Free The Faerion by Jim Greenfield Page B

deafened them. Kirkes charged; his sword held high. The Trolls scattered into the shelter of the trees. Rocks hailed down on his armor, driving him off. He circled back, attacking from the rear. Crestan tried to defend himself against two Trolls who surrounded him, snatching at him when he turned to the other one. Watty and Holder ran into the woods. Birate and Rocodt found safety behind a three. Five Trolls now confronted them. When Crestan realized they moved to the same side; he veered off to the opposite side while calling to the others to follow. The Trolls gaped at the rapid turn allowing Kirkes his chance to disengage.
    Crestan led them downward, against the protests of Kirkes. The path would lead them into Paglo. They had no idea of what may be down there. The trees remained thick and green. All they could see of Paglo was forest.
    "Wait! We cannot charge into this land. We are armed and likely to be viewed as hostile," said Kirkes.
    "I'll take my chances," said Watty. "Troll stew is not where I want to be."
    "I agree," said Crestan. "In fact, I believe I shall assume command of this expedition."
    Kirkes, nodding his head, turned away.
    "You may command Watty and Holder, but I am not servant to a lesser vassal." Kirkes disappeared into the trees with Rocodt following close behind. Suddenly, there was a howl back up the slope, not far from them.
    "Trolls!" cried Holder. "Here they come again!"
    Crestan led them down the slope, dodging trees into Paglo. Kirkes watched the huge shapes follow the knights into the land of the Tuors.
    They rushed into a clearing, the Trolls still in pursuit. Suddenly, arrows rained upon them killing Holder and wounding Birate. Crestan and Watty dove behind tree trunks, listening, but there was no sound except for Birate's moans.
    "Look, Sir Crestan," said Watty, holding up one of the arrows. "Some kind of jewel for a tip."
    "Similar to diamond," said Crestan, calculating in his mind. "How many of these do you think we can recover?"
    The Trolls lay still; three large shapes not far behind Crestan. His eyes strained to see the distant Trolls fade back into the mountains.
    "The Trolls seem to have retreated. Now, let's see about gathering these pixie arrows."
    More arrows struck the tree above their head. Crestan held a finger to his mouth. A voice rose out of the trees.
    "We will not hurt you. Turn back. You are not welcome here. This is Tuor land."
    "We mean no disrespect," shouted Crestan. "We are traveling and ran afoul of the Trolls."
    "You are a knight. Are you on a quest?"
    Crestan tried to pinpoint the direction the voice came from but the bunched trees proved too thick, distorting sound.
    "Yes."
    "What quest brings you this close to Paglo? Whose vassal are you?"
    "I am Sir Crestan. I am a vassal of the king."
    "Ah, King Treteste, you mean? We do hear somewhat of the outside world. Hear me, Sir Crestan. By the power invested in me by King Ian of Paglo, I deny you haven in Paglo. Leave the area immediately."
    Crestan jumped to his feet, ready to charge the diminutive figure, wherever it might be. An arrow pierced his wrist; his sword dropped to the ground. Crestan shouted in pain.
    "The next arrow will claim your life. Be gone!"
    Watty led the cursing Crestan back up the slope into the trees. "At least you got another arrow tip."
    "Shut up!"
    They could feel the eyes of the Tuors upon them. The silent forest listened as Birate fell in behind them. It was a slow ride back to Stormridge. Kirkes and Rocodt watched their comrades.
    "What do you make of that?" asked Rocodt.
    "Only one or two Tuors," said Kirkes. "Fine shots. This Border Guard of Paglo is quite adept at keeping unwelcome visitors out. But I'm afraid Treteste would not be cowed so easily. Paglo would fall."
    "Would he attack them, if Wynne had already passed through?"
    "If they had helped her in any way. And from my limited knowledge of Tuors, I believe they would have helped her."
    "Why crush them? Wouldn't they be a valuable