Prelude to Robbie Rotten

October 2016

Make sure to read Prelude to Sportacus and then Prelude to Stephanie so you won't be confused.

Prelude to Robbie Rotten

Grim Galdur had done many bad things but his work was far from over. His every waking nightmare was about Sportacus or Baldur-whichever name he chose to call himself. Grim was defied on all accounts by the blue elf and humiliated in public as Rikki. He almost had Latibær.

Almost.

A year had past and there was no sign of the good elves. They had gone back to dwell in their own kingdom because there was no evil in the town. Grim sat in his lair far below the Rikki mansion. His hair was left to grow all over his tormented body, which became mangled and wiry. His claws reached to the floor and his back was hunched over. Over the course of his secluded time underground, he had become haggardly. He was an ugly specimen of existence. He wanted Latibær again but didn't know how to go about getting it back in his vile clutches. That annoying little girl called Stephanie was still present. She hadn't moved away as hoped. She brought the children into much activity: they played, they shouted out happily everyday, and ate healthily. Grim could hear all of this far below and it nearly choked him to death. He hated her.

He stared up a single gleam of sunlight coming in, reached up and growled at it. No, he must get the town back. He can't go on hiding like this. He decided to crawl like some abominable ape toward a quartz-like cluster growing on the floor. Grim touched it and it glowed brightly. He was transformed into a human–a man in his twenties. He didn't look like Rikki this time, in fact, he took on a much different appearance. His chin was more outstanding, his face longer, his eyes green like dark jade or intense topaz. He was over six feet tall and slender. He wasn't sure what it meant but this was the guise the stone wanted. Then the stone turned off and wouldn't turn back on and he was in the dark again. Grim stood up and stretched, it was good to be human again, who needs the stone, he was positive Latibær would be all his this time. Now came the part to find clothing because he was standing there stark naked. What disguise would he take? He laughed deeply and loudly as an idea came to him…

CHAPTER ONE

Baldur held onto Zanna and kissed her, they stood by a magnificent waterfall. He caressed her cheek and chin. They were finally together forever. Zanna sat on a boulder and looked at the setting sun. She was dressed in a flowing gown of white moonstone and had blue quartz in her dark hair. She took Baldur by the hand, "Baldur, you don't know how much it means a part of the Hidden Folk but it is time we worry about our child and leave the kingdom."

He got down on his knees before her.

"I protect Latibær and I will take care of you. I understand the queen has forbidden us to have children because you were once human. This is what the queen said. For you to flourish in the Elvin kingdom as an elf you cannot have children. Elves and humans-"

She let go of his hand and stood up, she walked a ways away and stood there with her back to him. "Then what do we do? Must I go off into the wilderness on my own? I can't live without you, Baldur."

He stood up, "Nothing can be done now. We must leave the Kingdom."

She looked at him quickly, "I feel terrible asking you to leave your home. And what of Latibær?"

"I will go anywhere with you, even if it means we must live our lives out in the wilderness without the protection of our people. Don't worry about the town; it is flourishing on its own without any problems."

"I am sorry, I didn't realise this would happen."

"Don't blame yourself," he walked up to her and touched her stomach. "We are considered banished, Zanna. If the queen finds out she will not allow it, it will be a bad outcome. So I will take you far away."

"But what of Solla and Latibær?"

"My concern is you."

"Where will we go?"

"I know a place."

"It is far?"

"Yes, and it is suitable for our child. There are other Hidden Folk there but they are scattered throughout. We will build a home and live there the remainder of our lives."

"I trust your decision then, Baldur."

"Let me go to Latibær and say goodbye."

She grabbed his arm, "Love, it is best they didn't know. The town might fall in melancholy if they hear you're departing. As long as they believe you are not too far away they will continue to prosper."

He stared in the direction of the town. "You're right. It's been a year and nothing has happened there."

"Let us leave then."

Baldur touched her cheek lovingly, "I am happy, Zanna, although this is tough, I am happy."

She hugged him.

They made their trek away from Latibær across open plains. Baldur didn't go into any city limits instead they stayed out in the country. He built a small cottage and Baldur took care of his wife but his mind was always wondering about Latibær. Zanna had to keep reassuring him it would be fine and promised that they would go back to visit it if need be.