The Troll War

Chapter 29 - Inside the Great Hall

Leaf watched as Prince Charred spiraled towards death. Until more leeches arrived, he was helpless, he was tormented by his inability to do anything. Eric paced, and King Potts watched as his son grew pale.

Suddenly, a thought came to Leaf. It wasn't an enjoyable thought, but it was something he could do. He quickly hurried to Charred, but Charred was quick enough to reach out and grab Leaf by the neck. He squeezed Leaf's neck as hard as he could, this was the elf who had spoiled his plans for dominance, and he hated Leaf most of all. If he could choke the elf to death, then he could die with some peace.

Eric and King Potts rushed to Leaf's defense and pried Charred's fingers from around Leaf's neck. Without another thought, Leaf quickly said, "Hold his arms down, neither of us is going to like this." He then took a deep breath, exhaled, and put his mouth to Charred's wound and started sucking. He couldn't wait for more leeches, the poison had to come out, and it had to come out now. So, he sucked out some blood and spit it on the white marble floor. He wasn't getting as much out of the Prince as he wanted. Without thinking he drew his knife and started to press the knife point into the wound.

Potts and Eric both screamed, "LEAF DON'T!", thinking Leaf was about to take the Prince's life.

A bit irritated, "I need a larger wound to be able to suck more poison out." He repeated the sucking several more times, then a guard arrived with some leeches. They were quickly added to the wound, and Leaf relaxed a bit. "Blood tastes terrible. Hope more leeches arrive so I don't have to suck anymore."

Eric was proud of his son for thinking of the idea to suck the blood himself, and for continuing even though the taste of blood was terrible. King Potts was very impressed with Leaf, here was a young elf doing his best to save a troll who wanted to kill the elf. It is one thing to aid a friend in a desperate situation, but it is something else entirely to aid someone who wants to kill you. Yes, Leaf was an excellent ... superior even ... young elf and healer.

Fortunately, more leeches soon arrived, and it looked like Leaf's blood-sucking duties were over. At least that's what he hoped. Leaf placed leeches on the bite, then went to a chair to sit and watch the leeches die and fall away. The King and Eric walked over to Leaf, "You did well son", Eric said.

"Thanks. I'm glad you two were able to keep him from choking me to death.", said with a grin.

King Potts smiled at Leaf, "I suppose you'll want him to have mushroom stew for a few days."

"He won't like it, but needs it to help build up his strength."

The King chuckled, "I wasn't fond of it at first, but after a couple of days the taste grew on me, and now, on occasion, I have the kitchen make me some. It's very warming during the cold season."

There was a pause in the conversation, then King Potts exclaimed, "Where are my manners? Are either of you hungry or want something to drink?"

Eric was first to respond, "Yes, your Highness, a sandwich and beverage would be nice, since I had just started to eat when you called me away."

The King then to Leaf, "And you, young healer, want anything?"

"Sandwich and beverage would be refreshing, especially the drink. I want to get the taste of blood out of my mouth."

"I'll take care of it personally", and the King practically trotted out of the hall towards the kitchen.

Eric looked at his son intently, "Are you alright?"

"I guess, why?"

"Did you swallow any of the blood you sucked out?"

"Some, why? Do I look different?"