Trolls

hapter Seven: Trolls in the NightAs the Company journeyed deeper into the wild, Taranis found himself growing wary. The sense of adventure that had thrilled him in the beginning was starting to be tempered by the reality of what lay ahead. Each night, the group huddled close together, keeping the fire going and their weapons close.It was on one such night, when they were camped in a clearing surrounded by tall, ominous trees, that a foul stench filled the air.Balin sniffed, grimacing. "Smells like rotting meat.""Or worse," added Kili, reaching for his bow as he looked around.Before anyone could react, a loud thud echoed through the clearing, and a massive hand reached down, scooping up Bilbo. The hobbit's shriek snapped everyone into action, but they barely had time to draw their weapons before two more trolls lumbered into view, their huge forms casting long shadows across the firelight."Lookie here, lads!" growled one of the trolls, his voice like rocks grinding together. "A whole feast, just waitin' for us."Without thinking, Taranis leapt to his feet, sword in hand. Thorin and the other dwarves were already advancing, their weapons raised, but the trolls easily knocked them aside, laughing as they batted the dwarves away like toys.Taranis gripped his sword, feeling a surge of resolve. This was no time to hold back. He called forth the power he'd unlocked when he reached level 10—the power he could only use once a month. The blade in his hand began to crackle with electricity, blue sparks dancing along the edge."Lightning Stab," he whispered under his breath, channeling every bit of energy into his weapon.With a shout, he lunged forward and drove his sword into the nearest troll's leg. The blade sank deep, and with a flash of light, a bolt of lightning arced through the troll's body, making it scream in pain. The troll staggered back, clutching its leg as smoke rose from the wound.The dwarves, seeing an opening, rushed forward, landing blows on the troll's legs and arms. But the trolls were more resilient than they'd anticipated. The wounded troll let out a furious roar and swung its massive arm, catching Taranis and sending him crashing to the ground. Pain shot through him as he rolled over, trying to get his bearings.The troll he'd injured sneered down at him, its eyes filled with rage. "You'll pay for that, little bug!"Before Taranis could react, two trolls grabbed him and the other dwarves, binding them in thick ropes and hauling them over to the fire. No amount of struggling could break the bonds, and soon they found themselves dangling above a spit, the trolls licking their lips as they prepared for their "feast.""Well, that didn't exactly go as planned," Taranis muttered, testing the ropes around his wrists.Bilbo, tied beside him, gave him a weak smile. "Was that... lightning, just now?"Taranis managed a nod. "Didn't help us much in the end, though. I'll have to find a way to make it stronger." He felt frustrated; he'd put everything into that strike, and yet it hadn't been enough to stop the trolls.Just as one of the trolls was reaching for him, however, a deep, booming voice echoed across the clearing. "What are you doing, you fools? You can't eat dwarves—at least, not without cooking them properly!"The trolls looked around, confused, as Gandalf's voice seemed to come from every direction, filling the air with authority and command. Taranis grinned, realizing Gandalf was using some sort of magic to stall for time.As the trolls argued about how best to prepare their meal, Gandalf positioned himself by a massive boulder. With a mighty blow, he cracked it open, flooding the clearing with the first rays of dawn. The trolls froze, their skin beginning to turn gray as the sunlight crept over them. One by one, they stiffened and solidified, becoming statues of stone.As the last of the trolls was petrified, the dwarves let out cheers of relief. Gandalf quickly freed Taranis and the others, and they all stumbled to their feet, sore and battered but alive."Well done, Gandalf," Thorin said, his voice filled with gratitude. "You saved us."Gandalf nodded, giving Taranis a long look. "I saw that strike you landed on the troll. Impressive—but be careful how and when you use that power. You'll find that in Middle-earth, magic can draw attention... not always from friendly eyes."Taranis took the warning to heart, realizing that his powers, while useful, might indeed bring dangers of their own. He nodded, glancing at the stone trolls around them and feeling the weight of his journey settle on his shoulders. The road ahead was only growing more dangerous, and he'd need every bit of his strength—and wisdom—to face it.