Chapter 1A: Ari Finds Gabby - a Ponygirl?

Ari was sent to recover her friend and teammate.

Ari was sent to recover her friend and teammate

Ari strolled wearily along the cobbled road that wound through the heart of Sunning village. The weight of uncertainty bore down on her with every step, the frustration of a fruitless search gnawing at her determination. Despite her best efforts, she had made no progress in her relentless quest to find Gabby. The villagers, with their weathered faces and stoic demeanor, seemed like silent sentinels guarding the secrets of this enigmatic place.

Gabby’s vivid description echoed in Ari’s mind like a haunting refrain. ‘Ginger hair, standing at a graceful 5 feet 6 inches, her athletic build spoke of strength and resilience. Perfectly contoured breasts, a pale complexion that contrasted with the sun-kissed locals, a straight nose, enchanting green eyes, and a captivating smile that could light up the darkest of corners.’ Ari had memorized these details, her unwavering beacon in the obscurity of her search.

As Ari perused the wares of a quaint shop, the shopkeeper, a middle-aged man with a bushy gray beard and a twinkle in his eye, paused from arranging his trinkets. His eyes bore an uncanny glint of recognition, and with a thoughtful nod, he shared a piece of the puzzle. “A few weeks back,” he began, his voice hushed as if divulging a forbidden secret, “I saw a Goblin pass through this very village with a girl who matched your description. Though she was paler than any of the other human ponies we see around here, she was covered in grime, likely from the arduous journey with that Goblin.”

Ari leaned in, eager for more information, but the shopkeeper was abruptly summoned by a group of customers, leaving Ari with a lingering sense of curiosity and confusion. The description had left her perplexed; this new piece of the puzzle introduced a layer of uncertainty she had not expected.

The last faint signal from Gabby’s beacon had reached her almost a year ago, out on the outskirts of this very village. Ari’s agency had dispatched her on a relentless mission to locate her missing friend and fellow agent. Gabby had vanished during a covert assignment, and the agency had been anxiously awaiting her return ever since.

Ari would have arrived on this planet much earlier if it weren’t for the strict regulations imposed by her agency. They prohibited the use of Faster-Than-Light (FTL) ships near underdeveloped planets like Ayers, making her arduous journey last nearly a year. Due to the embargo on advanced technology, she had traversed the rugged terrain on foot for a week, making her way to the village on nothing but sheer determination.

Upon her arrival that morning, she had secured lodging at a local inn, and her relentless search for Gabby had begun. The villagers had gradually revealed snippets of an astonishing narrative, one that spoke of Goblins using human females as a form of transport, referred to cryptically as ‘Human Ponies’ The term piqued Ari’s curiosity, and she resolved to delve deeper into this peculiar phenomenon. Her world, filled with intergalactic marvels, rarely encountered horses unless it was a distant Earth-like planet she was docking at. ‘But then,’ Ari reasoned with herself, ‘this planet remains firmly ensnared in the trappings of Earth’s 16th century, a relic untouched by progress.’

As Ari strolled through the bustling marketplace of Sunning, her gaze inadvertently fell upon a striking sight that froze her in her tracks. A tall, young woman was trotting gracefully down the cobbled path, drawing the attention of both villagers and passersby. Ari’s heart seemed to skip a beat as she took in the unmistakable features. It was Gabby, she was sure of it!

However, what was beyond bizarre was the unsettling tableau that unfolded before her eyes. Gabby was not alone. A Goblin, perched upon her back in a grotesque saddle, seemed to assert a sinister dominance. The woman’s alluring, yet strangely constrained gait belied the peculiarity of her attire. She sported boots with heels so high that they defied gravity, accentuating her seductive stride. Dark leather straps ensnared her body, revealing far more than they concealed. Her breasts were bare except for two bells attached to her rings in the pierced nipples. The faint jingling of bells, tinkled with every step she took, echoing through the marketplace and adding an eerie, melodic note to her degrading display.

Ari’s brows furrowed with a mix of disbelief and anger. Gabby’s lower half was bound by a dangerously thin strap that descended from her waist, daringly venturing between her legs before disappearing behind her. The harness continued its cruel ascent, enveloping her in an eerie transformation reminiscent of a bridle, complete with what looked like a horse’s bit, suppressing her voice.

To Ari’s abhorrence, a ‘tail’ of the same ginger hue as Gabby’s hair protruded from her rear, completing the degrading image. Her hands, tied behind her back, appeared to be fastened to her own harness, leaving her utterly powerless. The Goblin rider, cruelly in control, held tight reins that were attached to Gabby’s bridle, directing her every step and movement.

The shock that washed over Ari was overwhelming, but it was swiftly eclipsed by a torrent of anger, disgust, and profound sadness. She struggled to contain the maelstrom of emotions that raged within her. Witnessing the woman she had come to rescue in such an undignified state fueled her righteous fury.

Gabby, her eyes wide with a mixture of surprise and horror, locked onto Ari. Her lips formed a silent ‘oh’ of shock and embarrassment as they met her former boss’s gaze. In this surreal moment, with the Goblin rider guiding her with a cruel cane, the realization of being found in this demeaning condition struck Gabby with acute humiliation.

As her cheeks blazed a bright crimson, she felt exposed and vulnerable. She was trapped in a dehumanizing display, treated as nothing more than a prized possession, and it was all happening in front of the one person she had hoped to protect from this unsettling world.

Ari’s heart raced as she realized she had to negotiate with the Goblin to have a moment alone with Gabby. She knew she had to be smart and strategic about it. The Goblin’s arrogant tone and the way he referred to Gabby as his “pony” fueled her determination to rescue her friend from this degrading situation.

When the Goblin asked why she was in his way, Ari hesitated for a moment but quickly gathered her wits. She pointed towards Gabby and stammered, “I umm ... want to talk to her.”

The Goblin’s laugh grated on her nerves, but she maintained her composure. “You are funny, little human. This was my pony. She was not allowed to talk. Do ponies talk?”

Ari couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “No wonder she has to wear those stupid mittens.” She clenched her fists, trying to rein in her anger. She had a plan, and losing her temper wouldn’t help Gabby.

She glanced at Gabby, who still avoided her gaze, seemingly lost in humiliation. Ari knew she had to act fast. Taking a deep breath, she spoke in a conciliatory tone, “Look, I am new to this place and I do not know your customs. This girl looks familiar. So can you let me have a few minutes with her, please?”

The Goblin rider appeared to ponder her request. Ari’s diplomacy had caught him off guard. He replied, “Little human, I am going to the bar. I will think about it. However, I can assure you, my pony cannot, or rather, would not talk.”

Ari saw her opening and pressed on, “Sir, I will buy you a drink if you let me at least try to talk to this girl.”

The Goblin chuckled, his arrogance waning slightly. “Okay, little human, you can have some time with her after you buy me a drink. Let’s go.”

Ari nodded, hiding her relief behind a composed exterior. This was just the beginning of her mission to rescue Gabby and retrieve the dilithium crystals, and she couldn’t afford to let her emotions get the best of her.

Ari’s rage bubbled beneath the surface as she watched the Goblin expertly control Gabby with the reins and a cane. She clenched her fists, struggling to contain her anger. It was revolting how he treated Gabby like a mere beast of burden, and every tap of that cane sent a surge of fury through her.

As they approached the tavern, a large, burly man blocked their path, addressing the Goblin, “Sir, ponies are not allowed inside the tavern. Only humans or Goblins. You can stable her behind the tavern. Your pony will be well taken care of for just 5 coins. She will be given water and a good rubdown for her sore legs. For an extra 5 coins, we will feed her too. If you want to stable your pony here, it will cost you 20 coins.”

Ari’s disgust grew as the Goblin treated Gabby like a common animal, but she knew she had to play along for Gabby’s sake. The Goblin pointed to Ari and said, “That one was paying for this, aren’t you, little human?”

Ari bit her lip, her anger simmering beneath the surface. “Yes,” she replied through gritted teeth, “I ... I’ll pay.” She hated every moment of it, but she couldn’t let her emotions cloud her judgment. Gabby’s well-being was her top priority.

The Goblin then commanded Gabby, “Kneel, Strawberry.” Ari’s eyes widened in disbelief as Gabby obediently knelt to allow the Goblin to dismount. The degrading spectacle left Ari speechless.

“Strawberry?” Ari thought, incredulous. He had renamed Gabby as Strawberry? Her hand instinctively flew to her mouth as she tried to contain her shock. The Goblin’s treatment of Gabby was infuriating, and Ari couldn’t stand how he stripped her of her dignity and humanity, reducing her to the status of a mere pony.

As Gabby knelt, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson, and her gaze remained fixed on the ground. Ari couldn’t help but notice the mixture of humiliation and embarrassment in her expression. The Goblin’s actions were not just degrading but also deeply humiliating for Gabby. It was evident in her body language and the bright blush that painted her cheeks. Ari seethed with anger at how he made her submit like an animal, treating her as if she were less than human.

The Goblin strolled over to the tavern and addressed Ari with a condescending tone, “So, little human, what was your interest in my pony?”

Ari’s face flushed red with anger, but she managed to hold back her temper as she responded, “My name was Ari. What was your name? Do Goblins even have names?”

The Goblin replied proudly, “I am Lord Gorlm of the Goblin tribe of Wassypr. You may call me Lord or Your Lordship ... or Sir, if you prefer.”

Ari could not resist a hint of sarcasm as she retorted, “Yeah, sure. Whatever works for you, my Lord.”

Gorlm, oblivious to the sarcasm, continued, “You have much to learn, human,” emphasizing the word “human” with contempt, and asked, “So, where was my drink?”

Ari signaled the tavern keeper to provide Gorlm with whatever drink he desired and addressed him, “So, ‘your lordship,’ what do you do when you’re not enslaving my fellow humans?”

Gorlm was in a chatty mood and replied boastfully, “Oh, you know, the usual. Just ruling the Goblins and tending to all my Lordly duties. Running a kingdom, presiding over subjects, and overseeing the training of human ponies. All the usual stuff. What about you, little one? What do you do in your spare time?”

Ari couldn’t help but be slightly amused by the Goblin’s arrogance. His response was so full of himself that it borders on comical. She took out two silver pieces and handed them to the tavern keeper, who promptly served Gorlm his drink.

Pushing her agenda forward, Ari remarked, “Isn’t someone full of himself. Anyway, as per our agreement, I get some time with your girl.”

Gorlm interrupted Ari mid-sentence, not comprehending her sarcasm, and asserted aggressively, “Not GIRL, she was NOT a girl; she was MY pony. I know you are having difficulty accepting this fact. Say it now!”

Ari momentarily froze, taken aback by the Goblin’s sudden shift from calm to aggressive. She regained her composure quickly, however, and gave Gorlm a reluctant nod. “Okay ... I will have a word with your pony.” The absurdity of calling a human being a ‘pony’ was not lost on her, but she was willing to play along if it meant a chance to rescue Gabby.

Gorlm seemed to calm down and proposed, “Hmm, that’s much better. We can have a little bargain. You can have a few minutes alone with my pony. But after that, you would need to come back, and we will talk about whatever I want to discuss. Deal?” He smiled and extended his hand for Ari to shake.

Ari was hesitant about the vague agreement Gorlm was offering, but her determination to see Gabby propels her forward. She reluctantly took Gorlm’s hand and shook it. “We have a deal,” Ari agreed, “We can figure out the rest later. For now, though, I’ll go see her.”

Without waiting for Gorlm’s response, Ari hurried to the tavern and asked the tavern keeper where the ponies were kept. He inquires, “Human or real?” Ari responded firmly, “Human.” The tavern keeper pointed her to the back of the tavern from behind the bar, and Ari rushed to reunite with Gabby, her mind filled with countless questions and concerns.

As Ari quickly made her way to the direction he indicated, she could feel her heart racing with a mix of hope and trepidation. Thoughts whirl through her mind like a storm, a chaotic jumble of emotions and questions. She wondered about Gabby’s well-being, her state of mind after enduring such humiliation, and if there was any lasting physical harm. How had Gabby ended up in this horrific situation? What must she have endured over the past year?

Ari’s anger simmered beneath the surface as she contemplated how to approach this Goblin lord, Gorlm. She was determined to find a way to free Gabby from his clutches, but the uncertainty of how to achieve that gnawed at her. Ari knew she needed to remain calm and strategic, using her wits to navigate this unfamiliar and disturbing world.

Despite the urgency of the situation, Ari also grappled with her personal feelings. The shock of seeing her dear friend treated as a mere pony, the indignity of it all, and the bizarre circumstances weigh heavily on her. She knew that her every action now would determine the fate of both herself and Gabby, and that the road ahead was fraught with danger and uncertainty.

As Ari stepped into the stables, she was momentarily taken aback by the unexpected cleanliness and orderliness of the place. The well-lit interior, the fresh scent of hay and clean straw, and the sweet aroma of flowers drifting in from another doorway all come together to create an atmosphere quite different from what she had imagined.

The spaciousness of the stables surprised her, as did the excellent condition of the stalls. It was evident that whoever owned and maintained this establishment took great pride in its upkeep. Ari took in the sight of eight clean stalls, each carefully prepared with fresh hay on the floor. The small fireplace in the corner, emanating a warm glow, immediately caught her attention and provided a comforting contrast to the unsettling situation she was in.

Her senses were further enticed by the enticing aroma of stew simmering in an open oven. The smell was undeniably appetizing, and her own stomach responded with an audible growl, reminding her of her hunger.

In this moment of surreal juxtaposition, as she stood in the midst of this well-kept stable, Ari was acutely aware of the contrast between the idyllic surroundings and the disturbing reality of why she was here: to reunite with her friend Gabby, who has been subjected to unthinkable treatment.

Ari’s eyes widened as she took in the scene before her. In the stalls nearby, she spotted four naked human females, each hitched to posts. Their appearances were a stark contrast to the well-maintained surroundings. However, her attention was soon drawn to a young woman who stood among them, fully clothed and in a role that seemed different from the others.

This woman was feeding apple slices to one of the bound girls, and although the girl’s hands were still tied behind her back, the bridle and bit had been removed. It was a strangely peaceful moment amidst the unsettling scene. The bound girl, now without her bridle, contentedly ate the apple from the young woman’s hand.

As Ari continued to scan the area, searching for any sign of Gabby, she approached the young woman who appeared to be a stable hand. She tapped her on the shoulder and initiated a conversation.

“Hello there,” Ari began, trying to maintain her composure. “I was looking for a new girl that was just brought in.”

The young girl, seemingly unfazed by Ari’s presence, turned around and sized her up. She offered a friendly smile and commented, “You don’t seem to be from here. What was the girl’s name?”

Ari replied, “Yes, I am. I arrived yesterday. Her name was Gabby, I mean Gabriela.”

The girl shook her head and clarified, “The Goblins usually give their ponies some fancy names like Wild Flower or Peaches or Long Legs. What was her pony name? It would be better if you got into that habit. The Goblins were very touchy when we called their ponies by their human names. Anyway, I think you mean Strawberry, right?” She inquired, with a knowing look.

Ari was taken aback by the revelation but was eager to meet Gabby, so she nodded and added, “It’s so inhumane that they took away even her name.”

The young girl concurred, her expression sympathetic. “I agree, but that was how it was. You go and see Strawberry; she was in the back being cleaned by Sam. She was a feisty one. Once you’re done meeting her, you can come back, and we can talk some more.”

With that, Ari nodded and followed the directions to find Gabby, her heart heavy with a mix of anticipation and distress at the grim reality she had encountered in this world.

Ari walked to the back area of the stables, a space that extended beyond the rows of individual stalls. Here, the atmosphere was quite different. Instead of the confined spaces of the stalls, this area opened up into a more expansive and practical zone. Hay stacks were neatly arranged to one side, forming a stack of golden bales that reached up to shoulder height. The hay emitted a comforting, earthy scent that permeated the air, a reminder of the pastoral surroundings despite the peculiar circumstances.

The floor was layered with a clean layer of straw, providing a soft surface underfoot. This area seemed designed to serve multiple purposes, not just for storage but also for activities like grooming and bathing the human ponies. Several hooks and shelves held various grooming tools and supplies, and Ari noticed that everything was meticulously organized.

Flower pots with a variety of vibrant blooms added a touch of unexpected beauty to the space, their fragrant petals filling the air with a sweet perfume. It was from these pots that the delightful scent she had noticed earlier emanated, contributing to the strangely contrasting ambience of the stables.

As Ari continued to explore the area in search of Sam and Gabby, she heard the sound of water splashing behind the haystack. She turned towards the source of the sound and saw Gabby being bathed by a young woman in her early twenties. Ari observed quietly for a minute as Gabby stood there, butt naked, without a bridle or bit. A collar encircled her neck, and a leash from the collar was tied to a tall wooden pole in the middle of the bathing area. However, her hands were free. Gabby’s eyes were closed, and her face bore a contented expression, as if she were truly enjoying all the attention Sam was giving her. Sam was gentle as she rubbed down Gabby, cleaning her thoroughly and massaging her thighs and calves. Ari could practically hear Gabby’s sigh of contentment.

Ari walked closer, her footsteps carrying her closer to the heart of this bewildering scene. As she approached, her presence caught Sam’s attention, prompting the young woman to pause in her task of bathing Gabby. Ari offered Sam a warm smile, trying to maintain a friendly demeanor despite the troubling circumstances. “Hello, you must be Sam,” Ari greeted her.

Sam returned the smile, nodding in acknowledgment. Her eyes held a mix of curiosity and a hint of wariness as she responded, “Yes, that’s me. And you are...?”

Just as Ari and Sam exchanged pleasantries, a sudden movement caught her eye. Gabby, who had been standing with her eyes closed in the embrace of Sam’s gentle ministrations, abruptly opened her eyes. Startled and disoriented, she looked around, her gaze finally settling on Ari’s familiar face.

In that moment, a rush of emotions swept over Gabby, overwhelming her. A glimmer of recognition lit up her green eyes, and her heart leaped with a mixture of surprise, disbelief, and hope. She pushed Sam aside with a gentle urgency, a desperate need to reach Ari. With unspoken longing in her eyes, Gabby rushed forward, attempting to throw herself into Ari’s embrace as if seeking solace in her presence. But the unforgiving leash around her neck abruptly halted her, pulling her up short with an unexpected jerk.

The sudden restraint threw Gabby off balance, and she stumbled, struggling to regain her footing. Ari instinctively moved forward, a surge of empathy and love welling up within her. She understood the limitations of Gabby’s leash, but she was determined to bridge the gap between them. As Gabby nuzzled against her, Ari felt her heart swell with tenderness and affection, a deep, emotional connection rekindled after the long separation.

Ari’s arms wrapped tightly around Gabby’s naked and soaked form, holding her close as if protecting her from the harsh reality that surrounded them. She could feel the rapid, uneven rhythm of Gabby’s breathing, mirroring her own turbulent emotions. Ari’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, her voice trembling with a mixture of sorrow, anger, and love as she whispered, “Oh, Gabby.” Her voice broke, and she choked back a sob as she continued to hold her tightly. “What are they doing to you?”

In that moment, Ari’s heart ached with the weight of the situation, and the flood of emotions threatened to overwhelm her. She knew they had limited time to reconnect and find a way out of this nightmare, but in this stolen moment, all that mattered was the profound bond she shared with Gabby and the shared pain of their reunion in the face of unimaginable circumstances.

Sam stepped aside, her expression a mix of confusion and curiosity as she observed the emotional reunion unfolding before her. She wisely chose not to interrupt, sensing the significance of the moment. Gabby, still trembling with a mix of emotions, appeared overjoyed to be in Ari’s comforting embrace.

However, what happened next took Ari by surprise, leaving her momentarily bewildered. Gabby, amidst her relief and happiness, emitted a whinnying sound akin to that of a horse. This peculiar behavior caught Sam’s attention, and she approached the pair with a gentle demeanor, seemingly unphased by Gabby’s equine vocalization.

With an understanding smile, Sam reached out and tenderly patted Gabby’s hand, her soothing words carrying a hint of reassurance. “Strawberry, it’s okay. You can talk. I won’t tell anyone.” Her comforting tone aimed to ease Gabby’s apparent anxiety.

Ari arched an eyebrow at Sam’s statement, unable to conceal her disbelief. As Sam continued to explain the strange rules imposed by the goblins, Ari’s expression flickered between shock, outrage, and compassion. The absurdity and cruelty of such dehumanizing restrictions left her appalled, but she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the relief of having found Gabby.

In response to Sam’s kindness, Gabby flexed her jaw, ready to speak like a person once more. She addressed Sam with gratitude, “Thank you, Miss Sam.” Gently extricating herself from Ari’s embrace, Gabby turned her attention to Ari, her green eyes filled with a mixture of emotions. “Oh, Ari, I am so glad to see you. I never thought I would see you again,” she confessed, her voice quivering with emotion.

Gabby suddenly became aware of her exposed state, her hands moving instinctively to cover herself. A deep crimson flush colored her cheeks as she stammered an apology, “I am so sorry, Ari, that you had to see me in this condition.”

Sam, playfully tapping Gabby’s buttocks with a cane, offered a mock admonishment, “Strawberry, silly pony, you cannot cover yourself. If the Goblins see I am letting you do it, I will be in trouble. Also, please make it quick. Someone may come in at any minute.”

Ari’s heart ached at the sight of Gabby’s embarrassment and vulnerability. The humiliation she was enduring was palpable, and Ari couldn’t fathom the depths of cruelty the goblin had subjected her to. In response, she stepped forward, embracing Gabby once more. Her voice was soft and comforting as she reassured her, “It’s okay, Gabby. Why are you apologizing as if it’s your fault? I am just so relieved that I finally found you. I was worried sick.” Ari’s embrace conveyed her unwavering support and determination to protect Gabby from the horrors of their current predicament.

Gabby did not resist and hugged Ari back. Gabby said to Sam “You are right Miss Sam. We will make it quick.”. Turning to Ari she says “Ari, I know how this looks but I am a pony girl now. It may sound strange but I really don’t want to leave this life”.

“What?” Ari asks, clearly taken aback by Gabby’s words. She’s not sure what to say. How could Gabby just accept her life like this? It makes no sense to Ari. How can she live like this?

Ari watched Gabby’s face, trying to understand her point of view ... but she just could not fathom how Gabby could just resign herself to this kind of life. “Why would you ever want this? How could you possibly be happy here?” Ari’s voice was full of a mixture of confusion and horror. “This was ... it’s not right.”

Gabby spoke with conviction “Please Ari, let me finish and then you can ask me anything if we have time.” Ari nods in understanding, then turns her attention back to Gabby. “Of course,” she said, “I’m sorry. Please, go on.”. Ari watched Gabby, eager to hear what she had to say. She was curious to know how Gabby could possibly find happiness in this kind of life. And yet, Ari was skeptical. How could someone just accept being treated like this? Not even treated like a human.

Sam picked up a seemingly random saddle and started ‘working’ on it, running her finger over the material with a frown. The saddle didn’t seem to actually need any repairs - it was clearly just an excuse to listen in on the conversation between Ari and Gabby.

Gabby continued “Ari, you would be right to question my sanity. When I was first captured by the Goblins, stripped of my clothes, bound and kept in isolation with a blindfold, ear plugs and a bit in my mouth depriving me of any senses and my humanity, I was planning hard on different ways in which I would kill those little green bastards. Do you know that they are very methodical in breaking a free woman to a well trained pony? They even have a phrase which roughly translates to ‘breaking a wild filly’.” Gabby chuckles wryly as she continues “After about a week of sensory deprivation, they started training me in earnest. Without the use of my eyes, ears and with a bit in my mouth, the whips and canes were all I could rely on for walking in the right direction. After god knows how many days, they used to remove the blindfold and earplugs if I was a ‘good pony’. The punishment for being a ‘bad pony’ was severe. I was realizing what they were doing - methodically breaking me. But I could not resist any longer as my body was building reflexes to the touch of their whips and canes. I actually started to crave the small mercies they would show when I behaved according to their expectations. One solace in this horrible time was a teenage goblin girl. She would sneak into my stall and give me treats and talk to me about her day. I began looking forward to her arrival every evening.”

Ari’s eyes widened as she heard Gabby’s account of these horrible things. Ari gave a slight nod to indicate to Gabby that she was listening, and urged her to continue.

Gabby paused to take a deep breath before continuing with her story. Her voice held a mix of resignation and a hint of nostalgia as she delved into the painful memories of her time in captivity.

“I’m guessing here, but probably after three or four months—though it’s difficult to tell, as I had no calendar, so I’m relying solely on the change of seasons—they considered me ready for the next phase of my training,” Gabby explained. Her eyes flickered with a distant look as she recalled those trying times. “I had grown fond of a teenage Goblin girl who would treat me with kindness. Mind you, it wasn’t that she thought I shouldn’t be a pony. The kindness was akin to how one shows affection to a beloved pet. She would take me on long walks and would even remove the bit to let me talk.”

Gabby’s gaze shifted toward Ari, and she continued, “She told me that I was to be sold at an auction in a couple of days. Throughout all this, I was always looking for an opportunity to escape. However, those little bastards were thorough. My hands were always bound behind my back, and even when they were freed for a couple of hours for me to exercise, my palms were put in mittens without thumbs, making them useless. The Goblins had wolf-like creatures that they had trained to corral human ponies, like sheepdogs herding sheep. They called them Wargs. These Wargs were terrifying. Anyway, my point was that it was almost impossible to escape. I was, of course, worried about the auction, being sold like some dumb animal—that was beyond humiliating.”