Blue Blood

The thing runs straight at us and I pull me and Rody out of the way just in time. The large being nearly crashes into a tree but stops just short and swings it's jagged club at us. I grunt as one of the jagged sides brushes against my ribs, threatening my balance.

"I won't let you monsters hurt my family!" The monster screeches, readying another attack.

It swings at Rody but he ducks into a roll and dodges perfectly.

"What do you mean!? You attacked US!" Rody yells dodging another attack.

I don't bother speaking with the creature, it has already assaulted royalty, diplomacy is out the window along with my fucking patience.

I let out a battle cry and take a running head start and jump. My hammer slams into the creatures side causing its fat to jiggle. He stumbles for a second then goes to attack me but I dodge.

"Dude come on, let's just talk about this!" Rody yells just barely dodging the creatures mighty club.

The creature is 3 times the size of an ordinary man and twice as slow. It's probably the only way we've been able to dodge it's assault. Despite being a big fat troll, he's quite clean. His nails are filed and clean, what hair he has is combed, his shirt a creamy white and he seems . . . Nervous, scared maybe? This doesn't seem right.

I push the thought away and focus on the battle. Rody sees an opening and cuts at its legs. It yelps in pain and kicks him across the forest where he slams into a tree.

"Rody!" I scream, fear taking over.

His club comes down hard on my chest and sends me flying. My back hits the ground with a thud and I waste no time getting back up for another attack.

If this thing thinks it can get away with hurting MY friend then it's just as stupid as it looks.

I dive under its swing and bludgeon his knee. He yells out in pain and goes to grab me but I'm too quick and dodge.

My eyes glance behind the troll and see Rody signaling me to bring him closer. Is this a good idea? I decide to trust him and start to advance my attacks toward Rody's direction.

With every swing of my hammer I get more and more invested until it has rhythm. Swing, slap, swing, slap. With all my energy I land the final blow needed to move him in place. Spit and blue blood spurt out of his mouth when the hammer makes contact with his head.

I hear a loud grunt and snapping as a large tree behind him falls, crushing him beneath it. It is defeated.

Rody runs to my side and reaches to touch my ribs but I grab his hand. I don't want to know.

I ready myself and take a few steps forward but Rody stops me and gives me a look. I look back at him confused.

He steps in front of the beast.

"Well? What are you waiting for? Kill me like you did the rest of my tribe."

Rody and I exchange a confused look.

"We didn't kill your tribe. The only reason we attacked you was because you attacked us." Rody states still a bit out of breath.

"So you're telling me those knights in red that murdered my people weren't you?" The troll questions aggressively.

"Mind your tone troll." I boom angered.

"Are you speaking of Maston? We are from Auril, we don't even trade with Maston." Rody answers back confused.

The troll looks down in frustrated thought but slowly his angry eye fill with tears. Rody being the softy he is, radiates empathy and frowns. I still don't trust this.

"Are you truly what you say?" The troll whimpers pathetically. His eyes look like a hurt dogs.

Rody kneels down to his level and I prepare for the worst, hand on my weapon.

"Yes. I am very truly sorry for what has happened to you."

Tears start to fall from the beasts eyes.

"I . . . I am so sorry!" He sobs. "I was just trying to protect the only one I have left, you were dressed in red and so were the other knights and I was just so scared! I'm so so sorry!" He wails loudly.

Rody starts to pet the creatures head softly and I start to ease.

"I should have known better, I'm not some brute or savage, I'm not some monster and yet I have caused you pain. Please, please find it in your heart to forgive me." He cry's sadly.

I look to Rody and already know what he's going to say.

"We forgive you, you were just doing what you thought was right."

He looks at me and gestures toward the fallen tree. I grunt and help try to remove it. With our combined strength we are able to squeeze the large troll out from under the oak. The beast wipes his tears erratically.

"Thank you, thank you! Please please, let me make this up to you. The sun is falling and night will come. I promise not to lay a finger upon you as long as you swear the same."

This is not a good idea, this is not a good idea, this is not-

"Of course! As long as it's not any trouble?"

Fuck.

"None! I apologize, I never gave you my name. I am James Ander."

"Roman Pax."

I cross my arms. This is a terrible idea. A few minutes ago he was trying to kill us and now we're just gonna believe his little sob story?

Rody nudges me in the ribs and I sigh.

"Magnus, protector of the prince." I state blankly, venom dripping from my words.

"Prince?" The troll questions.

"Yeah I'm a-" Rody yelps as I stomp on his foot.

"Yes, we are on our way to see the prince so that I may protect him. This is my colleague."

Rody gives me a look and I give one back that silences him.

"Wow, it must be an amazing job." The troll congratulates as he pulls a pair of glasses from his pocket and puts them on. The left lens is cracked but he doesn't seem to mind.

He motions us to follow him, thanking us a dozen times over as we walk. After a minute Rody pulls up close to me.

"Why did you lie to him? Oh and, ow!" He whisper yells in my ear.

"If anyone finds out you're a prince it could make you a target for ransom or worse." I whisper yell back.

He steps off and thinks for a moment. If he wishes to live, no one can know and if anyone finds out? I'll kill them.