The goblins show up as we gain food for our table. We're first of the room to gain the meal.
Al has two goblins subordinates. I don't know either. Although they could've been in the group that came before. Raida looks to know them given the greeting. Al sits next to Raida. The other two sit at their side. "We speak Common fluency."
William leans closer to them. "It's actually called Calliset. It is the federal language, but not the only language spoken. We had to designate it to stop anyone who is just arriving here from being able to become a citizen. It's a complicated past we have with our previous homeland."
"The Rain people traded with us when they first appeared here." Al says. So they know goblin history. "But then we noticed... Trouble brewing. When your group came here, we only assumed you were reinforcements. Even if you dress differently, you were still human. Apologies if we let our conflict with the Rain deny any chance of peace before now."
"What happened?" Raida asks.
Al sighs watching the room. "We didn't speak the same language at first. When we started picking up on it... We realized they never saw us as anything besides monsters. Goblins are more respectable than you realize. There are even goblins who work for dragons."
I glance to William. That would mean he should see goblins in Pennington. Is that another reason we wants to learn their language?
Al continues, "We will look for our community and kind first, but we won't skip out on options for those who are similar enough." They glance to me. "When I saw the prince in a dream, I knew there could be a chance to change the path we were on."
"Saw me in a dream?"
"Sorcerer is a quality shaman. It has been many times before that we required on their skills. If Sorcerer Al tells us something, we must believe it." The one goblin says.
The other adds, "That's part of the conflict we had with Brok. He wanted to ignore the words of wisdom given by the elders. Only a fool would ignore the words of the wise."
"Just because someone is old does not mean they should be listened to." Al tells them. They fidget. "Apri and Gra have reasons for the sentiments. It is one thing to question the words of the wise and another to fight the words without any wisdom of your own. Brok did not like anyone have power over him. He murdered several Elders. It was better it left the land."
"You didn't explain this before." I say.
"You didn't ask specifics. You could grasp enough to say our clan split was not a good thing. You trusted my judgment. I should question why. Although I do know if I have a dream, there is a good reason for it." Al eyes me.
"Eat." Raida taps the table. "We assumed what you enjoy based on what you've stolen the most of."
"Thank you. I find it doubtful you would match to our normal tastes, but it is kind of you to try." Al has Elder status in the goblins. Even among humans, they'd be called long lived.
After we manage to have something, I ask William for the citizenship packet. I slide it down to Al. "This is how to become a citizen here. The test can be given orally or written."
"I can give the test." Raida holds up her hand. "I have before even. You get allowance at three blue." Another thing marked to a level. Although... I probably can give the test as long as I don't stand to gain from it. Which... Sounds impossible. "So if you're interested."
Al opens the packet to review everything. "It's simple."
"It is. The level we expect from a citizen is low. Citizenship can grant you better access to the markets. Although... You are documented, so you have taxes to pay." Raida watches Al read through everything. The other two goblins look unable. Reading our language is probably an unlikely skill. But spoken is enough. If they understand the language, they can pass. "I would be collecting taxes as your Head."
"It looks as if I do not have a lot of knowledge as to the nobility of humans. I thought I was more aware of things."
"You mean, I'm not the noble you thought was here?" Raida smirks. "That's because it's only been a few months. That raid left me as Head. The Telligence were involved in Brok's raid. That's why he seemed too strong for you to handle."
Al puts down the paper to stare at Raida. "They did what?"
Raida nods. "Telligence committed treason on multiple levels. Thomas was the one to execute the previous head. He took care of both the goblin head issue as well as the human one."
"After trying to suggest getting involved with humans would be the worse choice." Al pauses. "No. He said getting involved with the prince would be a bad choice." Al stands up.
"Sorcerer... You shouldn't leave yet." Gra grabs for Al's sleeve. "It is not polite."
Al watches their ally a moment before sitting back down. "Brok has already been handled. But I worry there are more connections." They turn to me. "Thank you for the packet. There are several would would prefer such a thing. I will give reports once I learn how deep the corruption is. I don't think we fully handled it."
"I am not going anywhere. If you wish, I can send an envoy to you."
Al shakes their head. "You don't know who can speak your language. As far as I know, no human can speak Goblin."
"May I learn?" William asks.
Al nods to him. "I agreed before. Although, I don't think I'll have time. Not unless I can get Agoin to fully understand the concerns with the..." They close their eyes.
Apri reaches out for Al gaining their attention. "Chief can do everything."
"If she understands. I won't know until I speak it over with her." Al pats Apri's head. "Thanks. We'll finish this meal and begin that." They turn to Raida. "And you may get goblins coming to ask for the citizenship test. Only those who can speak the language can talk it. That is far more than you realize, but it is not everyone."
The meal switches to less chatter and more eating. Before Al can try to leave again, I clear my throat. "Um... Al?"
"Yes, Prince?"
"Cleaver... I saw him before."
Al sighs. "He is... Not our problem. We are unable to help you with him."
"No. I was just wondering... How do you capture warhogs to domesticate them?"
Al watches me. I don't look away or twitch over the direct attention. "I see. I think there is a trainer who can chat with you. Are you sure you want to know?"
"Um... Actually... I think Vincent would be better to explain it to."
"Vincent?" Al eyes Raida.
"A quality knight. He's leading point for the Harvest Mission. Thomas joins his camp during the day."
"Ah." Al stands up. The two other goblins copy. "I'll have someone come to you, then. We know where that is. Make sure no one attacks them."
"I'll send word of them showing." Raida offers a bow to the goblins. I stand up to offer my own bow. Al's grin before leaving calms me. "Sit, Your Highness."
"It was important I give them respect. It will show exactly how I feel about them." I sit down once they're gone.
"I know. Relax a little. Tomorrow, you're going back out to the camp. Cleaver may return. I hope the words you gain from the goblins will help a little."
"There is always more to learn." If there is still trouble within the goblins... We'll need to go one by one since Agoin has fully submitted to us. Things will be changing a lot in Dragit. Raida probably had no idea she was going to have a goblin influx of citizens. It's not the expected situation.