The first thing Malcolm noticed was the colossal Toe Goblin. Lounging on a raised throne in the exact center of the room beyond the doors, the creature seemed to be more blubber than anything else. Beady little eyes poked out from behind the curtains of fat, and its mouth was a mere fold in the skin. Long pointy ears poked out horizontally from its head.

The immense form was draped in the same crude robes as the other Goblins, but they seemed to be of a higher quality material. They bore the same emblem as the banners in the entrance hall; a solid black toe. Upon the misshapen head rested a large golden crown with inset green jewels. It seemed to be quite old and worn, as several of the precious stones were chipped or missing. Five Toe Goblins crowded around the throne, holding rolls of parchment and small jars full of toes. One was rubbing the crown with a filthy rag, smearing the grime around.

Sven and the other Goblins bowed, resting their foreheads on the floor. Malcolm did the same, doing his best to emulate the Sven's position. "Who's that?" he whispered.

"The Almighty Toe." Sven snapped back, still bowing. "Do as I do, and DON'T say nothin' to offend him." Time ticked by, and after a few seconds, they stood back up. Malcolm focused his attention around the Council Chamber, enchanted by its size.

The room itself was almost as over-sized as the Goblin. Perfectly rectangular and polished as smooth as the tunnel walls, it stretched for hundreds of feet ahead of the new arrivals. Much of the far wall was taken up by a series of small balconies, each large enough for a few spectators. Many of them were currently occupied by some very bewildered Toe Goblins.

On the other three walls rose stadium seating, made of large stone blocks stacked together. Six levels high, they came even with the Almighty Toe's throne.

"Sven!" the Almighty Toe thundered, his deep voice thick with false grandeur. Malcolm's mind snapped back to focus. "Why have you transported a HUMAN into these sacred halls, and why should I not banish you from Toehalla here and at this instant?"

Sven bowed again, this time briefly tapping his head on the floor. "Oh Almighty Toe, I pray you be excusin' me for this offense. This... human.... owes me a year of servitude, as punishment for a heinous crime." As he had done previously, Sven displayed one of Malcolm's toes, holding it high for the room to see. "I have also taken precautions to ensure his loyalty."

"Loyalty!" scoffed Malcolm under his breath, "I'm only here because you..." Sven's boney elbow in his ribs cut him off.

"Very well," the Almighty Toe said, obviously hiding his displeasure. "Due to current events, I shall make an exception. The human may stay for now, under one condition. If he causes ANY nuisance, I will have no alternative but to penalize him to the fullest extent of my authority!"

The other Goblins in the chamber cheered at his final words, eyeing Malcolm loathingly. I better watch my back around here, he thought, glancing at the daggers many Goblins held. They jumped around their platforms gleefully, shaking the weapons at Malcolm. Shuttering as past memories came rushing back, he rubbed the wound from Sven's blade. I'm lucky I survived the last time.

The Almighty Toe muttered to one of his attendants, a gangly Goblin with a roll of parchment. The Goblin came forwards and handed Sven the roll. He looked it over for a moment, and then tucked it securely into a pouch on his belt.

"What's that?" Malcolm asked, peeking over.

"Notes from today's meetin'. It looks like it was almost over when we arrived."

The Toe Goblins on the balconies gradually stopped their cheering, resuming their attention on the Almighty Toe. He waited for a few moments, then addressed the room. "In light of this occurrence, the Council is now adjourned. I must consult with my advisors regarding this human's presence. Sven, take him somewhere for the evening, and make certain he stays out of trouble. Get a high-quality night's rest. We shall have the voting at first light."

"Voting for what?" Malcolm whispered.

Sven replied gravely, "War, I presume."