After escaping the cave of the mischievous goblins, Sylveras and Elara resumed their journey. The path began to ascend toward the foot of the mountain where Gorion had promised to meet them. The sky was clear, and a cool breeze from the mountain brushed against their faces, bringing a sense of calm after the chaotic goblin encounter.
"Elara... do you see that old man?" asked Sylveras, squinting as his eyes scanned a small hill ahead.
Elara shook her head. "There's no one there. Could he be late?"
Sylveras sighed. "At his age, he's probably walking slower than a turtle."
Suddenly, a voice came from behind them."Who are you calling an old man?"
Startled, Sylveras and Elara jumped and quickly turned around. Gorion stood there calmly, leaning on his staff with a teasing smile on his face.
"And who was it that struggled with little goblins and almost failed to solve a simple riddle?" he continued, raising an eyebrow.
Sylveras blushed, trying to defend himself. "That wasn't a simple riddle! They trapped us with a chicken and a net from the sky!"
Elara burst into laughter, recalling the embarrassing scene.
Sylveras frowned. "Wait a minute... who even taught those goblins how to make riddles?"
As if to answer his question, a cheerful shout came from the direction of the cave.
"GORIONNN! MY FRIEND!"
A goblin wearing a crooked spoon as a crown came running towards them. Behind him, several other goblins followed, waving enthusiastically.
"Oh! You're the ones who played with us earlier! Good to see you again!"
Sylveras froze. "Wait… YOU were the one who taught them riddles?!"
Gorion chuckled softly. "Back when they were still wild and stealing for no reason, I tried to entertain them with games—riddles, stories, and even farming lessons."
The goblin leader nodded eagerly. "Yes! Gorion is a good man! He taught us how to farm, build funny traps, and make riddles! But because he's old now, he rarely plays with us anymore. But that's okay—we still like Gorion!"
Elara giggled as she glanced at Sylveras, who now looked thoroughly embarrassed.
"So... that riddle trap that caught us—was your invention?" Elara asked, stifling another laugh.
"More or less," Gorion replied casually.
Then, turning to the goblins, he asked with a warm tone, "How have you all been? Are your crops growing well? Any trouble?"
The goblin leader answered excitedly. "We're doing great! So many crops! We don't need to steal anymore!"
Sylveras nodded, visibly impressed. "You really taught them to farm?"
"Sometimes," said Gorion. "If you give small creatures another option besides stealing, they can change."
"But if that's the case," Elara asked curiously, "why were they still stealing earlier? One of them almost took Sylveras' boot."
The goblin leader grinned. "That's because they lost the game! If you lose, we get one harmless prank! That's the rule!"
Gorion burst out laughing. "Hahaha! Goblin rules are still absurd as ever."
Sylveras let out a long sigh but eventually joined in the laughter. Elara chuckled, shaking her head.
The sun had begun to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues over the mountain. Gorion led them to rest under a large tree near the goblins' small but thriving field. The goblins returned to their cave, waving joyfully as they left.
Elara gazed at the small field with admiration. "I didn't expect this mountain area to feel so safe and warm."
"This region is warded from demons and dark creatures," said Gorion. "Magical protections and natural sensors alert me if anything malicious enters. But goblins don't count. They're just... overly alive."
Sylveras turned to look at Gorion. "You really manage everything, don't you? Even goblins get your attention."
Gorion smiled gently, showing for the first time the soft expression of a true grandfather. "If you live long enough, Sylveras, you'll realize that the world isn't only shaped by the powerful. But also by those who can laugh with you."
The chapter closes with the three of them sitting beneath the large tree, enjoying the soft mountain breeze and the peace of a land, if only temporarily, untouched by the chaos of the outside world.
Their journey was far from over. Many mysteries remained, many threats lingered, and much still needed to be learned.
But for now—they laughed together.