So the next morning (not too early, too many had hangovers), the Company went about their business gathering up their gear and and getting the pack-animals ready to move again. The Company found fresh rations in their packs, no doubt put there by Lord Wasan’s people. After a hearty mid-morning meal, the party gathered outside on a grassy hillock, the sun was out and the birds were singing. All were eager to resume their journey. All save Pike, who had felt on edge ever since drawing close to these mountains. He could not ignore the feeling of being watched.

If the Thanes were nervous about making the crossing, they did not show it. Not with Erasmus leading them. Even the young Rangers Bran and Conn looked up at him like he was a king.

When the company was gathered to leave, Lord Wasan emerged with many Trolls. He beckoned Erda and Erasmus to them for one last brief counsel. As they spoke, many trolls went amongst the company. In their hands curiously shaped stones, attached to strings for a necklace. Myra bowed her head as she allowed an old Troll woman loop one of the amulets around her neck.

“These are lodestones,” the Troll said with a thick accent. “Ever looking to embrace its mate. It is a charm, to bring you back to your people at journey’s end.”

“Thank you.” Myra held the stone in her hand and smiled. “It is beautiful.”

Suddenly, the Troll held Myra’s hand in its own, placing another lodestone amulet in her palm. Myra looked up questioningly. “What is…”

“For your grey eyed friend. He went away at dawn and waits until we are not around. He must be very shy.”

Myra looked around, and sure enough there was no sign of Pike. “I… I’m sorry. I will make sure to someone passes it on,” she said, a little annoyed at being chosen to be Pike’s representative.

“It matters not. That one slew one of us. That can never be undone. It may be easy for us if we never see that one again.”

Myra’s heart felt heavy. “It is never easy, when those we love…” she said softly, but she could not finish the words. The memory of Garth’s face had returned to her, only to be replaced by the dead stare of Buri, the young Thane killed in the battle on the hilltop, killed because she had not kept watch. Did he have a lover waiting for him back home?

“I’m sorry it happened like this,” Myra said. “Nothing we can do can make up for his loss. But I hope you will find it in your hearts to forgive me… forgive us… I mean.”

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The troll rested a heavy hand on her shoulder. “You are all very brave. Our hearts are with you all. Take care.”

And so, the last farewells were said, and the company were all mounted and ready to go. Erda and Erasmus took the lead. The Paladin cut a dramatic pose. “The sky has cleared, and the sun is shining,” he said gazing upwards. “Joren!”

“Yes captain!?”

“If you please…”

“Yes captain.”

Joren lifted up the great horn at his belt and blew it. Its sound echoing through the forest. Then its voice was just by the horns of the Trolls. It seemed all the mountains were taking up the cheer. Erasmus drew forth the Elven blade, and it shone like a white beacon, eager for the quest to come.

“Erasmus!” cried the young rangers.

“Erda! Erda!” cried the Thanes. “For the North Queen!”

On the questers went, shouting and singing, heedless of the unseen enemies ahead as they followed the Healer-Queen and the White Sword. Heedless of the hungry eyes burning coldly as they saw the flashing sword from a distance.

Grimnir, watching from his high perch in an ancient tree, hissed in wicked delight, his tongue snaking out as if impatient for its prey.

So the old troll-hag had spoken the truth. There was no mistaking that sword…

Pike had found a tall cliff overlooking the path ahead. He was scouting, or so he told himself. He did not know which path the company was meant to be taking, so he did not go too far ahead. In truth he just wanted to be alone, yet was keen to not run into yet another surprise along the way. Even if these Trolls meant no harm, Pike could not shake the sense of menace he felt from the forest shadows. They were being watched, Pike would stake his life on it. He had an uncanny ability to know when a predator was drawing near…

"Troll-slayer?"

Pike nearly jumped out of skin. He whirled on the spot, sword half drawn. Standing on a branch above, a young Troll was looking down at him, the morning light giving her amber, animal-like eyes a weird glow. She grinned mockingly, showing her fang like canines. "What are you doing out here?"

Pike scowled, angry at having been snuck up on. "You're lucky you didn't get closer. Last time one of your kind tried to ambush me…"

"Touchy… I thought we put that behind us." The troll stepped off her seat and landed nimbly on the ground before Pike. "Your friends are still back down the trail. What are you sneaking around for?"

Pike turned his back on her. "I'm scouting, obviously. These mountains are a damn death-trap."

"Scouting? You haven't done a very good job then if you didn't hear me coming."

"Shut up," Pike sat down cross legged in a huff. He fished out his pipe, then remembered that he had run out of leaf. He wondered if Myra had any left to spare…

Pike turned angrily on the Troll-woman, still standing there with arms crossed and smirking obnoxiously. "And what the hell are you still doing here?" he said.

"Scouting. Obviously."

"What?"

"Poor Trollslayer must be deaf. I said I'm scouting. That's my job."

"Scouting? On us? I call that spying."

"No… I'm scouting for you. My old man asked me to guide you manlings through the mountains." She squatted on the spot so her face was level with Pike's. She grinned sardonically. "My name is Wudu, daughter of Wasan. I'm your new companion, Trollslayer."

“Shit…”