𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐃𝐈𝐀𝐍 𝐎𝐅 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐋𝐋𝐇𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒 [𝐣𝐢𝐦 𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐱 𝐨𝐜]

Chapter 47 | Gatekeeper

"You will never succeed, Bular. You will fail," Blinky said as he was yanked from the ground, his tied body hanging upside down from a rope and dangling above the side of Killahead Bridge. "The Trollhunter and his Guardian will make sure of it."

Bular growled at the troll's remark when suddenly, the drapes that blocked off the entrance to the hall swept aside, revealing Nomura as she entered with a limp form in her arms. However, her blood-soaked arms and the blood trailing behind her captured everyone's notice, the distinct smell of iron and copper permeating the air.

Blinky's multiple eyes instantly widened, recognizing the unconscious and bloody figure. "Lady Liza! What have you done, you foul creature?!"

Ignoring the troll's exclamation, Bular inhaled the delightful scent with a satisfied grin, his eyes staring down at the bloodied champion. "You've brought the Guardian...and she's still alive, I see. Good. The Dark One will be pleased. Her blood will be the catalyst in releasing my father from the Darklands."

Strickler approached his colleague, noticing someone particular was missing. His stern but conflicted gaze swept over the Guardian before meeting Nomura's with a sharp glare. "Where is the Trollhunter?"

"Humans found him before I could retrieve the boy. Don't worry. Wherever his Guardian is, the Trollhunter will surely follow."

"Let us hope you are right, impure," Bular sneered. "Secure the Guardian. Hang her above the Killahead Bridge. Let the stones soak with her blood. Strickler, send a message to the Trollhunter and tell him to come alone if he ever wants to see his friends again. Alive."

"Yes, my liege," Strickler bowed though his lips curled with distaste.

Jim Lake Jr.

In the hospital, Jim sat up in his hospital bed, his shoulder and chest aching as Toby leaned inward, trying to listen to the voicemail that had been sent. It was Blinky. "Master Jim, You must listen to me very carefully. They've captured me and Lady Liza...she's hurt badly. They want you to come to the Bridge... alone." His voice suddenly rose, and his warning was simple: "Don't come! It's a trap!"

Jim and Toby had listened as a fight broke out on the other side of the line.

"Give me that!" Someone argued before the voice was unmistakable. This time, Strickler spoke to them. "It appears things have become critical, and time is running out, especially for your Guardian, Mr. Lake. Meet me in the alley beside the theater if you ever want to see your friends again – alive."

Blinky screamed, "Don't open the Bridge! Under no circumstan – "

The line instantly cut off.

Jim sighed, flinching when his shoulder and chest throbbed painfully, a sole reminder of his bond with Liz, signaling that she was injured somehow and that perhaps his friends were in more danger than he thought. "I've listened to it a hundred times now and still don't know what to do."

"You don't have to do this alone. You've got AAARRRGGHH, Draal, me." Toby said in assurance, but Jim shook his head. "They said I had to be alone."

Toby's face dropped slightly in shock as Jim continued, "If I'm not, what do you think they'll do to Liz and Blinky?"

Toby quickly put in his input. "Blinky made it clear. Under no circumstances."

"Enough friends have gotten hurt because of me. No more."

"Well, it's your call. You're the Trollhunter," Toby said, pulling the real amulet out of his pocket and handing it to Jim. "Here. I picked it up in the woods after they dragged you away."