Loriman stared at Ralph oddly, but did as he was asked. This time the Goblin thought carefully before it answered. Its reply, though only a few words, brought an angry response from the Elves.
‘What did he say?’ asked Ralph.
Dornal swallowed in a dry throat. ‘This vermin says it will tell us if we let it go.’
Ralph’s eyes were hard as he said, ‘Tell him we’ll let him live as a prisoner, but only if he tells us everything.’
Loriman did so.
The Goblin said three words, which Loriman translated as ‘Freedom or death.’ He looked to Dornal who nodded. As Loriman spoke with the Goblin, Dornal said to Ralph, ‘He is telling it we will grant its freedom for the information.’
‘Is that a good idea?’ Ralph asked him.
‘Is there a choice?’ Dornal responded.
Shortly before setting out, they were met by a squad of Elf soldiers who were but one of many that had been sent out to comb the surrounding countryside for marauding goblins and unscrupulous soldiers still loyal to the King and Prince Cir. The news was mixed. Some families living near Pran’s farm, and those living closer to Narvi, had been forewarned and reached safety, but many living to the east had been systematically and barbarically slaughtered.