Megan's Quest Part 2of7

Now Regan and Megan were down on their luck and faced with little or no choice. So with a quiet trepidation... a deal was struck and from now all would speak with one voice. 'A good company of 'lumps we be needing to find,' said the Bumpalump as he looked to the night. 'This will not be so easy as most will be inclined to see saving your Father as not a 'lumps fight.' 'Now as to our company on who will make up the rest we must find a number where we can agree. And I think at least seven could handle this test.' Then Megan replied, 'We are but three.' 'Well. That is a problem which is heavy and deep but for now you must put such thoughts from your head. And do what you can to get a semblance of sleep so off you go and get to your beds.' Megan awoke the next morning to a clear sunny day and for a moment forgot what had transpired. But the moment was brief and the sadness would weigh on a young girl who was still very tired. She rousted Regan to wake and could tell from the smell that Slaygon was preparing some breakfast to eat. This brought a small comfort but it was hard not to dwell on the challenges they surely must meet. 'There you are... my new companions at arms,' said Slaygon in a more hopeful zest. 'For today we will sound and raise the alarm as we seek others to join in our quest.' 'The taverns are full of 'lumps who would give their own sight for just one chance to get back at the Trolls. And if their hearts be as brave and ready to fight... they will want revenge for what those Creatures have stole.' 'So eat what you can and be of good cheer as we must have faith in one and another. And remember to trust in yourselves and strictly adhere to the pact we make with the others.' Later that day at a Tavern on Pigglesqueak Way the Children sat while Slaygon talked with some 'lumps. But all was not well as they turned him astray except for one who seemed far to joyous and plump. Slaygon brought him on over so the Children could meet and decide if he warranted a look. And with a smile as big as a Pelican's beak... The 'lump offered his name... Blender O'Took. 'I hear there's a quest to play with some Trolls and cause some mischief to those wretched Beasts. You can count me in as it sounds like a wonderful stroll and a bit of exercise would not hurt me the least.' Megan replied, 'You are more then welcome good Sir to join us but don't forget the hardships in store. A perilous journey which would cause a 'lumps blood to stir.' While Regan quietly counted... 'Now we are four.' The Tavern door suddenly flew open and in wandered a 'lump who was different from all of the rest. She was missing an eye and her left arm was a stump and a string of Troll's teeth lay affixed to her breast. 'Now that is a warrior.' Megan whispered a loud. 'Is there any chance she may join in our fight?' 'I will give it a try,' said Slaygon as he walked through the crowd while Blender snickered, 'Be careful. I hear that she bites.' 'Hello dear Bestia,' said Slaygon. 'You're looking quite well except for the lack of a few body parts. I wonder if I might share in an ale and permit me to tell of a quest that is soon to depart.' Bestia quietly listened while Slaygon recounted the tale of how the Children's Father was taken at night. And when Slaygon was done she ordered more ale but refused any part in their fight. 'Why risk my life for people who treat us like dirt and make us beg for the scraps they may throw? I would rather be starving and eat my own shirt than to be a party to such a foolish sideshow.' Slaygon replied, 'I understand the pain you have felt and would never underestimate the hatred they spew. But consider those Children and the hand they've been dealt and in all honesty... they've done nothing to you.' 'Think of this glorious quest as a first minor tread to help our people set right what has always been wrong. When brave Bumpalumps freely joined in a journey of dread that will be honored and worthy of song.' 'I do love a good song,' said Bestia while rubbing her chin 'And you're right...the Children have need of our aid. And to get back at the Trolls?' She said with the widest of grins. 'So I would be happy to join their crusade.' 'But I have to insist on one minor condition... where my Brother Graygall be part of our mix. He is gallant and brave and will add to our mission.' Slaygon looked back at the others, 'Now we are six.' Graygall looked up from his ale with an unhappy expression and said, 'These Children mean nothing to us. We should not put forward our lives on some Child's obsession without taking some time to discuss.' 'The decision is made,' yelled Bestia as she slammed on the table 'You will follow and support what I do. We will join with this company as soon as they're able and as to this quest... it is righteous and true.' They were sitting together by the light of the fire and Blender spoke first, 'We have assembled our team. But the Troll's castle will be heavily guarded and an assault would be dire so I would be happy to know of our scheme?' Slaygon began, 'I talked to a Trader who reluctantly spoke about the castle entry we hope to transverse. He told of huge wooden doors made from an unnatural oak and a magical lock to make matters worse.' End of Part 2/7 *For those who may be interested. I will be posting my cartoon 'Bob's your Uncle' on my homepage. A new one will appear every second day.