Monsters in the dark

Ben watched the door closing. He didn’t try to run towards it, he knew he didn’t have enough time. He was… confused. Did Ben misunderstand something? He couldn’t understand why would Wert trap him here. He helped them carry the bags and even wanted to carry them back… Then he heard something. Noises. Ben slowly turned and saw huge yellow eyes shining from the corner of the room. Goblins returned.

“Ehm,” Ben coughed. “Hello?”

Noone answered him, but the eyes multiplied. Four of them stared at him now.

“I am Ben.” He called out.

Silence was the only answer. Then, slowly he heard scratching of claws on the floor as one pair of eyes began moving towards him. The shape began forming from the darkness. A rough, skeletal sort of a shape. “Www-hyy?” He heard the creature screatch. The goblin moved closer. “Wwhy attackkk us?”

Ben scratched his head, “I am not actually sure, you know.” The shape stopped, eyes flickering with puzzlement. “Well, guys wanted loot.” Ben shrugged. “You live in a dungeon, you see, and adventurers come here to get loot.”

“But whyyy?” Goblin screeched and slammed his fist to the ground. “Wwwe did nothing wronggg. We collect,” he waved his hand around. “Loot nottt, history!!”

“You collect the weapons?” Ben asked, surprised. The goblin was about to slurge another reply, but he stopped as a clawed hand rested on his shoulder. The new goblin was a bit taller, or more accurately, he stood straight—erect and had glasses on his nose. His hair looked brushed and, was that a suit he was wearing? Ben couldn’t believe it.

“Excuse my colleague,” the new goblin said. “His specialty is archeology and he isn’t particularly gifted in languages. I can assure you his historical knowledge is unmatched among goblinkind.”

“Oh, of course.” Ben tried to smile at the sneering goblin, while the new goblin continued. “His questions are essentially correct, I am afraid. May we inquire why your group attacked our research station?”

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“I am sorry, I really don’t know. I think… they just wanted some loot and,” Ben shrugged. “They thought you were just monsters.”

“Ah,” nodded the goblin with the glasses. “A common misconception, indeed. I am glad you don’t seem to think so, my young friend.”

“No!” Ben quickly shook his head. “I am sorry for what we did… ehm… what are you doing here?”

“Ah, I see your interest in science matches a goblin. But,” the goblin shook himself. “My apologies, where are my manners; my name is Blurtius.” The goblin extended his hand.

“I am Ben,” Ben smiled and shook it.

“My pleasure, Ben.” Blurtius smiled back, a sharp teeth reflecting the light “And to answer your question, as most goblins, we are scientists. We were here to collect a few human weapons with hopes to understand old smiting techniques. You see, our kind has very little need for weapons, so we were curious how more primitive species, if you don’t me saying…” Blurtius threw an apologetic glance at Ben. “...make their weapons.”

“But, why don’t you just ask people?” Ben wondered.

“Ah, that’s actually the strange part…” Blurtius looked at Ben curiously. “We can’t understand each other. It’s rather strange. Are you a monster of some humanoid kind, if you don’t mind me asking Ben?”

“My dad calls me a little monster.” Ben suggested.

“I see,” Blurtius's chuckled. “Is your father a human?” Ben nodded. “And your mom?”

“Well,” Ben scratched his head. “Dad says she is special. We live in this castle way back.” Blurtius stared at him for a second before he cleared his glasses. “Ben,” he asked after a while. “Would you happen to be a necromancer?”

“Yep!” Ben beamed.

“I see,” Blurtius hesitated. “I think I am starting to understand. The curse doesn’t affect you, considering… your bloodline.”

“What curse?” Ben cocked his head?

Blurtius looked him up and down and shrugged. “I am not sure why your parents didn’t tell you, but I see no harm in it.” He sat down and gestured Ben to follow. “You see… a long time ago. A curse had been casted that prevented most creatures from communicating with humans. We don’t know much about it… I was told there was some very tall tower involved.” Blurtius’ unfocused eyes found Ben. “It’s said that humans can’t understand creatures and species they consider monsters. Therefore many…. miscommunications as we have been unfortunately privy to today.”

Ben nodded as he absorbed everything. “So… you would like the weapons back?”

Blurtius eyed him, not quite sure if Ben actually understood any of the serious issues he had tried to convey. In the end he just sighed and nodded. “Indeed, that would have been lovely. I am afraid that’s a lost cause now though.”

“Oh,” Ben smiled. “I can get them for you.”