Me, having a vacation for the first time in three years:
"Yay, more time to enjoy my writing!"
The reality:
"Hold my beer."
Seriously, why do I have less time for something I like during my supposed free time?
Jokes aside, I'm back to actively writing. I'm also moving back to Friday updates starting the next week (those simply work better for me).
It had never been her plan to start with.
Just be careful and avoid risky places.
Yeah, sure. So how had Nomura ended in that dumb predicament again? She simply wanted a relaxing night stroll to forget about everything. And what had she gotten instead? Encountering the part of her past she would rather throw away for good?
It had to be because of the treacherous wind - if that one had never brought her the familiar scent, Nomura would have continued with her stroll.
But no, the urge to see Draal had turned out to be way stronger than her self-preservation instinct. Was she a masochist or something? Who in their right mind would willingly encounter someone who had caused them so much pain?
Not to mention that their meeting would never result in any type of civil conversation. No, that would be an actual death battle - that was their reality. The two of them were just mortal enemies right now, regardless of their shared past.
On the other hand, Draal was a dangerous opponent - and that was the legitimate reason to spy on him.
Wow, apparently, she was grasping at straws here.
So used to lies that isn't even able to be honest with my own feelings.
Was it that difficult to admit that she wanted to see her old flame, even if it would trigger the painful memories?
Nomura chuckled at her own stupidity.
"Be true to yourself and to hell with the world."
It was her spell of courage, her lead on the rocky path to find the reason for existence - so was it that surprising that she muttered it in the moment of doubt?
Sure thing, Nomura never planned to approach Draal - just watching from the safe distance would be enough. She exceeded in stealth, besides her knowledge of her former lover and his blind spots would give an upper hand.
And then… Well, she simply delayed that decision for later, not willing to admit her selfish motives.
Whatever her unhinged brain expected to see, it wasn't the proud warrior at his lowest, gathering some stones at the canals.
Wait, wasn't that?..
All the pieces simply clicked together. It was the place where Kanjigar had fallen and, as far as Nomura was aware, Bular had scattered the previous Trollhunter's remains to further disgrace him.
Though… For someone so fixed on his father, Draal certainly hadn't been in a hurry to recover his body. How many days had passed? Somehow, it annoyed Nomura too much.
If anything, she had always been jealous of the bond her former lover had had with Kanjigar. She didn't remember her birth family - being snatched as a whelp and all the hellish training in the Janus Order had left the mark on her psyche she would never be able to erase.
Other changelings? As if - any kind of affection or bond was plucked out mercilessly. Her familiar's parents? Nomura nearly laughed aloud, recalling Zelda's cowardly and indecisive dad and hysterical alcoholic mom. She had failed to get even an ounce of respect for those two, and anything beyond that? Just preposterous.
Yet Draal was different. She still remembered a nearly childish excitement and awe in his eyes any time he had talked about Kanjigar. He had always been proud to be the son of the noble warrior.
And Nomura had always felt her heart clutching as she had kept realizing that there would have never been that kind of family for her, the despicable impure, the tainted troll snatched from her community.
Apparently, she had only made a grave mistake falling for some dumb temptation. It only spoiled her mood more - and here went any hope of unwinding tonight!
But, gosh, that moron definitely didn't pay any attention to his surroundings. Nomura could easily picture at least ten ways to take away his life before Draal realized anything.
Perhaps that was her answer, the most logical course of action.
Her former lover? So what?
That was an enemy, someone with enough battle prowess to be a legit threat. Getting rid of such a dangerous factor was a must, but…
Whatever.
Nomura remembered no one would ever acknowledge her achievements. That bastard Stricklander? Bular? Someone else? Why would she even bother to do anything nice for their needs? Had anyone ever asked her what she wanted?
It would be better just to leave - the more she stayed, the more conflicted she felt.
Her eyes trailed over the ground absent-mindedly until she spotted a certain rock.
Wow, Bular definitely had been royally pissed if one of the scattered remains had flown that far.
Nomura picked it up, fighting a sudden urge to throw it even further from the canals. Her entire life was a total wreck by now - so why should she feel bad about causing someone more trouble? Especially if that someone was Draal. He had caused her more than enough pain, never giving her a chance to explain herself.
Wasn't she an impure, a vile, unnatural being with no honor?
An image of Kanjigar's cordial smile flashed through Nomura's mind.
"Thank you."
That one certainly came out of nowhere. Nomura flinched - she still felt uncomfortable around the Trollhunter, scared that he could possibly see through her lies. Yet, somehow, she had ended alone together with someone that dangerous.
"That's come out of nowhere," she forced a chuckle. "I don't remember deserving any gratitude…"
Seriously, Kanjigar was too confusing. Nomura preferred dealing with his more understandable son.
She mentally ran once again through all the possibilities. Nope, nothing - as if she had ever done any favor to the Trollhunter!
He laughed, taking a note of her genuine confusion:
"I guess you haven't noticed it yourself… Well, I'm just grateful that you've appeared in my troublemaker son's life. He's matured a lot since meeting you…"
"Who, Draal?" Nomura couldn't believe her own ears. Draal she knew tended to be childishly reckless and impulsive - but well, she liked that part of him too.
This peaceful conversation nearly made her drop all the guards. Nearly. Her training would never allow her opening entirely and trust anyone.
That was just common sense, something drilled into her head since the early childhood. And being surrounded by master backstabbers only made it worse.
Perhaps it was the reason why Nomura fell for Draal - he wore his heart on his sleeve, never able to hide anything. He was just… safe. Yes, safe was the right word.
Kanjigar's chuckle broke up her reverie.
"Oh, believe me, he used to be way worse with his self-destructive tendencies…" his expression suddenly darkened. "Always trying to prove his worth, obsessed with how other trolls viewed him, insecure about his own achievements… I made a horrible mistake as well when I gave up on trying to help him to find his own path. Yet you… Yes, somehow, you've created a genuine miracle. I'm glad that my son has you now. You know, my noble obligation means walking along the edge all the time. If something happens to me…"
"You're the best. I doubt anything'll happen," Nomura interrupted hurriedly, feeling a pang of some bizarre emotion she failed to identify.
"I'm not immortal," the Trollhunter shrugged. "Sure thing, I'd like to live long enough to see my unruly son settling down, but the chances of that are slim. But at least, I know that he'll be in good hands…"
"It sounds like you're ready to die tomorrow," she frowned, not liking how it sounded. Why did she even bothered? That was the enemy, someone who would slay her without mercy upon discovering her true nature! Shouldn't she feel happy about the possibility of his untimely demise?
"Well, I'd prefer seeing some of my grandkids wrecking chaos around," he laughed, breaking a heavy mood at once.
"As if this Trollmarket will survive Draal's and mine whelps," Nomura snorted dismissively and…
Wait, wait, wait, wait!
She didn't consider actually starting a family of her own, did she? Had she even had the right to wish for such a place to belong?
"Just to clarify - our relationship is nowhere close to that!" she added, obviously embarrassed by her foolish and borderline naïve slip.
Staying there, at the Trollmarket, surrounded by friendly trolls - all of that was chipping away the walls she had built through the years. It was too dangerous - wouldn't all of them turn their back to her once they learned about Nomura's true tainted nature?
"Oh, no one force you to make such an important decision now," Kanjigar shook his head. "You both should know each other better first, to be sure that you want to bond your lives together… Nevermind this old troll's ramblings - at times, I just think it'd be nice to have a daughter like you…"
That was simply too unfair, too suffocating.
Nomura wished wholeheartedly to embrace that bright happiness. Alas, it never meant to bear any fruit…
That memory only made her feel worse, reopening all the old wounds. Nomura would rather have never experienced that kind of belonging and being wanted - that way she would also have never known what exactly she missed. Yet, having the happiness in her grasp only to get it snatched mercilessly…
She hated the world and its unfairness, wishing everyone else to feel her pain. She was a villain, a despicable spy and assassin - no one would blame her for having that mindset.
Nomura looked at the part of Kanjigar's body again. It was so easy to hurtle it as far as possible, but…
Nomura loathed herself, loathed the part of her soul which still felt a gratitude towards the fallen Trollhunter.
Besides, she owed him - even if it was just a sweet delusion, he had made her believe in the possibility of the bright future.
"Seeing you this pathetic makes me want to puke."
Yeah, she had just done it - approaching her old flame she had decided to avoid years ago.
Ironically, somehow Nomura had managed to approach Draal so close without him noticing. That was a convenient attack range - he was lucky that she had no plans to kill him right now.
Probably, she should have kept the bigger distance not to see all the emotions his eyes reflected as he got aware of her presence.
Disbelief, anger, some longing, then anger again, disgust, and some borderline hatred.
"Too much time too waste? If I took a break from sucking to Bular, I'd spend it for something better," there was no civility in his words, no he was ready to fight to the death.
Well, at least her ex had finally gotten his shit together - seeing him desperate and broken was simply too much. And that was the right thing - Draal Nomura knew was brutish and hot-blooded, not someone sulking at the corner.
"Loud, rude, reckless, stubborn and never willing to listen. Nothing's changed since I left," somehow she couldn't help but roll her eyes - totally fake action she had adopted way back when they both had been still happy. It had been their way to throw nabs at each other - none of them had ever been a mushy type.
Wow, had she actually fallen into temptation? There was no way back to those wonderful times - the only outcome of any encounter right now would be a battle.
Now Nomura had finally realized why exactly she had approached her old flame. She needed to cut all the ties, to find some closure - so that she would be able to view Draal as an enemy only.
"Catch."
She had delivered the missing fragment - so she didn't owe anything to Kanjigar as well.
"Found it by the trees over there. Your dumb ass would never look there…" adding that part was probably unneeded, but… Well, one last time wouldn't hurt.
"Why?" his question came out of nowhere. Why couldn't Draal just growl or throw accusations or whatever? Anything would be better than demanding explanations! As if Nomura could explain her noble action herself!
She just had to leave - there was no obligation to find any reasoning or talk to her former lover more.
"He was a good troll. Way better than a certain someone. Think whatever you want, but even I know the meaning of gratitude…" she got her reply out of nowhere - it was as if some benevolent helper whispered it to her.
Gratitude. Exactly. Nomura felt grateful to the fallen Trollhunter.
"Thank you," it was faint and most likely no one had heard it, but she couldn't care less…
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Claire had already missed the school. No, of course, it hadn't been that long since her magic incident, but that routine felt like a lifeline - safe and boringly normal, it would be perfect to distract her mind from all the supernatural issues.
Alas, her mom was dead-set on keeping her daughter at home until she fully recovered and no arguments about it being 'just a slight dizziness' hadn't worked.
Claire sighed. Sure thing, she must have scared her parents a lot that even her workaholic mother had skipped some work. No wonder that both Ophelia and Javier kept fussing about the smallest stuff.
They were overreacting, sure thing - but hadn't her parents remained oblivious of what exactly had happened? From their point of view, their daughter had faced some intruder, gotten scared to death, collapsed afterward and had been unconscious for a while.
Anyone would have freaked out.
Though honestly, most likely they both would have freaked out even more if they had learned about trolls and magic.
Ignorance was surely a bliss in this case.
Claire mentally smacked herself for probably the thousandth time - she should have stopped trying to justify her silence. Did Douxie and Jim have that kind of thinking too?
Speaking of those two, she surely should have talked to them. Yes, there was some wedge between them right now, but if the boys were willing to actually accept her into their trollhunting club, it could be a nice first step to mend their bond.
Just no more lies or hidden truths - shouldn't that be easy? Claire also reminded herself to bring up the mysterious Shadow Realm. She needed some expert help regarding that one, even if it had stopped summoning her for better or worse.
Neither Ophelia nor Javier was at home, so wasn't it just a perfect opportunity to sneak out? Sure, if she got caught, all the hell would break loose, but Claire was willing to take the risk.
It was too late to go to school (and well, some teacher would contact her family for sure), so she decided to visit Douxie first.
GDT Arcane Books or Benoit's?
Claire tried to recall her magical teacher's schedule - and failed miserably? Wait, had she ever asked about that one?
Perhaps, calling Douxie would be the sanest approach…
As if! The world clearly had something against her as his phone was out of reach for whatever reason!
Apparently, she would need to check both locations herself. In the worst-case scenario, Douxie would be somewhere else altogether (tracking those trolls?). Claire already regretted her outburst - if the boys had stayed for longer back then, she would have learned way more and wouldn't have poked blindly in the hope of stumbling upon anything.
Benoit's was closer, but somehow she'd rather have checked the bookstore first - after all, that place had a real connection to the supernatural world, unlike the cafe.
Claire wondered what exactly she could say to her magical teacher as she walked towards her destination. What if he had decided to kick her out of the magic studies? Douxie seemed to be a responsible guy despite what his initial impression might have suggested, he would have never put anyone into a risky situation.
But…
The monster attack had been traumatizing in every meaning possible - yet Claire refused to give up on the supernatural altogether.
And the Shadow Realm… Both enticing and terrifying, it was something she craved to explore.
Magic had become the part of her being too fast - but was it that horrible? Perhaps, it had meant to be her place, her role in this everchanging world.
Ophelia had always criticized her daughter for picking the most unconventional interests possible, be it her music taste or the school play - the waste of precious time better spent on studying.
But magic would certainly take the cake, with it bringing an actual risky factor in Claire's life.
The destination was already in sight - she marveled herself how fast she reached it. Probably her hasty pace looked odd to passers-by, but whatever - there was no time to bother with public image, and…
"Wow, hold your horses, girl!" an arm embraced Claire's shoulders from behind. "How many times I've told you that Raven isn't working there anymore!"
"Wha?.." Claire turned around, staring at the sudden interruption in total bewilderment.
She didn't know that older pink-haired girl, even though she seemed vaguely familiar.
"Uhm, you've mistaken me for someone else," Claire protested, taking a note that the stranger tightened her grip on her arm.
"Yeah, sure, very funny!" the pink-haired girl snorted. "How long do you plan to play that game?"
Claire could swear that the stranger was trying to be as loud as possible. It was odd - and her intuition told her there was something beyond a simple case of mistaken identity.
And she got confirmation faster than expected.
"Please, trust me," the older girl whispered barely audibly. "I'll explain everything later, but now we need to get away as fast as possible."
Could she blindly trust her - someone appearing out of nowhere? Anyone in their right mind would at least question the situation, but…
The inner voice refused to shut up, claiming that Claire could believe the odd stranger, and…
"Fine - a full bathtub of guacamole, and I'll think about forgiving you!" she raised her voice too, noting an approval in her sudden ally's eyes.
"Oh, come on!" the pink-haired girl groaned, "that's legit stealing!"
Meanwhile, she was clearly dragging Claire away from the GDT Arcane Books while complaining loudly about some people being unfair.
The impromptu play only lasted until the closest back alley, where the stranger had finally loosened her grip.
"So, can I have an explanation at last?" Claire whispered with some annoyance, rubbing her arm - the pink-haired girl hadn't been gentle at all.
"Unbelievable," the stranger rolled her eyes, "under attack not that long ago - and already trying to get on changelings' radar once again? I wonder if it's guts or plain stupidity!"
How could she possibly know all of that? Claire forgot all the previous frustration at once.
Wait, she had finally recalled why that girl was familiar. She had seen her around in the music shop and…
She was also a regular at the Benoit's.
Could it be?
"Yep, I'm your irresponsible teacher's associate," the stranger confirmed her guess before Claire had managed to ask about it. "Name's Zoe…"
"Oh, I'm…"
"Claire, I know."
The more it went on, the more bizarre it felt. But Zoe clearly knew more than enough.
Claire felt she had just dived headfirst into the mysterious world. Apparently, there was no way back already.
Perhaps, it was too reckless to trust someone who had appeared out of nowhere, but so far, everything had pointed out that it was actually an ally.
"But why can't I visit Douxie?" she asked, still confused at why her new acquaintance had dragged her away from the bookstore.
Zoe frowned.
"Don't tell me Casperan hasn't explained our current situation to you…"
"I guess, no."
"I swear, I'll choke that dork one day," Zoe rolled her eyes, obviously not that amused.
Claire wondered what exactly had happened. Was that yet another secret no one bothered to tell her about? Wait, no - it seemed this time it was actually her own fault as she stayed out of contact with both Jim and Douxie.
"Well, long story short, the GDT Arcane Books is compromised and isn't safe for any of our team anymore. Changelings are watching it 24/7 in the hope of catching Casperan," Zoe explained with a frown. Claire suddenly noticed how tired her new acquaintance looked.
So the whole deal with the magic and supernatural creatures wasn't a fun quest you could participate in without thinking about the possible consequences. The feeling of stony fingers clutching around her neck returned.
The monster could have killed her that night - and who knew how many possible attacks could follow.
"Will they try to attack again?" Claire whispered, rubbing her neck in a futile attempt to banish the unpleasant feeling.
As if that could help! It was just inside her head, after all.
"Hopefully, no," Zoe sighed, giving her a sympathetic look. "We still have no idea why they attacked you. Most likely, they deduced you had a connection to someone at the GDT Arcane Books. I pray our little improvisation made them think you had a connection to a different magic organization, so they'll leave you alone…"
"And if it doesn't work?" Claire hated to ask that question, but she had to know all the possibilities. Another attack at her house could possibly endanger not only her but her parents and baby brother.
She had no right to risk their lives too.
"Well, even in the worst-case scenario, they won't be able to reach your house," Zoe gave an encouraging smile, noticing her visible distress. "Right now, it's one of the most warded locations in the entire Arcadia. Casperan and I put a lot of effort into that one. I'll dare to call it our masterpiece. So, no vicious assassin will sneak inside."
Claire smiled back, albeit reluctantly. Sure thing, she wanted to believe in that protective magic, but what if there was a power to breach that barrier.
A memory of the powerful witch residing inside the Shadow Realm flashed through her mind.
That one could tear any protection effortlessly.
Claire had no idea why she got that thought - she knew nothing about measuring other people's magic power, yet somehow was sure about this fact. It was like some kind of an undeniable truth, like the sun rising in the East or summer following spring.
"Hey," Zoe's calm voice broke up her reverie, "may I ask you something?"
Claire nodded absentmindedly, still captured by odd thoughts about the witch from the Shadow Realm.
"Are you still angry with Casperan? And boys?"
Not that it was such a surprising question - if Zoe was actually a part of their team, she had to know everything and probably worried about the current predicament, but…
Yep, Claire would still prefer if her new acquaintance didn't touch that topic. Despite all the reasoning, she couldn't let it go entirely. Probably it was simply too fresh.
"It's… difficult."
Yes, that was probably a cowardly and elusive response, but she had nothing better.
"If I were you, I'd kick their asses," Zoe suddenly chuckled. "It's ok to feel upset and betrayed. But you know what? We all do some shit, thinking it's the right thing to do, and come up with the most unhinged reasoning to justify our actions. At least until it collapses like the house of cards. Yes, they lied to you but they want to correct that mistake. Casperan was really crushed when he learned that you were in danger, and Jim and Toby gave up on their houses' protection so that we could put a barrier about yours…"
"Wait, what?" Claire interrupted at once. "Are they nuts?"
She didn't like that gesture. She didn't want her family's safety bought by endangering someone else.
Yet deep inside, Claire had already realized why exactly the boys had made such a decision. Even with her limited knowledge, she understood that maintaining a quality barrier required much energy. Douxie physically couldn't protect everyone he wanted.
"Is there no other choice?" she whispered after receiving no answer.
"Unfortunately, not with our current resources," Zoe admitted reluctantly. Claire could see that she wasn't that happy with the predicament as well but saw no other way out.
Current resources!
Exactly. Claire couldn't believe that she hadn't considered an obvious option. But to do that…
Yes, apparently, she continued choosing the most problematic ways.
"Zoe, would you mind taking me to Douxie?"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Krax had already forgotten how much he hated staying at the Heartstone Trollmarket. Out of all troll settlements, this one was one of the most troublesome to sneak out from. Locals rarely left, with only a handful exceptions, so Krax trying to get to the surface didn't pass unnoticed.
"Do you really want to get there?" yet another troll couldn't mind his own business and instead came pestering him with dumb questions.
"Yes, I need some fleshbag stuff. Popular goods nowadays, you know," Krax gave a fake smile, hoping that the pesky annoyance would lose interest and go away. It had worked before, but this one was too nosy.
"During the day?"
Yes, that one was an extreme oddity. Who in their right mind would go out when there was a high chance of turning into the stone?
Luckily, Krax had already thought out a plausible response to that one as well.
"I'd rather risk getting some sunburns than encountering Bular."
"Oh, you're right," the nosy local nodded thoughtfully. "He's killed some of ours already…"
"Don't worry, I'll keep to the shadows," Krax forced a laugh. "I'm not that dumb!"
Fortunately, that pesky guy was the last one, and the spy reached the glowing staircase leading to the exit.
One more quick look behind to make sure that no one got the oh-so-bright idea of giving him a company - and he hurried up, taking out his horngazel hastily. If he failed right now, it could be even more difficult to get out the next time.
No, it was now or never.
The fresh air of the outside assaulted his nostrils. It was one of the perks of the changeling nature Krax couldn't stand. Since he had tainted his nature with a fleshbag essence, staying underground started to feel suffocating and stressful.
He hated it with passion - it was perfect proof of not belonging with his kind anymore.
Krax shook his head - there was no time to lament his predicament. He needed to get away fast, or else someone might have appeared, learning his unpleasant secret.
He shifted into his human form, stepping into the sunlight. The first part of the plan had gone smoothly. Now he only had to contact Shen and…
A heavy hand landed on his shoulder, making Krax freeze on the spot. There was no way, he had checked several times, and no one had followed, and…
Wait, he was under the sunlight, so the one behind him couldn't be a troll.
Well, regular troll at least - as Krax cast a quick glance over his shoulder, he had recognized a fellow changeling.
Montgo, probably the most ridiculed member of the Janus Order.
"Oh, hi, Gomragg," he greeted with a fake glee, never forgetting to use the Gumm-Gumm name that one used.
Montgo's scowl relaxed a bit, but, alas, he didn't plan to release his captive.
"And you're…" he started, the thought process evident on his face. Krax realized that the former Gumm-Gumm soldier obviously had trouble identifying him.
Somehow, it felt infuriating that even Montgo had no idea who he was.
"I'm Krax," the spy snorted angrily and regretted his decision at once as the brute tightened his grip on his shoulder. Montgo might have assumed his human guise, but he was still tremendously strong. Nowhere near troll level, but enough to break an average human's bones.
"Hm, at least you have the decency to keep your real name," Montgo muttered under his breath.
His words might have suggested a more friendly attitude, yet he didn't bother to let his captive go.
Krax groaned, realizing that he could kiss goodbye to any chance to proceed with his plan smoothly. What had that Gumm-Gumm moron forgotten near the canals? There was no point in being there, and…
Wait, Montgo had somehow crafted an actual working plan only a changeling could execute.
An ambush - it had to be that one.
Some cogs clicked inside Krax's head - there was no need to look for Shen and share credit with her. He had a way more convenient ally right here. Montgo had followed troll honor (well, its Gumm-Gumm variety, at least - but even that one was heads above the Janus Order's 'no honor' policy).
"Hey, Gomragg, are you waiting for the Trollhunter to appear?" he asked carefully, hoping that the brute wouldn't decide to dislodge his shoulder.
"How do you know?" Montgo squinted suspiciously.
What a simpleton!
Seriously, how had that guy even managed to craft the working plan?
Unless someone else had done the thinking work for him.
"Are you working with Shen?"
Ow, that one was a mistake - and Krax regretted it immediately as his shoulder cracked dangerously.
"Do I look like a useless worm to ally myself with an impure?" Montgo's eyes lit with an unstoppable rage. "I'm here following the Herald's order!"
There could be only one known as 'Herald'. Barverra. So, the dark princess herself stopped sitting idly.
That was bad. With Montgo following her strategy, the daughter of Gunmar didn't need anyone else. Unless…
Yes, Krax could still worm his way and become a part of the team.
"Did Barverra tell you to lie in wait here?" he asked carefully. An answer would have determined everything. If it was an actual order, the stubborn brute wouldn't move an inch from his current spot, but if it was otherwise…
"No, I've come with it myself," Montgo smirked proudly. "The Butcher tried the same strategy, but unlike me, he cannot keep his watch all day long!"
Krax nearly pointed out the brute's hypocrisy - for someone hating everything impure-related, the former Gumm-Gumm soldier somehow had no problem utilizing their main advantage.
Luckily he caught himself just in time - Montgo had no sense of humor, and probably wouldn't mind dragging his captive into some dark corner and pulverizing him into the dust.
"No offense, dear friend, but you'd better reconsider your ambush spot," Krax smiled.
If there was no fixed order, he could join effortlessly. With all his flaws, Montgo was probably the only changeling who would never attempt to monopolize the achievement he got with some help.
"As if there's a better one!" the brute snorted skeptically but finally released Krax's shoulder.
It was working. He was willing to listen.
"Near his home should be way better - the fleshbag would never expect it."
Montgo burst out laughing.
"Wow, you're impressively dumb, you know? No one knows where his lair is!"
Krax rolled his eyes at that jeer. Of course, like basically everyone else, the brute had no idea about the Trollhunter's identity, so he probably had assumed that Stricklander still remained the only one with the trump card.
"And if I know?" Krax inquired carefully, enjoying the sight of Montgo's dumbfounded expression. "I have a proposal - let's kill the fleshbag together and bring the amulet to Barverra!"
He had to agree. That was the perfect opportunity to get Gunmar's kin favor, and…
"No."
That curt refusal made Krax's brain freeze. That moron Montgo! Couldn't he find some other time to act arrogantly? What was the point of ruining the good strategy?
"Look, Gomragg, I…" he started slowly, hoping that no annoyance seeped into his tone.
"We won't kill the fleshbag," the brute interrupted, his voice full of steel. "We'll capture and bring him to the Herald."
"What's up with the sudden mercy?" Krax hissed, losing the remains of his patience. "I've thought you were a Gumm-Gumm!"
"I am a Gumm-Gumm!" Montgo growled back, dangerously close to snapping. "And because of that, I'll never question both Gunmar and his kin! The Herald told me to bring the fleshbag alive - and I'll do it!"
Barverra had told what? Krax refused to believe his own ears. Were they talking about the same troll? The daughter of Gunmar was the last one he would suspect in being merciful to her enemies.
Oh, wait! She was a well-known sadist, so… Yes, everything made sense now.
"Calm down, Mo… Gomragg," Krax raised his hands in surrender. He also nearly slipped, calling the brute by the name he hated but caught himself fast enough to prevent the catastrophe. "No one questions the great Skullcrusher's authority. We'll follow Barverra's order, ok?"
"Do you really know where to find that fleshbag?" Montgo looked at him skeptically.
Krax smirked - yes, it had started roughly, but somehow his plan had finally progressed…