The Death of a River Troll

Two boys must find their father and must defeat a vicious troll to do so.

Once upon a time, in a land far far away, there was a wonderful kingdom with beauty unmatched. Its castle, perched on a hilltop, was made of white limestone that gleamed in the sun. It could be seen for miles in any direction. It was a beacon of happiness and prosperity to all the people of the land.

The kingdom was ruled by Queen Soni. She had immense beauty and sophistication. The Queen was known for her ability to govern fairly and decisively. The Queen was loved by her people and everyone who knew her.

On the outskirts of the Queen’s City there was a large manor where two boys lived. Their father was a wealthy merchant who traveled far and wide to bring the people of the kingdom the goods that they desired. The boys, Blaze and Jordan, tended the manor and its affairs whenever their father was gone on business. The boy's father had gone to a neighboring kingdom a couple weeks prior and hadn’t returned. His trip should have only taken a week and the boys hadn’t received any word from him so they were terribly concerned.

The boys decided that they would set off to the neighboring kingdom and try to find their father. They loaded their horses with everything they might need and prepared to leave at daybreak. Blaze said, “I hope we find our father well and nothing has happened.” Jordan said, “We better make sure to take our weapons with us. You never know what we may encounter along the way.”

At daybreak the two set off on their journey. They followed the highway to the east, towards the Kingdom of Nod. As they traveled they saw people all along the highway. They asked if anyone had seen their father but no one had been that far. They continued on their way. The two boys only stopped to rest and feed their horses during the day. They camped along the highway at night because it was far too dangerous to travel in the darkness.

The next day they encountered another merchant they had met through their father. His name was Joshua. They asked if he knew or had heard anything. Joshua was upset upon hearing that their father hadn’t returned. He had heard a story of a river troll who had taken up residence at the river bridge just across the border with the kingdoms. This troll was blocking passage to anyone who wouldn’t pay his outrageous toll. The troll wanted children from anyone who wanted to pass. The troll intended to eat the children for dinner. Needless to say, no one would dare pay the toll and no one had been able to pass. This explained why their father was late and why they hadn’t received any word from him as to why.

The two knew they must do something. This troll needed to be stopped. Not only to help the father but to save any unsuspecting children that the troll might encounter that were trying to cross the bridge themselves. They continued riding on the highway until the border between the kingdoms was in sight. The river was another mile down the highway. The two brothers thought long and hard. They crept up to the river to assess the situation and quickly came up with a plan.

Blaze rod onto the bridge and confronted the troll while Jordan snuck under the bridge and climbed up behind the troll. The troll had made his demand. He wanted children if Blaze wanted to cross. Blaze thought fast and negotiated with the troll to keep his attention. “What kind of children do you want? There are so many different kinds. How can you expect me to know what you’d like.” Blaze said. Before the troll could answer Jordan, who had slipped up behind the troll, swung his gleaming sword and cut off the troll’s head. The troll fell to the deck and over the side of the bridge.

The boy's father, who had been stuck on the other side and had witnessed their bravery, ran across the bridge and told his sons how proud he was. No one else would even attempt to challenge the troll but they had saved the day. Now commerce could resume, the people would get the goods they needed and the children wouldn’t end up on the troll’s menu all thanks to Blaze and Jordan.

Queen Soni had even heard of their bravery and held a feast in their honor. Awarding each of them a new sword with the crest of the crown on it. “When your father doesn’t need you, I command you to come to the castle. You will be made knights and protectors of the realm.” Queen Soni proclaimed.

The boys and their father returned home. Their father was very proud of them and the people were happy and proud they had such brave boys to protect their kingdom.

And they all lived happily ever after…..

Except for the troll.

The End