Chapter 3 Goblin’s whereabouts 28/07/908

  The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows over the cobblestone streets as Yonas and Nasir entered the town's high street. Normally, the bustling marketplace would hum with the cheerful chatter of peddlers and the vibrant colours of fresh produce and crafted goods. Today, however, a muted tension hung in the air. Stalls stood half-stocked, and the faces of the merchants bore the lines of worry. It was as if the entire town held its breath, uncertain of what lay ahead.

  “Stay sharp,” Nasir murmured, his voice calm but purposeful. His eyes moved slowly, taking in every corner and alleyway. “We’ll split up for now. Meet me at the bulletin by sunset.”

  Yonas nodded, a surge of independence mixing with his apprehension. He adjusted the strap of his sack, feeling the familiar weight of his sword at his side. “Got it. I’ll ask around about the goblin.”

  Nasir offered a small smile, a brief warmth in the otherwise cool air. “And Yonas—keep your wits about you.”

  With that, they parted ways. Nasir disappeared into the flow of the crowd, a shadow among the whispers of troubled townsfolk. Yonas took a deep breath, steadying himself, and turned towards the familiar path to Dorothy’s grocer stall.

  Dorothy’s small shop sat at the corner of a quieter street. The once bright awning had faded under the sun, and the crates of vegetables and fruits seemed sparser than usual. Yonas noticed the door was slightly ajar, and his instincts prickled. He approached quietly, peering through the gap.

  Inside, Dorothy stood behind her counter, her hands wringing a cloth as she spoke in a trembling voice. “Please... I can’t afford more losses.”

  Three boys, not much older than Yonas, loomed over her. Their clothes were worn, their eyes hard with hunger and something darker. One of them reached over the counter, snatching an apple and biting into it with exaggerated slowness.

  “I said I’d pay you later,” he drawled, the juice dripping down his chin. His companions chuckled, the sound empty and sharp.

  “Hey!” Yonas stepped inside, his voice firm. The laughter cut off, and three sets of eyes turned to him. “Put it back. You’re not thieves.”

  The boy with the apple sneered, tossing the half-eaten fruit aside. “Who’s gonna make us, runt?”

  Dorothy’s eyes widened when she saw Yonas, her fear tinged with a desperate hope. “Yonas, it’s fine. They were just leaving.”

  “No, we weren’t.” One of the other boys, lanky and pale, leaned against a sack of potatoes. “Old lady’s got plenty. She won’t miss a few bites.”

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  Yonas took a step forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword—not to draw it, but to remind them he was not afraid. “If you need food, ask. Stealing just makes you cowards.”

  The leader’s face twisted, the bravado cracking under Yonas’ steady gaze. “You think you’re better than us? You’re just another weakling playing hero.”

  “I’m not playing.” Yonas’ voice dropped, cold and clear. His father’s words echoed in his mind—words before fists. “Leave now, and I won’t make you regret it.”

  Tension coiled in the air, and then the leader lunged. Yonas moved without thinking. His foot slid back, his body dropping into a low stance as the boy’s fist cut through the empty space where his head had been. Yonas twisted, his sheathed sword sweeping out and catching the boy behind the knee. He hit the ground with a dull thud.

  The others hesitated, but Yonas’ calm expression held them in place. “You’re hungry. I get it. But there are better ways.”

  The boy on the ground groaned, clutching his leg. “Kian,” one of the others muttered, a flicker of fear breaking through the facade of bravado.

  Kian. The name settled in Yonas’ mind. He would remember it.

  Kian pushed himself up, his eyes dark with anger. “You think you’re strong, don’t you?”

  “I think strength isn’t just about who hits hardest,” Yonas replied. “It’s about who stands back up and chooses the right path.”

  Silence hung between them. Kian’s fists clenched and unclenched, the battle between pride and sense playing out on his face. Finally, he looked away, the fight draining from his posture. “Fine. We’ll go.”

  “Take this.” Yonas reached into his sack, pulling out a small loaf of bread. He broke it in half, offering it to the boys. “Eat. Then find work. You’re not thieves, not really.”

  The boys exchanged wary glances. Kian took the bread, his expression unreadable. “Why?”

  “Because I don’t want to see you back here like this,” Yonas said simply. “You deserve better.”

  The boys shuffled out, shadows under the clouded sky. When they were gone, Dorothy sank onto a stool, her shoulders trembling.

  “Thank you, Yonas,” she whispered. “I... I didn’t know what to do.”

  Yonas knelt beside her, his expression softening. “It’s okay. I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

  Her worn hands reached out, holding his. “You’re a good boy. Your parents should be proud.”

  “When I become the greatest elemental swordsman, I’ll change this town,” Yonas said, his voice steady. “No one will go hungry. No one will be left behind.”

  Dorothy’s eyes shone, a fragile light in the dimness of her shop. “I believe you.”

  Before leaving, Yonas paid for a small sack of apples, slipping a few extra coins onto the counter. Dorothy didn’t argue—she knew he couldn’t afford it, but the gesture mattered more than the money.

  His next stop was the fruit seller’s stall. The vendor, a wiry man with quick eyes, spoke of a green-skinned creature lurking at the edge of the forest. “It just... watched me,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Didn’t attack, just stared. Eyes like it had a sickness.”

  Yonas thanked him, piecing together the clues. The goblin was not just a wild beast—it had intent. It was planning.

  As the sky bled into shades of orange and purple, Yonas made his way to the bulletin. Nasir was already there, his expression thoughtful.

  “Find anything?” Nasir asked.

  “Yeah. The goblin’s been seen near the forest. It’s... observing people.”

  Nasir nodded. “Same here. Seems like it’s more than just a creature. We’ll need to be careful.”

  Yonas matched his uncle’s pace as they turned toward home, the weight of the day settling on his shoulders. His resolve had only grown stronger. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and he would face them head-on.