Expansion - Chapter 12

 

12 – Helvar – Miiwan Again

Helvar watches from his office as bladders of watered milk are delivered to the goblins along with the Forge‑Breath meals. He sips his mug of sikah‑nahkaw‑mihtaa and glances toward the single holding cells. For now, Miiwan is the only one inside, but soon they’ll have to place all six Protectors there — and anyone else the Legion marks as khaz‑drulik, a troublemaker.

He tells the Legionnaire to bring Miiwan to the Frag‑durkan, the Questioning‑room. Helvar sets the chamber as usual, including the small pot of root-tea. This time, he adds a covered bundle of treats to the basket he keeps beneath his stool.

When Miiwan enters, Helvar stands and motions for him to sit, offering a cloth cup of tea.

Miiwan smiles as he fills it, the chains on his wrists clanking softly against the stone table. “Why am I being kept separate?” he asks.

“For your protection,” Helvar replies. “The Legion has marked you. We’re keeping you apart for your safety. I’ll soon have to do the same for Veshka and the rest.”

“They are Protectors of the people,” Miiwan says, irritation creeping into his voice.

“But you’re not. Why were you wearing body paint and silk when you were captured?”

Miiwan looks down at the blue wool outfit the Legion issued him. “No. I was wearing the wool and linens of a Tunnel Keeper. A Stone‑Listener.”

“I’ve always heard tunnel keepers work in teams,” Helvar says, leaning back.

“They do — I mean, we do.” He hesitates. “I got separated from them. Lost.”

Helvar places the wrapped bundle on the table. “Lost in a tunnel? How does a stone‑listener get lost in a tunnel he’s maintaining?”

Miiwan’s eyes flick back and forth as he searches for an answer.

Helvar unwraps the bundle, revealing squares of Stone‑Honey Crumble. He picks one up and inhales its warm, grainy aroma. “Freshly made by the cooks.”

He takes a slow bite.

“I’d offer you one,” he says, “but I’m having trouble believing you today. I can’t give a treat to someone who isn’t honest with me.”

Miiwan’s gaze lingers on the cut squares. “Okay. I wasn’t lost. But I got separated from my team.”

“How many were in your team? What are their names?” Helvar lifts his stylus.

Miiwan hesitates again.

Helvar sighs. “I should wrap these up and put them away. I’ll have the Legionnaire take you back.”

“No—wait.” After a long pause, he says, “I was alone. I wasn’t part of a team.”

“Then why were you wearing body paint and silk?”

Miiwan chews his lower lip.

Helvar softens his voice. “Here. Have a square.” He hands one over.

Miiwan takes a bite and washes it down with tea.

“Not quite Glow‑Moss Cakes, but close,” Helvar says quietly.

Miiwan nods, making a small, involuntary sound of pleasure as he takes another bite.

“Now,” Helvar says, “why were you wearing body paint?”

Over time, he draws out more answers. Some are lies. Some are half‑truths. He writes them all down for now.

When they finish, Helvar says, “If you like, I can ask the cook to make some of these for the rest of your people. They haven’t had any treats.”

“Please do that. I don’t want anyone thinking I’m getting something special.”

“Of course not. See you tomorrow.” Helvar calls the Legionnaire to escort him back.

In his notes, he writes:

‘Still don’t know real name. Not a tunnel‑keeper. No‑tools story is false. Likely former border scout. Responds well to idea of being returned to group.’

He closes the barkskin and finishes the last of the treats.