I slowly turn back around. The goblin just spoke english.
This wasn't the craziest thing to happen to me today I suppose, but my brain is lagging behind my body as my sword is pointed at the green skinned creature once again.
"Whoa! No need for that! I under-"
"WHATTHEFUCKISHAPPENING!!!"
My voice comes out shrill and quick.
We stand in the alley, staring at each other. I'm not sure how goblins express themselves, but I think his face is spelling out confusion.
I don't blame him. A bunch of gibberish just came out of my mouth. I sigh and lower the xiphos.
"I...I'm sorry. Just, a lot of shit has happened today. I feel like I'm loosing my mind, but this is clearly reality and-"
A roar filled with anger interrupts me. Whatever had kicked in my apartment walls is not happy it can't find me. The sound of it breaking through brick and mortar begins to grow closer.
"You are free to express yourself and ask questions, but this isn't the time! Follow me!"
The goblin runs up the alley and, after a moment of hesitation, I chase after him. He keeps off the streets, running from alley to alley with the deftness of mouse.
I struggle to keep up. It's not like I'm out of shape, but he's just crazy fast and seemingly has no end to his energy.
As we run, the shouts and screams of people and monsters slowly die out.
By the time the goblin stops at the edge of a back street and crouches, there's an eerie silence hanging in the air.
He silently puts a finger to his lips as I catch up to him. I'm gasping for air, but attempt to be as quiet as I can as I squat behind him.
He points across the street to a subway entrance.
"That is where my chief told us to meet back up. He said he would make camp while we went to...uh...collect supplies."
We both shrink into the alley as a bloody, screaming human is chased by a laughing minotaur through the street. I wish I could help him, but if this goblin is faster than me, then I know the minotaur is simply playing with the man.
He doesn't have a chance at outrunning it, and I have no chance of defeating it. They disappear down the street after I've gotten my breathing under control.
"By the way, what should I call you? And why are you saving me? Especially since it looks like you chose to do that, rather than collect supplies like your chief asked for."
The goblins ear twitches, and he gives my question a good minute of thought before answering.
"You can call me Gobkun. Our leader said that we should bring any strong humans we find back to the base. Since we're considered a weak species, he believes strength in numbers will help the group survive. You seemed confident with your sword, and supplies was a secondary mission. What name were you given by your birthgivers?"
"Uh, you can call me Talon. Talon Corson."
There's an inconsistency in Gobkun's words, and it sends a warning light off in my head. However, I let it slip to the back of my mind as he beckons me toward the subway. After all, strength in numbers does make sense.
We make sure the way is clear before dashing across the street.
I hadn't gotten used to how busy the city was before, but this was just weird. In an hour, it had become barren of people.
Cars sit abandoned, most partially or completely destroyed. Some still have their doors open, as if their owner is going to be right back.
Blood is everywhere. Benches, buildings, the sidewalk, even an abandoned stroller missing a wheel. I'm not sure whether I should be surprised or not, but the number of corpses and body parts is quite low. My stomach turns again as I step on a severed finger.
I become almost relieved when we reach the entrance. I still have a weird feeling in my stomach, but it must be because of the state of the city. I follow closely behind Gobkun as he steps down the staircase.
It's getting darker the further we go, but when we hit the bottom I see flickering lights further in. Neither of us say a word as we approach what I take to be torches.
I can now see a line of food carts stacked end to end. Two figures stand in front of the only gap, crude spears held at their sides.
The guards move the spears to block the entrance as we approach the makeshift wall.
"What's the business?!"
"No idiot, say 'state the purpose'!"
"Hmm... sure bout that Gobril?"
"I sure Gobtil!"
The two bicker back and forth until Gobkun clears his throat.
"I am Gobkun, first rank goblin, answering directly under the Chief. I am here to report my findings in the New World."
The two stiffened and swiftly lower their spears.
"Sorry. So sorry. Will find Chief at end under big red umbrella."
After giving a nod of thanks to the two, Gobkun beckons me forward.
Gobtil and Gobril leer at me as I pass between them, the pimples on their pointy nose and ears making them even uglier.
Even more goblins surround us now. I can also see a number of humans, but each of them is bloody and beaten. I can't tell their wounds are from the monsters about ground, or were created by the ones surrounding us. They also have chains around either their ankles and wrists, making it clear that Gobkun skipped out on telling me some important information.
It doesn't take us long to arrive at the brick wall at the back of the station. There is indeed a large red umbrella, and sitting under it is the biggest goblin I've seen yet.
Unlike Gobkun, who only has a loin cloth on, this goblin had acquired a pair of purple pants and fashioned a white designer coat into a cape. A grin is stretched across his face, pointed and crooked teeth on full display.
Gobkun takes a knee, but I choose to remain standing.
"Welcome back Gobkun, I see you have something for me?"
The Chief pays me no mind. It's almost as if he doesn't even see me.
Once again, Gobkun clear his throat before he speaks.
"Yes my chief. Two weapons that will help defend the tribe. And one human slave."