Ominous gray clouds rolled across the afternoon sky. He lowered his head and gazed across the plains of light purple grass, all open fields. It wasn’t safe to cross in a thunderstorm. His men were already tired and he was down to only five guardsmen, two horses, and the golem. The stone giant kept Tolley in check.He had lost seventeen trolls in the battle with the banshees and had left the leprechaun for them to feast on the night before. There was no need to hurry. He had his prey, and he would very publicly dissect the bastard in his courtyard to serve as a reminder that King Dicklaus of the Bridge Trolls was not to be trifled with. He raised his hand and crooked his fingers to get Stalker’s attention. His scout nodded and jogged over to him.“Sire.” Stalker crossed his arms and waited.“Make camp here. We’ve taken heavy losses in battle. The men are tired.” Dicklaus smiled. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had to fight. We have gotten soft. When we get back I want to institute a regimental plan and get them combat ready.”“Yes, sire.”
