Father and Son

Chapter 4

When the young trolls woke up they were understandably terrified, and they clung to Blinky in bewilderment. "It will be alright, I promise. I do not recognize you two, what are your names?" The slightly older one, a green troll with silver hair, replied for himself and his younger sister, a light blue troll with jet black hair. "I'm Flint, and this is Amber. We don't live in trollmarket, we live in one of the east outposts. Do you know where our mother could be? The last we saw of her, she... was fighting the humans. She told us to run but we weren't fast enough."

Blinky hugged the whelps and stroked their hair comfortingly, wishing he had better news to comfort the young ones. "I have not seen your mother, but I will help you find her when we have a chance. I must, however, be honest with you- I have no idea where we are, how we can possibly escape, or where the others are. But stay close to me and I will defend you."

Before Blinky could continue speaking, a light above the sealed door began to flash red, and the door began to slide open, revealing bars that would block any exit. A man appeared outside, and when he stepped into the room Blinky recognized him as James Lake. "I wouldn't try anything, not if you want to avoid me shooting with so many darts you overdose on tranquilizer and die horribly. That wouldn't be nice for the kids, hmm?"

Blinky growled but backed away, shielding Flint and Amber while grudgingly allowing James to enter the room. "I could not locate the trollhunter, and I believe you may have somehow warned him- my team found your cell phone when we captured you, I don't think you can remember too well yet, although most of your memories should be returning. All I ask is that you tell me where he is: if you do so, I will release these children."

Stepping further away from James, Blinky sarcastically replied, "Ah, so Jim is simply the trollhunter to you now?" James narrowed his eyes and hefted his gun threateningly, fighting not to lose control as the scientists behind him shifted nervously. "I will ask one more time; where is he? If you lie..." Surprising himself, Blinky laughed, the noise harsh and devoid of humor. "Even if I knew, you really think I would tell someone like you? A real father never betrays his children."

James swung the butt of his weapon around, prepared to smash it into Blinky's skull. The historian flinched but didn't move away, knowing that if he did then James might take out his aggression on the children as well. "Dr. Lake, stop! Might I remind you that these creatures are much more valuable alive?" James glared at the man but his arms relaxed slightly.

"I wasn't going to kill him, just beat him a little. I'm sure you can still do all your tests and stuff when I'm finished." One of the scientists gave James a warning look. "Put down the gun and walk away, go calm down and remember what our goals here are." James nodded and turned as if to walk to the door, but then whipped around and struck Blinky once across the face before stalking out.