What Memory Remains

Sunlight gleamed merrily over the crumbled stone that littered the forest ground, a colorful contrast to the derelict ruins. Broken fragments of pillars at the top of a set of stairs told the tale of a once-grand entrance. Blades of wild, green grass poked through cracks in the stone floors. Early morning birds serenaded the journey which Sade took here…the Kala’est Ruins.

Whilst in awe of the wonderful display of craftsmanship, Sade’s mind could only think back to the conversation he had with a dear friend. The result of this conversation reminded him of the very fact that he was here alone, vulnerable, and paranoid. His jaw stayed tight as his teeth grinded against each other, thinking again on Zenapharr’s stubbornness. His knuckles were white at the grip on his sword as he expected a horde of goblins to rush him at any moment. They did not.

His boots echoed wildly through the entrance and subsequent halls, and he prayed that no creatures were nearby to hear. While the volume itself was not nearly as loud as he thought, ambiance can play tricks on the mind to think otherwise. Some rays of sunlight peeked through crevices in the ceiling, reflecting off his sword as he passed through them. As he got further in, he wished there to be more but was soon disappointed.

As the Chancellor had informed him, there was a long set of stairs near the back which would lead him to the treasure he sought. Light fell quickly to shadow in this area, but he was prepared with a lighter and a torch. As he began descension, he slowed his pace to avoid detection as there was a much higher probability of goblins in the lower dwellings.

Having worked mostly with others and in more populated areas, Sade couldn’t shake the eeriness of the ruins’ desolate aura. The way his torch made the shadows dance on the walls didn’t help this feeling, either.

“I’ll never forgive Zenapharr for this,” he mumbled to himself. “I’m Sade…the Light Breeze of Minerva. Now I’m just a walking nervous system.”

Again, he thought back on his conversation with Zenapharr, and it infuriated him.

“Why won’t you come? I could really use your help.” He had begged him.

“I’ve already told you. I’m giving up on this whole thing. It’s all a matter of fate now.”

“Fate? Since when have you EVER been so concerned with that? You’re Zenapharr, you make your own fate! Or even better, your actions are your fate! You’ve never been passive like this.”

“Well, if you haven’t noticed, things are different now. I am not the mighty swordsman or assassin you knew.”

“Oh, would you stop with that?! You’re not some wounded horse! The doctor said you’re fine.”

“I’m sorry, Sade but it must be this way. There is nothing for me anymore.”

“So that’s it, then? You’re just going to give up on everything? Because you were beaten?”

“No.”

“Then why, Zenapharr? Why would you give up like that?”

“Because…I don’t know what it means.”

“You don’t know what means?”

“Losing my power. There’s no reason for it…at first I thought it was the sword being broken but…that’s not it. I had put so much faith in it but, logically that’s not the reason. And the only thing I can think is that…maybe it means I’m done. Maybe it’s a sign that I’m not supposed to fight. Maybe I’m supposed to live at peace to atone for all the war I’ve wrought on this world.”

“Or maybe it doesn’t mean anything, Zenapharr. Maybe you’ve used this extraordinary gift you’ve had as a crutch, and you don’t know how to function without it. I get that, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t still help your friends. Do you know why I befriended you those years ago?’

“Because you felt sorry for me.”

“No, that’s not it. It’s because of your determination.”

“You must be joking. You can’t seriously say that. You were fascinated by how strange I was and how good I was with a sword.”

“Not so. I befriended you because I saw a passion. The way you fight, you don’t just swing a sword around like other oafs with a blade. There is a grace to your style as I you’re painting a picture. You strike out with your blade as a lion pounces on its prey, a natural predator. And it’s not the power within that, it’s the conviction. Fighting is your way of life. You don’t fight to live, you live to fight. It’s who you are, and you made no apologies for who you are. And THAT is why I befriended you”

“I don’t see it that way. You probably just saw bloodlust in my eyes.”

“No, this is different. If you go out there with me, you are fighting for me. Fighting for Alice. Fighting for everyone who Krane has ever betrayed or hurt. I’ve seen the way you look at Alice…I’ve never seen you look at anyone that way before. You really care for her. I can see how she’s changed your heart. There is good in you, Zenapharr. That stone cold killer is gone…or in control at least. And if I can’t make you see it, I don’t know who can.”

“While your words may have some truth to them, I still cannot see the point. I’m no good without my powers. All along, it’s been why I’m so good at what I do. What am I without it?”

“You are still you. Even without it, you’re surely a great swordsman and hopefully still a good friend. And I pray you are not permanently the sob story I’ve seen in the past day.”

“I’m sorry but I will not join you. I’ll stay here with Alice, spend some time with her.”

“You’ll do her more good in the long run by helping me! Give her a better future.”

“The future is simply that..the future. Nothing I do can change that, not now. I am changed, Sade. Can’t you see that?”

“You know, when I found out that you killed all those people, I wasn’t surprised. I always knew that it was possible. But I convinced myself you must have had good reason, even if it was tainted. When NOSRAD wanted to have you killed, at the risk of my reputation and status, I convinced NOSRAD to bring you in, and saw to it that you would not be sentenced to death at the trial. It was going to be rigged. And I still thought you were somehow a good person, you were only ill of mind. And I agree… you’re right…you are changed. Because the Zenapharr I knew would not abandon his only true friend.”

“Then I suggest you get on to the ruins…true friend.”

The sardonic words still stung, and filled Sade with some disdain, yet he knew that perhaps Zenapharr had lost his way. Problem was, he hadn’t a clue how to bring him back. Until then, he could only move forward and hope he could accomplish what he needed to.

Not too long into the basement halls, he could hear the chattering of what sounded like multiple voices. As he came closer to the source, he soon saw the flicker of torches and shadows occasionally moving across the torches. It seemed goblins did in fact inhabit the ruins now.

He approached more cautiously, checking to see how close he could get to the occupied area. He put his torch out as he now had enough light from ahead to make his way. From waiting and observing for a bit, the talk did not seem to be from a large group of goblins, only a couple with others in passing. Peeking around the corner, he could see where the ruins opened into a slightly larger hallway which was occupied by two goblins, who seemed to be conversing on the topic of the varietal taste of birds.

Having seen them before, he still never got over their horrible smell of grime and old fish. These goblins were the most common variety, their skin a sickly green and slimy looking. Like most goblins, they were shorter than humans and hunched over, their arms much longer than their legs. Where humans noses should be , they only had vertical slits, sometimes slightly protruding but never what could be called a nose. Their elongated ears stuck out far to the side, making their stretched faces look even more ridiculous. Their only attire was a single loincloth and some occasional small trinkets of jewelry, which did not take away from their hideous appearance.

“I once had crow, and it tasted like garbage!” Making a wretching noise to emphasize his point.

“That’s why I like feasants, their meat is so much better. I could eat them all day if I could! Even raw!” The second licked his horrible lips at this thought.

“I wish I could eat something right now, but Master said I shouldn’t leave my post. Grungle always makes me do things I don’t want!”

“Why don’t you just get something to eat and come back? They’ll never know.”

“I don’t know. Last time I was caught, they threw me in the Box for a day. Hey, maybe you could bring me some.”

“What’s in it for me?”

“I won’t tell them you’re here right now when you’re not supposed to be.”

“Oh. Alright, alright. But you owe me one!”

Sade could see the goblin was now coming towards his way, and he quickly made his way back around the last corner. He held his breath, blade at the ready. The footsteps got closer, and as soon as the goblin came around the corner he covered it’s mouth with one hand and slit it’s throat with the other. The shocked goblin flailed its arms weakly, and Sade tenses his muscles more to keep him from slipping away or uncovering his hand. After the blood ran freely from its throat, it ceased its thrashing and went limp.

Sade dragged its body over to a nearby room, and covered it with some tattered tapestry that was used to adorn the room. Now feeling more confident, he made his way back to the area where the other goblin had been standing guard. He found a nearby rock and tossed it hard on the ground near the goblin.

“Eh? What’s that?” He said aloud. “Aylof, that you?” Only the silence answered, and the goblin came towards him. From around the corner he could see this one had a short ax in one hand and a rusty metal chestplate. After peeking around the corner, Sade repeated the same process with this one. With the way clear now, he could get further in. According to the map, the treasure was in the deeper part of the basement area. It made sense that goblins would setup here, being out of the sunlight and also having some treasure to guard.

He wondered how much treasure in total there was here indeed. The markings and runes he saw signified that it was from very long ago, perhaps even before the Great Destruction. It winded around various halls, quite confusing to one who didn’t have a map with them. Yet it all mainly centered around one great room, to which most of the goblins most likely resided. They tended to stay in groups for doing everything, even sleeping and mating. The latter of the two disgusted Sade.

It may seem to any ordinary person cruel to kill the two creatures without much of a thought, especially as they did not harm Sade. Yet, the history of goblins and other kinds would sway one to think quite differently. Since their appearance, many attempts were made to be peaceful and coexist with the creatures. Each and every attempt was only replied with threats and insults. Inheritantly, goblins seemed to hate anything with the exception of other goblins or beings that hated man and elves as much as they did. Whether it was the nuclear fallout that warped their bodies and minds, it is unsure. But they served as a symbol of the darkness of mankind and all the ongoing results that came of it.

This being said, Sade could have perhaps knocked them out or tied them up and it was an option. But, with the mind of goblins they would have made a point to spend the rest of their life trying to exact some sort of revenge on Sade and go to ridiculous lengths to do so. Also, he could not take a chance of them escaping or waking up and alerting anyone to his presence. His stealth was too important right now to risk. Plus, when it came right down to dealing with goblins, death was the only language they truly understood.

Now in a more lit area, Sade had to be doubly cautious and stick even more to the shadows of the halls. Luckily, his guess was right as there were very few goblins moving about the halls. As he passed the main great room, he was unnerved to see a fairly large horde of goblins there. If he had to guess, he could say somewhere around fifty in number. The one that concerned him most was the very large one that sat on a large stone that seemed to be carved from the stone steps.

This one seemed to be the one he heard by the goblin called Grungle the Master. He was indeed much taller than the other goblins, in fact a little taller than Sade stood, roughly at six foot. Other goblins would bring objects to him as he barked orders, drinking from large, dirty flasks and spilling it down his belly. A remarkably precious crown sat atop his head, and Sade could only guess this was found in the ruins when they took shelter here. Such a fine piece of jewelry looked ludicrous on him, seeing as he was fat and just as grimy looking as any goblin did. A large piece sat be

He could not take much time around this area, as he noticed some goblins were patrolling to see that other goblins were working and would surely spot him if he took too much time there. From what he could tell at a quick glance, it looked like most of the workers were using pulleys and retrieving objects from them. It made sense, as he understood goblins built tunnels going downward and in other directions to expand their territory.

After dodging some wayward goblins who were avoiding work or taking a break, he made his way to the prized treasure room. It was conveniently located near some prison cells, which he used to concoct his next plan. The treasure room was guarded by a single goblin, wearing little more than the last patrol guard with a short sword, shield, and a helmet.

Much the same as before, he tossed a small rock nearby to catch the attention of the dull-witted creature.

“Huh? Eh, who threw that!”

Sade threw another rock into a cell across from him.

“Stop that now!” He yelled, and went sauntering into the cell, to which Sade crept up behind him and plunged his blade upward into his throat. As this goblin as larger, he couldn’t drag him very much but instead used the bed of the jail to hold him. He turned him to the side to suggest he was sleeping on the cot. To his favor, the cell was very dim lit and the blood could not easily be seen.

After carefully checking the halls again, he now entered the treasure room with safe passage. The prized gems and stones which stood against the walls and in chests there were very fine indeed. As plentiful and precious as they were, one stood out even more.

Against the wall was a small pedestal, upon it stood the finest emerald he had ever seen. It was not in a chrysallik shape, but instead was carved into a perfectly round shape. The symmetry was perfect, yet no machine made this. An illustrious green light emanated from the stone and actually lit up a small amount of space around it, and Sade immediately wondered if it contained some magic therein. Right behind it on a plate was an inscription that simply stated.

“Here lies the Emerald Stone of Centy.

Only by human hands can this stone be touched.”

If any proof showed that others had tried to take , he was sure it was the red stains on the floor near the pedestal. Sade shakily reached out and touched the stone, and quickly withdrew. The fear of something still harming him loomed, and finally he wrapped his hands around the stone and took it from the pedestal. It was just big enough to fit in his hands, and he found holding it quite comforting. The jade glow was not particularly bright, but for safekeeping he tucked it away in his satchel.

He grabbed a handful of expensive looking jewels and tucked them away as well, feeling quite relieved to have finished his task unscathed. As he was about halfway down the winding hallway, he suddenly stopped as a large figure stepped into view, and from the view of the torches it was only a silhouette and he could not see which direction the figure was facing.

“Well, hello treasure hunter,” the voice spoke deep and rumbly. Sade froze as the figure moved forward into better light and he saw to his dismay it was the Master Goblin of the ruin. He slowly moved toward Sade, and he backed up only to realize there was no other paths out. As he got closer, he stopped and looked into a nearby cell.

“I suppose my guard isn’t sleeping, “ Grungle remarked with a scoff. The creature had much better articulation and poise in his demeanor, and he wondered how a goblin came to be such this way.

“No, no he is not,” Sade said, his eyes darting in every direction. “Are you to kill me now?”

“Kill you? Hah! Why would we want to do that right away? I want to know what you’re doing here first.” The goblin looked at the satchel and smiled. “Ah, you’re here for the Emerald, aren’t you?”

“Why would you reckon that?”

“Because why else would a man come to where goblins dwell? What business have you with the stone? Do you intend to sell it, use it?”

“Use it? I didn’t even know it could be used.”

“Really? Well, I’m not sure if you’re playing dumb or not, so I’ll need to talk a bit more. Let’s get comfortable.” The goblin blew on a small horn he kept at his side. Instantly the hallways were filled with goblins, and Sade was completely and utterly trapped.

“I think The Box will be the most appropriate place for this man-thief. If we keep him long enough, we can even call him Jack!” The goblins laughed at this quip. “Grab him! And kill him if he puts up any resistance.”

Sade dropped his sword and put up his hands as they were soon bound. He hoped dearly that Zenapharr had come to his senses, and quickly. A sober fact about goblins kept reverberating in his mind…as much as humans were hated by goblins, they were also their favorite thing to eat.