The Weakest Kobold In The Dungeon Gets A Level [Book 1 Complete] Chapter 14: Chapter 12: A Number of Vicious Scars

Read chapter 14 of The Weakest Kobold In The Dungeon Gets A Level [Book 1 Complete] by KennyTheAwkwardDonut on NovelPedia.

Chapter 12 A Number Of Vicious Scars The crowd had gone silent at that statement. One of the elderly goblins stepped forward, her voice a harsh rasp, and said, “We were sent out to look for a place to build a new one. Even without bringin’ in folk what ain’t goblin-kin, I ain’t sure how our return will be perceived by the Burrow Lord.” Nik was stunned. Burrow Lord? I’ve lived my life where the only contact I’ve had with others has been with goblins, and I’ve never heard of a lord. He closed his mouth, which he’d apparently let drop open for a couple of heartbeats, and said, “What other options do you have, for yourselves or your wounded? As for us, we’ve been through a lot at the hands of adventurers, but the burrows have always been places of safety. I wish to ask your lord how we might find the same thing. I accept whatever risks that involves.” The other elders gathered close to the one who’d spoken as they deliberated their response. When they finally separated, the first goblin raised her voice again and said, “I, Elder Pliegs, will lead you to the burrow—and to the Burrow Lord.” Several in the crowd wore their displeasure plainly on their faces, but none of them voiced their dissent. Good, we won’t have to argue the point any further, we just have to convince the goblin lord to help us on our way. Maybe even teach us a thing or two, thought Nik. “Thank you, Elder Pliegs,” he replied before he returned his attention to the rest of the small crowd. “We will rest for a few moments, and then we will return with you to your home.” The adventurer’s body had already sunk when Nik went to retrieve his spear. A tiny bag on the ground, the only evidence they’d been there at all. Nik picked up his victory prize and stored it without checking its contents. His chest was heavier even than the thoughts on his mind. He walked away to a small clustering of trees, and away from all the noise of the goblin clan, to speak more privately with Pearl. “I know that there are things we haven’t gotten to discuss, or talk about at all really. And that’s mostly on me, and I…” He had started to ramble before being cut off by a very small, very tight hug. That was all it took for him to break. The tears he failed to hold back blurred his vision as he accepted her embrace. “I’m so scared, Pearl, all of the time. I can’t steady my hands or get my breaths to pull in enough air. I don’t know what I’m doing and I’m barely hanging on,” he admitted to her, and as if on cue his body shuddered. His hands shook like the castle he once called home. Tears stung the slash across his cheek. “I am here, Nik. It is okay to be frightened, but you are not alone anymore. This world is a scary place to be small like we are. You don’t hesitate, though. You are not a coward. As much as you might feel weak, these goblins are free because of you. Think of the leaves if it helps you maintain control of these physical symptoms that ail you, but do not think that you are the same kobold you were when you left your home. Now, let’s go talk to a lord.” She offered him a playful wink as she pulled back to give him some space. That was when he noticed Ryan’s tiny claws stretched inches wide across the side of his neck. Ryan was trying to hug him, too. These weeks have been the most terrifying experience imaginable, but she’s right. I’m not alone anymore. I still don’t understand this fear, this panic, but it is the shadow that haunts me. If only I could chase it away with Candlelight; Nik chuckled to himself at the thought, wiped at his watery eyes, and said, “Thank you, Pearl. I will do my best to remember that.” He would just wait until his cheeks were dry before returning to the others. He needed to be strong and fierce in front of the goblins, or at least, he felt that it was important to be viewed that way by them. Once there was no longer any outward sign of his emotional and psychological turmoil, Nik stepped out from the copse and approached Elder Pliegs. “We are ready to