The Horns of Kern
Meanwhile, in an old farmhouse just a short distance from the castle, Lemerich was pacing the floor. He had received his orders and was suppose to carry them out when the signal was passed. All of the preparations were in place. The prince’s plan was working out perfectly so far. Lemerich turned around when he heard a familiar shuffling noise. He raised his eyebrows when he saw another troll with Toggart. “Did I not tell you that no one else was to know of this place?”
Toggart cowered, staring down toward the floor. “I am sorry, but Twiggs here has news concerning the ball. I felt it was too important to put off, seeing that the ball takes place tonight.”
“He does? What type of news do you have for me, troll?” Lemerich leered at the small figure.
Twiggs warily stared up at the menacing man before him. “I have found out that King Octavius has stationed one of his battalions in a different place in his kingdom. He has placed them south of the Troll Village of Awll.”
“How did you come upon this piece of knowledge?” Lemerich’s eyes were mere slits and his tongue seemed to hiss. He was suspicious of Twiggs. “You say your name is ‘Twiggs’? Is your father not the Grand Troll of the troll village in the kingdom of Wellscot?”
Twiggs stood a little taller. “Yes sir, I am Twiggs. You are correct that my father is Grand Troll.”
“Do tell…” As quickly as a snake striking its quarry, Lemerich grabbed Twiggs by his clothing and yanked him off of his feet. He dangled the troll in front of him. “If you are telling me an untruth, I will see to it that your family will meet with an unfortunate accident. Do you understand me, you wretched piece of green slime?!” . Twiggs nodded his understanding. Lemerich dropped him unceremoniously and the troll landed with a thud. He quickly got to his feet, not looking the least bit shaken by his treatment. Twiggs glanced quickly over to where Toggart had been standing. He wasn’t there. The cowardly troll had slithered away toward the door.
Twiggs smiled quickly as he didn’t want to give himself away. Lemerich was going to reap his just reward and Toggart, too. If only he could find out what prince was giving the orders. He must be very careful. He knew that this human was no fool.
Lemerich had poured himself some wine and was once again pacing the floor. “Well, troll, you have bestowed upon me some interesting information. You have given me something to ponder.” Lemerich once again went over and stopped in front of Twiggs and stood there looking at him without making a sound. “Hmmph! You have an unreadable face; that troubles me. Do you not fear me, troll?”
Twiggs looked sternly at Lemerich. “I do not fear you, only the things that I know you are capable of doing…”
Lemerich paused in his pacing as if he were trying to digest what Twiggs had said. He looked toward the back at the room where Toggart had cowered, away from him. “Toggart, come closer as I want to ask you a question.”
Toggart glanced to either side of him as if to see if Lemerich was really talking to him. He walked hesitantly forward until he was beside Twiggs. “What do you wish to know, Lemerich?”
Lemerich leered at Toggart. He stood there staring at the old troll for a while, perhaps choosing his words or thinking how much he hated working with the cowardly troll. He looked over to Twiggs who was standing calmly in one spot, then back at Toggart who was shifting back and forth nervously. “Are you sure everything is in place for this evening? I do not want anything to go wrong. All of the royal families except the House of Bythesea will be there. Some of the soldiers in the ranks of their armies were quite greedy. It never ceases to amaze me how the promise of wealth and power can corrupt a person’s or troll’s morals. Well, Toggart, is everything ready?!”
Toggart gazed at Lemerich, despising him because he knew how this evil human really felt about him. Fear kept his dislike quiet. “Everything is in place, Lemerich. There are guards even in Octavius’ troops that have traded the king’s trust for the promise of gold.”
“Very good! I know the prince will be very happy. All of the royals will be imprisoned in the dungeons except for Princess Norman. He has plans for her. He intends to marry the princess, whether she is willing or not. The prince is positive that she will see things his way.” Lemerich glanced over at Twiggs who was standing quietly, looking straight ahead. “Young troll, does this not bother you, what our conversation is about?”
Twiggs looked at Lemerich with an expressionless face. “Yes, it bothers me, but I can not do anything about the situation. I do your bidding out of fear for the safety of my family and my village.”
“Do you also do the bidding of King Octavius?” Lemerich thought he noticed a muscle twitch in Twiggs’ neck.
“How can I do the king’s bidding when I am doing yours? I do not have the magical powers to pop in and out of Octavius’ castle at will. Besides, I would be naïve to betray you and risk the lives of my family.” Twiggs looked straight at Lemerich and hoped with all his might that this putrid human would mistake his lie for the truth.
Twiggs had met Gertrude on countless occasions to pass and receive information. Each time, Gertrude had disguised himself as a very old traveling apothecary. Toggart had even met him once and had not recognized him.
Lemerich looked at Twiggs for a long time. Lemerich was a crafty man. He knew that Twiggs’ allegiance was with his village and king, so why did the young troll mention Octavius? Something odd, he thought. “Toggart, I want you to go to your planned destination and carry out the prince’s orders. I have a different place for you, young troll. Guards! Take this creature to a room and lock him in it. Make sure that it is a room with no windows.” Lemerich watched as they removed Twiggs from the room. The troll did not utter one word. Lemerich reached for his coat. When he lifted it, an envelope fell out. It was an invitation to the ball. He smiled as he picked it up. Yes, indeed, he really was going to have a ball tonight…