Gnom of Nith.

[Palustris]

Chapter 1

Glom of the Nith.

Glom was a rather unusual Nithling. As far as anyone, himself included, could see, he had no talent. All the other Nithlings had at least one ability. For example, Glom’s father was a masterworker in metal. Glom’s mother was a carpenter of great skill. His uncle Brom brewed beer, and his aunt Drib made beautifully woven baskets.
 
Nithlings are natives of a small part of the world. Nith is a place of low rolling hills and green valleys. Its people are peace-loving farmers and gardeners. The trouble for them was that they looked as if they ought to be unpleasant, vicious monsters.

Gnom of Nith.

The way they looked had led in the past to some very nasty incidents when Nithlings had gone to visit other parts of the world. Waving any sharp tools they could find, such as rakes and scythes crowds of locals had run after them.Nithlings had decided that since the rest of the world was so unfriendly, they would have nothing to do with it. So for many, many years, no Nithling had ever left Nith.
 
For the same reason, no outsider had visited Nith for many years either. This suited both sides very well.
 
There are things one should know about Nithlings. It would be a mistake to ask a Nithling for its full name. The answer would take a long time. Every Nithling’s name was also its ancestry. So Glom’s name began with Glom son og Glim, son of Glog, son of Blim, son of Glom, son of Trop, and so on and so on for hours and hours.
 
Each time a baby was born, it was named after all its ancestors like that. Boys took their male ancestors names, and girls took their female  ancestors' names. The first thing that school-age children in Nith learned was their names. It was very important to the Nithlings to know exactly their names. From the list, they could work out to whom they were related.
 
If there had been any friendly visitors to Nith and they had known not to ask for names, they would have been invited into a Nithling's home. Nithlings are very hospitable like that. Once inside, the visitor would have been offered a cup of Scooch. All visitors to a Nithlings home were offered a cup of Scooch. It was considered very bad manners not to offer, and even worse manners to refuse.
 
Everyone drank Scooch. It was made from the roots of the Scooch plant. Once a year, Scooch farmers dug up the plants. The roots were collected. They were boiled in great, big vats until soft and gooey. Then the cooked Scooch roots were drained, laid out in the sun, and left to dry. Once dry, they were ground up into powder and packed into bags ready to be sold. All that was needed was to stir the powder into hot water to make their favourite drink.
 
Scooch was so important to them that there were lots of sayings about Scooch roots. Someone might be described as being worth their weight in Scooch if they were useful. Or if someone was mistaken as to the value of something, it was said that they found a stone and thought it was a Scooch root. Someone who was not very good at something was said to be unable to make a good cup of Scooch.
 
Glom had tried to find his talent. He had tried making beer, but it was undrinkable and had to be poured away. He had tried his hand at carpentry. He managed to slice his hand open. He tried making clothes but only managed to stick the needle in himself. He tried basket weaving. It took his mother ages to untangle him from the strands of willow. E tried cooking, but even the Nith Booglehounds, who were supposed to be able to eat anything, turned up their noses at his efforts. It would fill a book with the things he tried to do. Everything he tried went wrong.
 
As sad as this failure was, it would not have really mattered except that Glom was in love. He wanted to marry Blip, but until he found his talent, he was not allowed to even ask her parents for her hand.
 
Glom came to a momentous decision. He would leave Nith and go out into the wider world to seek his talent. His parents tried to argue, but as he said, “If I have no talent and I cannot marry Blip, then there is no point staying here in Nith and seeing her all the time.”
 
He packed his few belongings, a bag of Scooch powder and left.

[Palustris]

This is a new story. Sorry about the image size.
Not sure where this tale is going to go either. So don't hold yer breff!

[Palustris]

Whoops that should be Glom of Nith.
So worth proceeding then? I do know how it ends, but not how it proceeds.

[Palustris]

Chapter 2.

Another wanderer.

Gnom did not know where he was going to go, so he just walked and walked. It did not take him long to be out of Nith. He came to a small, wooded area. There was a very strange noise coming from somewhere inside.
 
Nithlings are not frightened by much. They have tough skin and hard heads. It takes a lot to hurt a Nithling.
 
However, it seemed wiser to be cautious. He crept silently through the trees until he saw a figure sitting on a tree trunk. The noise was coming from the figure. Whatever it was, it was very unhappy. Gnom could see tears running down its face and the noise was its sobbing.

 

The creature was in tears.

 
Without thinking about the possible danger, Glom wandered over. “You know, if we had a fire and some water and something to boil the water in, I could make you a cup of Scooch. It is just the thing for someone who is upset.”
 
The sobbing creature looked up and sniffed. It wiped its nose on the back of its hand. “There is a stream over there and my helmet holds water. You go and get some while I make us a fire.”
 
Glom took the helmet and filled it with water from the stream. The creature had very quickly got a fire going.

Glom put the helmet on the fire.

Glom put the helmet on the flames and sat down by the fire. Neither of them spoke while they waited for the water to boil.
 
When it did, Glom added some of his Scooch powder and swirled the helmet around to mix it up.
 
He handed the helmet to the creature. It frowned and sniffed the brew. “What’s Scooch?” it asked.
 
“It is our favourite drink," said Glom. “We drink it all the time. See, it is very nice and good for you.” He took the helmet from the creature and drank.
 
The creature waited until Glom had swallowed then, it too took a long slurp of the liquid. It wiped its lips and said, “Good, nice. Feel better already.”
 
Glom smiled. "I told you so. My name is Glom, and I am from Nith. And you are?”
 
"Slab!" replied the creature. “I am a troll from Trollgard. That is up there in the mountains.”
 
“I have never met a troll before," said Glom.
 
“I have never met a Glom from Nith,” said Slab.
 
“I am the first Nithling to leave Nith for many, many years,” said Glom. “If you don’t mind me asking, why were you so upset?”
 
The troll gave such a big sigh that leaves fell off the trees and the fire almost went out. “I have had to leave Trollgard. I am the first troll to ever leave the mountains for more years than anyone can remember. Why did you leave Nith?”
 
“All Nithlings have a talent,” said Glom. “Except me. I cannot get married until I find my talent and I left to find it.”
 
“”Is there someone you want to marry?” asked Slab.
 
“”Yes," said Glom.
 
“And she has a talent?" Slab asked.
 
“Oh, yes," said Glom. "Blip is a fruit grower. The best fruit grower in Nith.”

Blip.

 
“Will she wait for you to find your talent or marry someone else?” Slab wanted to know.
 
“She has to wait,” explained Glom. “We were promised to each other at birth and that promise cannot be broken. If I do not find my talent, she will have to stay unmarried forever.”
 
Slab shook his head, but did not speak.
 
“Why did you leave Trollgard?” Glom asked. "If you don't mind me asking."
 
Slab nodded. “I did not want to leave, but the other trolls made me. You see, trolls are fierce, nasty and violent creatures.”
 
Glom drew back. 
“I should have said ‘All the other trolls’ that is,“ said Slab. “I don’t want to go down to the villages at the bottom of the mountain and attack the people and steal their animals. It is not fair. The other trolls said that I was a coward and that there was no room on the mountain for a troll that would not fight.”
 
“I think it was very brave of you to tell them that you would not be as nasty as them,” said Glom.
 
“Perhaps,” said Slab. “But there is more to it than that. My father is the King of the Trolls. He is getting older and turning to stone. That is what happens to trolls when they get really old. One day, he will have gone completely to stone. When that happens, I should be king.” 
“Surely once you are king, you could order the trolls to stop killing and stealing,” said Glom.
 
Slab shook his head. “Before I can be king, I have to prove to the whole tribe that I am brave, fierce and the best warrior.” He gave another big sigh. “The tribe will choose a troll for me to fight. I know who it will be, my cousin, Shale. She is a far better fighter than I am. She will be the next troll ruler and the killing and stealing will be even worse.”
 
“I am sure we can think of something before it comes to that,” soothed Glom.
 
 
“I hope so,” said Slab. “I really hope so.”
 
“Now,” said Glom, “We are not going to find my talent or the way for you to beat Shale sitting by a fire in a wood. We ought to be on our way.”

[Palustris]

Chapter 3.

A Lonely Spirit.

They walked until they reached the end of the woods. Before them stretched a patchwork of fields. In the distance, they could see a village.
 
“We are coming into the place where humans live,” said Slab. “They do not take kindly to creatures like us. They tend to scream ‘Monsters’ and run or find weapons and attack.”
 
“We need to go carefully then,” said Glom. “I have never met one of these humans.”
 
“I have,” said Slab. “I tried to stop my tribe from stealing cattle from them one time, but instead of fighting my brothers, the humans just ran away.”
 
“If they just run away, it is going to make talking to them rather difficult.,” said Glom.

“Tell me about it,” said a voice from behind them.
 
Glom and Slab turned around quickly. At first, they could not see anything, but then a figure stepped out from the shade of a tree where it had been standing. It looked for all the world, just like a tree.
 

A tree-like figure spoke.

“I have been trying to get to know humans for more years than I care to remember, but they just run away," said the figure.
 “I tried to warn them about the trolls, but they would not listen," said Scab.
“Hello,” said Glom. “I am Glom from Nith and this is Slab, a troll prince.”
 
“Hello,” said the figure. "I am Elwood, a tree spirit." It pointed to the woods behind it. “This is my home. The humans come in here and cut wood for their fires.”
 
“”Is that a problem for you?” asked Glom. “Only my mother is a carpenter, and she often goes into the woods in Nith for wood. She would be very upset if she was hurting someone like you.”
 
Elwood shook his head. Several small twigs fell to the ground. “As long as they do not cut down living trees, it is not a problem. The humans here are usually pretty good like that.”
 
Elwood shrugged its shoulders and a few more twigs fell off. “I have tried talking to them when they are collecting firewood, but as soon as I appear, they scream in fright and run away. It is very difficult.”
 
He scratched his head and lost a few more twigs. “They think these woods are haunted now, so they have stopped coming here. I wish they would come back. There are a lot of dead branches just lying around and if there was ever a fire, it would destroy the wood.”
 
“Perhaps you should go down into their village and try talking to them,” said Glom.
“I would really like to do that,” said Elwood. “But I am worried that they might attack me with torches. I do not want to be burned to death.”
 
“Well,” said Glom. “Like it or not, we have got to go to where the humans live.”
 
“Why?” asked Elwood.
 
Glom explained about his need to find a talent and Slab’s need to find a way to become the next Troll King.
 
“You are most welcome to come with us,” said Slab. “We can stop the humans from setting you on fire.”
 
“I think I will,” said Elwood. “Something really does need to be done about the dead wood in here. Also, it would be nice to see if there are any more tree spirits like me. I have lived on my own for as long as I can remember, and that is a very long time.”

The three walked out of the woods onto a narrow stretch of road. They walked in silence until, just around a bend, they came face to face with a gang of men. The men all had their faces covered. They seemed to be taking boxes and packages off a hand cart. Two of the men were holding a struggling female.

 

There were boxes on the road.

 
“What is going on here?” shouted Glom.

The men took one look at Glom, Slab and Elwood and dropped the boxes and fled back along the road. The two who were holding the woman let her go and also fled after their friends.
 
The woman gave a loud squeal and fainted.
 
“I don’t think that they were very nice men," said Elwood. “What do we do now?”
 
“We pick her up and let her lean against you.,” said Glom.

The woman opened her eyes.

The woman opened her eyes and took a deep breath. “Please don’t eat me," she said.
 “Why should we do that?” asked Glom, feeling rather puzzled. “We don’t eat humans.”
 “I don’t eat humans at all,” said Slab.
 
“Nor do I,” added Ellwood.

“The best thing we can do here,” said Glom, "Would be to give the lady a drink of Scooch. That always makes people feel better. It should really be hot, but cold is better than nothing. Anyone got any water?”
 
Slab reached inside his jerkin and brought out a flask. “I always carry some,” he said proudly.
 
“Lend me your helmet again,” said Glom. "It will do as a cup."
 
He took a pinch of Scooch and mixed it with the water. The woman sniffed at the drink.
 
Glom took a sip himself and swallowed. Then he offered the helmet to the woman again. She took a small sip and swallowed. Her eyes opened wide and she took a long drink.
 
“Oooh,” she said. “That is nice. What is it?”
 
“Scooch,” said Glom. “Everyone in Nith drinks it. It is the best thing there is to make you feel better.”
“My name is Glom and this is Slab and you are leaning on Elwood.” Glom smiled.
 
The woman took a deep breath. “I don’t understand why monsters like you are helping me,” she said.
 
"There are no monsters here,” said Glom gently. “And we are helping you because you needed help.”
 
“Sorry,“ said the woman. “It is just that you are all so." She stopped and frowned. She took a deep breath and finished with, “Ugly?”
“I am reckoned to be rather handsome in Nith,” said Glom. “And Slab here is a prince. Elwood is a fine specimen of a tree. It seems a bit harsh to call us ugly.”

The woman blushed. “Sorry," she said. “It was wrong of me.” She sat up. “My name is Peg. Thank you for saving me. Those outlaws were stealing all my things.”
 
“They seem to have left everything behind when they ran away,” said Slab. “We can put them all back on your cart if you like.”
 
“Please,” said Peg who stood up.
 
Once the cart was loaded, Peg looked at her rescuers. “I suppose I ought to go back to my village,” she said. “I heard the outlaws say that when they dealt with me, they were going to attack and burn it down.”
 
“We can’t have that," said Glom. “They ran away when they saw us, perhaps we can save your village. Humans might just look at us differently then.”
 
“As long as we stay away from fire,” said Elwood.
 
“The villagers may find it hard to believe that they are being helped by, well, creatures they think of as monsters," said Peg.
 
“We will just have to prove them wrong then,” said Slab.
 
"And I need to find my special talent,” said Glom.
 
“And I need to find out how to become King of the Trolls,” said Slab.
 
“I need to ask the humans to come and remove all the dead wood from around my trees,” said Ellwood. “And then to find another tree spirit like me.”
 “That’s settled then,” said Peg. She took the handles of her cart and pushed it down the lane.
 When they were in sight of the village, Peg stopped. “This is going to be awkward. When the outlaws attacked me, I was leaving this place forever. I am not sure that the people here are going to welcome me back.”

Peg’s village.

“There is only one way to find out,” said Glom.

[Palustris]

Next chapter is taking a lot of working out so it may take a while.

[Miss Piggin]

I'm enjoying this one!

[Palustris]

Good. Having trouble actually typing as the office is all moved round to let the carpet dry out and the chair is too far from the keyboard to work comfortably.

[hilberry]

It's good, Pal, and worth the struggle. [but don't do your back in again!]

[Nooj]

Hand write for a while as ideas come to you?

[Palustris]

Feb 11, 2024 21:02:48 GMT 1 Nooj said:

Hand write for a while as ideas come to you?

Crikey. I haven't hand written anything since I retired so say 30 years!

[Nooj]

Give it a go!
A pen you like makes a difference....

[Palustris]

Chapter 4.

Fear.

They walked into the village. Before they had gone more than a few yards along the street, a woman came out of one of the cottages.
 
She screamed in fright. “Peg, the witch is back and she has brought monsters with her.”
 
The woman ran back inside and slammed the door. For the next few minutes, all that could be heard was the sound of shouting and doors slamming.
 
“Peg the witch?” asked Glom.
 
Peg shrugged her shoulders. “When my husband died, the head man of the village decided that he wanted to make me his wife. When I turned him down, he accused me of killing my man with witchcraft. He said that I had put a spell on him to make him fall in love with me.”
 
“Oh,” said Glom. “He does not sound like a very nice person.”
 
“He isn't,” agreed Peg. “That is the reason why I was leaving the village.”
 
Just ahead of them, a small boy was sitting on the road. He was in tears. He was clutching a wooden horse.

A small boy was sitting on the road.

 
Glom bent down. “What ever is the matter?” he asked.
 
The child did not speak, he just held up the horse to show that one of its legs was broken.”
 
Ellwood said gently, “May I?” He took the horse from the boy’s hand. He put the broken piece of leg in place and stroked the wood. After a few seconds, he gave the horse back to the boy. “There,” he said. “All mended now.”
 
Sure enough, the leg was back in one piece.

The leg was back in one piece.

 
“How did you do that?” asked Peg in a surprised voice.
 
“Remember, I am a tree spirit,” said Ellwood. “I can do all sorts of things with wood. I just made it remember how it used to be before it got broken.”
 
The boy clasped the horse to his chest and ran off down the street.
 
“At least he did not seem to be terrified of us,” said Slab.
 
They walked on a little further into the village. No one came out to speak to them.
 
Outside one of the cottages, there was a small girl sitting on the step. She was in tears.

The girl was in tears.

 
"Oh, dear,” said Glom. “Whatever is the matter?”
 
Between sobs, the girl said that her mother had run inside to escape the monsters and left her on the step.
 
“Well," said Glom. “We shall just have to hope that the monsters do not find us then. Won’t we?”
 
He knelt down next to her. “No monsters can get you while I am here,” he said.
 
The girl looked up at him and said, “You’ve got big ears.”
 
“So I have,” said Glom. “And I can wiggle them.” He wiggled his ears.
The girl giggled. “You have a big nose too,” she said.
 
“Very big,” said Glom. “Very useful for smelling freshly made cakes.”
 
The girl giggled again. “You’re nice,” she said.
 
The door behind the girl opened and a woman snatched the child and pulled her inside. The door was slammed shut again.
 
From inside came the voice of the girl. “Aw, Mum, he was nice.”
 
“The Meeting house is just along the street here, said Peg. “I’ll bet that is where the Headman and his friends are hiding.”
 
They walked on. Just a little way off the main street, they came upon a group of men standing around a cart. It was easy to see that one of the wheels on the cart had broken. There was a large millstone lying on the road.
 
Slab walked over to the men. “Trouble?” he asked. They did not look around to see who had spoken.
 
“I told them the stone was too heavy for the cart,” said one of the men. “Now we are never going to get this stone up to the mill.”
“Allow me,” said Slab. He pushed past the men and easily picked up the stone. "Now, where do you want this put?” he asked.
 
Most of him was hidden behind the huge millstone. The men did not realise that they were being helped by a troll.
 
“This way,” said one. “We will show you.”
 
They led Slab along the street to the mill. He put the stone down against the wall.

He leant the millstone against a wall.

 
“Thank,” began one of the men, who then realised he was talking to a troll. He and the other men fled inside the mill and slammed the door. 
Meanwhile, Peg, Glom and Ellwood had reached the door of the Meeting House.
 
It was locked. Ellwood stroked the door for a few seconds, until the lock fell to the ground.
 
“Useful,” said Peg.
 
They went inside. As Peg had thought, the Headman and his friends were inside.
 
“Why have you come back?” asked the Headman. “And brought you monster friends with you.”
 
“I came back to warn you," said Peg. “Not that you deserve it, but there are some good people in this village who deserve better than you.”
 
“Warn us about what?” asked one of the other people.
 
“Warn us that she will set her monsters on us if we do not do as she says," snarled the Headman.

“Now,” said Glom. “There is no need to get angry or worried. Why don’t we have a nice mug of Scooch and try to be friends?"
 
He held up his bag of Scooch.
 
"See!" shouted the Headman. “They are going to poison us with their foul brew.”

The angry villagers.

 
“Never mind,Glom," said Peg. “They don’t deserve to be treated nicely.”
 
She turned back to the villagers. “I heard the outlaws saying that they intended to attack the village. My friends here are more than willing to stop and defend you.”
 
The Headman made a rude noise. “Too late,“ he said. “They came just before you and your monsters and we paid them to leave us alone. We don’t need any help from a witch and her tame monsters.”
 
“You paid them to go away?” said Peg. “I always knew you were stupid. How long do you think it will be before they come back asking for more? And when you can no longer pay, what happens then?”
 
The other villagers looked rather worried at that, but the Headman just stamped his foot. “Why don’t you just take your friends and go? We don’t need your sort here.”
 
“We are going,” said Peg.
 
Outside the Meeting House, Slab joined them.
 
“Where have you been?" asked Glom.
 
“They needed help to move a millstone,” said Slab. “So, I carried it up to the mill for them.” He shook his head. “When they realised it was a troll helping them, they hid. The people here deserve everything they get.”
 
“At least two children might think better of us,” said Glom.
 
Peg reached over and touched the muscle on Slab’s arm. “I had not realised just how strong a troll is,” she said.
 
Slab smiled proudly. "Slab is the strongest of all trolls.” Then he gave a sad smile. “Just not the best fighter.”
 
As they were about to leave, one of the village women called to them from the side of a cottage.
 
Peg went across.
 
“We have put some supplies in your cart,” said the woman. “Please don’t blame us for the stupidity of the Headman.”
 
"Thank you,” said Peg. “That is very kind and brave of you. He is a very stupid fellow.”
 
The woman laughed. “Don’t worry, we intend to make his life very, very uncomfortable from now on. Good luck.”
“Where next?” asked Glom. “We still need to find my talent and a friend for Ellwood.”

“My sister lives in the next town,” said Peg. “I was heading there when I was attacked.”

“Lead on then," said Ellwood. “But I hope all humans are not as bad as some of the ones in that village.”

[Palustris]

Not happy with the next chapter, so it may take a while to rewrite it.

[Palustris]

Chapter 5

The Round.

They had not gone that far when they came upon a rather sad sight. There were two wagons at the side of the road. One of them was on its side. There was a small group of people standing around the wagon. The contents of the wagon were scattered across the road.
 
“You look to have a problem,” said Glom to one of the people.
 
“Toil and trouble,” said the man. “Always toil and trouble.”
 
“What happened?“ Peg picked up a hat with a large feather in the brim. She handed it to the man.
 
He took it, looked at it and frowned. He did not speak for a few moments, then he took a deep breath. “Sorry,” he said. “I was a little distracted. You asked what happened. We were attacked by a band of robbers. They seemed to think that we had lots of money. They pushed the wagons off the road and went through our belongings. They got rather annoyed when they found nothing. They rode away when they heard you coming.”

He stood holding the hat.

The other people came over and stood next to the man.
 
“Sorry,” he said. “I was forgetting my manners. I am Bill Tremblance, and these are the members of my theatre group. The Round Theatre This is Hugh.“ One of the men bowed.
 
“This is Kenneth.” The next man also bowed.
 
“This is Richard.” The third man nodded.
 
“Then there is Robin, my son.” Robin waved from behind the wagon.
 
“And last, but certainly not least, my partner, Anne Cando.

 Glom introduced himself and his friends.
 
“Did they steal much from you?” asked Glom.
 
“Nothing at all,” said Bill. “The last place we visited chased us away without giving us time to perform.”
 
“What exactly is a theatre group?” asked Ellwood.
 
“We go from town to town putting on plays, entertainments, whatever,” said Bill. “People come to watch us, and if they like what they have seen, they throw money on the stage. If they don't, they throw vegetables and fruit. Either way, we eat.” He laughed.
 
“These good folk are actors. Hugh. Kenneth, Richard and I play all the different characters in a story. Robin plays the females.”
 
Peg frowned. “I would have thought that Anne would play the female parts.”
 
Bill tutted. “Oh, no,” he said. “Females are never allowed on stage. Anne makes all our costumes. She collects and looks after the money too. But it never ever goes on stage.”
 Slab, in the meantime, had been collecting things from the road. He came over to them, looking very puzzled. He held up a sword. “This is just made of wood painted to look like metal,” he said. “And this dagger is the same.”
 
He pressed the tip of the dagger blade and shook his head when the blade disappeared into the handle.
 
Glom picked up a crown from the road. “And this is just cardboard with sequins glued to it,” he said.
 
“All make believe,” said Bill. “Just make believe. Tricks of the trade.”
 
“Well,” said Slab. “That wagon needs to be turned the right way up, or you won’t be going anywhere in a hurry.”

“We tried,” said Kenneth. ”We are actors, not strongmen.”
 
Slab walked around the wagon. He took a deep breath and pushed with all his strength. The wagon rocked on to its wheels.

 

The wagon was soon upright again.

 
“You really are strong,” said Peg.

 Ellwood and the actors went to examine the gaily decorated wagon.  Peg busied herself with Anne, picking up the scattered belongings.
 
“I am rather puzzled about something,” said Glom to Bill. “Do you mind if I ask a question?”
 
“Ask away,” said Bill.
 
“When we went into the village back there with Peg, the people shouted ‘Monsters’ and ran away in fright, yet you and your friends don’t seem at all bothered about us.”

 Bill looked at Glom and smiled. “With a lot of make-up and a mask, I could make even a handsome chap like Richard over there look far more monstrous than you. Put a mask over Slab’s head and make up to make his skin less green and all people would see is a huge man. Even Ellwood, with a floor-length cloak and a hood, could be taken for an old, very bearded man. So, why should your appearance be a problem for us?”

Ellwood could look like an old man.

He went on. “We are used to looking at characters who do not look the way people expect.”
 
Glom nodded. “So the people in the village were frightened because we look different?”
 
“Yes,” said Bill.
 
Peg and Anne came up. “We have picked everything up,” said Anne. “And the wagon is nearly tidy. I don’t know about you, but I could do with something to eat. Peg tells me that the village women were very generous with supplies, and she is willing to share what they have with us.”
 
Bill laughed. “And we do have some vegetables from one place that we visited.”
 
“We could all do with a cup of Scooch as well,“ said Glom.
 
“Scooch?” asked Anne.
 
Glom explained.
 
Wood was gathered and a fire soon lit. Once the water from a nearby stream boiled, Glom added one pinch of Scooch for each person. After a small sip, the theatre group all drank their drink.
 
“That is delightful,” said Hugh.
 
“You are most welcome to travel with us,” said Anne. “We are heading for the next town, where we are due to put on a play.”
 
“Do join us,” said Bill. “Your handcart can be fastened to the back of the wagon.”
 
The horses were not far away. The wagons were hitched up. It was a bit crowded, but no one seemed to mind.

 

The horses were nearby.

 
They drove until they reached a small woodland. “It is getting dark,” said Bill. “This looks like a good place to stop for the night.”
 
Ellwood jumped down from the wagon. “I will check it out,” he said. He disappeared into the trees.
 
A few minutes later, he came back looking very sad. “There used to be a tree spirit here,” he said, “But it has long since gone.”
 
“I am sorry,” said Glom. “I know you were hoping to find some more of your kind.”
 
“There is a lot more woodland on the road,” said Ellwood. “One can only hope. At least this wood is safe for us. The trees tell me that the outlaws were here earlier on, but they have gone now.”
 
Supper was more of Peg’s supplies and the vegetables thrown at the theatre group.
 
Glom made a mug of Scooch for everyone. They all drank it with great pleasure.
 
“It certainly does make one feel better,” said Bill.
 
Peg was up early the following morning. She thought that it would be nice to wake everyone up with a drink of Scooch.
 
Slab drank his Scooch and licked his lips. “This is not as nice as it usually is,” he said. The others agreed.
“Still nice,” said Ellwood, “But not as good as usual.
 
“I made it exactly the same way as Glom,” protested Peg.
 
“Never mind,” said Glom. “Scooch is Scooch no matter who makes it.”
 
After breakfast on the last of Peg’s supplies, they packed up their sleeping things and set off for the next town.

[Palustris]

Still not really happy with this chapter, but it does contain 2 important things which need to be in the story.
Not enough action for me, too much talking.

[Palustris]

Can anyone think of something heavy that might need lifting or moving in a Farmyard?

[hilberry]

A sick cow.

[Palustris]

Chapter 6.

Acting.

“We will need some more food and stuff before long,” said Peg to Anne.
 
“True,” said Anne, “but paying for it will be a problem.”
 
“I have some money,” said Peg.
 
Anne protested, but Peg told her that the group could pay her back when they had money.
 
They had not travelled very far when they came to a farm.
 
“We might be able to buy some supplies here,” said Peg.
 
“The humans here might be put off by the sight of a Nithling, a troll and a Wood spirit,” pointed out Glom.
 
Bill nodded. “Not to worry, we can disguise you, as I said.”
 
Ellwood was soon cloaked, and indeed, he did look like a heavily bearded old man.
 
Slab was draped in a cloak and the colour of his skin changed with makeup. “There's not a lot I can do about those fangs,” said Anne as she looked at her handiwork. “But knowing people as I do, they will probably not notice them.
 
Kenneth opened a trunk and took out a clown’s costume. Anne gave Glom a clown’s face.
 
She surveyed her handiwork. “Excellent,” she said.
 
 

Slab and Glom were soon disguised.

 
They drove into the farmyard. A woman came out of the house to meet them. “You will have to pardon the mess,” she said. “Some outlaws came through here a short time ago and did a lot of damage. My husband and the farm hands have chased after them.”
 
Peg looked around. “So I can see,” she said. “Perhaps we can help. Ellwood, here is a.” She stopped and thought for a moment. “Woodworker,” she added. “He can do wonders with anything made from wood.”
 
“Well,” said the woman. “They broke down the fence over there. It would be useful to have it mended. One of our cows was in that field. She escaped and is now sitting in the yard over there. She is refusing to move. There is no point making her move until the fence is mended, or she will just walk out again.”
 
“Leave mending the fence to me,” said Ellwood.
 
“We are very short of supplies,” said Peg. “I wonder if we could buy some from you?”
 
“Of course,” said the woman. “I have eggs, cheese, butter and some bread. I was going to take them to market, but you are saving me a trip. Come up to the house.”
As soon as Peg and the woman were out of sight, Ellwood mended the fence.
 
Slab went over to the cow. He picked it up and gently put it down in the field.

Lulu-belle was placed in the field.

 
“That was quick,” said the woman when she came out of the farm house. “And you even had time to put away your tools.”
 
Ellwood grinned and bowed.
 
“Oh,“ said the woman. “You managed to get Lulubelle back in the field as well. Thank-you.”
 
She scratched her head. “I have a nice ham joint in the kitchen. You can have that as payment.”
 
“If you are in town tonight,” said Bill. “We will be putting on a little entertainment in the Red Lion courtyard. Tickets for you and your husband will be free.”
 
With their food packed away, the group set off again for the town.
 
The Red Lion was close to the edge of the town. They stopped in the courtyard. The innkeeper came bustling up. “You are late,” he said. “You were supposed to be here last night.”
 
“Sorry,” said Bill. “We were delayed by a set of robbers.”
 
“Well, you had better get yourselves ready. I have sold a lot of tickets for tonight.”
 
“Toil and trouble, but we will be ready,” said Bill.
 
The landlord went back in.
 
“At least he took no notice of us,” said Glom.
 
“I told you,” said Bill. “People see what they expect to see.”

The Red Lion courtyard.

 
It did not take long for them to turn one of the wagons into a small stage. The canvas top became the back of the stage.
 
When it went dark, torches were lit around the courtyard. People began to arrive. There were no seats, so they stood in the courtyard.
 
The play began when Bill stepped out onto the stage and announced that the evening's performance would be a play. In it, a woman, played by Robin, had remarried after her husband had been lost at sea in a shipwreck. Some time later, the husband, played by Kenneth, was rescued. The wife did not like to tell him that she had remarried, nor did she want to tell her new man, played by Richard, that her old husband had reappeared. The play began.
 
Glom, Ellwood and Peg watched from the back of the courtyard.
 
“I don’t understand this play,” said Glom. “Why do Kenneth and Richard keep hiding in different places on the stage and keep losing their trousers?”
 
“It is meant to be funny,” explained Peg. “If you listen to the audience, you can hear that they understand it.
 
Indeed, the audience was laughing loudly.
 
“I think that the amount of ale the landlord is selling may have something to do with that,” said Ellwood.
 
Anne came over and gave each of them a hat. “Go around the audience,” she said. “While they are laughing and drinking, they will be feeling generous.
 
Each hat already contained a few coins. They made a jingly noise as they were shaken.
 
Slab stayed out of sight. He said that he found the number of humans in the courtyard to be too much for him.
 
The audience was, as Anne had predicted, very generous and the hats were soon well filled.
 
They took them back to the wagon where Slab was hiding.
 
Before they had a chance to hand over the hats to Anne in the wagon three masked figures came from behind the wagon.
 
“You can hand over those to us. This time, you have got money.”
 
“No,” said Glom. “This is our money and you can’t have it.”
 
One of the robbers took out a large knife. “This says we can,” he snarled.
 
Before he could do any more than wave it at them, Slab came from behind the wagon. “I think not,” he said. He brought one huge fist down on the robber’s head. The man collapsed to the ground.
 
The other two swirled around and gasped.
 
Slab picked them up, one in each huge hand and banged them together. The air wooshed out of their lungs. He dropped them and they lay on the ground next to their companion.
 
Anne leapt down from the wagon. “There is some rope at the back. Tie them up.”
 
Peg and Ellwood tied the men to the wheels of the wagon.
 
“There must be a parish constable in this town,” said Peg. “I will see if I can find him.”
 
As luck would have it, the constable was in the audience. He came over. “What have we here?” he asked.
 
Peg explained. “These three tried to rob us. This is the second time as well. They attacked me on the road and they held up the Round Theatre group as well.”
 
The woman from the farm joined them. “These are the men who tried to steal from our farm,” she said.
 
“Bring them to the lock-up,” ordered the constable. “They can stop there until the morning, when the magistrate can deal with them.”

The Lock-up.

 
The constable led the way. Slab marched the men after him. Peg, Glom and Ellwood followed.
 
At the lock-up, one of the men shouted, “It’s not fair. This monster has no right to arrest us. He is not a human, he is a troll.”
 
The three friends held their breath.
 
The constable made a rude noise with his lips. “Don’t be stupid,” he said. “Trolls do not come anywhere near towns like this. They stay up in the mountains. This is just a big, strong man.”
 
He opened the door of the lock-up, and Slab pushed the three would-be robbers in. The door was locked.
 
The three friends breathed a sigh of relief.
 
“Right,” said the constable. “Let’s get back to the play. I was enjoying it.”
 
When the play was over, the crowds slowly dispersed. Soon only the Round Theatre people were in the courtyard.

The landlord came bustling over.

The landlord of the inn came bustling over, rubbing his hands. “That was a very profitable evening,” he said. “If it is as good tomorrow evening, I will be very, very happy. He handed over a purse to Anne. He went back inside the inn.
 
Anne had counted the money. “With what the landlord has given us for putting on a play, we have done really well tonight.” She yawned. “I will sort it out in the morning, but for the moment, I am too tired.” She smiled. “Slab saved us once again,” she said. She leaned down and kissed his cheek. “Thank-you.”

[Palustris]

Worked everything out for Chap 7 last night while awake because of Labyrinthitis and egress demanding cats. Can I remember it now? Can I heck.

[Palustris]

Chapter 7.

Farewells.

Peg got up early the next morning to find that Glom was already around. He had begged for some hot water from the inn kitchen and made Scooch for himself, Slab and Ellwood. He fetched another cup and made some for Peg. “This is really nice, she said. “I wonder why it was not as good when I made it.”
 
Glom did not speak, he just swirled the last bit of Scooch around in the bottom of the cup. Slab and Ellwood were silent too.
 
Peg looked at the three of them. “There is something bothering you, isn't there?” she said.
Glom nodded. He sighed. “We are very grateful for the help you and the Round Theatre people have given us,” he said slowly.
 
“But?” said Peg. “There is always a but, isn’t there?”
 
“There is,” said Glom. “We talked about it last night after you went to bed. We have to go. I have still not found my talent, Ellwood has not found any more tree spirits and Slab finds it very uncomfortable being so close to so many humans.”
 
Ellwood looked up from his Scooch. “I have another problem too,” he said. “I have not eaten since I left my little wood and I am getting very hungry.”
“But there has been plenty of food around,” protested Peg.
 
“Human, Nithling and troll food, yes, but I cannot eat it and I do not eat like you do,” said Ellwood.
 
Peg frowned. “Sorry, but I don’t understand.”
 
"Remember, I am a tree spirit. I eat like trees do. I need to get my roots down into good, rich soil. There are too many cobbles and stones here for me,” said Ellwood.
 
Slab finished his Scooch. “There are not enough stones here for me,” he said. “Trolls are creatures of rocky places. I miss the mountains.”
 
“So you intend to leave then?” Peg asked.
 
All three nodded.
 
“Well,” said Peg. “I had better pack my things and get ready then.”
 
Glom was puzzled. “You intend to come with us? I thought that you were happy with the Round Theatre folks.”
 
“I am, said Peg. “But you saved me from the robbers. And I don’t think you three would get very far on your own. Ellwood might be able to put his roots down anywhere, but you two will need to buy food. For that, you need money unless you intend to steal it.”
 
Glom shook his head. “Nithlings do not steal,” he said.
 
“Good,” said Peg. “You would soon find yourselves in trouble. It would not be long before people were out looking for food-stealing monsters. So I am coming with you, and there are no arguments.
 
“Oh,” said a voice from behind her. Richard had arrived unseen by any of them. “I thought that you had decided to stop with us.”
 
“I have to go,” said Peg.
 
Richard looked down at the ground and drew a circle in the dust with the point of his shoe. “I had hoped that we, you and I that is, could, well, become more than just friends,” he said. 

Richard looked sad.

Then, in a rush, he added. “You see, Bill has Anne. Robin is too young to worry about things like that. Kenneth and Hugh have each other, but I have no one.” He began to turn away.
Peg reached out and grabbed his arm. “Once I have finished helping these three, I promise I will return. I really do want to be part of the Round Theatre group.” She laughed. “You never know, I might just become the first woman to go on the stage.”
 
Richard smiled. “Stranger things have happened.”
 
Ann handed over a purse full of money. Peg protested that it was too much, but Ann said that they had earned it.
 
Peg packed some clothes in a backpack. She bought some food from the innkeeper and the four set off.

Peg packed a backpack and filled a hamper.

 
“I had a good look at a map in the inn and the mountains are off to the west of here. If we follow this road, it should take us there,” she said.
They walked in silence, each busy with their own thoughts. Ellwood looked increasingly weak.
 
By midday, though, they had reached a small wooded area off to the side of the road. Ellwood heaved a sigh of relief. He stood under a tree and in a few moments, he could no longer be distinguished from the trees in the wood.

Ellwood disappeared.

Glom, Slab and Peg sat down in the shade and had a picnic lunch. Glom made a cold drink of Scooch.
 
After an hour, a much healthier-looking Ellwood stepped out from under the tree where he had been standing.
 
“That’s better,” he said. “I needed that. I am good now for a few more days.” He looked around at the little wood. “There are no tree spirits in here. Sad, it is a lovely place.”
 
“The map showed that we have to go through the Great Forest,” said Peg. “Perhaps there will be tree spirits in there.”
 
“I hope so,” said Ellwood.
 
It was getting dark by the time they reached the forest.
 
Once inside, Ellwood stopped them. “Whatever you do, don’t break any branches, don’t leave the road and above all, do not light a fire.”
 
“Why?” asked Glom.
 
“We are surrounded by tree spirits,” said Ellwood. “And they are not feeling friendly. They want to know why I have brought a monster into the forest and why I am covered up.”
He removed the cloak and handed it to Peg.
 
“Nithlings do not damage trees,” protested Glom.
 
“Nor do trolls,” said Slab.
 
“The monster here is Peg,” said Ellwood.
 
“Me!” Peg protested.
 
“You,” said Ellwood. “To the tree spirits, human beings are the monsters.”
 
“Why?” Peg asked.
Ellwood explained. “Humans are the things that bring axes, saws and fire into the forest. They cut down trees and kill tree spirits, so to the beings that live here, humans are the enemy.”

Axes,saws and fire.

Peg nodded. “Can you explain to them that I am not a monster?” Peg asked.
 
Ellwood made a noise like the wind blowing through trees. “They will take my word for it,” he said.
 
There was a rustling from the side of the road, and a tree spirit stepped out. It looked almost exactly the same as Ellwood.

A tree spirit stepped out of the trees.

“Hello,” it said. “I am Elidor. “I am to guide you through the forest and to make sure that you do no harm.”
“It is getting a bit dark for travelling,” said Glom. “Would the tree spirits mind if we camped here until morning?”
 
“As long as you do not make fire or cut wood, you may sleep here.” said Elidor.
 
The travellers ate some of their supplies. Peg made a cup of cold Scooch. It was pleasant enough, but as before, it was not as nice as when Glom made it.
 
There was a patch of dried bracken a little way off the road, so they used it to make beds and soon fell asleep.
 
Peg woke up in the night. Ellwood and Elidor were nowhere to be seen. There was, however, that same sound of the wind in the trees all around them.
 
After a cold cup of Scooch and a small breakfast, they began the trek out of the forest. Elidor and Ellwood joined them.
 
Elidor led them along the road and out of the forest. “The mountains!” exclaimed Slab. “I can see the mountains.”
 
Ellwood seemed full of excitement. “Elidor knows the way from the end of the forest back to my own little wood. We are going to go there together.”
“You are not coming with us into Trollgard, then?” asked Slab.
 
“No,” said Ellwood. “My little wood needs me and Elidor’s wood was burned down by humans. There is room among my trees for both of us.”

“Will you be safe?” asked Glom.

“We should be,” replied Ellwood. “We are going through the forest.”

He chuckled. “You have to remember that I am a tree spirit and no-one ever sees a tree spirit unless that spirit wishes to be seen.. You cannot see them, but we have a lot of friends around us even now.”

He turned to Peg. “It has been a pleasure to walk with a human who is not a monster. You will always be welcome in my little wood. Now we really must be going.”

It was a tearful goodbye. Ellwood and Elidor walked off towards the north while Peg, Glom and Slab carried on towards the west and into the mountains.

[Palustris]

Had to make a few alterations to some of the early bits to fit in with the ending of the story.

[peonymad]

Will have to read it all through again.

[Palustris]

Trouble is that one cannot edit things from the original posting. Don't want to say what the changes are as it would possibly spoil the ending.

[Miss Piggin]

I can edit posts as administrator Pal, so if you want me to alter them just let me know. Although, do bear in mind that I am off to Anglesey on Saturday for a couple of weeks.

[Palustris]

As I said I don't want to alter the beginning at the moment as it might give away the ending. Once the story is finished, then maybe.
Next chapter is once again proving a bit difficult. Too much talking and not enough action.
Need to think of something that might happen as they are climbing up into the mountains to Trollgard.

[Palustris]

Chapter 8

Trollgard.

“Ellwood was right about the disguises,” said Slab. “I don’t need to hide any more.” He took off the cloak. He lifted up a large rock and put the cloak underneath it. “No one will find it there,” he said.
 
“You are right,” agreed Glom. “I don’t need to hide now either. As we are going into Troll Country, I can look like a Nithling once again.” He took off his clown costume.
 
“This belongs to The Theatre Group,” said Peg. “I have better take it back to them.” She carefully folded it up and put it in her backpack.
 
There was a small stream nearby, so Glom washed the make-up off as best he could. “That’s better," he said.
 
“It is nice to see my own face once again, instead of that horrible, silly human grin.”
 
He looked up and said, “Sorry, Peg, that was rude of me.”
 
Peg smiled. “Clown’s smiles are not the way humans usually look.”
 

Glom washed the make-up away.

 
There was no obvious path leading into the mountains, but Slab seemed to know his way, so Glom and Peg followed him. As they walked on, there were more rocks to scramble over.
“Slow down,” called Peg. “We are not as used to climbing in and out of rocks as you are.”
 
“Sorry,” said Slab. “This is my home and I forget.” He grinned. “You will be the first ever human to come into Trollgard.”
 
“And the first ever Nithling,” said Glom with a smile.
 
“That might be a bit of a problem,” said Slab. Slowly. “I had forgotten about the guardian.”
 
“Guardian?” asked Peg.
Slab scratched his head. “There is supposed to be a monster up here. It only lets trolls go any nearer to Trollgard.”
 
“What does it look like?” asked Glom, looking around nervously.
 
Slab shuffled his feet. “That is the problem,” he said. “It does not appear to trolls, so I have never seen it. Nor has any other troll. Since no one other than trolls has ever been to Trollgard, no one has ever been able to say what it looks like or what it does. It may only be a story. It may not exist at all.”
 
“So, there may or may not be a monster in the rocks around here,” said Peg. “And it may, or may not, leap out if we go any further up the mountain?”
 
Slab nodded. “And if it does, I may not be able to see it to help you with it.”
 
“There is only one way to find out,” said Glom. He walked a few paces along the path.
 
With a heart-stopping scream, a creature leapt out onto the path ahead of Glom.
 
He stepped back.
  

The creature leapt out in front of Glom.

 
“Only trolls may go further,” it said. However, it made no effort to attack Glom. It just stood in his way.
 
“Is it there?” asked Slab. “Only I cannot see it or hear it.”
 
“Definitely there,” said Peg. “It is right in front of Glom.”
 
Glom moved to his left. The creature moved so that it was still in front of him.
 
“Only trolls may go further,” it said.
 
“Has it got any weapons?” asked Slab. “Like a club or a sword?”
 
“No,” said Glom. “It has very sharp-looking teeth and claws.”
 
“If I could see it, I could help,” said Slab.
 
“I have an idea,” said Peg. “She took the cloak that Ellwood had given her out of her backpack. “If I throw this over the guardian, you should be able to see where it is,” she said. “You will have to be quick, it will throw it off.”
 
“I don’t want to hurt it,” said Slab. “It is only doing what it is supposed to do.”
 
“I wonder,” said Glom. “Let me try something.”
 
He took the cloak and threw it over the guardian. Then, before it could pull the cloak off, Glom nipped past it and into the rocks behind it.
 
The guardian ripped off the cloak. “Only trolls may go further,” it said. But it did not turn around to look at Glom, even when he walked along the path for a few paces.
 
“Slab, pick up the cloak,” ordered Peg. “The guardian won’t do anything to you.”
 
Slab did as he was told. He handed the cloak to Peg. She threw it over the guardian and quickly skipped past while it fought with the cloth.
 
The guardian threw the cloth to the ground. It did not turn around to look at Peg and Glom on the path behind it.
 
Slab picked up the cloak and walked past the guardian. It ignored him.
 
“I wish I could have seen it,” said Slab.
 
“Only trolls may go further,” said the guardian before it disappeared again.
Slab climbed past his friends and carried on up the path.
 
He clambered over a large rock. Peg climbed up behind him. Suddenly, Slab stood still. Peg walked into the back of him.
 
“Whoops,” she said. “Sorry about that.”
 
“Shhh!” ordered Slab. He cupped his ear with his hand. For a minute, he stood absolutely still. Then he sat down and put his head in his hands.
 
“What’s the matter?” asked Glom.
 
“The troll drums,” said Slab. “Can’t you hear the troll drums?”
 
Glom and Peg listened carefully.
 
“Sorry,” said Peg. “I hear nothing but the wind.”
 
“There is a very faint sound behind the wind,” said Glom slowly. “Is that what you mean?”
 
Slab nodded. “The drums are only sounded when the troll king dies. My father has gone back to the stone from where he came.”
 
“I am so sorry,” said Glom.
 
“Me too,” said Peg.

 

The troll drums.

Slab sighed. “Now I really do have to go home. Like it or not, I will have to fight Shale.”
 
“I did not know that you had to fight to become King of the Trolls,” said Peg.
 
Slab nodded. “Trolls need a fierce king, or they don’t do as they are told. A new king has to show that he can beat any other troll in a fight. Then, they will respect him and obey.
 
“So if this Shale wins, then he becomes king?” Peg asked.
 
Slab shook his head and gave a half-smile. “Shale will become Queen.”
 
“You mean that the best fighter is a female troll?” said Glom.
 
Slab nodded.
 
“So what happens to the loser?” Peg asked.
 
“Fight is to the death,” said Slab. He heaved a great, big sigh. "But there is no choice. If I don’t go back, they will come looking for me and drag me back.”
 
“Then you will have to make sure that you win,” said Glom.
 
“I don’t want to kill Shale,” said Slab. “She is the most beautiful troll there is.”

Shale was a female troll.

“Well, we cannot stand here talking about it,” said Peg firmly. “Lead the way to Trollgard.”
 
After some more scrabbling over boulders and climbing up steep slopes, they came to a large rock. Someone had carved the centre of it into a skull.
 
“This is Tollgard,” said Slab. “You may want to cover your ears for the moment.”
 
Puzzled Glom and Peg put their hands over their ears. Slab bent down and put his mouth to a hole in the back of the skull. He spoke. The noise was deafening. It was too loud for them to make out the actual words.
 
“What was that all about?” asked Peg when the echoes died away.
 
“I told all Tolls that Slab, son of Schist, is here and that I claim the kingship of Trollgard,” said Slab. “The skull stone makes sounds louder. All the trolls will have heard me.”

The skull shaped rock.

“Now we wait for the elders to come and take us into Trollgard.

[Palustris]

Chapter 9.

Endings and Beginnings.

They did not have long to wait before three trolls arrived. They did not look very friendly.

The troll elders.

“Why have you brought strangers into Trollgard?” snarled one of them. ! Strangers are not welcome here, especially humans.”
 
Slab reached across and grabbed the troll who had spoken. With seemingly no difficulty, Slab lifted the troll off the ground and held him over his head. “These are my friends, Peg the witch and Glom of Nith. They will be treated as honoured guests. Understood?” Slab said.
 
The other two troll elders stepped back from Slab. “It will be as you say,” they said.
 
“Good,“ said Slab and he dropped the one that he was holding to the floor. The troll stood up and dusted himself off. “It will be as you say,” he said.
 
“Then lead the way,” said Slab.
 
The elders turned and walked off. Slab, Peg and Glom followed a little way behind.
 
“Did you have to treat him like that?” asked Glom.
 
Slab nodded. “Trolls only understand strength,” he said.
 
“And Peg the witch?” asked Peg.
“Trolls know about witches,” said Slab. “They will be careful around you, just in case.”
 
The troll village was in a wide valley at the bottom of the mountain. The elders led them to the largest hut.

Trollgard.

“You may use your father’s house until the contest,” said one of the elders.
 
“Where is everyone?” whispered Peg.
 “Hiding,” said Slab. “They will come out when they think it is safe.”
 
He hesitated. “There is a small problem here, though.”
 
“There always is,“ said Peg.
 
Slab shuffled his feet. “Males and females who are not mated do not share a house,” he said. “Glom can come into my father’s old house, but not you.”
 
“A problem indeed,“ said Peg.
 
However, before anything else could be said, a huge female troll arrived.
 
“Elders say I must welcome you into my home,” she said. “I am Shale. You come now and we talk.”
 
Peg looked at Slab, who nodded. “Go with Shale,” he said. “She is a good troll.”
 
Peg followed Shale into one of the homes. She plucked at the front of her dress. “I am not really dressed for visiting,” she said. “Walking through forests and climbing mountains does tend to leave one rather travel-stained.”
 
“Hot bath and wash clothes,” said Shale. “You follow me.”
 
She led Peg out of the back of the house and into a cave. To Peg’s astonishment, inside the cave, it was not dark. All over the walls, there were little pinpricks of light.
 
Peg exclaimed in delight. Shale  said. “Trolls know how to light caves with mushrooms.” She scraped a bit of the wall and showed Peg how her hand was not covered in little glowing blobs.
 
They continued deeper into the cave and found a pool that was lit up by a shaft of light coming from a gap in the roof.

There was a pool in the cave.

“Leave your clothes on that rock there,” ordered Shale. “They will be washed for you.”
 
Peg did as she was told, feeling rather foolish to be standing in a cave without any clothes on.
 
“Pool is hot water,” said Shale. “It gets hotter the further into the cave it goes. Trolls can take heat, but your skin looks too soft, so stay at this end.”
 
Gingerly, Peg walked into the water. Shale was right, the water at this end was just right. She sat down. “This is lovely,” she said.
 
“We talk now,“ said Shale. “Why did Slab bring you here?”
 
Peg explained how Slab had saved her from robbers and how he had helped the theatre group. “I came with him because I was going to Nith with Glom and Slab was taking us there until he heard about his father.
 
“”You have a mate?” asked Shale.
 
“I did,” said Peg sadly.

“How you meet?” asked Shale.
 
“We grew up together. He lived in the next house to me. One day, he asked my father if he could marry me. My parents were very happy with him, so we got married. He was a good man. Then one day he came home from work and went to bed as usual. He fell asleep and never woke up.”
 
“Sad,” said Shale. “You take another mate?”
 
“Maybe,” said Peg.
 
Shale splashed some water on her face, then took a deep breath. “Did Slab say anything about me?” she asked.
 
“He said that you were the most beautiful troll of all,” said Peg with a laugh. I think he likes you. In fact, I think he likes you a lot.”
 “I like him a lot too,” said Shale.
 
“That is a shame,“ said Peg. “You both like each other a lot, and one of you has to fight and kill the other.”
 
“Where you get ‘kill’ from?” asked Shale in a very surprised voice.
 
“That’s what Slab said. He thinks you are going to kill him.”

“Slab stupid male. He not listen to lessons on toll law. He more keen on pushing rocks than learning. Trolls are not allowed to kill other trolls,“ said Shale.
“But you have to fight him,” protested Peg. “And those clubs you use could do even Slab a great deal of harm.”
 
“No weapons allowed in this fight,” said Shale. “It not that kind of fight. It trial of strength.”
 
Peg nodded. “I see. So what happens to the loser?”
 
“Nothing," said Shale. “The winner becomes ruler and loser goes back to being an ordinary troll.” She sighed. I not want to be queen of trolls like that.”
 
“Could you not deliberately lose?” asked Peg.
 
Shale shook her head. “All trolls watch fight. Soon see if I cheat.”
 
“Does Slab know this?” asked Peg.
 
“Elders will explain. Said Shale. “Now we get dry and have something to eat. Clothes will be washed and dried now.”

Peg did not like to ask how her clothes had been dealt with. She dressed and they went back to Shale’s home. There was a lovely smell coming from a pot of stew.
“Rabbit,” said Shale with a grin. “Not human.”

At daybreak, Shale was collected from her house. Peg followed her and the elders.
 
There was an open, flat space in the middle of the village. For the first time, Peg saw just how many trolls there were.
 
Glom and Slab arrived a few seconds later. Peg went over to him. “Do you know what is going to happen?” she asked.
 
Glom nodded. “The idea is to lift the other person off the ground and throw them down as hard as possible. They keep doing that until one of them can no longer stand up.”
 
“Shale does not really want to win,” said Peg. “But she has to do her best.”
 
“This is all to prove that the winner is fit to be the ruler,” said Glom.
 
An elder blew a bugle and the contest began.

An elder blew a bugle.

 
Slab seemed to be taken by surprise by the sound of the bugle. Shale picked him up and slammed him into the ground. The whole village shook. The female trolls cheered.
Glom blew through his closed lips, but he said nothing.
 
Slab leapt to his feet. This time, he lifted Shale into the air and threw her to the ground. The male trolls cheered.
 
Peg turned to Glom. “He is scared of hurting her,” she said. “He will lose unless he changes.”
 
The contest continued. Each one picking up and throwing the other to the ground. Neither of them seemed to be suffering too much, though.

The elder blew the bugle again and the wrestlers stopped.
 
Shale’s troll lady friends rushed across to give her a drink and a towel.
 
“I have an idea,” said Glom. Quickly, he added two pinches of Scooch to a mug of water. He took it over to Slab, who drank it. Immediately, his head went up and he looked better.
 
The bugle sounded again and the contest began again. This time, Slab was the first to attack. He picked up Shale and hammered her to the ground.
 
When she stood up, Slab grabbed her again and lifted her high above his head. She hit the ground with a thud that made the roof tiles on the nearest building jump.
 
Shale climbed back to her feet, but it took a great deal of effort to do it.
 
She did manage to take hold of Slab, but she struggled to lift him.
 
He wriggled from her grip and picked her up. This time, the sound of her landing was even louder than the previous one.
 
She managed to get up on one knee, but then slowly toppled over and lay on her side.
 
There was silence for a moment. Slab stepped over to the fallen Shale. Gently, he picked her up. Then, in a very loud voice, he shouted. “I am Slab, the son of Schist and the rightful ruler of Trollgard. I claim Shale as my mate.”
 
He glared around. “If anyone challenges my claim, speak now.”
 
There was no sound from the gathered trolls. One of the elders who had led Slab, Peg and Glom into the village stood up. He walked over to Glom. He went down on one knee in front of him and bowed his head. Then, the whole tribe knelt.
 
A week had passed, and Peg was relaxing in the steaming pool, surrounded by troll women. She shook her head and spoke to no one in particular. “What on earth am I doing sitting in a troll bath with no clothes on?”
 
She stood up. As usual, she was handed a towel. Her clothes were where she had left them, now washed and dried as usual. She left the cave and walked through the houses to Slab’s home.
 
Glom was sitting on the front step with his head in his hands.
He looked up when Peg stood over him. “Who would have thought that trolls of all people would be so good at having a party? How long has it been going on now?”
 
“A week,” said Peg. “I don’t think I can take any more of it.”
 
Glom nodded. Then he took a deep breath. “I have to go home,” he said. “Seeing Slab and Shale has made me realise how much I miss my home, my parents and most of all, Blip. I left to find my talent, but if I haven’t got one, then so be it. Even if we can't marry, I can still talk to Blip at home.
 
Then he shook his Scooch bag. “And worst of all,” he added with a grin. “I have run out of Scooch. I had a very weak drink this morning by washing out the bag.”
 
“That is terrible,” said Peg. “I think it is time we were on our way.”
 
“You don’t have to come with me,” said Glom.
 
“I think I do,” said Peg. “I really think I do.”
 
“We cannot just sneak off without saying anything,” said Glom. “I hope we can get some sense out of these very drunken trolls.”
 
A few hours later, Peg and Glom led a procession of trolls to the edge of Trollgard. They stopped by a small wood.
 
Glom smiled. “This is where it all began,” he said. “Slab was sitting in this wood when I first met him.”
 
Goodbyes were said and Glom led Peg along the road and into Nith.
 
Glom’s parents were overjoyed to see him. They made Peg welcome. They were disappointed when he sighed and told them that he had not found his talent.
 
Before Glom could go and call on Blip, the Nithling Law Givers arrived.
 
“No talent, no marriage,” one of them said. “We are very sorry, but that is the law.”
 
“Don’t be in too much of a hurry to decide,” said Peg. “I have an idea, but I would like to do a little experiment first just to prove it to myself and to you.”
 
She took Glom and his mother into their house. After a few minutes, she came out and invited the Law Givers in.
 
On a low table, she had put three identical cups and saucers.

Three cups of Scooch on the table.

 
 
“I want each of you in turn to taste each of these cups of Scooch,” said Peg.
 
Puzzled, the Law Givers did as they were asked.
 
"Now," said Peg. “One at a time, please whisper to me which one tastes the best.”
 
“Why do we have to whisper?” asked one of the Law Givers.
 
“That way, no one knows which one the others have chosen,” said Peg.
 
The Law Givers did as she asked.
 
She went over to the table and picked up the first cup. She turned the saucer upside down. On the bottom of it, she had written ‘Peg.’
 
“This is the one I made. No one chose this one.”
 
She picked up the second cup and turned over the saucer. On that, she had written ‘Mother’. This is the one Glom’s mother made. No one chose that either.”
 
Finally, she picked up the third cup and turned over the saucer. On this one was the name ‘Glom’.
 
“Glom made this one and everyone chose it as being the best tasting.”
 
One of the Law Givers nodded. “I always thought that Scooch was Scooch, but the stuff in that cup was magnificent.”
 
The others nodded their agreement.
 
“Then. I know exactly what Glom’s talent is,” said Peg triumphantly. “He makes Scooch taste better than anyone else. And if that is not an important talent to have, then I do not know what is.”
 
The Law Givers crowded around Glom and patted him on the back in congratulations. “You have a wonderful talent and your marriage to Blip may go ahead immediately.”
 
A few days later, Peg was sitting outside Glom's and his new wife's house when a familiar, brightly painted wagon pulled up.

A gaily painted wagon drew up.

 
Anne Cando climbed down. “It has taken some doing to find you,” she said. “I have someone here who is desperate to see you.”
Richard came from the back of the wagon. “I hope you don’t mind,” he said. “But I really wanted to see you again.”
 
Peg smiled. “I don’t mind in the least."

[Palustris]

Comments most wecome.

[Miss Piggin]

There was no sound from the gathered trolls. One of the elders who had led Slab, Peg and Glom into the village stood up. He walked over to Glom. He went down on one knee in front of him and bowed his head. Then, the whole tribe knelt.

Should that say: He walked over to Slab. He went down on one knee in front of him and bowed his head. Then, the whole tribe knelt.

I really enjoyed this story Pal, but I'd have liked the last chapter to be a little longer. It seems to end a bit suddenly after they leave Trollgard.

I thought Glom's talent was going to be diplomacy!