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Max choked on the stew caught in his throat. He whacked at his chest and tried to force it down, but it was lodged pretty good. Zeeback grabbed him around the middle and pushed in and up. At first, nothing happened. Max’s desperation for air grew. Zeeback tried again. A large piece of vegetable flew from his mouth and bonked the troll on the head. Max nodded his thanks and sat back down.
“Rutabagas,” said the troll. “Always getting stuck somewhere.” She continued to eat like nothing happened, while the others openly stared at her.
“H-How,” started Max, trying to find his voice. He cleared his throat and tried again. “W-What stones are you talking about?”
The troll looked up from her bowl. “Come now, child. You don’t think I was born yesterday, do you? Your little friend’s face appea
