@gargantuangay (part 2) Meanwhile Floss the Hag stood by, grinning and looking quite pleased with the celebration in her honor.
After a lengthy brawl, the troll had the advantage. He towered over the quaking leprechaun, ready to smash an enormous beer barrel over the poor fellow’s head.
“Oh for pity’s sake,” said Floss who was also an accomplished witch. “Alohomora!”
With a wave her wand, Floss opened the sealed barrel, dumping a lovely, golden brew over the troll, and quite possibly saving the leprechaun’s life.
“Floss!” cried the leprechaun. “Let me thank ye with a wee kiss.” But the hag shook her tangled tresses of hair and refused him.
“Yeh see! I’m the one she likes!” shouted Troll. He somersaulted to his lady love and tried to gather her in his great arms. But in a blink of a Cyclops’ eye, the hag disapparated and her companions fled.
Once again, the bartender was left with a dreadful mess to clean up. His wife, who had witnessed the whole affair, heaved a sighed and began to mop up the ale.
“Well, my dear,” she said. “At least we’ve learned two important lessons.”
“What’s that?” said her grumpy husband. (He was in no mood for philosophical musing.)
“Obviously,” the wise and alarmingly cheerful woman continued, “A Benny saved is a Benny spurned. And a rolling troll gathers no Floss.”
