THE TROLL TREASURE by JOHN VORNHOLT

Author:JOHN VORNHOLT
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ALADDIN PAPERBACKS
Published: 2003-07-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 9

NO HONOR AMONG

THIEVES

“Is that you, Clipper?” droned the voice in the dark stairwell. “Where have you been for so long?”

“Oh, here and there, all over the Great Chasm,” answered the fairy. She tried using her magic to pierce the darkness that surrounded Stygius Rex, but it didn’t help. “I followed the trolls, the elves, everybody. Why are you sitting in such darkness, Master?”

“Why are you asking questions when you should be answering them?” replied the sorcerer. Clipper heard his clothing rustle, and he grunted. “I don’t like the light. This is better—my enemies can’t find me.”

Clipper giggled. “Surely you don’t fear those silly trolls and ogres.”

“No!” thundered Stygius Rex. “Not them … other enemies. I sense them stirring.”

“Hmmm,” said the fairy. Who could frighten Stygius Rex like this? she wondered. It must be the mysterious one who now commands me.

The mage grumbled, “Are you ever going to tell me about the treasure hunt?”

“The Bonespittle band are doing their best,” answered Clipper. “The elves know where it is and have told the trolls. They even allowed the trolls and ogres to go ahead, and we must assume the loot is hard to get. Or else the elves would have gotten it.”

“Then why aren’t you with them, helping them?” demanded Stygius Rex. “Stay with them until you find out where it is!”

Clipper sniffed, sounding hurt. “First you’re mad that I waited so long to report, and now you’re mad that I reported at all! Make up your mind!”

“Yes, yes … you’ve done well.” The mage shifted in the web of blackness that clung to the steps, and Clipper almost thought she saw him for a second. “Now go back and watch them,” he ordered.

Now? thought the fairy with alarm. Not now—I have to steal the dagger from you! What good is gold? The real prize is the black knife.

“How are the prisoners?” Clipper asked innocently. “Do you need me to make them sneeze?”

“They’re sneezing just fine on their own,” snapped the mage. “Be off with you, Clipper, and be wary out there. Perhaps I am worried for nothing….” His voice trailed off.

Clipper was torn; she didn’t know which way to go. All she knew was that she had to steal that knife … again. Maybe she wouldn’t even take it to her new friend—maybe she would keep it for herself.

“Good-bye, Master,” she said as she flitted down the stairs. The fairy flew some distance and crouched behind one of the steps. From this new spot she didn’t think the sorcerer could see or hear her, but she could watch him, waiting for a moment when he would let down his guard. He had to sleep, didn’t he?

After a while the fairy heard sniffling sounds, as if the great sorcerer were crying. Minutes later he muttered some words to himself, like a person talking in his sleep.

“Come on, fellows, have some more slime stew!” she heard him say. “It’s good for what ails you. Eat as much as you want—you’ll feel great!” Then he went back to mumbling.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.