The Medicine Dancer

Chapter 2 - First name TROLL, Surname NARCISSIST

The minute Gladys returns to the backyard, she wastes no time unhitching Lahmoo. No sooner as they stop the cart, does she see the lanterns being lit from the waking Troll.

"Oh shit!" Gladys exclaims.

Lahmoo shakes his head in shame. "You don't LOOK any different. Although, I do see you move easier and a bit faster. Do you know how to help him heal you ?"

"Yes, but we're out of food. That means Troll must go to town. It takes him hours, he's always haggling to talk the cost down. Is there any way you can take me back tonight while Troll is gone ? Just give him about an hour to leave. Can you come back then, please ?" She implored.

"Certainly beloved Gahdiss." Lahmoo gently licks the side of her face, and walks away.

Troll emerges from the bed chambers, and emits a loud and menacing roarrrrrrrr. As Gladys tip-toes onto the porch, the door slams wide open.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN, AND WHERE . . .IS  . . . MY . . . MEALLLLL ?!!!" He bellows angrily.

"I was just outside, and...and the cupboard is bare", she stammers. "There's nothing growing even in the yard to pick for food."

Troll roars again. This time directing his energy at her and draining her of what comfort Bahbah Lao had given her earlier, making her body stiff and sore again.

"I'll go to town for more food. You WILL accompany me!"

Gladys crumples down and begins weeping uncontrollably on the floor.

"Very well, see if I care. Stay here and clean. Make sure you start in here so that when I return, there is ample space for new stock." He said on his way out, slamming the door.

Gladys exhales a sigh of relief. She slowly climbs onto her feet and begins to tidy up the kitchen. After about thirty minutes of cleaning, she hears a scraping sound coming from the outside of the shack. It's Lahmoo, signaling her to come out.

"Um, what the HELL was THAT ?! He caught you out, I guess." He said sadly. "I nearly pissed myself running away from here, when I heard him halfway down the road."

She hitches him back up to the cart and places a badly cracked and warped guitar inside, then climbs in herself.

"Okay, let's go." She says. "Please take your time. He'll be gone for hours."

So Lahmoo takes his time, allowing them both to drink in the lovely evening beauty of the countryside. The rising fullness of the moon, illuminating the dark forest. The fireflies bouncing and swirling in the air, as the crickets are gently stringing their night concerto.

They notice Bahbah Lao's cottage is brightly lit, for he's having friends over for supper this evening.

"Oh, I hope we're not interrupting anything." Gladys moans.

"Don't worry, just give him what he needs to heal you. There need not be a big fuss over it." Lahmoo says.

She climbs out of the cart and carries the mangled guitar with her.

"What's that for ? I hope it's not for payment." Lahmoo exclaims.

"No, you'll see." she says without turning, as she walks up and nervously raps at the door.

She hears music playing, and lots of laughing and chatter inside. Bahbah Lao opens the door, and smiles brightly with squinting eyes at her.

"Why there is a Goddess at my door! Hello, hello again. Please come in, I have enough food and space for more guests." He says.