Scorn and Devotion

Chapter 7

Warnings - injury, arguing, panic

I moved over to Timothée whose eyes were locked on me, concern laced in his every movement.

"Take the girls and ride back to the castle," I mumbled. "He won't be able to chase the horses, if this goes badly, you all will be safe."

"No way in Hell I'm leaving you here alone," he retorted immediately.

"Timothée please, I can't guarantee I'll win."

"Stop," he gripped my arms. "You will, I won't let you die here."

"It isn't really up to you, is it?" I tried to joke, but he was not appreciating the humor.

"Please, let me stay, I'll send the girls home. What if you win but you can't make it back?" He demanded.

"Fine, do whatever you want," I rolled my eyes.

"I am growing impatient!" The Troll rumbled.

"I'm ready," I called out.

I stood ten feet from the Troll. I lifted my sword and took my stance. The Troll raised his gargantuan arms and flexed his muscles.

"Start!" Roared the Troll, and he lunged at me. Thankfully, he was too large to be fast. I moved out of the way just in time. I spun around and tried to stab the sword into his stomach. but I tripped over a rock. I scrambled to my feet just in time to miss being shredded by the Troll's claws.

"You are good, girly," The Troll laughed. I made my move and stabbed him in the arm. The Troll only grunted. I'd barely pierced his skin. His thick hide would be hard to puncture.

Just then the Troll disappeared. I gasped. I had forgotten that Trolls could become transparent for small periods of time. That must have been how he'd snuck up on us despite his size.

"Where am I?" The Troll laughed. I listened to the sound of his voice and slashed out in that general area.

I hit nothing, but the next second I was lying flat on my back, and I felt something incredibly sharp pierce my side. The troll reappeared, his claws dripping in my blood.

"Y/n!" I heard Timothée shout in concern. I knew not to look, never let your guard down in a fight. However, the Troll looked and growled in frustration when he saw that the girls had snuck off on their horses.

I took my opportunity and plunged my sword into the large belly of the Troll. He roared and slashed out with his club-like hands. I was knocked off my feet and thrown into a tree.

I hit my head and began to see stars. I felt sick as I tried to get to my feet. I didn't see the Troll, but I saw Timothée pale with fear.

"This isn't fair," I gasped. "You can't keep turning invisible."

Something hard slammed into my face and I was on the ground again. I was spitting blood as I got to my feet. I saw the Troll reappear.

"But I love to play with my food," the Troll smirked.

I screamed in frustration. I rushed at the Troll and slashed at him in quick succession. Finally, I was landing blows. The Troll actually looked scared for the first time. I spun and slashed him through the stomach and this time, blood welled in the wound.

I felt the Troll's claws clip me again, but the adrenaline coursing through my veins meant I didn't feel it. My arms were burning from the energy I was exerting.

"You don't actually think you can win, do you? I see your exhaustion."

I ignored him. His slow movement meant that for now, I could evade him, but if I tired much more, I would surely get hit eventually.