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The turrets of Marloc Castle had broken the horizon as Artimus came closer. He stopped the horse, dismounted and emptied the saddle bags of anything he needed. It wasn’t much – the short sword, some food and a few coins. He patted Azure on the neck and told the palomino to return to Salarain; back to Jade. The horse seemed to understand, and reluctantly turned and started back.

Artimus stood and watched him go, then turned towards Marloc and walked the distance to the outer keep.

He stood in front of the entrance and removed his short sword, sticking it into the ground, blade first, at his feet with delibratly slow movements. He then shouted up to the apparently blank castle walls.

My name is Artimus Morningstar. I seek an audience with the General.

He couldn't see anyone, or anything, but he knew they would be there, watching, waiting.

Phooka was sitting in his large chair made from the bones of those who had displeased him. In one hand was a book while in the other was a cup made of fine china and filled with a warm substance that he found quite enjoyable.
A guard entered the room and spoke to him, telling him about an incident at the front gate, and Phooka barked back his orders in the guttural snarls of his native language. The guard ran off and Phooka closed the book, put the cup down and rose from his chair.
He shouted for someone to clear the room, and a goblin servant came and removed the cup, book and table. Phooka flexed his wings and stepped out on to the balcony.

The balcony was on the far side of the castle, overlooking the sea. He liked this room as he could fly from here without disturbing any of the native population.

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The drawbridge opened and a group of goblins stepped forward, some armed with swords which they extended towards the man, the rest with crossbows all trained on him. Visitors were always made so welcome here.
They guided him inside and lead him through the passageways and stairs cases until they reached Phooka’s room.

************************************

Phooka remained on the balcony, his back to the visitor. He hadn’t spoken using the local tongue for a long time now.

Which city you represent?

Artimus was marched through the castle, his eyes noting everything as he went.
He'd been here before, but he didn't know the internal layout well enough to know where he was. All he knew was he wasn't going to the main audience chamber/throne room.

He was taken to a large room, and there on the balcony he saw his old nemesis. The outstretched wings and blue-tinted skin were unmistakable. The freak of nature that was the Goblin general.

He stood in silence as that voice spoke out. Nice to see Phooka still had all his usual charm. He was a simple creature, not overly endowed with intelligence, so Artimus knew not to bother trying to play word games, or any smart remarks. No, he often took everything said literally - Artimus was glad he studied the citizens of this island in the past - and one misspoken phrase might result in a nasty result.

No individual city. I come on behalf of all the island.

Oh yes, the idiot was still as incomprehensible as ever.

No, I am here on behalf of every person on this island.

He took a deep breath ready to begin his bargain.

((OOC: Yeah, you'll taste fear!))

He was stunned from his prepared speech. Phooka was talking about dimplomatic immunity? Where had he heard that phrase, and did he know what it meant? He swallowed. That tongue; Artimus had heard rumours that he could taste emotions when close. Could he tell if Artimus was lying?

This close, Artimus noticed something in his eyes, something he'd never spotted before. There was something behind them, as if this creature was playing with him. Was it Art's paranoid mind playing tricks on him? He'd never been this close to Phooka before to notice.

Yes, I have full diplomatic immunity.

It was worth a shot.

His head snapped as he was hit, but it wasn't the worst shot he'd had this year. He felt his hands grabbed and forced behind him. He weighed up the choices quickly. He was still surrounded by arrows and swords - as well as that towering freak - so if he put up any resistance he'd start a fight, which was the opposite of what he was trying to do. He relaxed and let them manacle him, knowing if he could get hold of something, he could free himself if need be.

Interesting trick. You know, you could hire yourself out to the various cities when they hold trials. Might help cut down on the innocents who are wrongly convicted.

Yes, he'd decided to go with the "don't make any smart remarks" route, but what the hell. His plan wasn't going well so far.

Artimus could taste something in the air himself now - the breath from that braindead freak.
He tested his wrists in the manacles. They were on tight, but he could feel the keyhold with one finger, so he stopped testing.

I came to ask... to beg.. your assistance. This island could be heading for war, and we need every warrior we can find to help defend us. I hoped you might consider joining with us, to help.

That had sounded so much better as he thought of what to say on the journey here.

Brother-sons? What the hell were brother-sons? His style of speaking was very confusing. Artimus had already worked out 'Morningstar' meant 'You' and 'Phooka' gbrally meant 'I' or 'Me', but Brother-sons...? Maybe he means other goblins.

Yes, yes you could. Nothing would stop you doing that. But you would rule a damaged island. Would there be anything left?

Dear Gods, how do you explain this sort of thing to a creature who can't say 'I'?

With the Aegis military and your Goblin army working side-by-side, we could repell the invaders.

There was no point lying.

Yes, yes I did check how well they were put on.

Artimus nodded, wanting to hang his head in defeat.

Yes. Morn.. I know how to unlock them.

Artimus felt his fingertips start to crack and he yelled out in pain. He bent forward at the waist trying to move his fingers out from the grip the creature had on him.

He felt his feet lift off the floor slightly as Phooka lifted him up by his chin. His fingers felt like they were on fire. He summoned enough energy to begin gathering magic.

Don't know when. Soon.

Artimus fought back a curse as Phooka took the pendant. But he'd seen something, something in those eyes. This wasn't the same creature he'd dealt with all those years ago. As the guards started to march him out, Artimus spoke.

You're a changed man.

At least the guards had stopped trying to get him out of the room. He felt his wrists fall forward as the manacles were released, his fingertips bent at odd angles.

Of course I have.