Goby the Goblin

Chapter One

The Great Avalanche

In a mystical place, filled with enchantment and magic, there stood a little mountain called Pumple. It was neatly tucked away deep within the magnificent and majestic Galamide mountain range, the First Realm of the Goblins.

It is a misconception to say that all goblins are bad. This belief simply isn’t true, and not all goblins are ugly, gnarled, nasty little creatures that only want to cause trouble and misery.

Within the mountain lived a clan of goblins who were busy about their lives, living in a huge cave half way down the side of Pumple Mountain.

The cave had many little natural pockets in its walls that provided cosy homes for the goblins, as well as a handful of other little creatures.

They all lived happily together tucked away in this safe haven, living in harmony.

The goblins of Pumple Mountain were quite comical with dumpy little bodies, long legs and rather large feet.

Their ears were longer than average for goblins and they had large eyes, sat under heavy brows.

This gave them a misleading look of sadness; they were in fact quite jolly!

You could also tell a Pumple goblin by their distinctive markings; these consisted of dark circles all over their body.

They looked like little puddles on their bright green, wrinkly skin.

The goblins were generally of good heart and respected their fellow kin. They did not think an animal was a tasty feast for the table and they showed much respect for their natural habitat.

The goblins would pick berries, mushrooms and vegetables to make stews and many delicious meals. And, of course, the ever so popular berry wines which went down a treat and caused much laughter and merriment.

There were many threats outside the cave on Pumple Mountain. Beasts of all descriptions would make light work of devouring a little goblin in one go, so living in the cave grouped together worked as a good deterrent, to stop any wild beasts venturing in for a tasty snack!

All was well within Pumple Mountain until that dreadful day of the almighty avalanche, which sent huge boulders crashing down the mountainside, killing many goblins and other creatures in its path.

This was such a terrible tragedy it changed the course of life for the goblins forever!

The avalanche was caused by huge beasts called cruens.

These beasts lived on the mountain tops. They stood on two legs with huge feet and had very long muscular arms, with huge hands that could take out a goblin with one swipe!

They looked like massive gorillas but with the grandeur of a buffalo, and they had long white hair that cascaded down their bulbous backs.

Their skin had a blue chalky tinge to it that was wrinkled and tough.

They couldn’t run very fast because of their short legs but they made up for this with their powerful fists that could pummel stone to ash with one swipe.

One day a couple of cruens had a fierce fight over territory; their huge bodies shook the ground to its core as they crashed into each other in combat. Unfortunately, while fighting, a huge rock that sat precariously on top of the mountain was dislodged.

It smashed into many pieces as one of the beasts was hurled into it.

This caused an almighty avalanche. The sounds of the rocks crashing down the mountainside was deafening, and many lives were lost as the thunderous rocks (and an unfortunate cruen) crashed down the mountain side crushing all life in its path!

The goblins lucky enough to escape the tragedy were either in the cave at the time, or further away working round the other side of the mountain, mining for Pumplestone.

The stones were used to make many things, from cooking utensils to furniture, and the purest stones were sold as jewellery and weapons.

They were sold to travelling warlocks, witches and other traders in exchange for spices, herbs and many other useful things.

Once the billowing clouds of dust had settled, the devastation was clear to see; everywhere was covered in rubble.

Many trees had toppled to the ground and the area was covered in stones; it was a terrible sight to see.

The final count of goblins and other little creatures killed was in the hundreds. Bodies lay strewn across the ground, under rocks and other debris, and an eerie silence hung heavily over the scene, like a black, oppressive cloud.

The cruens had always been a threat to the goblins: now and again a stray one would venture down the mountainside looking for a special treat, sometimes they were lucky and sometimes not!

They were notoriously pugnacious creatures and often fought amongst themselves, but their fighting always took place much further up the mountain on the tops, where they lived.

The impbahs were little impish creatures with big dark brown eyes and mellow-yellow skin. In between their little pointy ears sat a tuft of hair that looked totally out of place.

The impbahs always had a few scouts positioned in surrounding trees, keeping an eye on cruen activity.

If there was a threat, they would let out a high-pitched warning scream from their oversized mouths that stretched from ear to ear.

This always made the goblins’ toes curl up in fright and everyone would quickly return to the cave.

It was normally quite easy to detect whether the cruens were fighting as it was usually pack-fights, but on this occasion, the fighting was just between two of them.

It all happened so quickly and unexpectedly that the alarm was not raised in time.

After many tears and too many cremations, it was time to address this constant risk, as it was not going to go away.

Decisions had to be made and it was time to move to a safer place and set up a new home.

The goblins had lived happily in Pumple Mountain for many cenatoons (which we know as centuries) but they did not want to live under the constant threat from the cruens anymore.

They could not cope with losing any more lives; they must leave their ancestral home and move....... but to where?

The popstrells were sent out first to scour the land. They looked like little bats but had strawberry-red furry chests, their ears were larger than the average bat, and they had a bright red fringe on their wings.

The popstrells were highly valued by the Pumple goblins; they were their eyes and could see far and wide, and would let the goblins know if there was danger nearby. They had returned with a handful of places that looked promising but it was difficult to gauge from the air and needed further investigation from the ground.

So, a small group of goblins, impbahs and mambooas were selected to go and check out the popstrells’ suggestions.

The mambooas were unusual creatures that had the look of a monkey but with the face of a lion, and fur that looked like tight sheep’s wool.

They had orange piercing eyes set in dark-brown sockets that made them look ghoulish.

Their feet were large with three toes, one being much bigger than the other two, and that helped them run extremely fast.

They had very long arms and hands that consisted of three stubby fingers with hardened pads to help them run along quickly through any terrain.

They were very quick and agile and could outrun most of the creatures within the Three Realms.

It was important that the new location was near enough so that the goblins could still mine in the mountain, but far enough away to avoid any further avalanche and cruen activity.

After what seemed like a lifetime, with many days of worry and torment for the creatures of Pumple Mountain, the group returned and relayed their mixed feelings of hope and fear.

Some of the locations they visited were just not suitable; they were too dangerous and inhabited by many poisonous plants and goblin-eating creatures.

They had been lucky to escape by the skin of their teeth.

The only place that looked promising and could offer the sanctuary they desired, and which was near enough, was a place called Kracklewood.

The wood was not like any ordinary wood. First of all, it was much bigger, and, in fact, more like a forest.

There were many trees with huge branches and dense canopies that could house some of the creatures safely and provide a comfortable home within the gigantic trunks, but Kracklewood also had a cave deep within its centre.

On investigation, the little group had ventured inside and explored, but the tunnel seemed to go on and on forever, and after hours of walking through the darkness, the tunnel split into more tunnels. At this point, they decided to head back. It was too risky and they needed to return home.

While the little group of scouts were explaining their findings to the High Council, it suddenly jogged Mr Gravenpumple’s memory.

When he had first ventured out on his travels, many moolatoons ago (which we know as decades), he had come across this cave and he remembered how deep and long it was.

He had explored the cave and wanted to see how far it went and whether the tunnel would take him through the mountain to the other side.

After many days and nights in total darkness, with only the light of his staff, he had discovered that the tunnels opened up into another land.

Mr Gravenpumple was revered by all the creatures from the First Realm. He was a very old and wise wizard goblin who held the highest rank on the goblin council, earned through many deeds of bravery and great wisdom.

It was easy to distinguish him from any other goblin by the big leathery cloak that he always wore, and his crooked pointy hat that looked like it had been beaten to death by too many adventures.

He had very thick white, woolly eyebrows that hung over his little screwed-up eyes. He also had a very long white moustache and a beard that sprouted out of his pointy chin like it had been an afterthought!

Within this strange land, there were many forests that stretched for miles and miles; some of the trees which stood in clusters throughout the valley had huge leathery leaves.

The ground was covered in a pale red mist that gave off a spooky haze, and every now and then, there was a spurt of water that would shoot up into the sky.

It scared the living nightlights out of the goblin on experiencing the first burst. The sky was a milky red, which gave a strange hue to the land, and it was one of his first journeys into the Third Realm.

Mr Gravenpumple travelled extensively throughout his life, collecting potions and learning spells from all walks of life. He would then bring them home and put them to good use in Pumple Mountain.

The wizard goblin sat mulling over the suitability of the cave, but after much deliberation, he decided it was too deep and long. Not only that but halfway through, it split into five more tunnels. It was too dangerous; the risk of adventurous and stupid goblins getting lost and other less desirable creatures getting in meant the cave would not work.

Chapter Two

The Master Plan

There was just one problem with Kracklewood; the wood was known to be a favourite resting place for the woolvacs!

These fierce creatures looked like large wolves, but instead of fur, their skin was scaly and they had huge teeth. They would often venture into the wood and many a goblin or other poor defenceless creature would be their meal of the day.

They took no prisoners and sometimes would just kill for the sport!

They would eat a goblin whole with a smack of the lips while an impbah wouldn’t even touch the sides.

Many creatures would not dare to venture into this wood but there was no choice; the goblins had to find another home quickly and Kracklewood was looking like the only place that could work, even with the risk of the woolvacs.

Mr Gravenpumple had been pacing up and down for nights, mulling over this dilemma, when suddenly, he had a light-bulb moment and thought of a good use for the cave. With its long tunnels that ran right through the mountain, it could be an ideal solution. They could lure the woolvacs to the cave and trap them inside, then hopefully, they would never return but would settle in another land.

Thus, the ‘banishment of the woolvacs’ plan was born and many discussions took place within the great council to bring the plan together.

Kracklewood had suffered terribly at the claws of the woolvacs and the wood had been stripped of much of its glory. Many trees had deep scratches and grooves on the trunks where the bark had been worn away and left to ruin. The woolvacs used the trees as places to scratch their ugly scaly backs and clean their sharp teeth. They were ruining Kracklewood and they had to be chased away to another land for good!

Mr Gravenpumple was the wisest and most knowledgeable goblin to ever live in Pumple Mountains, and there was many a story to be told of his adventures. The goblin had accumulated many spells and potions on his travels from land to land, meeting warlocks, wizards and witches alike. He learnt how to influence the weather, make objects disappear and conjured up many a trick to amuse the young goblins.

This magic is what saved many lives that dreadful day when the rocks came crashing down in the great avalanche. Mr Gravenpumple had been able to cast forth a magic barrier, just in time to shield the cave. It stopped the entrance from being totally blocked so the goblins who had not been crushed by the rocks outside could crawl out of the cave unscathed.

All the creatures were to gather together to hear the honoured goblin’s idea.

It was time to stand up to these vile creatures and, hopefully, drive them out for good, and Mr Gravenpumple was going to explain how this would happen.

Mr Gravenpumple called upon all the creatures that had suffered in the great avalanche and lost loved ones, to gather for a great council meeting.

All the goblins, impbahs and mambooas attended the meeting, which was held in the Graven Chambers in Pumple Mountain. It was a cavernous cave not far away from the main cave, and used for many debates and discussions.

Mr Gravenpumple had already discussed a battle plan with the chief cabinet and wanted to put it forward to the audience that had gathered.

The creatures fell silent as the great goblin stepped up to the podium, and, having flicked back his large cloak, he rearranged his large wizard hat to make himself comfortable.

He raised his head high and surveyed the crowd. The chamber would normally be crammed for a grand meeting, but sadly, now it was only half full.

The wizard goblin swallowed hard to hold back the tears and sadness he felt in his heart, but now was not the time to show weakness. He must be strong and give hope to the creatures of Pumple Mountain.

So, he breathed in deeply and cleared his throat before he spoke in a loud and clear voice.

I would like to extend my gratitude to you all for attending this evening. We find ourselves in difficult times and need to act quickly to find a new home.

His voice bellowed deep and clear.

We have been forced to relocate; the cave can no longer provide a safe haven.

Everyone’s eyes were focused on the mighty goblin, and he had his audience’s full attention as he stared deep and sternly into the crowd.

The cruens have become too unpredictable with their constant fighting and the recent tragedy has proven this point. We have no choice; we must find a new home! Mr Gravenpumple took a moment to steady his breath and then continued. We have scoured the land to try and find somewhere suitable and it has been a difficult task, but we have found somewhere and it has been decided. There was a deathly silence as everyone hung on the goblin’s every word. It has to be Kracklewood!

With this news, there was a huge outcry and much shuffling of feet and groans of protest and dismay because the creatures knew of the dangers of Kracklewood. The woolvacs would be a constant threat, and immediately, everyone became uneasy and nervous.

Mr Gravenpumple needed to calm and settle the crowd so he laid out the plan to the doubting but eager ears; no one made a sound as the goblin explained how the plan would work.

The woolvacs need to be lured towards the cave in Kracklewood. Once the woolvacs are near the entrance, they will be driven into the cave and then it will be blocked by felling several large trees that stand close by, he said.

The trees were rotten and diseased and needed to be felled so Mr Gravenpumple did not feel too bad about their end of life.

Once the entrance is sealed, the woolvacs will have no choice but to run deeper into the cave and through the long and winding tunnels which will take them far away from Pumple Mountain and into another land, Mr Gravenpumple said with conviction and confidence. You see, the goblin’s intention was not to kill the woolvacs, but to send them packing, with a desperate wish that they would learn a lesson and change their ways and, hopefully, they would never return.

It was then explained how the creatures of Pumple Mountain would all help to get the beasts into the cave. Once the woolvacs are all within the clearing near the cave entrance, the popstrells must come together simultaneously and swoop down on the woolvacs, so they can round them up, he said with a quick glance at Plock, the chief bat, who was perched firmly on a tall chair nearby. He explained how scouts would be sent out first to make sure there was an accurate head count of the beasts; they could not afford for any of them to escape.

The impbahs will scream at the woolvacs from the surrounding trees with their piercing shrill, explained Mr Gravenpumple.

He secretly feared it could make everyone’s ears bleed if they all gathered together and screamed at the same time.

This will confuse and scare the beasts, and, with the popstrells swooping down on them, it will send them crazy! he exclaimed.

Then the mambooas, who have the ability to run very quickly and are very nimble on their feet, will run through the woolvacs at great speed, circling around them to confuse and disorientate them, the wizard goblin said in an excited tone.

Finally, the goblins will wield their gnarled, pointed wooden sticks and shout loudly and chase the woolvacs into the cave, prodding and poking them to make sure they are steered towards and through the cave entrance, said Mr Gravenpumple in a charged and exhilarated voice.

With all the noise and commotion, the beasts should be sufficiently scared and confused to make the plan work. He finished with a deep intake of breath.

The plan was dangerous and fraught with peril, but, if all the creatures of Pumple Mountain came together and performed their duty to the letter, then it could work.

No one said a word; the air was still and everyone was digesting this plan. Then suddenly, a lone voice shouted out from the audience in a strong deep tone;

Mr Gravenpumple’s plan seems workable, but how are we going to amass all the woolvacs together in the first place?

The question came from one of the bravest goblins of Pumple Mountain, Gorvust. He had saved many lives and bore many scars from previous battles, too many to be told today, but suffice to say, he had won the respect and honour of all the creatures who lived in the mountain.

Mr Gravenpumple cast his eyes towards Gorvust, nodded his head slowly in a gesture of great respect and winked at him before setting about explaining how he would initially lure the woolvacs into the area near the cave with an enchantment spell.

I will create a strong, pungent smell of cruen to entice and intrigue the beasts’ curiosity, he answered confidently.

I will use the golly berry from the Repeller bush which grows on the side of the mountain. As you all know, it is a very clever bush and produces berries that give off many different scents in order to protect itself, he said.

Dependent on what was trying to eat the berries, it would create a smell that was repugnant to that particular creature to keep it away.

"Using my able assistant, my son, Grumplepumple, we shall gather as many golly berries as possible, to use in the