Arsha, Gorfanth, and Foresna woke up the next day. This time, waking up was slow-going. They partied a bit too hard during the previous night. \u201cMorning…\u201d groaned Foresna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNot \u2018Good Morning\u2019?\u201d snarked Arsha as she rubbed her eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDon\u2019t talk,\u201d moaned Foresna. \u201cMy head\u2019s currently trying out for egg-cracking auditions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe morning is EVIL!\u201d hissed Gorfanth as they all got out of bed and shuffled to Barmek\u2019s. Mr. Barmek greeted them at the door again. They all ordered the Up-and-at-\u2018em special and sat at their table. As they ordered, Endea skipped in, beaming happily. When he finished taking their orders, Mr. Barmek returned to the door.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood Morning!\u201d she cheered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood Morning!\u201d returned Mr. Barmek. \u201cYou\u2019re taking the Engineer\u2019s test today, right?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThat\u2019s right!\u201d confirmed Endea. \u201cThe instant I pass, I\u2019m getting a paycheck and working as an Engineer with the rank of lieutenant! I told Realmfleet about the meals I had and they\u2019ll add it to my first paycheck so I can pay it off in one fell swoop!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen you need some brain food,\u201d declared Mr. Barmek. \u201cI have just the dish for you!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThen I\u2019ll have it!\u201d replied Endea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cShip on table 4 needs Haldebor sausage patties,\u201d called Mr. Barmek to Jaltor, \u201cDwelga scrambled eggs, Greshkagh toast with peanut butter, and a cup of Crelima coffee! Captain and her fianc\u00e9es on table 6 each need Galdredan sausage, a slice of Galthar Elf toast with Drelda Fae honey, and a hot cup of Haldebor coffee with Rooka sugar!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood-luck special for Endea on table 4 and three up-and-at-\u2018em specials for the Captain and her fianc\u00e9es on table 6!\u201d replied Jaltor. \u201cComing up!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSo, what\u2019s on the agenda for today, Foxy?\u201d asked Foresna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGot a mission in Dwelga,\u201d replied Arsha. \u201cWe\u2019re picking up an important figure in Goblin society.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSorry, did I hear you right?!\u201d yelped Mr. Barmek as he and Mrs. Barmek came by with their orders. \u201cDwelga?!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe same place we ran from after we were stripped of our fortunes?!\u201d continued Mrs. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cI understand your feelings,\u201d replied Arsha, \u201cbut this mission was requested by the Imperium itself. The Goblin practically demanded this ship assist them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOh boy,\u201d muttered Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After breakfast, Endea made her way to her new quarters and cracked her knuckles. She turned on her computer, found the site she needed, then keyed in a command that brought the Engineer\u2019s test up. A virtual instructor appeared. \u201cWelcome, Endea, to the Engineer\u2019s test,\u201d began the instructor. \u201cThangred has already informed me that you have completed the practical and now need to do the written portion. You have 15 questions to answer and each question must be about a paragraph long. Each paragraph needs to be long enough to fully explain your answer, so take your time. You will need to correctly answer 13 questions to pass. Click on the check mark to begin.\u201d Endea did so. \u201cYour written test begins. Good luck!\u201d The screen then went to the first question and Endea read it multiple times to understand it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cLet\u2019s see, broken maho-link…\u201d mused Endea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While she took the test, Nazay flew the Endeavor<\/em> out of the water and over to Dwelga, the Goblin city-state at the Central Continent\u2019s northwestern corner. The trip took about an hour before the ship landed. When it did, the ramp lowered and Arsha, Denstra, and Bashoon walked down the ramp. \u201cWhy would this Goblin want to see me?\u201d gulped Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe\u2019s asked for you by name,\u201d replied Denstra. \u201cWe need to figure out why.\u201d The three looked down the path to see an important looking Goblin man approaching them. Recognition hit them like a freight train. \u201cWell, I\u2019ll be damned!\u201d chuckled Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI never realized how important this Goblin was!\u201d remarked Denstra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNow I REALLY need to get out of his sight!\u201d gulped Bashoon. \u201cWhy did he ask for us?!\u201d The Goblin then stopped in front of the three ladies. Two were in awe, one was in fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGrand Treasurer Penshek Tolshoon!\u201d greeted Arsha. \u201cWe\u2019re honored by your presence. I am Arsha Royana, Captain of the Endeavor<\/em>. This is my First Officer, Denstra Welmeva, and I believe you said you wanted to see the first Goblin to enter Realmfleet? May I present Ensign Bashoon Barmek.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI was just about to…\u201d stammered Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAh, yes, Barmek,\u201d rumbled the important Goblin, Penshek. \u201cA family that argued against what we did in Falgreth a year ago. A family that lost its fortunes. A family that gained profit outside of the Imperium\u2019s Guidelines!\u201d Bashoon looked to the ground, feeling publicly shamed. \u201c…A pleasure to meet you,\u201d greeted Penshek in a tone of friendliness. Bashoon looked directly at Penshek in surprise. \u201cYour seeking profit outside the Guidelines of the Imperium sparked a profit revolution! Anyone who\u2019s an enemy of the Old Guard,\u201d he held out his hand, \u201cis a friend of mine!\u201d Bashoon\u2019s surprise made her a bit slow in accepting the handshake. When she did, she was beaming like a giddy fangirl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis is a tremendous honor!\u201d she cheered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe honor is mine,\u201d returned Penshek. He then turned to the Captain. \u201cPermission to come aboard?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cGranted,\u201d replied Arsha. The four then returned to the ship and walked to Barmek\u2019s. \u201cI have a feeling you\u2019ll want to see her parents,\u201d mused Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOf course,\u201d agreed Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Barmek\u2019s was experiencing a slow-down, as expected. The morning rush had finished and there were still a few hours before the lunch rush. It was a perfect time to clean. Mr. Barmek had just finished cleaning off the tables and Jaltor had finished with the floors. They went to assist Mrs. Barmek with the stoves and ovens. As they cleaned, Jaltor got a message on his communicator. \u201cHuh,\u201d he mused as he read it. \u201cIt\u2019s Denstra.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat does your wife need?\u201d asked Mrs. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe says that she, the Captain, and Bashoon are bringing someone called Penshek Tolshoon here,\u201d replied Jaltor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPENSHEK?!\u201d yelped Mr. and Mrs. Barmek. Just then, the four aforementioned people entered the restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDaddy!\u201d called Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe were just closing up!\u201d gulped Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJoin us, Daddy,\u201d urged Bashoon. \u201cYou and Mom need to meet our family hero!<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe really don\u2019t!\u201d insisted Mrs. Barmek. \u201cOur presence will make the Grand Treasurer uncomfortable! I don\u2019t know if you\u2019ve forgot, but we\u2019re outcasts amongst most Goblins!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnd what I have to say,\u201d interjected Penshek, \u201cwill force the Imperium to recognize you as the heroes you are.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…Beg pardon?\u201d asked Mrs. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe and I are equally confused,\u201d remarked Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe\u2019ve started a profit revolution!\u201d explained Bashoon. \u201cGoblins are seeking profit outside the Guidelines! More Goblins are requesting to serve in Realmfleet!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…You\u2019re kidding!\u201d breathed Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cShe\u2019s not,\u201d assured Penshek. \u201cI have the reports to prove it!\u201d He pulled out a pad of papers and presented them to the Barmeks. The two looked at the reports, then beamed with pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell, well!\u201d chuckled Mrs. Barmek. \u201cI had no idea!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cJaltor, Penshek needs Galdredan spaghetti, Grilthan salad, and a Dwelga milkshake!\u201d called Mr. Barmek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHero\u2019s Welcome special, coming up!\u201d called Jaltor. As Penshek reached for his wallet, Mr. Barmek stopped him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo need for that!\u201d he yelped. \u201cIt\u2019s on the house!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI insist. You need the money more than I do,\u201d countered Penshek. Mr. Barmek was about to object, then he remembered a Goblin proverb, \u201cNever refuse a gift from the Grand Treasurer.\u201d He accepted the money and they all sat at a table.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDaddy\u2019s a great admirer of yours,\u201d Bashoon revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAre you, now?\u201d chuckled Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes,\u201d confirmed Mr. Barmek. \u201cI\u2019ve read stories about your accomplishments. Your negotiation of the Togoo Pass, your liquidation of the False Guard, your confrontation with Rellmeer…\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll that I\u2019ve done pales in comparison to what I\u2019m about to do,\u201d interrupted Penshek. \u201cI\u2019ve requested this ship so you and they may help me on my Quest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYour Quest?\u201d asked Mrs. Barmek. \u201cYou mean, like an actual capital \u2018Q\u2019 Quest?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cExactly!\u201d confirmed Penshek. \u201cI am on a Quest for the most revered icon in Goblin history! An icon that predates the Imperium!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEr, Mr. Tolshoon,\u201d gulped Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAn icon more sacred than the Hat of Gold!\u201d continued Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cPenshek!\u201d hissed Denstra.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMore revered than Stangell\u2019s Gloves! More coveted than the Chancellor\u2019s Robes of Office!\u201d Penshek went on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201c…The Scale Sword of Yunshul?!\u201d gasped Bashoon\u2019s parents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe same!\u201d confirmed Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou told us not to tell anyone!\u201d reminded Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey guessed!\u201d replied Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHEY! Hero\u2019s Welcome special for Penshek! It\u2019s getting cold here!\u201d called Jaltor. Mr. Barmek yelped and dashed to the counter to retrieve the meal. When he returned, he had an apologetic smile. Penshek\u2019s smile was one of understanding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI forgot about it too,\u201d he replied. \u201cNo apologies needed.\u201d As he wound his spaghetti with his fork, he continued. \u201cI know where the sword rests. Think of the glory! The honor of finding the sword of the first Goblin that took up arms and successfully defended Dwelga!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLost since before the First Age of Unity!\u201d sighed Mrs. Barmek as she imagined the fame that would come with such a find. \u201cIts return would change Goblin history!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you know where it is,\u201d called Mr. Barmek, \u201cwe MUST return it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe?\u201d asked Penshek. Mr. Barmek sensed the impropriety of his assumption and corrected himself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt would be an honor to join your Quest, if you\u2019ll have me,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe could use his keen eyes,\u201d mused Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHis eyes and the eyes of his wife and daughter!\u201d declared Penshek. \u201cI would have all three Barmeks! Besides, on top of their keen eyes and stout hearts being useful, having them return the Sword would annoy the Old Guard! They would have no choice but to call the Barmeks \u2018heroes\u2019!\u201d He then took a bite of his meal and hummed his approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTo see the Scale Sword returned to our people,\u201d sighed Mrs. Barmek, \u201cI would give my soul for that chance!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThey\u2019ll write Profit Poems for centuries!\u201d urged Penshek after he swallowed. \u201cChildren will sing our names for millennia! Our golden busts will be on the Wall of Heroes for all eternity!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBefore you decide on an expression for those busts,\u201d interjected Denstra, \u201cwe need to find the sword first. What makes you think it still exists?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThis!\u201d declared Penshek as he pulled a piece of cloth out of his pocket. He laid it on the table. \u201cThere. You see?\u201d asked Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ve got a Neko\u2019s movement-only vision,\u201d replied Denstra. \u201cAnything standing still is just blurry. What am I supposed to be seeing?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe imprint on the cloth,\u201d urged Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYes!\u201d realized Bashoon. \u201cThis was the shroud that held the Scale Sword of Yunshul!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon\u2019t be so sure,\u201d countered Arsha. \u201cYou could carpet the entire ship with all the \u2018authentic shrouds\u2019 that people tried to peddle over the Ages.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNo one tried to peddle this! It was given to me!\u201d insisted Penshek.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBy whom?\u201d asked Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019ll tell you, Bashoon, and your entire Senior Staff once we get underway!\u201d promised Penshek. \u201cRight now, I need you to confirm its authenticity!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll right,\u201d declared Arsha. \u201cI\u2019ll have Elmar look it over in the morning.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhy not now?!\u201d protested Bashoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRight now,\u201d replied Arsha, \u201cthe ship\u2019s refueling as well as taking the Engineer\u2019s test and I need to check up on her. You, Penshek, need some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, absolutely!\u201d agreed Penshek. \u201cAs soon as I finish my meal. May you be forever wealthy!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMay you be forever wealthy,\u201d bid Arsha as she and Denstra got up. Penshek then turned to the Barmeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cImagine the look on the Chancellor\u2019s face when we present the sword to him!\u201d he chuckled. The Barmeks joined in his laughter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Denstra stopped by her quarters while Arsha arrived at Endea\u2019s door. She rang the chime. \u201cCome in,\u201d called Endea\u2019s tired voice. Arsha entered the room to see Endea lying faceup on the bed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHow was it?\u201d asked Arsha as she pulled up a chair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cLong, tedious, brain-wrecking,\u201d replied Endea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh dear,\u201d sighed Arsha.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI don\u2019t want to go through that torture again!\u201d groaned Endea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cSo…you didn\u2019t…?\u201d asked Arsha, fearing the worst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cOh, no, I got 14 out of 15 right,\u201d replied Endea as she pointed to her computer screen. Arsha looked at the results as a congratulations message looped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWell done, Endea!\u201d cheered the instructor. \u201cOnly one answer wrong? That\u2019s impressive! You\u2019ll definitely go far! Congratulations, you have proven that you are worthy of being an Engineer with the rank of Lieutenant!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cCongrats!\u201d cheered Arsha. \u201cHas Thangred been told this yet?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cNot yet,\u201d replied Endea. \u201cI\u2019ll tell him after my nap.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAll right,\u201d affirmed Arsha. \u201cThen, after you tell him, I need you to prepare for a Quest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cYou got it,\u201d confirmed Endea as she flopped onto the bed, then shut her eyes and snored. Arsha crept quietly out of the room and shut the door to let Endea rest.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Arsha, Gorfanth, and Foresna woke up the next day. This time, waking up was slow-going. They partied a bit too hard during the previous night. \u201cMorning…\u201d groaned Foresna. \u201cNot \u2018Good Morning\u2019?\u201d snarked Arsha as she rubbed her eyes. \u201cDon\u2019t talk,\u201d moaned Foresna. \u201cMy head\u2019s currently trying out for egg-cracking auditions.\u201d \u201cThe morning is EVIL!\u201d hissed […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1929,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_topic_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_reply_count_hidden":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[97,95],"tags":[482],"class_list":["post-2608","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-three-realms","category-the-three-realms-book-2-the-rise-of-living-metal","tag-fantasy"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2608"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2609,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2608\/revisions\/2609"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1929"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2608"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2608"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/samueljvinton.com\/wordpress\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2608"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
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