10 Thank You
CASSADREI'S POV.
The wolves surrounded me and started growling fervently. I could feel a slight tug at my heartstrings as I watched the wolf cub prowling, jumping with a leap of joy, signs of any ailment being a thing of the past.
I looked at Michael who seemed quite pale and feverish. I could totally understand how he felt at this moment. Seeing an absolute stranger conversing with wolves and healing one with apparent magical powers isn't exactly a commonplace occurance. The strangeness of the situation would baffle anyone, I suppose.
"I couldn't thank you enough! You have saved my son's life and we, the wolf community will be forever indebted to you!" The Wolf leader thanked me profusely. The other Wolves in the pack nodded their approval and the regenerated wolf cub started brushing his furs against my socks. I stroked his back, and he curled around my feet growling softly, muttering his thanks. I had never felt so alive before.
"Can you tell me what the hell is going on??" Michael shouted in frustration.
I laughed and nodded my head. "It's an extensive story, one that is quite unbelievable I think. I am warning you, it's not something you have ever heard before." I winked gleefully. I don't know why I felt so frolicky.
There were collective murmurs among the Wolves and then I heard the Wolf leader saying, "We will help you pass now. And remember, anytime you guys need any help, we are more than happy to oblige. You will be surprised, but we are one of the most loyal canines." He beamed. I returned his smile with a slight nod and proceeded in the same way we had come. The pack ushered us into the dark tangled woods as the sky turned a deeper shade of purple and moonlight washed over the floor of the jungle.
I realised that I was still holding Michael's hand and I was a little abashed by how comfortable it felt. I let go of it and turned to see him observing the way ahead, with a frown on his face. The moonbeams cast a shadow over half his face, while the rest of it glistened amorously….his sharp nose crooked slightly, eyebrows arched and in his ocean blue eyes, a vacant, unapproving gaze. The similarity between him and that Other person was uncanny and I was compelled to look at him more than it was deemed proper.
"What are you starting at?" Michael snapped, "and when will you care to explain all these?" He made an elaborate comical gesture with his hand that almost made me laugh. I wondered what has come over me.
"Listen, I don't know if I am the right person to explain everything to you or if this is the right place for an explanation. But, I know someone who can explain everything to you. Just be patient, will you? Come with me now." I replied.
Michael didn't seem to like my idea very much but he grudgingly agreed. We traversed the rest of the path in absolute silence, broken only by crunching of fallen branches under our feet or nocturnal jungle beasts' yelping.
After we reached the outer border of the woods, the wolves bade us farewell and we continued on our path towards the bus stop. The sky was completely dark and starless and the calmness of the surroundings added a complete eerie atmosphere.
"Thank you." I heard Michael mutter
"Come again?" I was startled. This is the last thing I had expected to hear from him.
"I said thank you." Michael said irritatingly, "I mean, I don't know if I am losing my mind or something, but you did save my life from those feral wolves. So, yeah... I owe you one."
That made me grin. I felt a familiar warmth creeping inside me and lightening up my mood.
"Let's get on a bus and I promise you will have all your answers by the end of the day." I said.
"Let's hope so." Michael laughed.
The bus ride back home was not as awkward as I had expected. Apparently, Near death experiences bring people closer. I was feeling strangely elated, one that is probably due to the reconciliation with my long lost powers. I also felt a peculiar vigour which I thought I had lost in my deep abyss of darkness within. Without context, my sour life suddenly seemed to burst forth in a million colours.
I pondered over the fact that we need to tell the truth about our identity to Michael. Sofosys would be the person best suited for this job, because he can explain these complicated stuff way better than me. Also, he had travelled to Earth numerous times before our exile, interacted with all sorts of earthly folks, and therefore he was equipped with a mental faculty that is way mature than me while dealing with such a sensitive topic. Sofosys might also be able to charm Michael into keeping our identities a secret. I know, I simply won't be able to do all these by myself.
I got down at my stop, followed by Michael who eagerly took in the surroundings, making me slightly uncomfortable. Great, he knows where I live now, I thought to my dismay. I wondered if my grey house would be fit for receiving any guest right now. Not that I have much of a choice though, this house is the only safe place where we could reveal our secrets without any intrusion. I took a deep breath, and moved along the driveway.
Sofosys opened the door after two knocks and looked mildly surprised to see Michael.
"Ah! A boy... Never thought I would see you bring one home, Cassadrei.." He winked as he seemed to derive sadistic pleasure from my utter discomfort.
"This isn't what it seems Sir!" Michael stuttered indignantly.
"It's alright, he's simply joking." I reassured Michael, while rolling my eyes at Sofosys.
Both of us went inside and after seating on the plush sofas, I explained everything in minute details to Sofosys. He listened with thorough interest, interjecting now and then with few questions. After completing my narration, I said, "So, I brought Michael before you because I can't tell him everything and I don't know how to tell him anything at all."
"Please, just tell me honestly…. I want to know what is going on." Michael replied tiredly.
Sofosys sat down, his brows creased and looked at the windows absently,"Well, I know it might sound absurd" he said, "but we are not exactly human. Cassadrei and I, we are Goblins. Now, I know you might have some idea about the Goblins... and yeah, we are those." Sofosys smiled.
Michael looked incredulous.
"What?! Yeah...right...nice joke. Yeah, if you are a Goblin, I am a Dragon!" He snorted.
"Are you now?" Sofosys asked with genuine interest.
"No! No... of course not!" Michael replied derisively, "I cannot be a Dragon, simply because Dragons do not exist! Like...like Goblins don't exist either! Do you guys consider me a fool? Now tell me honestly what's going on."
"I am afraid, my child, but this is all I have to offer. I don't speak falsehood, and if you choose not to believe it, I'm afraid I can't help you." Sofosys said placidly.
I took a deep breath and said, "It is true, Michael. I am a Goblin Princess. Sofosys is a Goblin magi, one who can perform charms and possess the deepest wisdom. I am banished from my land because of something I foolishly did. Sofosys chose to accompany me and here we are disguised as father and daughter, living through the Mortal world."
"But, but….those animals? The injury?" Michael looked aghast.
Sofosys continued, "We Goblins possess ancient magical powers of various kinds. Some of these magic is unique to it's owner. Like, Cassadrei can pacify beasts and understand and speak their language. She has a connection with the animal world which is unique to her. Other forms of magic, like healing is a common power possessed by the Goblins of Mafhaelore, the land we belong to."
Michael was quiet for a moment. None of this made sense to him.
"Then, what am I here for? Why are you following me?" He pointed towards me accusingly. "If you are a Goblin, and you have all these powers, why do you need me?"
"This is a complex thing, Michael. To simplify it, just imagine Cassadrei's powers have been locked in a closed room after she had landed on the Earth. And, no Goblin can return home without their powers. After a very long time, we chanced upon you, and you are like a key...that can open the lock and unlock her powers and then, she will be able to return home again." Sofosys said.
Michael considered this. Then, he replied with intense confusion, "If Cassadrei is a Goblin, and I am a key to unlocking her powers, then what does that make me?"
