Susan Spinning Machine

"Cantrip: Smoke and Flame." Michael studied the Goblin's soot-blackened face. "But he's already been treated."

"It's my fault..." Annan looked apologetic. "I wanted to recruit you, but something came up and I couldn't come myself, so I asked others to do it."

He couldn't blame Michael and Flora for helping him, either.

Annan's willingness to take the blame eased the clever Goblin's anger, but he still refused firmly. "Maybe you're different from other humans, but we won't be conscripted."

The dirty-faced Goblin added, "We Goblins will never fight for humans!"

"Not fight. Build," Annan said, correcting their misunderstanding.

"Build what?"

"What are we building?"

The two Goblins spoke at once.

"I want to improve the spinning wheel, and I need help. I know Goblins are clever and especially good with machines."

The dirty-faced Goblin puffed out his scrawny chest at the praise. "This human knows what he's talking about. We can help him!"

"Forgot who had you curled up in the nest crying all day?" The clever Goblin silenced his wavering companion, then turned to Annan. "Sorry, but we won't do anything for humans."

"You trade with human caravans, don't you?" Annan asked.

"Caravans are different..."

"That's not my point. You have to buy supplies from them. Do you have enough money?" Annan glanced at the two Goblins' filthy, tattered leather armor and sharpened wooden spears. "I'll pay you."

"How much?"

Greed flashed in the clever Goblin's eyes, almost like a Blue Dragon's.

"I'm not sure yet... but it should be at least a few dozen Gold Coins."

"Really?"

"Really."

Annan had been prepared to argue at length, even to follow the Goblins back to their nest and persuade them there. Instead, the clever Goblin agreed without hesitation. "I'll go with you! But first I need to tell my companion