Iron Promises by C. S. Marks

Author:C. S. Marks [Marks, C. S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Fantasy
ISBN: 9780991235162
Publisher: Parthian Press
Published: 2014-11-25T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter 5

For a while, Gaelen walked ahead with Beori and his delegation. It was then that she learned of their troubles, and why they had been driven forth from their Great Hall. When she had offered to aid them she had expected a tale of ordinary trolls, but now, as she listened to Beori and his folk describing their enemies, she wondered. It was true that all trolls were evil, unintelligent, very large, and difficult to bring down. Their hides were thick, tough and scaly, and their skulls impenetrable. An archer could kill them only by shooting them directly in the eye or the mouth.

Gaelen wondered about these trolls in particular, as they seemed unusual in several ways. Perhaps the dwarves exaggerated, for the trolls surely were not as large as described. After all, they probably just looked larger to folk of such short stature. Yet these seemed also to be more adept, swifter and better organized than any trolls of Gaelen’s admittedly limited acquaintance.

One thing was certain: as with most trolls, these loved and coveted treasure. They had now occupied the Great Hall and the treasure-room of Beori’s clan. Though it probably would not compare favorably with the great treasure stores of Lord Grundin’s realm, it would still be an impressive collection, no doubt featuring many beautiful and valuable items.

Though Belko and his folk had defended themselves with valor, they had been forced from their domain. Belko had been slain in an attempt to re-take the Great Hall, which would prove to be very difficult as there was now only one entrance—the trolls had blocked all others. This was going to take some planning.

“Forgive me, Beori, but have you sought the aid of the other clans in this? They must surely realize the same fate awaits them,” said Gaelen. “You have said that there is strife between you. I do not intend to be so bold, but I would like to understand the nature of the waters into which I am about to throw myself, if you take my meaning.”

Beori looked up at her as he strode along, his bushy red eyebrows raised. “You are bold, Taldin, but I suppose I can’t blame you. The truth is that Kino and my father had been allies, but were estranged of late. It began with a dispute over which of our clans had discovered a rich lode of ore, and which of us has the right to mine it. Unfortunately, things got out of hand, and folk of both clans were killed. It didn’t help matters when Lord Belko refused to trade a beautiful green gem that Kino covets. He taunted Kino, saying he would mount the gem and give it to the Elvenking in the Greatwood. He was only jesting, but Kino took it as a personal affront. Now we have vowed that we’ll not rest until the ore deposit is ours, and Kino has done the same.”

“People died for that? Why can you not simply share it?” Gaelen, who

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