The Tethered World by Heather L.L. FitzGerald

Author:Heather L.L. FitzGerald [FitzGerald, Heather L.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mountain Brook Ink
Published: 2016-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Reiko leaned towards the Troll’s other ear. The one without the point of her sword playing Q-tip. “Do I have your attention?”

The Troll gave a careful nod.

“You have our queen,” Reiko continued.

Another nod. His beady, black eyes scanned our group.

“And you have the other Topsiders—a man and a woman—correct?”

The Troll’s gaze rested on me in an unnerving way. “Incorrect.”

“You lie!” Ever so slightly, Reiko pressed her slim sword into his ear canal.

The Troll winced. With a raspy whisper he said, “They’ve been moved.”

“I don’t believe you,” Reiko spit.

“It’s true,” the Yeti insisted. “The Leprechaun Skoon brought word that the Topsider’s family had gone to Vituvia.” His gaze drifted to Brady and Sophie then returned to me. “That would be you three.”

“That weasely, measly, little… ugh!” Brady seethed. “I should’ve stuffed him into my backpack and—”

“Where have you taken our parents?” Sophie cut into Brady’s rant.

“Skellerwad,” the Troll replied.

Lava and the Gnomes exchanged looks.

“Where’s that?” My voice was a lame whisper.

No one answered.

“Where’s Skellerwad?” Sophie asked.

“Not here.” Lava waved the question off. “We’ll explain later. Let’s find Queen Judith. Then we’ll figure out how to help your parents.”

“I’ll take you to the queen,” the Troll offered, “if you’ll let me leave with you.”

“What?” Reiko demanded.

“Take me with you,” he repeated. “I hate it here. My father’s a tyrant, and I hate him too. I want to be free from him.”

“You’re tellin’ us your father is Nekronok?” Lava glanced up at Reiko.

The Troll swallowed and gave another faint nod. “My name’s Chebar. I’m the sixth of Nekronok’s eleven sons. I know where your queen is. I’ll take you to her if you promise to take me with you.”

“We promise no such thing. You’ll take us to the queen or forfeit your life. Pick one.” Reiko didn’t sound willing to negotiate.

“Kill me if you want.” Chebar’s calm demeanor defied Reiko’s wrath. “I would prefer death over a life beneath the iron fist of my maniacal father. Won’t you allow me to earn your confidence?”

“Never.” Reiko’s glare could have melted ice. “Take us to her now.”

Lava stepped forward. “Take us, and I’ll consider your request.”

“Are you crazy?” Reiko’s look shot darts at the Dwarf. “We can’t bring a Troll back with us. We can’t trust him. I will never trust a Troll.”

“I’ll prove you can trust me,” Chebar insisted. “Head back up the stairs, and I’ll take you to her. If I get you in and out—all the way out—without a problem, will you allow me to join you?”

Reiko’s face showed the idea made her sick.

“I say it’s a worthwhile offer, friend.” Lava gave Reiko a pleading look.

“We’ll see how this plays out.” Reiko hissed the words into Chebar’s ear. “If you lead us into a trap or take us on a wild-goose chase, you’ll get your other wish—death. I guarantee it.”

“Fair enough.” Chebar seemed amused. “If you’d kindly move your sword to a different vulnerable spot—the nape of my neck, for instance—I shall find it easier to move without bumping your sword into my eardrum.

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