spent most of her time hunting before becoming one of Flute's followers, and because of this, Flute relied on her to relay messages for her around the town. She would run across the town to deliver messages.
The most difficult task Flute gave Tie was to travel to Bona to get Sum and his followers. Fortunately, Tie knew of a path underground that lets her travel from Lev to Bona in two days. It was still a tremendous task for a small goblin, but Tie would do anything for Flute. Tie has only one regret, and that was betraying Flute's trust. But just like her journey to Bona, she will teach May everything she needs to know if it meant she gains Flute's trust once more.
Tie gave May a tour around the tent, showing her the tools the caretakers use in their daily chores. ”This mop, this bucket, and this rag.” Tie kept pointing at all the items while describing their use. ”Use this clean floor.”
May did her best to follow Tie. She kept a mental note of every items' name, its place of storage, and their use. Tie also showed her where they sleep and where they hide their barrels of horny toads.
It was Nightfall when Tie finished giving May the tour, and afterward, the two women joined the other caretakers around the fireplace. They were squeezing out the white liquid from the horny toad to turn into alcohol. ”Hi, May, me, Pin.” Pin moved to give May space to sit. ”Come sit.” May sat down, sandwiched between Pin and Tie. They showed her how to separate the purple pus from the frog before squeezing it to death. Despite the tedious work, the women enjoyed doing their work in the presence of the warm fire. Some were gossiping about other goblins. Ren noticed May felt alienated from the group. Due to her shyness, she was unable to join in on the conversation. ”Hey May. Tie teach good.” Ren asked.
”Of course!” Tie yelled with confidence.
”Ren not ask you.” Ren glared at Tie then turned her attention back to May. ”Well. Tie good teacher, or she nags too much.”
”Tie good,” May said with her soft voice.
”Thats good.” One of the goblins said, ”Good thing Kai not teacher. She no good.”
”Yeah, she kill baby once.” Another said.
Kai jumped out of her seat and confronted the goblins that spoke, ”Kai no kill baby.”
”Oh yeah.” The goblin stood up and faced Kai, ”Flute say no wrap baby too tight. Three baby die already. But Kai still tie baby too tight. What if baby Sun. No Sun mean no Chief.”
”Kai didn't kill baby!” Kai pushed the other one away from.
Before the other goblin could retaliate, a mysterious voice came out of the darkness.”Sit down!” Out from the darkness was Flute. Her hair was tied back which meant she will be joining the other caretakers with their menial task. The goblins stopped gossiping once Flute sat down with them.