The Troll At Speckle Bridge

There was a time throughout this land when all was well and kind. Where Wood Sprites, Fairies and Pixie dust were not that hard to find. But times have changed with the forest quiet and the wee folk gone for good. As darker times have vexed the town and it lies just beyond the woods. For you see there is a gruesome sight that lives beyond the ridge. A fearsome Troll named Dudley Moore who controls the Speckle Bridge. The townsfolk know they must pay the toll for when they wish to cross. And even though they have a mayor they know that Dudley's Boss. When forced to travel they have no choice for it spans the only road. And a fearsome Troll stands upon the bridge and money they must show. 'Pay the toll,' screams Dudley Moore. 'A tuppence for your group. Try to pass and shun my levy, I'll boil your bones for soup.' Rumors live in the minds of folks of a man named Robert Bowl. Who vowed to sneak across the bridge to cheat Dudley of his toll. When he left... the townsfolk cheered to his future glory and fame. But poor Robert's quest was not to be... as he was never seen again. Now Trolls are ugly beyond belief with hair scored flaming red. Dudley stood 40 palms and weight 30 stones with feet the size of sleds. His skin was course with bloodshot eyes and breath like garlic wine. His nose was huge and his teeth grotesque, he smelled of putrid swine. Dudley knew of the stories told... of eating flesh until he burst. And like most Trolls... only human blood would satisfy his thirst. It made him laugh to play a role where he was hated and reviled. But then a voice......... he turned around and there stood a lonely child. Now Sara Pound was at the bridge and now began to cry. For all the berries the girl needed were growing on the other side. Dudley was firm as the child wept, his heart as black as coal. 'You will not pass as there are no exceptions. All must pay the toll!' The child sniffled then thought a bit, feeling tense and dour. She left the bridge and returned in haste giving Dudley Moore a flower. The Troll was shaken as he held the gift... unsure how to proceed. Then something changed... Oh, he thought. It's my anger and my greed. 'Let us talk as I need your word on a bargain that can't be beat. I'll let you cross but you cannot tell any townsfolk you may meet.' So every day when the coast was clear, with no one there to see. Little Sara Pound would bring a flower and cross the bridge for free. She came at dawn with the sun ablaze, he would watch her for a while. And snickered what a funny thing to have to wear a smile. The world was harsh or so he thought but he had finally found a cure. A child's eyes and the faith within with a spirit oh so pure. She was picking berries near the river when the Troll looked on in shock. The little girl had got too close and slipped upon a rock. A raging current had swept her down as the river was mean and wild. Dudley jumped with a desperate need to try and save the child. He struggled hard as his arms grew tired, their situation grim. For all those years upon the bridge... he had never learned to swim. He kept a float as best he could in a battle fraught with strife. To save a girl who had changed his heart and brought his soul to life. He was tossed about but his only thought to save the girl from harm. And with one last breath he found poor Sara and held her in his arms. The townsfolk searched into the night for the child Sara Pound. They looked in vain for days on end but nothing could be found. Stories are told while at the shore... she suffered an attack. From a fearsome Troll who then disappeared after one last senseless act. The things we dread are sometimes not as bad as they appear. And knowing how love conquers all should sway us off our fear. So now in Heaven, the fearsome Troll will no longer be apart. From a little angel named Sara Pound who had melted Dudley's heart. The End *Four palms is about one foot. * A stone is about 14 pounds. *For those interested. I will be showing my cartoon 'Bob's your Uncle' on my homepage with a new one being posted every second day.