Contents
47. The Pull
Overview
Skirting Grevitsa’s goblin quarter, Malk is goaded into a formal “pull” across the boundary chain. A crowd gathers under strict no-weapons, no-magic rules. When townsfolk divert to save a local boy, goblins overpower the line and seize Malk. The party watches Malk die and leaves Grevitsa grief-stricken.
Summary
Returning to their lodgings by Grevitsa’s goblin quarter, the companions follow the chain dividing the city from Goblintown. A scarred goblin paces them and taunts Malk, recognizing him as a Holt veteran. Locals warn of a “pull” ritual, but Malk refuses to back away and grips the goblin’s offered arm across the chain.
Goblins pile onto their comrade while townsfolk rush to help Malk, bound by strict rules: no weapons, no bites from the challenger, and no magic. The struggle balances as humans drag the goblin nearly over, cheers rising when its knees clear the chain.
The fight turns when a second goblin hooks a local boy’s arm. Grevitsani abandon Malk to save their own, and the goblins refocus their strength. Norrigal is struck down when she reaches for magic, and Galva is restrained from intervening with her blade. Malk’s boot is pulled off; then Malk is dragged over the chain and lost to the goblins.
Humans on the city side brutally kill the goblin left over the line, while Kinch gathers an injured Norrigal and Yorbez leads a shaken, praying Galva away. Kinch reflects bitterly on Grevitsa, on wasteful bravado, and on Malk’s brief life; only later does he notice he’s carrying Malk’s boot. The companions leave Grevitsa the next day, mourning.
Who Appears
- Malk Na BrannyckColdfoot veteran; provoked into a formal goblin “pull,” overpowered, dragged across the chain, and killed.
- KinchNarrator; tries to help Malk, witnesses the fatal pull, reflects bitterly, and leaves holding Malk’s boot.
- Spanth GalvaDraws her sword to save Malk but is restrained by locals; prays after his death and regains composure.
- NorrigalWarns against the pull; struck with a pot when reaching for magic; injured and helped away by Kinch.
- YorbezAttempts to pull Malk back; later steadies Galva and leads the group away from the scene.
- Grevitsani crowdLocal townsfolk who first aid Malk, then abandon him to save a boy; kill the goblin left over the chain.
- GoblinsTaunt Malk into the ritual; coordinate swiftly, split the fight, and drag Malk across to his death.