Othelia's Orb by Jackie Burke

Author:Jackie Burke [Burke, Jackie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781911013921
Publisher: Lindon Books
Published: 2017-09-24T04:00:00+00:00

‘What is this dump?’ asked Zora, as she slowly defrosted. ‘And what is that awful smell?’

‘Look around,’ said Vargon. ‘Goblins.’

‘I haven’t seen this particular chamber before,’ said Worfeus. He sounded mildly amused until he realised he was being held prisoner. ‘What? What’s this? Why am I tied?’ He tried chanting a few spells but they were useless. ‘Why can’t I undo these binds?’

‘Because your magic is not as superior as you think,’ roared Krag. ‘And I have your wand.’

Worfeus scowled, then he saw the other prisoners, the Wandeleis, all of them still frozen.

‘They’ll melt soon enough,’ said Krag, ‘just like you did.’

‘This is outrageous!’ cried Zora, wriggling hopelessly. ‘I am the Red Queen. This is all part of my kingdom. How dare you bind me!’

‘QUIET!’ roared Krag. ‘You have not been crowned queen of anywhere, sorceress Zora. You, your allies and your enemies will answer to my criminal court!’

‘Absolutely not!’ cried Zora.

‘Absolutely YES!’ cried Krag.

‘This is not good,’ muttered Audmund, through gritted teeth. He glanced at Vargon who returned his worried look.

‘Goblins are meant to stay in their own territories,’ shrieked Zora. ‘It’s the law.’

‘Says who?’ asked Krag. ‘The Ancients? Guess what? They’re not here any more!’ The horde roared with laughter. ‘You are in our tunnels now, our chamber and MY COURT! I’m tired of everyone asking for favours, wanting us to do their dirty work, and then taking what belongs to us!’ Krag’s face was purple with rage. ‘This court will commence NOW!’

The goblins cheered loudly.

‘Vargon, what is this place? Where are we?’ Zora asked, under her breath.

‘I believe we are in a chamber in one of the goblins’ tunnel systems,’ said Vargon quietly. ‘They have dozens of them, that’s why we don’t see them too often. They like skulking around in the dark, counting their gold, whenever they’re not mining it.’

‘QUIET!’ roared Krag.

‘Your Majesty,’ said Audmund, ‘we had an arrangement.’

‘Well, I’m changing it!’ roared Krag.

‘And our arrangement?’ said Worfeus, with a smarmy smile.

‘Don’t push your luck, hell-boy.’

‘Sounds like you were both outwitted again,’ said Vargon.

‘Fools, fools!’ cried Zora. ‘This is all your fault!’

Wanda and the professors began to stir.

‘Oh no! I think I’m in hell,’ moaned Sparks.

‘Almost,’ muttered Pendrick.

‘Ahhhchoooo!’ Flint sneezed loudly.

Wanda looked fiercely at Krag. ‘You must want something very badly to kidnap a real queen.’

‘Queens!’ snapped Zora.

‘Ahem!’ said Worfeus. ‘I am a king.’

‘So the Worfagons have annoyed you. That’s no surprise,’ said Wanda, ignoring the twins. ‘What is it you want?’

‘You look dreadful, Wanda,’ said Zora. ‘I actually look younger than you now.’

‘This is not a contest,’ roared Krag. ‘It is a goblin court, and I am the judge. You will answer all questions to my satisfaction or I will punish you, be you king, queen or otherwise!’ He snarled at each of them.

Though short like all goblins, Krag had a ferocious face and an even more ferocious glare. The horde moved closer, forming a tight semi-circle around the prisoners. Krag went to his throne, a crudely-cut wooden chair set upon a slab of rock.

‘Interrogator, begin,’ ordered Krag.

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