The Troll War

Chapter 27 - On the Road

The cold season was hard upon Charred and his men. Heavy wind, rain, sleet, and snow were practically daily occurrences. His men were cold and hungry, food supplies were at a minimum, and hunters had trouble finding game or anything editable. Except for a handful, most of the bats had returned home, just as many of the trolls also abandoned the march. It had been several suns since Tea had escaped, and the fire of revenge was the only thing keeping the Prince moving.

Because of the intense weather, Charred had to take more breaks for the men to rest, which irritated him greatly. He often thought, "These trolls are weak, and incompetent, I wonder how they will hold up under the pressure of our attack?" But his dwindling troops was all he had, and he would make do with that.

Charred really wasn't aware that most of the bats had left, and was completely ignorant of the loss of the trolls in the rear. All he had thoughts of was revenge. Revenge on his father, his sister, that blasted interfering elf that saved Potts life.

A little after mid-sun he ordered his troops to make camp. "We'll make camp here, it will be a short walk to my castle next sun. So, relax, eat, and get some rest, for next sun we fight!" Few were encouraged by his words. Except for a handful of loyal trolls, most wanted to go home and be away from the insane Prince. But even his most loyal were tired of his rantings, insults, and pushing them so hard. They were his elite guards, but his slaying of two of their group when Tea vanished left a lot of concern and fear over what he might do next if he were to be upset again.

But the sun was nearing the horizon, and they needed rest, so some quick shelters were made, they ate what little food they had left, and slept. Tomorrow would-be war.

Most slept deep and hard, mainly out of sheer exhaustion. Some were so tired that the howling wind didn't disturb them. Some wished the cold would take the ultimate toll, and let them close their eyes for the last time. But no such luck.

When the sun came up over the horizon, the sky was clear, the harsh winds had descended to a very light breeze, and other than the very cold temperature it wasn't a very bad sun. Charred was overjoyed by the new sun, and considered it an omen of victory. As he approached the castle, and was certainly within range of the archers on the wall, he took several steps forward from his guards, and started to call on his father to surrender and avoid all the bloodshed that would ensue if he didn't.

As he started to call, "King Potts, dear father, come and talk peace with me. There is no need for killing, (pause), unless killing is what you want." At that moment an elderly bat came running up to Charred, "Your highness, I have news and must talk to you privately."

"Tell me here bat, I am waiting for my feeble father to make an appearance, and if he has any brains, to surrender."

"Sire, it really should be done privately, I ..." He was cut off by Charred, "NO! You tell me here and now, or leave. I have important business to discuss with my father."

"Yes, your highness." The bat leaned in as if to whisper into the Prince's ear, but there was no whisper. His teeth sank deep into Charred's neck, letting the poison enter the Prince's system. Charred's eyes were wild, he turned and drew his sword, but the bat ran and ran hard. Charred turned and pointed to the bats retreat, "Get Him!" he yelled, and then sank to the ground.  Poison taking hold.  Dying. The old bat's venom was still very potent.

His guards did not rush after the bat, instead they rushed to the Prince, picked him up, and called to the guards on the wall, "The prince has been bitten by a bat, please take him in and let your healer heal him. We have no quarrel with you or the King, but hate to see the Prince die in such a way."

By this time the King had arrived, "Lay him down there and then back away, we will not tolerate any treachery." Then a number of guards came out, and were heavily protected by archers on the wall as well as beside them. Scooping him up they quickly retreated into the castle. Always with arrows trained on Charred's trolls.

Word spread quickly that Charred had been attacked, and that elevated the spirits of all those who were still with him. It was still early, and while a handful of trolls simply headed for home, others begged admittance to the castle for shelter and food. They were told to abandon their weapons and they could come in, and so, very weary, but much more relieved, the trolls dropped their weapons and headed in. Each was carefully searched, but none brought a weapon.

Charred was taken inside and Eric the Healer was summoned. He remembered how Leaf had treated King Potts and his bat bite, so he summoned someone to get as many leeches as they could find; and he asked that Leaf be brought to the castle since he had more experience in healing a bat bite.

Charred was under exceptionally heavy guard, harder than anyone could remember. He was laid on a table in the great hall, with two dozen guards surrounding him, ready for any possible attack from the Prince, or from his supporters outside.

As the leeches arrived, Eric placed them on the wound just as his son had done, but he knew that what they brought would not be enough, so he asked three guards to take containers and gather as many leeches as possible. When they came back, he requested more. The leeches were dying faster than Eric remembered them dying on King Potts, but then much sun had passed by the time he had arrived at Gauldarn's castle. Still, he hoped Leaf would arrive soon.

Gabby flew as fast as she could, and while flying sent a message to Leaf, "Sir Leaf, your father needs your assistance immediately. Please meet me in the courtyard."

Worried that something had happened to his father, Leaf and Korb came rushing out of the castle as Gabby landed. Gabby got down so the pair could climb onto her neck, then immediately stood, and started back to Potts' castle.

Leaf, obviously concerned about his father, asked, "Is my father injured? What is happening? Please, not so fast, we're having trouble staying on."

Gabby replied, "Oh, sorry, (as she slowed down), Prince Charred was bitten by a bat, and has been taken into the castle to be healed. Your father is tending to him, but desires your expertise and guidance in the healing process.

"I'm sure my father can handle a bat bite, I don't understand why he needs me."

"Has he ever healed a bat bite?"

"I don't think so, he's never mentioned it."

"You have young elf. You have healed a bat bite, as well as been healed of a bat bite. You have more experience that most healers when it comes to treating a bat bite. You, Sir Leaf, are the best one for this. So, help your father, heal the Prince, and then allow the King to decide his ultimate fate. A healer is dedicated to healing, be it friend or foe." And with that, Gabby touched down in the courtyard.

A guard came running, "Sir Leaf, please come with me!"