The troll's hut had been concealed on the far bank of the lake, hidden by a mishmash of leaves, dirt and animal carcasses. It was a grisly reminder of what trolls did to their prey, Charming thought as he pushed aside some dead branches. He reached the mud hut all too soon, and drew his sword carefully so as to not make a sound that would disturb the monsters. His footsteps crunched loudly, and Charming dared not look down to see what-or whom-he was stepping on. The back door was flung open in a shower of leaves and branches, and Charming quickly ducked behind a crumbling stone wall. Heat emanated from inside the hut, and Charming winced as heard someone's cries for help. It sounded like a boy. The troll trundled over, scooping up more wood for the fire with his huge, meaty hands. Charming peeked over the top of the wall, watching the troll lumber back inside. Charming held his breath, but noticed that the back door was not closed. He slowly got up and creeped towards the open door. Charming flattened himself against the wall, and dared to look inside at the terrifying scene.

Crutchie was strung up like a piece of meat, dangling head first over a boiling hot cauldron. He had a wet gag in his mouth, and his hands were tied together with heavy rope. He swung slowly in a circle, watching the flames lick the air. The troll walked over to him, and grabbed his face to inspect him.

"There's hardly any meat on him," the troll sneered. "But we'll save him for the appetizer." He bared his teeth, and Crutchie closed his eyes in fear. The troll laughed, and grabbed a sword from the side of the hut. Crutchie whimpered in fear as the troll strode towards him, brandishing the sword. The troll smiled wickedly, and prepared to cut the rope so that Crutchie would fall into the cauldron.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you."

The troll whirled around, dropping the sword much to Crutchie's relief. Leaning up against the wall of the hut was Charming. He casually looked back at the door. "You know, you really should close your doors behind you. All sorts of creatures might come wandering in."

The troll snarled, and picked up the sword again. Charming shrugged. "Don't you think you're being a bit too hasty here? I mean, did you ever stop and really think about your dinner?" He slowly made his way around the cauldron, keeping the trolls fixated on him.

"You said it yourself," Charming continued. "He's got no meat on his bones." He waited until he was almost too near the troll, which was too stupid to comprehend this new threat. Charming thrust his sword up, parrying a blow from the troll. Metal clashed on metal as Charming led the troll to the other side of the hut, finally slaying the beast with a thrust in the stomach. Dancing embers licked the air as Charming strode over to the boiling cauldron, taking ahold of the rope to lower the boy down. He quickly untied his gag and hands, helping the boy to his feet.

"There you are," Charming pronounced as he let go of the boy. "Good as-" He frowned as the boy fell down again. "What's wrong?"

"My crutch," the boy explained. "I can't walk around without it," he said, and Charming left his side to look around the hut for the object.

"What's your name?" Charming asked as he walked around.

"Crutchie," Crutchie stated, sitting up.

Charming nodded approvingly. "Makes sense." He grabbed a long wooden pole with a handle and a cloth covered ledge. "Is this it?"

Crutchie made no reply except gurgling choking sounds as a meaty hand was wrapped around his throat. He stared into the eyes of the other troll as it moved him over the cauldron.

They had forgotten about this troll.