The Goblin Emperor

On a cold winter day, Maia waits for the arrival of his maternal goblin grandfather, Maru Sevrasched, the Great Avar of Barizhan. A crowd has gathered and cheers when Maia acknowledges them. The Great Avar’s coach soon arrives. When the Avar, an enormous goblin, emerges, Maia offers a simple welcome. Impressed, the Avar laughs, claps Maia on the shoulders, and declares him more goblin than he looks.

Later, in a private meeting, Maia asks why his grandfather never answered his mother’s letters. The Great Avar explains that by law, his mother belonged to her husband’s family, and he was powerless to interfere in her life, while hinting at his regret over his inaction.

During a reception for the Avar, Ambassador Gormened introduces Maia to Nadeian Vizhenka, who reveals she is his aunt, the Great Avar’s daughter outside of marriage. Csevet interrupts them with an urgent letter from Thara Celehar. The letter’s seal is already broken, and Csevet says it is common and safe to assume that all Maia’s correspondence has been read. It details Celehar’s investigation, identifying the airship bombers and implicating the noble House Tethimada as their patrons.

Maia returns to the party, where the Great Avar’s steward presents him with a gift from another aunt: an ornate box containing ivory combs and jewelry.