Sir Thomas and the Golden Dragon

Chapter Seven: Making A Plan

“What in the kingdom was that” Thomas asks, “I don’t know but it did not like us” Gerum states. “We’ll we are safe here for now Thomas” Gerum says grimly. “Why so glum brother we’re here, we’re both safe and we’re both alive there’s no need to be glum.” “I’m afraid so brother, if I’m right that roar and those boulders were connected” Gerum replies. “You mean there is a monster strong enough to lift a mountain size boulder and throw it at us?” “Yes I believe it is Tremous the second brother and physically strongest of the three” Gerum replies.

“You mean there are three trolls?” Thomas asks in amazement. “Yes and each one is deadlier than the last. You see, Brutilis was the strongest mind of the three. Tremous can move mountains and is a mindless brute he only cares about strength and combat. And then there is Doscare the oldest troll. He is the most powerful magic user in the kingdom. No one is his equal in magic as a whole.” ‘Great’ Thomas thinks ‘more problems and we’ve only begun this journey.’ “Ok, so where would Tremous be hiding then Gerum?” “Don’t worry he is not hiding. He lives at the foot of the mountain path he hides for no one.” “Then we should be off brother before he finds us and decides to crush us again” Thomas suggests.

“There is no need brother, Tremous is simple and with the rain it could be hours before he finds us again especially if the rain holds he won’t be able to match our sound with the rain blocking it out.” “Good. I will use this time to practice my new telekinesis gift what are you going to do Gerum?” “Finish my sleep Thomas after all I know I’m going to be very busy if we face Tremous.” “I hope not. I’m beginning to like this armor” Thomas laughs.

“Hey, I can always take it back” Gerum says while sporting a smile. “No thanks brother, a gift like this I will wear all my life” Thomas retorts with a smile. “Please don’t” Gerum says laughing “I don’t need you stinking it up. If you die I won’t be able to sell it if it smells like burnt arse.” They both laughed as Thomas turned around and Gerum laid down and drifted back to sleep under the trees while it continued to rain.

After a while Thomas still did not feel tired and so he thought of an idea. He began training his new mental power by starting with small stones and twigs and after four hours he was almost a master of the art. He could make stones and small boulders float around with little to no effort and move trees and boulders the size of a wagon with more concentration and effort without fainting in exhaustion.

As Gerum awoke the rain had stopped and the sun was beginning to peak from the clouds. Thomas killed a deer using his telekinesis by throwing a large stone at its head and then made a fire and cooked the meat with some roots and herbs Thomas had found while training. “That smells amazing” Gerum says as he wakes up and moves to the fire to dry from the rain. “Ah you’re awake, about time brother” Thomas exclaims “yes, well, unlike you I can’t sleep through the world ending” Gerum retorts while grabbing a bowl from his bag. Thomas and Gerum eat and drink water from their water jugs they had brought with them.

Darkness begins to fall as Gerum says “when nightfall approaches we can get moving. Tremous sleeps at night so if we sleep during the day and move at night we can reach the foot of the mountain undetected but be warned Tremous is a giant of a troll. He towers as high as a large castle and has muscles all over his body as smooth as stone and as hard as pure iron. If we can get by him we should be able to avoid conflict.”

Thomas looking deep in thought, “I agree. if we are to survive the journey let’s get moving and when we get to the foot of the mountain we will make a better decision on what to do.” As the two begin to move they run quickly taking small breaks along the path to rest. They arrive halfway from the foot of the mountain by the time the sun appears over the horizon.

“Let’s stop here Thomas” Gerum says with a tired voice. “Yes this is a good place to rest we also need to recover our food and water lets go off the path and set up camp.” They travel off the path for about a mile when they come to a beautiful field of flowers “this area will be good to mask our scents as we are so close to the foot Tremous will surely smell us from here so these flowers will help hide our scent” Gerum explains while they lay down their gear and divide the workload. “I will go hunting” Thomas exclaimed “ok, I will get water and we both shall get herbs that we find along the way” Gerum says with more exhaustion seeping into his voice.

They both set out and after an hours’ time they return. Thomas had caught a wild boar and many plants and roots to eat. Gerum had found a clean river and restocked their water supply with fresh water. He also found herbs to aid with sleep and recover from injuries. “Let’s cook and eat brother” says Thomas as he cuts the meat.

The sun was midday when they ate their fill and laid down to sleep in the shade of the flowers and trees. By nightfall both awoke refreshed and smelled like the flowers they had laid in. “Ready Thomas?” Gerum asked as he picked up the heavy load and put it on his back. “I’m ready” Thomas exclaims as he does the same. “If we keep moving at the pace we are we will arrive at the foot of the mountain by daybreak and from there we might be able to slip past Tremous and make our way up the mountain to the peak.” “Sounds good to me” Thomas says, “I will race you!” and like a bolt of lightning Thomas runs back on the path leaving Gerum in a trail of dust. “I don’t think so brother!” and Gerum takes off matching Thomas in speed. They quickly arrive at the foot of the mountain just before daybreak.

“What is that horrible stench” Thomas yells as he clutches his nose. “That my friend is Tremous” and just as Gerum points to a giant boulder it suddenly moves revealing a warty arm and what looks like hairy trees the stench was overwhelming and both of them backed away quickly “oh my god Thomas he smells horrible how are we going to get past that without dying from the smell alone” Gerum asks. “I don’t know but look he’s waking up” Thomas exclaims.

A loud booming yawn comes from the beast as Tremous rolls over and opens his eyes. “Quick hide Thomas” Gerum says and the two quickly duck behind a boulder. They both try to steal quick glances at the troll while holding in their gags.