The Goblin Warrior (Beneath Sands Book 2) by Emma Hamm (100 books to read txt) 📕

flinched away from her. “Isn’t it better with Jane and I here?”

“I am going to hurt you!” He burst out as he rolled over and started tickling his sister until tears rolled down her cheeks.

Jane had wisely moved away from their antics, but watched with a smile on her face. This was what she had missed most about home. Arguing with her siblings and trying to stay out of the way when elbows started flying.

“Jane! Help me!”

Rather than help her little sister who really didn’t need all that much help, Jane launched herself into the fray. Her fingers found the spaces between Luther’s ribs as she tackled him into the sand.

Their laughter could be heard across the entire camp. It’s infectious nature made all those who heard it smile. The bright emotion was much needed in a time like this.

The siblings eventually fell asleep with each other. They had not talked of the place they left or the horrors they had experienced. Instead, they curled around each other and talked of the future.

Willow wanted a small house that blended into the sands. Luther wanted a sturdy home that could keep them safe. Their words fluttered in the air like stars that glittered and moved. Dreams were made that night, and plans for what they would do once they reached the end of their journey.

They did not mention the child growing inside of Jane, though Luther did attempt to speak of it. When she pressed a finger against her mouth and shook her head, he thought better of it.

Jane knew the goblins could hear everything that happened. She did not want Ruric to find out because someone let something slip. She wanted to tell him herself.

She slept with her siblings for many nights after that. The laughter lifted her spirits and she could that reconnecting with her family made her blissfully happy. There was so much goodness in them, and she had missed so much.

Jane would not wish away the hours Willow talked about what she had learned and the adventures she had in the City. Luther’s remarks on how ill behaved she had been only made Jane laugh even harder.

There were tender moments between the siblings as they renewed the bonds that had been severed by false death and relocation. Luther discovered his love of the desert, and Willow connected with everything and everyone she could.

Jane was frequently pulling her away from a sand dune before she disappeared forever. The little girl was adventurous to a fault and managed to bring the group together with her antics.

She never missed an opportunity to climb on the goblins. She enjoyed riding on their shoulders until Jane noticed and scolded until she got down.

The goblins didn’t mind. Of all the humans, they liked Willow the most. She was female, first of all, but she was also constantly laughing and making up stories. Illyrin was her favorite giant to ride upon. He understood little of what she prattled on about. The little girl talked so fast that he couldn’t keep up with his limited knowledge of the human language.

But he liked the warm weight of her on his shoulders and the sound of her voice, so he allowed her the perch.

They reached the landmark Jane was looking for after one week of travel. They were all worn around the edges and looking worse for wear. The water they had brought was pitifully low, and they had all expressed worry.

Jane did not recognize the land around them. Or rather, the never ending miles of sand that surrounded them always seemed to be the same as hours before.

Ruric paused as the group wandered and the humans parted around him like a wave. Solitary he stood, his head turned so he could watch everyone walk. Jane knew he was waiting for her.

She didn’t have to say anything to let him know when she reached him. Ruric always knew when she was near him by the sound of her heart.

“We stop here for the night.”

“We have to find water.” She said quietly as she paused next to him to watch the humans slowly walk up another dune.

“We are near the water.”

Jane glanced up at him quickly. “The metal giant we stopped at last time?”

He nodded solemnly.

They both knew what they would find there. The desert would not have been kind to the bodies of the raiders they had left near their water source. Jane wasn’t certain that the water itself wouldn’t be tainted. They were desperate enough to try it.

“I don’t want the humans seeing that.”

“Neither do I.” His expression clouded for a moment as his brows drew down in concern. “They do not trust us.”

“I expect trust will come slowly to both sides. But I would prefer it if Shusar and Illyrin got the water.” A shiver made her shoulders quake. “I don’t think I can stand anymore death.”

“They will.” Ruric’s voice had yet to return to normal. It still sounded as though every word caused him pain.

“How close are we?”

“Not far.”

“How can you tell?”

He tapped his nose firmly and Jane realized her fears were warranted. What was left of the bodies could already be smelled by the goblins.

“We stay here tonight then.”

She raised her voice and let out a whooping yell. The trail of humans struggling up a dune paused and stared back at her.

“Let’s rest!”

No one was happy with the decision. The humans were exhausted and scared of death without water. The goblins wanted to continue moving because they were so close to their home that their bodies were itching to reach the cool caverns.

Ruric and Jane divided to handle their own people. She convinced hers to enjoy a night of rest and assured them the goblins knew where water was. He issued orders in a hushed tone that sent Illyrin and Shusar disappearing into the night.

They made camp quickly as the group was becoming good at setting up their tents.

Jane had her hand on the flap to her family’s tent when she heard Ruric’s