19
Max and his aunts spent the better part of an hour trying to convince Knoxby to come out of Leofwin's stall. He sat dejectedly on a pile of hay in the corner. They'd promised him everything under the sun, but it had not moved the sulking troll. He was clearly offended. Max felt his frustration growing. Time was running out and they were wasting it by babying a full grown troll. He leaned over the gate and peered in. Knoxby had his back to him.
“I can't take it anymore. Enough,” he yelled. “We don't have time to coddle you like a small child. We need to get ready. You're either going to come out or stay in there and die.” Esther and Griselda raised their eyebrows and looked at him in surprise. He thought he saw the beginnings of a smile on Griselda's face. “There will be no more food.
