Two baby trolls were not the typical loot found in a dungeon. To be clear, any baby trolls were not typical dungeon loot. Atlas had never seen anything like it.
Their small, frightened eyes peered out from behind a pile of bones, their green skin mottled and scaly. Tufts of downy fur made them look like fuzzy dolls.
The Portal Crushers exchanged uneasy glances, their initial reaction one of surprise and discomfort. The sight of the baby trolls evoked a range of emotions. Some members of the team looked at them with sympathy, while others regarded them with a mix of caution and wariness. It was clear that the trolls’ young were a rare and unexpected discovery, adding a poignant note to the aftermath of their victory.
In the dungeon, the Portal Crushers gathered around the adorable baby trolls, who were playing with their tiny, chubby hands and looking up with wide, curious eyes. They wore tattered hides that barely fit their small frames.
“What should we do with these little guys?” Atlas asked, glancing at the baby trolls, who were chattering excitedly but clearly confused.
Wang Bo, resting his staff on the ground, considered their predicament. “We killed their parents and they seem lost and unsure. It might be best if we take them somewhere safe, like Fort Bone.”
“Baby trolls are rarely seen in the Wasteland,” Atlas said. “Most of the time they’re eaten by their parents if supplies are low. And if they survive that time, the teenage trolls are killed or kicked out before the boss troll can be challenged for dominance. You’ve never seen the vicious spectacle of an alpha status challenge amongst trolls. It’s a doozy, I can tell you.”
Alexander, cleaning his great sword, nodded in agreement. “Fort Bone sounds like a solid choice. It’s secure, and we could use a place to raise them.”
Stu, gripping his mace tightly, added, “Yeah, fine. But let’s make sure we don’t run into any trouble on the way. I’m not up for more fucking fighting.”
Barbara, adjusting her sword and shield, said, “It’s settled then. We’ll take them to Fort Bone. It’s the safest place for now.”
John, standing beside Atlas, gave a determined nod. “Let’s get them ready for the journey.”
The baby trolls looked up at them with wide, innocent eyes. One of them tugged at Barbara’s sleeve and asked, “Where’s Fort Bone?”
“Is it good?” the other baby troll asked, its tiny face full of wonder.
“It’s a safe place where you’ll be taken care of,” Barbara explained gently, her smile warm and reassuring.
With the plan set, the Portal Crushers prepared to escort the baby trolls to Fort Bone, ensuring their journey was as smooth and secure as possible.
The Portal Crushers emerged from the dungeon, only to find a disturbing scene: the blood-strewn ground but no bodies.
"Where did the porters go?" Isabella asked, her voice filled with concern.
"I hope they are alright," Atlas replied, anxiety etched on his face.
‘I've made another mistake,‘ Atlas thought. ‘From now on, we need to station guards with the porters.‘
He remembered how, on his first trip through the wasteland, they hadn't posted guards either. Clark hadn't cared about the porters' safety, and Atlas had turned a blind eye, believing in Clark’s explanation that the manpower was needed elsewhere.
‘Not this time,‘ Atlas thought. ‘I might be more ruthless because of my previous experiences, but I refuse to surrender my basic humanity.‘
"Should we try to summon the porters with the Fort Bone Anthem?" Isabella suggested.
"Singing worked last time, and it’s much better than that damn pink Atlas song," Atlas confirmed, glaring at Wang Bo.
Wang Bo held up his hands in a “who me?” gesture and shrugged.
The Portal Crushers began singing, spreading out as they did.
‘‘‘
[Verse]
We are citizens of Fort Bone
In the day and in the night
Stand together in the light
Never leave it on our own
[Verse 2]
In a fight we'll never fall
Enemies will fade away
We will face them day by day
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
In this fortress strong and tall
[Chorus]
Fort Bone is our home
In its walls
We're never alone
No more lands
We'll forever roam
Citizens of Fort Bone
[Verse 3]
From the countries far and near
Now an empire we will be
In unity and harmony
No more borders
No more fear
[Bridge]
Raise the flags and sing the song
Of the place where we belong
Together
We are strong
In Fort Bone
We stand lifelong
[Chorus]
Fort Bone is our home
In its walls
We're never alone
No more lands
We'll forever roam
Citizens of Fort Bone
https://suno.com/song/153c2ce5-be9e-4928-87e8-795225024920
‘‘‘
In a hidden cave not far away, Lark and her porters heard the song.
"That's John's voice," Lark said, recognizing the off-key singing. "I can identify him anywhere."
She gathered the wounded porters and made her way toward the dungeon entrance.
"Glad to see everyone alive," Atlas said with relief.
Lark rushed into John's arms, tears of relief in her eyes.
Atlas then distributed the looted gear to the porters who were less injured. The warriors needed their arms free for any potential attack.
The porters looked on in shock at the baby trolls accompanying the Portal Crushers, their surprise evident.
The Portal Crushers trudged along their usual path, the baby trolls nestled in their makeshift carriers, making soft, curious noises. Their conversation turned to the pressing issue of what to do with the little ones.
“So, what’s the plan for these guys?” Isabella asked, her two swords clinking as she walked.
Barbara adjusted her sword and shield, considering the options. “We could try finding them a safe place, but leaving them alone out here isn’t really an option.”
Alexander, his great sword casually resting on his shoulder, shook his head. “No way. They’d be lunch for some wasteland creature in no time.”
Wang Bo nodded, leaning on his staff. “Taking them in seems like the best idea. We have the means to keep them safe.”
Stu grumbled, his grip tightening on his mace. “Yeah, but who’s going to take responsibility? We’re talking about baby trolls, not just any poop producers.”
John paused, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “So, if we’re keeping them, who’s going to be in charge?”
Randy, looking slightly overwhelmed, scratched his head. “I suppose someone needs to step up and take on the role.”
Atlas, noticing the eyes on him, raised an eyebrow. “I guess I’ll take them in. It’s a bit unorthodox, but I’m up for it.”
Wilfredo, always one to add a bit of humor, grinned. “Well, Atlas, you’ve had a lot of experience with women, but this is a new kind of baby daddy duty!”
The group chuckled, their laughter lightening the mood.
Wang Bo chuckled, adjusting his staff. “In China an emperor has many wives and many children. Here you have no wife’s and green children.”
Stu grumbled, gripping his mace tighter. “You’ve had a lot of sex with a lot of women, Atlas, but your kids are ugly.”
Alexander, ever the showman, gave a dramatic flourish with his great sword. “Yeehaw! Looks like we’re making history, folks. A fatherly Atlas is just the sort of epic twist we needed! Let’s get the playhouse to make it a show. Maybe Stu can play a baby troll, he’s short enough.”
“Fuck you! You aren’t that much taller than me, you cocksucker!” Stu was never happy about digs about his height.
The two baby trolls woke up from his yell, “Cocksucker! Cocksucker!” They repeated with joy while pointing at Alexander.
‘Hah, these little guys aren’t all bad,‘ thought Stu with affection.
Atlas smirked, a mix of pride and bemusement on his face. “Well, this is the first time I’m becoming a father. It’ll be an interesting challenge, no doubt.”
Barbara, ever the practical one, nodded thoughtfully. “Let’s make sure we’re ready for this. Being a father to trolls isn’t exactly the same as leading a raid.”
Wang Bo rolled his eyes but couldn’t help but join in. “Yeah, Atlas, you’ve been quite the stud. Never thought I’d see the day you’d be dealing with diaper duty for trolls.”
Barbara gave a nod of approval. “Alright, if Atlas is up for it, then it’s settled. We’ll count on you to handle this.”
With their decision made, the Portal Crushers continued their journey home, now with the added responsibility of their new, unlikely wards.
As they approached the gate of Fort Bone, the victorious party was met with curious stares. Among the loot, the two baby trolls attracted the most attention.
“What are those?” asked one adventurer, squinting in disbelief.
“Are those fucking trolls?” another exclaimed.
The mini faeries, ever quick to notice anything new, floated down in a flutter of excitement. “Are those our new baby brothers?” they asked, their voices filled with wonder.
Atlas nodded with a smile. “Yes, yes they are. Your job is to help take care of them.”
The mini faeries erupted in cheers, their tiny voices blending into a chorus of “So fun, so fun, so fun!” They flitted around the baby trolls, who, in turn, waved their chubby hands and giggled in delight.
Atlas, however, had a moment of concern. ‘I’m going to have to figure out a way to feed and take care of these little guys. I have no idea how to do it.‘
Atlas knew that taking care of the baby trolls would be a challenge. He began by assessing their needs and consulting with the other members of his group who might have experience with various creatures.
First, he sought advice from Barbara, the group's doctor. “Barbara, do you have any ideas on how to care for baby trolls? They’re not exactly common.”
Barbara examined the trolls thoughtfully and said with a smile. “Damn it Atlas, I’m a doctor not a troll specialist.”
Atlas laughed, he never knew Barbara was a closet Trekkie.
She continued, “They’ll probably need a lot of food, and it should be something rich in nutrients. Trolls are quite resilient, but I really don’t know what they eat. Based on their physiology, though, I’d guess raw meat might be the best option.”
Atlas sighed. “Great, more mouths to feed. I hope Fort Bone has enough meat to keep these guys happy.”
Wilfredo grinned. “Well, look on the bright side. If they grow up strong, they might be able to help us defend the fort one day.”
Stu scoffed. “Yeah, or they’ll eat us in our sleep. You’d better watch out Alexander you cocksucker. Either way, it’ll be entertaining.”
“Cocksucker!” The baby trolls yelled gleefully pointing at Alexander.
Alexander slapped Atlas on the back, chuckling. “Don’t worry, Atlas. You’ll make a fine father to these little rascals. Just imagine the stories we’ll tell around the campfire—‘The Great Atlas and His Troll Babies’!”
Atlas rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress a grin. ‘Fatherhood wasn’t exactly on my to-do list, but hey, in the wasteland, anything can happen.‘
As the gates of Fort Bone swung open, Atlas led his new charges inside, the Portal Crushers following closely behind. The settlement buzzed with curious whispers and excited chatter as the baby trolls toddled along beside their new “dad.”
Atlas looked around at the faces of his team, feeling a strange sense of pride. They had faced down dungeons, monsters, and now, unexpected responsibility. Life in the wasteland never ceased to surprise him.
But one thing was clear: they were in this together