***
When Gelarro returned, Faindan said nothing about his vision of Kuran Darkender. That was Knightly business and not something for the artist's ears. Gelarro was delighted to see the dead Goblin. He knelt by the creature on the river bank and stroked its tentacles, an awed look on his face.
"What an amazing beast," Gelarro said, shaking his head. "Who knows how old it is? It came up the river a few years ago and cleaned out nearly all the fish. But its fishing days are done with. I hope killing it wasn't too much trouble."
"Not at all," said Faindan. "I killed it with a single blow."
The artist looked a bit disappointed. "I would have thought the battle would be a bit more perilous than that. Ah well. Maybe my imagination got the best of me in thinking this beast was such a menace."
Realizing his mistake, Faindan said, "Oh, it was a perilous fight. Actually, I'm rather fortunate to be alive."
Gelarro raised his eyebrows, and his smile returned. "Well then, perhaps I should pay you a bit of silver for your troubles. I did well in town and have some to spare." He reached into his tunic pocket, but Faindan shook his head.
"Keep your silver. You've done enough for me."
"And yet you've done so much more for me," said Gelarro. "You made my river safe again and gave me something to decorate my home--something that is sure to improve my mood. You see, when I awaken on a cold, dreary morning to cruel silence, and I think to myself that there are heartless monsters in the world, I will look upon this Goblin and know that some monsters are just savage beasts seeking to feed. They are not evil like humans are. I can't explain it, but that means something to me. The sight of this beast is refreshing--because this is evil in a simple and childish way. Not the twisted, abhorrent, and complex ways of humanity. The real monsters are humans without conscience, not hungry Goblins just looking for food." He sighed, as if unable to clearly speak his thoughts. "It's silly, I know."
"It isn't silly at all," said Faindan, though he didn't understand. Goblins were born of evil--the children of the Deep Shadow. It seemed that Gelarro was confused from so much pain, grasping at thoughts that made perfect sense to him but were incoherent to Faindan. Regardless, he seemed to be having a moment of joy, and that made the bitter fight with the Goblin seem worth it.
"I must ride on now," said Faindan. "Farewell."
Gelarro nodded. "Farewell, great Knight of the Divine Order. If...if you ever..." He fought back emotion. "If you ever happen to encounter my wife and daughter, their names are..." He clutched his forehead and groaned. "Their names are Leiathell--my wife--and Caithlin. Last name of Braxul. Blonde hair, blue eyes..." He hung his head in sorrow.
"Leiathell and Caithlin," Faindan repeated gently. "Blonde hair and blue eyes. I will remember this and watch for them."
Gelarro bowed. "I thank you so much..."
Faindan left him there, kneeling on the bank by his dead Goblin. He rode away from the lonely house without looking back.