The Horns of Kern

  *

  Norman arrived back at the castle and was met at the steps by Andre and a squad of soldiers. She could tell that there was a problem. “Andre, what is wrong? What is happening?”

  “I am sorry, Princess. I do not have time to talk to you at this moment. There is trouble stirring to the north of the troll village.” He turned and ordered his men to mount their horses. The commander then mounted his. Off they sped into the fading light.

  Norman ran up the stairs and into the great hall where she found her mother sitting by the fire, doing her stitchery. “Mother! What is all the commotion about? Where is Father?”

  Queen Emmaline jumped with fright. “Ahhhhhhhh!” Her stichery flew into the air and she knocked a glass of wine onto the floor. She turned around, holding her hand over her heart. “Why must you do that child? You have scared ten years off of my life. If you scare me like that again, surely I will end up in my grave soon!. What have you been up to, Daughter?”

  “I have been down in the garden, talking briefly with Gertrude’s mother, Winifred. She didn’t stay long as she had to finish her work. She was collecting rose nectar.” Norman sat down next to her mother. “You look worried, Mother. What is happening?”

  “There have been reports from the people that there are trolls plundering and pillaging again. This time it is north of the troll village.” Emmaline looked at her daughter. “I believe your father has gone off to look for your friend, Gertrude. He seems to think that Gertrude knows who is responsible for all of this misery and mayhem. Do you think Gertrude knows who is doing this?”

  Norman looked thoughtfully at her mother. “No, I do not think he knows. However, Gertrude seems to be a smart troll and I am sure he has his suspicions of who is responsible.” Norman stood up and walked over to the north window and gazed out into the night. “Mother, come look at this!”

  The queen walked over beside Norman and let out a gasp. The sky to the north of the troll village was glowing orange and red. “Who would do something like this?!”