The Way She Moves

Chapter 2

*2 months later*

Kamara wrapped her arms around Blinky from behind, nuzzling her nose against the skin behind his ear, a sweet spot for trolls. "Hello dear. How's it going over here?" She looked over his shoulder to see the huge pile of books Blinky had in front of him. "Still researching?" Blinky nodded, careful not to bump her. "Unfortunately yes. Master Jim's eclipse amulet is malfunctioning, and I'm trying to discover whether it is being incompatible with his daylight amulet or if he needs to somehow combine them. It might be awhile, you should get some rest."

The female leader huffed and nuzzled Blinky's neck a little harder, making him sigh with pleasure. "You need rest just as much as I do. You can't help the Trollhunter if you're sleep deprived and grumpy." Blinky smiled a little, wanting to cave and go with Kamara, but he was so close to a solution. "Alright. Ten minutes at the longest, then I will go sleep." Kamara grinned and licked the tip of Blinky's ear, making him laugh. "Good enough. Love you." Blinky turned around and kissed her on the cheek, whispering "I love you as well." Then Kamara was gone, and Blinky reluctantly turned back to his books.

A huge figure appeared in the cave's entrance, blocking the moonlight from outside. Expecting to see Aargh, Blinky turned with a smile, but his face quickly morphed to fear: it was Bular! The son of Gunmar grinned evilly, brandishing his sword. A massive finger over his lips indicated that Blinky must stay silent, or else. Blinky backed into the corner, desperately looking for any escape routes. In hushed tones Blinky exclaimed, shocked, "This isn't possible! You're dead, Aargh destroyed you..." Bular shook his head, grin fading. "I was dead. Now I am back, resurrected by the pale lady."

The immense gum-gum wrapped a hand almost gently around the back of Blinky's head, tightening his grip when Blinky tried to wriggle out of the hold. "Shh. Be silent or I will slaughter half of this camp!" Thinking of Kamara, waiting for him only a few tents away, Blinky gulped and shut his mouth. Bular was now holding a cloth, and he pressed it to Blinky's face, the sharp odor of the chemicals on it making Blinky's eyes water.

Panicking, Blinky struggled, but Bular only tightened his grip until the chemical started to affect Blinky and he felt his muscles relax against his will, making him limp and easy to carry. Blinky tried to protest vocally, alarmed at the weak and slurred sound of his speech. "Wha' did you do? Can't move anythin'." Bular hoisted Blinky over one massive shoulder easily and sneaked out of the camp. "That's the point. It's a paralyzing agent. Wouldn't want you trying anything foolish now would we?" Blinky growled but the noise came out as a strange choked gargle that Bular only laughed at.

Blinky could move his eyes and mouth a little but nothing else. The historian gave Bular a fiery but ineffectual death glare as the evil troll stopped a ways into the woods and propped him against a tree. Then Blinky could suddenly hear Dictatious's voice, and he turned his eyes to see his traitorous brother being led to him by a soldier. "So you have captured him, good. By his silence, I assume that he is drugged as I asked?" Bular hefted his sword menacingly, eyeing Blinky with a dangerously sadistic gleam in his eyes. "Why is all of this necessary? I say we kill this weakling and be done with it." Dictatious glared, but it would have had a better effect if he was facing Bular. "I told you, we can lure the trollhunter to us by using him. I know that this failed when you attempted to make the trollhunter open Killahead bridge, but I know it will work this time. Once Blinkous is recovered enough from the drug, I will force him to send a message to the trollhunter with his communication device. The trollhunter will walk in with no backup, unaware of the trap awaiting him. Then you may kill my brother in whichever way you please."

Kamara slipped into the cave to find it empty, Blinky's books scattered on the ground, wondering where Blinky could be if not here or in her cave. She gathered them up, frowning, and discovered a small white cloth. The leader sniffed it and wrinkled her nose, holding it as far away from herself when she realized what it was. What was something so dangerous doing in Blinky's room? Kamara's eyes widened as she sniffed the air, smelling the lingering scents of an unfamiliar male troll- and Blinky's fear. "Trollhunter! Come quickly!"

Aargh sniffed around the cave, hoping to find a trail after recognizing Bular's scent. Jim was helping Kamara look for other clues when his phone began buzzing over and over.

-Don't come. Was t ak en. Fingsretre fingers numb.. . .

-Don't rep ly they do nott kjwq know Ihave my phonee

-Bularalive alive. Itss a trap. Woods s closwe bye seending ransom iilgnoree

Jim's blood ran cold as he read the texts out loud to his friends. "I won't just leave him to Bular. We need to find Blinky fast." Claire and Toby dashed off to grab their weapons, and Jim was startled to see Kamara pulling on her battle armor, slinging a massive sword over her back. "Kamara listen-" She whipped around to face Jim, eyes flashing with fear and anger. "If you were going to say that I need to stay here, I advise you to keep your mouth shut." Jim fumbled for a moment and Kamara continued, "Aargh is Blinky's second in command and he can stay to guard the camp. What kind of courting partner would I be if I did not come to rescue him? He is drugged, scared, and alone with murderous gum-gums, and you cannot stop me from coming with you." Jim nodded. "I was just going to say be careful. Blinky would never forgive me if I got you hurt." Kamara smiled a little and finished strapping on her various weapons.