Chapter 21: Developments
17 January, 2008 – 4:14 pm
‘Speak Toadflax,’ Godfrey said. ‘You know how much I hate to waste my time.’
The study was oak-paneled and expansive, thick with the smell of leather and books. Motes of dust hung in the air, illuminated briefly as they drifted pass the light shining through the diamond leaded windows.
Toadflax’s smile revealed a mouthful of needle-like teeth.
‘Would your time still be wasted if I told you about something I found in the wood?’
Godfrey’s face betrayed no emotion, instead he continued to write before finally putting the fountain pen down and turning to face him.
‘Go on.’ he sighed, stroking the gold ring on his finger.
‘A dragon,’ hissed Toadflax. ‘Would that be worth anything?’
Godfrey tried to remain calm and briefly glanced towards Gideon, who stood by the door with his arms crossed. Gideon raised an eyebrow.
‘It might,’ said Godfrey. ‘Of-course it would be worth considerably more to you if you could reveal the actual location.’
‘I might,’ said Toadflax , mimicking Godfrey.
‘I see.’
There was a pause, before Toadflax, sensing an opportunity for drama, continued.
‘What if I also told you about something called an ivory flute?
By now there was an uncomfortable silence.
‘Maybe,’ Godfrey said, still staying cool. ‘How do you know about this? Tell me more.’
‘Some children have it. They live in the cottage by the edge of Bracken Wood.’
Gideon rubbed his scarred face. ‘I remember the cottage.’ he said. ‘The home of the old watcher woman.’
‘The dragon seems to think that the children are special,’ Toadflax said, ‘but to me they’re just children.’
‘Special? In what way?’
‘I don’t know. I didn’t hear much. The only other word I managed to pick up from conversation was something called Talistay.’
Godfrey mouth curled into a thin smile.
‘How very interesting.’
He rose from the chair and placed a hand on Toadflax’s shoulder.
‘You did well my friend, and will be rewarded for your efforts. We may have need of your expertise. But first, is there anything you require?’
The goblin looked down at his useless sword hand, and rubbed it. The feeling still wasn’t coming back.
‘Well, there is one thing…’
