The Horns of Kern
Time had gone by quickly when he looked out the window. The sun was still shining brightly. It was time to head to the market house, so he pulled on his winter wear and strolled out into the day. Gertrude found himself taking some back alley ways and streets that he hadn’t been down in a while, and arrived at the market to find two horses tied up to the fence. He walked up the short flight of stairs and opened the door. To his amazement, Octavius and Norman were sitting up on the small stage where the podium had been set up. Gertrude finally spied his mother talking to three other committee members.
Gillion was over talking to another committee member that didn’t look familiar. He broke away from his conversation and walked to the podium and grasped a large wooden gavel. “This emergency meeting shall come to order!” He hit the gavel sharply on its sounding board. ‘Wham...! Wham...! Wham...!’ Everyone stopped his or her conversation and scurried to their respective places according to their seniority on the committee. Gillion smiled and leaned back to whisper something to King Octavius.
“My fellow committee members and honored guests..”. He turned and gestured toward the king and princess. “I have called this emergency session of the committee for three reasons: The first - to place nominations for two new committee members. Do I hear a motion to have names for nominees taken?” Gillion looked around the large room. “I recognize committee member Wellbane. You have the floor.”
Wellbane was a short, heavyset troll with a bright red beard, laced with grey. “I would like to place in nomination Angeline of the Oak for the position of committee member.
Gillion nodded. “Is there a second to that nomination?” From in back of the crowd, Gillion heard a second. “Very well, the name of Angeline of the Oak has been ratified as a nominee. Do I hear a nominee for the second open position of committee member?” Once again, Gillion looked around the large room. “I recognize Keenan of the Shallows.”
Keenan was a younger member of the committee. She was well liked. “I would like to place in nomination Toddy of Great Heights.”
Gillion nodded again. “Do I hear a second for the nomination of Toddy of Great Heights?”
Gertrude wanted to raise his hand, however, he was not a member of the committee. He watched and listened intently. From the front row where the most senior members sat came a second to the motion.
Gillion smiled broadly. “The name of Toddy of Great Heights has been ratified as a nominee. Will the nominees please come forward to the podium?” Angeline and Toddy walked swiftly to the front of the warehouse up onto the small stage.
“All in favor of these two fine trolls filling the vacant committee seats signify your approval with a loud ‘aye’.” A chorus of voices responded ‘aye’.
Gillion walked to their side and announced, “ I give to you our new members, Toddy of Great Heights and Angeline of the Shallows.” A loud applause erupted from the audience.
Gertrude stood up, clapping, and started singing the Troll Honor Song. Every troll in the great structure rose to their feet and raised their arms. Octavius and Norman rose out of respect. The din from the multitude of voices seemed to shake the rafters.
“Honor above glory, honor above life, we shall all be bound by this moment, this honorable moment in our lives. He who tests our honor shall feel our wrath for we are trolls of honor, honor, honor till our bodies draw their last breaths.” Three verses were sung and then everyone cheered and hooted.
Toddy and Angeline both looked out over the crowd nervously, and were a little confused. “I thought we had a choice of accepting or declining the nomination, Gillion?” Toddy remarked.
Gillion smiled at Toddy and Angeline. “You are only temporary members. You have a chance to vacate the position in another month. Until that time you are full members.” Both young trolls looked flushed and surprised. “You can leave the stage now.” Gillion picked up the gavel once more. ‘Wham...! Wham...! Wham...!’ “Order please, order please!”
Winifred stood up. “May I have the podium please, Grand Troll Gillion?”
“I recognize Winifred of Tinker Hollow. You may have the podium.”
Winifred made her way up to the stage. She bowed her head before Octavius and Norman. “Grand Troll Gillion, committee members and honored guests: We have always strived to create a governing body that would be respected by all.” She paused for a moment to let the applause die down then smiled broadly. “It is through our hard work that we stand united today. Many of the older members may recall a time when another grand troll wanted to include humans in our council. We did not see that idea come to fruition. Tonight I put before the committee to nominate and receive our honored guests, King Octavius and Princess Norman, as honorary members of this governing body. They will be privileged to receive invitations to all meetings. They shall have a voice in each and every meeting. The only limitation they shall have as honorary members is the right to vote. I request a nomination from the members to have King Octavius and his daughter, Princess Norman, inducted as honorary members of this council.” Applause erupted in the hall. Winifred smiled and left the stage.
Gillion walked over and once again used the gavel. “Please come to order.”
‘Wham...! Wham...! Wham...!’ Gillion turned and smiled at Octavius and Norman, then turned back around and the members slowly fell quiet once more. “We have a motion before us for King Octavius and his daughter, Norman, to be brought in as honorary members of our governing committee. Who will second the motion? I recognize Pipkin of the Cliffs.”
“I second the motion.” Pipkin said
“We have a motion and it has been seconded. All of ye against the motion say ‘nay’. It was quiet, and everyone turned to look at their fellow trolls. “All of ye who are in favor say ‘aye’.”
“Aye...! Aye!” The whole assembly applauded the vote. Gillion turned and walked over to the king and princess. “Welcome, new members!” He shook their hands and brought them forward on the stage.
No one had noticed the small, darkly cloaked, hooded individual enter the building by a corner door. He set an arrow free from the string of his drawn bow. The arrow whizzed through the air. It found a mark on the podium and hit with a ‘thwack!’ Another arrow followed, missing its mark and stuck in the floorboards of the stage. Pandemonium reigned as they searched for the attacker.
Gertrude saw the first arrow hit the podium. The perpetrator was in the opposite corner. He took the nearest exit, running as fast as he could toward the other corner, seeing the darkly cloaked figure running from the building. “Halt, you scoundrel! Face me as a courageous troll! Do not run from me like vermin running from a hungry cat!” The figure hesitated for a moment as if Gertrude’s words had hit their mark.
Gertrude lunged at the other troll, grasping the cloak of the villain in his left hand, then with his right hand getting a firm hold on more of the cape. With the cloak held tight, Gertrude tried to struggle to his feet without letting go and looked up just as the figure untied his cape to flee, revealing his identity, Gertrude was shocked at who he saw. The old troll broke away and ran into the woods.
‘Toggart! It was Toggart!’ Gertrude regained his footing and started running after the old troll. Losing sight of him somewhere in the streets of the village, he walked back
to the market building, being met by members of the committee. Gertrude handed the cape to Gillion. “It was Toggart…” He walked inside to warm himself.
The whole room was abuzz with chattering. Gillion was once again up at the podium, and he called the meeting to order for the second time. “My fellow members order, order!” The gavel slammed down with a deafening ‘Wham...!’ The room quieted down. All eyes were upon Gillion. “We have just been attacked by Toggart!”
King Octavius walked up to Gillion and tapped him on the shoulder. “Who is this ‘Toggart’ fellow?”
Gillion looked at the king. “You did not know our last Grand Troll? He was voted out of office, and swore his revenge on all of the committee me
mbers responsible for it. It seems that he is making good on his word.”
Gillion turned back to the other members who were whispering among themselves. “Order!” The room quieted quickly. “Our next line of business is to ask the two candidates for Grand Troll if they wish to accept or decline the nomination bestowed on them. Will Wixor of the White cliffs and Gertrude of Tinker Hollow come forward.” The whole market house erupted in applause and cheers as Gertrude and Wixor made their way to the podium. Once both of the nominees were there, Gillion turned to them. “Wixor of the White Cliffs, do you accept the nomination by this committee to become Grand Troll?”
Wixor cleared his voice. He looked around at all of the familiar faces and smiled. “My fellow members, I was humbled and honored when you nominated me for the illustrious, powerful position Of Grand Troll. We endured years of decay and dishonor under the previous leadership of Toggart. I would like to see our society grow and prosper. Under the right leadership, I know this is possible. Therefore with all due respect, after much consideration, I am declining the nomination…”
There was a moment of silence. One by one, the members of the committee came to their feet and gave Wixor a standing ovation. Gillion smiled. He understood why Wixor had declined the position. They had been friends since they were hoppers and shared many a night talking over a hot cup of blog or a tankard of boo-boo juice. Wixor had never married because he had been in love with the same doe as his friend. Gillion had won the doe’s heart. Even after Wixor had married his dear Aggie, the friendship endured. When Aggie died during childbirth, Wixor was at his side, grieving right along with him. He shook his head to clear the memories.
“Wham...! Wham...! Wham...!’ The gavel sounded to bring order once again. The room was hushed. “Gertrude of Tinker Hollow, do you accept the nomination by this committee to become head troll?”
Gertrude walked up to the podium but, unlike Wixor, he did not smile. He scanned the committee members, and his gaze fell upon his mother who was beaming with pride. Gertrude was positive that if the room were dark, his mother would glow. There were so many familiar faces.
“Grand Troll Gillion, Your Royal Highnesses, committee members, I was humbled and honored also, that all of you would even grant me the privilege of being nominated for the highest position in our beloved village. I have not taken the nomination lightly. We are at a turning point in our history, as we have all witnessed here today. For the first time since the keeping of records, we have accepted humans into our governing board.” Applause erupted, and all of the members were again on their feet.
Gertrude continued. “We are also entering troubled times, as everyone here is aware. There is an unknown scourge that is trying to destroy our way of life. These villains think we can be bullied to do their will. We must join as one - humans and trolls - to rid ourselves of the parasites that are trying to suck our lifeblood from us! Together, anything is possible. Therefore, I Gertrude of Tinker Hollow, swear on the honor of my family and my own honor that if I am elected by all …” Gertrude raised his arms.
The rest of his words were never heard as the market house thundered with applause, hoots and whistles. Winifred was surrounded by well-wishers.
A chant broke out, “Gertrude! Gertrude! Gertrude!” The noise was almost deafening. Everyone was celebrating. Gertrude bent over to shake hands with the members nearest to the stage.
‘Wham...! Wham...! Wham...!’ the gavel once again summoned the room to order. Gillion smiled and raised his arms. “Fellow members, Gertrude of Tinker Hollow has accepted the nomination for Grand Troll. Is there anyone present who wishes to challenge him for the position?”
From the side of the hall came a hollow voice. “I challenge Gertrude for the position of Grand Troll.” The air filled with boos and hisses. Some members of the committee stood up to see who would challenge Gertrude. As the figure walked up towards the stage, the booing continued. Not ‘til Gillion raised his arms for silence did the jeering stop.
“Your past seems to have caught up with you, Hopper.” Gillion leered at the youth.
Gertrude walked over to the small figure. “Hello, cousin...” He noticed burn scars on Meade’s hand and could make out bandages under the cuff of his shirt. “Didn’t your Mother teach you not to play with fire?”
Meade backed away from Gertrude.” I have the right to challenge you for the position, if I so wish. I also have grand ideas for our village.”
Gertrude could not help himself. He tried to hold back his tongue. “I am surprised that your weasley little brain could form an idea. Are these your ideas or are they Toggart’s?” Gertrude saw the nervous twitch in his cousin’s left eye. He watched as Meade stumbled for an answer.
“You think you are more superior than me, cousin, however, you are wrong. I will prove it during the challenge.” Meade puffed out his chest as if to make himself appear larger and stronger.
Gertrude walked over to the podium. “My cousin, Meade, has challenged me for the position of Grand Troll of Awll. I do hereby accept the challenge. As written in the book of rules, it is within my right to create the challenge since I am the one who is being challenged.” Gertrude surveyed the faces of the committee members and then the face of his cousin, Meade.
Meade was turning pale. Apparently he had not read the rules and bylaws of the committee. He shifted nervously on his feet. Meade seemed to be getting more pale by the second.
Gertrude smiled. He knew that Meade was never asked or forced to do any physical labor around the house and knew that any physical task requiring strength would be his downfall.
“Illustrious committee members, I have chosen a task. It is a task of strength, alone. Each of us shall have to split a full face cord of wood within a half day’s time.” Just as Gertrude finished speaking, he heard a thud on the floor next to him. Meade had turned a pasty, light olive-green color and had collapsed on the stage. Gertrude smiled. He knew his cousins well.
Goodly, the apothecary, saw Meade fall and rushed up onto the stage. He opened his satchel of herbs and remedies, digging deep into the bottom of the bag, withdrawing a red pouch. He opened it and spirited out a pinch of a black, powdery substance. With a deep breath, goodly blew the powder into Meade’s face.
“Ah-choo…Ah-choo...Ah-ah-------------choo!” Meade jumped up from where he had fallen and found himself in a sneezing fit. “Ah-choo!” His eyes were watering, and, with every breath he let go another sneeze.
Goodly packed up his bag and started to leave the stage.
Gertrude stopped him. “Will my cousin be all right?”
Goodly smiled. “Your cousin hasn’t been any type of right since he was born! Don’t worry, he will stop sneezing in a couple of hours and then a deep sleep will come over him.” As Goodly stepped down the stairs the whole room started clapping. Everyone was laughing at Meade’s plight.
Meade brought forth more laughter when he went to the podium. “AHCHOO... I want to ah-ah-choo! withdraw my ah-choo! ah-choo! challenge ah-ah-ah-choo!” He stepped down off the platform with Gillion’s assistance and walked around the outside edge of the room, sneezing the whole way. Nobody could tell if the return of color in his face was from the sneezing or from the embarrassment of the day. He hastily exited out the main door emitting the loudest sneeze yet. “Ahhhhhhhhh-chooooo!” It was said in stories later that it was that final sneeze that slammed the door shut.
Gillion walked back at the podium. Tears were running down his cheeks from laughing so hard. He raised his arms to silence the rest of the committee members, but in vain. He picked up the gavel and gave it three rapid hits on the sounding board. Things quieted down quickly.
“Fellow members, we must return to the matters at hand.” His gaze panned the room. “Meade has withdrawn his challenge to Gertrude of Tinker Hollow’s nomination as Grand Frog Troll. We must now cast our votes. Each member shall be called upon separately and it will be marked in the meeting journal.” Gillion saw a hand go up in th
e back of the room. He couldn’t quite make out who it was to recognize him or her to have the floor. “I waive my right to the floor so that the member in the back may have it. Who is it that I have given the floor to? Would you please come forward?”
The burly figure walked down the middle aisle.” I am Knotts of the Old Trees…” He had an opened copy of the rules and bylaws in his hands. Knotts mounted the stage, nodded to Octavius, Norman and Gillian.
“Fellow members, as stated in the bylaws, since this was declared an emergency meeting, all members must vote for our new Grand Frog Troll. It also clearly states in subsection four, paragraph five: ‘If a motion is set forth before the committee to have a hand vote for Grand Frog Troll and there is no challenge recognized for that position,. a hand vote is permissible’. Grand frog troll Gillion, I, Knotts, do so put forth a motion on the floor, for a hand vote to be taken for the election of Gertrude of Tinker Hollow to the position of Grand Frog Troll.”
Gillion smiled and turned to the committee. “Do I hear a second for a hand vote?” A sea of hands went up and a smile grew upon Gillion’s face. “I recognize Peter of the Running Water.”
The younger member of the committee shouted, “I second the motion.!”
“All those not in favor of a hand vote, please raise your hand.” Gillion looked all around the room to check for raised hands. None could be found. “Those in favor of a hand vote raise your hand.” Gillion chuckled as he saw a sea of hands go up in the air.
“Very well, the motion has been carried and we will now vote by hand for the election of Gertrude of Tinker Hollow as Grand Frog Troll of Awll.” Applause broke out and the members started cheering and stomping their feet. Gillion, Octavius, and Norman joined in the noise-making. Gertrude could only smile and watch. He never realized how well-respected he was in the community, and it almost seemed overwhelming.
Gillion picked up the gavel and hit it hard on the sounding board. ‘WHAAAM!’ The gavel’s handle broke under the force of his swing and another round of noise followed. He put his fingers in his mouth and gave a very shrill whistle. A second whistle was required for peace to envelop the crowd. “Members…!” He turned to Octavius and Norman. “If you think the shouting and stomping was loud, just wait.” Gillion raised his arms.
“Fellow members, we will now vote ‘aye’ or ‘nay’ by a show of hands for the election of Gertrude of Tinker Hollow as Grand Frog Troll of Awll. All members not in favor of electing Gertrude Of Tinker Hollow as Grand Frog Troll, please raise your hand now.” Gillion watched as everyone surveyed the crowd. “I see no raised ha…” The whole committee started clapping and stomping their feet once again. Gillion only let it go on for a brief moment when he let forth with another shrill whistle. Much to his surprise, everyone quieted down.
“By a show of hands, all those in favor of electing Gertrude of Tinker Hollow as Grand Frog Troll of Awll, please raise your hands now.” A sea of hands exploded into the air along with shouts of jubilation, the crescendo of noise reaching a deafening roar. Gillion tried to talk to Octavius and Norman, but found it impossible. He could only smile and give in to the celebration.
The noise started to die down after fifteen or twenty minutes. Gillion took hold of Gertrude’s hand . With the other hand he let go with another whistle. Quiet crept through the market house. Gillion smiled. “The vote is unanimously in favor! I present to you, fellow members of the council, Gertrude of Tinker Hollow the Grand Frog Troll o…” Gillion was drowned out by another round of raucous noise.
Gertrude found himself surrounded by well-wishers, shaking hand after hand. Every once in a while he would receive an over-exuberant, rib-crushing hug. He truly was astonished by the amount of support he was receiving from everyone.
Gillion let go another whistle. Right now he wished he had another gavel. After the third whistle, things had calmed down enough for him to take the podium once again. “May I have order, please? Order, please!” Gillion watched as the members walked back to their seats. “Fellow committee members, I do believe that we have to swear in our new Grand Frog Troll. So, without further delay, may I please have Winifred of Tinker Hollow come up to the stage.” With applause echoing through the room, Winifred made her way to the front and up onto the stage. She stopped and whispered something into Gillion’s ear and went over and hugged her son.
Gillion cleared his throat. “It has been requested by Winifred of Tinker Hollow that her friend Derry of the Lowlands join her in this proud moment.” Derry had her hand over her mouth and was crying as she made her way. The applause was thunderous. She climbed up on the stage and hugged Winifred, then gave a big hug to Gertrude. Gillion looked out on the sea of smiling faces. He then gazed over at a large frog troll standing to the side of the stage. “May we have the mighty Book of Kern, please?” The frog troll lifted the huge book, and two more frog trolls put their hands upon it as it was carried up on stage.
This book was the frog trolls’ ‘book of life’. The great and powerful Kern had left it for the prosperity of all frog troll kind. This one book was bound in fine leather and adorned with the finest gems. The lettering was done in fine gold with filigreed flowers and vines adorning the cover. This book was the same book that Gertrude’s father had taken his oath on.
Gillion had the book set upon a tall pedestal. He looked back at Octavius and Norman. He then took the podium. “I ask permission from all members to allow our two new honorary members to be allowed to participate in our swearing in ceremony. How say you all?” Applause erupted throughout the market house with shouts of “Aye!” echoing above the applause. “Will King Octavius and Princess Norman please join us.” Octavius and Norman both looked stunned and honored to be included. They arose and walked the short distance to where the others were standing.
Gillion directed where everyone was to stand. Gertrude stood in back of the Great Book, facing the members. His mother and Derry stood on either side of Gertrude with the king and princess beside Winifred. Gillion took up the position next to Derry.
“Please put your right hand upon the Great Book.” Gillion looked out on the rest of the room. “Fellow members, please assume your positions as to seniority in this committee and form the union chain.” Gillion and the others watched as all the members went to the outside edges of the room and laced their arms together. The two senior frog trolls closest to the stage came up the steps and entwined their arms with Princess Norman and Gillion. Gillion looked around with a broad smile. The old frog troll surveyed the room to make sure everything was in order. The room was quiet enough to hear the winter wind whistling around the building.
“Let us begin the swearing in ceremony. Gertrude of Tinker Hollow, this is a grand moment in your life and the life of this community. Take heed that your hand rests upon the great ‘Book of Kern’. Do you, Gertrude of Tinker Hollow, solemnly swear to uphold and defend the laws and bylaws of this village? Do you promise to rule with honesty and compassion? Will you promise to guide the community through good times and in bad? Finally, on your honor and your family’s honor, will you defend our rights and laws to your death?”
Gertrude looked quickly around. Winifred, Derry and Norman were all crying. He smiled. “I do and I will. I give my solemn word.”
With arms still joined, they once again sang the ‘Frog Troll Honor Song’. After the song was complete, everyone cheered and shook hands. Gillion took to the podium a few minutes later. “Will everyone please take their seats.” He waited ‘til all of the members had settled down. “I give you our illustrious Grand Frog Troll, Gertrude of Tinker Hollow!” Everyone was on their feet, clapping and cheering once again.
Gertrude smiled as he surveyed the celebrating members. He raised his arms for quiet, keeping his arms raised and slowly order was restored on the floor. “Grand Frog Troll Gillion, King Octavius, Princess Norman and distinguished members of this committee, I want to thank each and every one of you for your support. As all of you know, we are in serious
times. As you witnessed today, there are evil forces lurking in the shadows. I believe that these forces - some known and some unknown - are planning to sever our ties with the humans.”
“Today, here at the meeting, we were attacked by a dishonorable frog troll who has aligned himself with the people or frog trolls that wish us ill. I believe that neither the frog trolls nor the humans can fight these forces individually. Our only chance to undermine and defeat these vermin is by remaining united. We must learn who this enemy is and why they wish us ill. I promise that I will do my best to lead us to a better, more secure future. We have taken the first step towards this unity by accepting our king and the princess as honorary members.”
The whole room shook with applause and some committee members rose to their feet. Gertrude raised his hands once again to bring order. The clapping and cheering slowly faded.
“We must learn to trust the words of our new members as they should learn to trust our word. We must stay united, for the loss would be great. I fear that our very freedom will be in jeopardy should we try to go through this difficult time alone.” Gertrude turned to Octavius and Norman. “I am privileged to call King Octavius and Princess Norman my friends. I hold that friendship in my heart and will forever treasure it. Thank you again for your support.” The applause was deafening, and the rafters in the market house shook so hard as to dislodge the dust sitting on them.
Winifred walked up to her son. “I am so proud of you. I know if your father were here, that he would probably pop all of the buttons on his shirt.” Her tears ran freely. She motioned for Derry to come over.
Derry’s face was tear-stained. A broad smile lit up her face. “Congratulations, Grand Frog Troll Gertrude!” She choked back more tears and hugged him. Gertrude looked over toward Octavius and Norman. Gillion was pouring them mugs of boo-boo juice. Other committee members were shaking their hands and patting each of them on the back.
Soon everyone had a mug of boo-boo juice in their hands. The toasting and drinking went on for quite a while. The market house started to empty slowly. As the sun set, the last committee member not up on stage left. Octavius, Norman, Gillion, Winifred, Derry and Gertrude were the last to leave. Octavius leaned over toward Gertrude. “Congratulations, once again, Gertrude. I will let you know when the commons meet, as I want you to see how we run that part of our government.”
Norman was quiet. She held onto her father’s arm to steady herself. She had only taken a few sips of the potent boo-boo juice, but she was feeling its effects.
The six of them went around and extinguished the lit candles. They all walked out into the cold winter’s night together. Gertrude closed the door of the market house and a chapter of his life. ‘Goodnights’ were said and everyone headed for the comfort of their homes.
This committee meeting would be talked about for generations to come, embellished more and more with each generation.
Chapter Ten