"My King, there is a problem with the spice shipment from the Purpea system," the royal guard says.
"What's the problem?" The king asks with apparent disinterest.
"I think you'll have to come to the Purpea system personally for this one," replies the guard, "it seems the rebels have spiked the spice with a toxin. Hundreds of citizens are dead and dozens of witches have been hospitalized."
"I'll decide when I need to visit a system," the goblin king answers, "the rebels were supposed to be dealt with already. Who did I send to resolve that issue?"
"I thought you sent the angel Danyel?" The Queen responds.
"That's right, I did. What does he have to say about this?" The king asks.
"He reported this morning that he is investigating the mining crew and the shipping company personnel and will report back when he finds something," the guard responds.
"That's it? He's investigating? We have dead citizens and sick witches here," complains the king.
"There's more your highness," the guard replies.
"Get me communications up with angel Danyel," orders the queen to one of her royal clerks.
"What else?" Asks the king.
"Well, some wizards and witches have been bragging that it's the best Opal Spice to hit the Dark Market in ages," the royal guard reports.
"Well, how the hell is that possible?" Asks the queen.
"The witches are able to fly higher than ever before and the wizards are casting stronger magic spells," the guard replies.
"So either they're getting sick or they're getting stronger?" The queen asks.
"Danyel better have some answers," the king demands.
"If I may your majesty," speaks a voice from behind the crowd. A short warlock emerges from the crowd, holding a scepter in his hand as a walking stick.
"Yes, old warlock, what is it?" Asks the queen.
"I've heard of an ingredient you can add to opal spice to enhance its powers, but it's very dangerous if not handled properly," the warlock informs the court.
"So what are you saying?" Asks the king.
"The ingredient is found here on our home planet. It's available in a few places in the dark market," advises the warlock.
"If that is true, then our problem is here and not in Purpea," the queen advises the king. He nods in agreement.
"What is this ingredient?" The goblin king asks the warlock.
"It's called oximelt, your majesty," the warlock advises, "experienced wizards and witches would benefit from it, but younger apprentice witches and common citizens would get sick or even die from the mixture of oximelt and opal spice."
"Guard!" Orders the king, "send out a search team to canvass the dark market. I want to know who has oximelt and who is using it. If anyone recently sold any of this substance, we will need the details of that too."
"Yes your majesty," replies the royal guard.
"Send word to the sheriffs," orders the royal guard to another guard, "let them know to expect the royal guard in the dark market. Have them meet us with their shields on so we can begin our search without delay."
"My king," the queen speaks sweetly, "communications with Purpea have been established..."
"And?" The king interrupts.
"...and the angel Danyel reports that mining operations are normal. The rebellion is almost completely quelled."
"And what of any problems with the shipping contracts?" The king asks.
"The contractors claim they can guarantee zero interference with their raw materials. No non-citizens are allowed near the opal spice. Their systems are completely automated. Even the contractors themselves can't get close enough to the shipments to sabotage them," informs the royal clerk on the queen's behalf.
"Prepare my royal escorts," advises the king, "I shall join the royal guards in the dark market to deal with this issue personally. And you!" The king points at the royal guard who suggested he would have to travel to the Purpea system, "next time you want to decide my travel arrangements, consider keeping your mouth shut instead!"
"Yes your highness," replies the guard.
"My king?" The queen asks in surprise. He turns around to face her so she can see the determination in his scowl.
"I will not allow oximelt to corrupt the dark market. This time, I will ensure that darkness prevails." The great goblin king announces as he marches out of the royal court followed by the royal guards.
"I fear this oximelt contaminant has sunken its teeth deep into the dark market," the queen states, "removing it might be more of a burden than we anticipate."
This post first appeared on Prelude To The Distraction Fiction Collections, please read the originial post: here
