Chapter 57

However, the one with a large axe balanced on his shoulder whispered, "Elder...please have mercy on us. Have mercy."

"There is no more room for mercy. Our messenger and scouts informed me that the two prisoners were not our adversaries, but that you have done nothing but detest them, and that when all of these wars strike them, we trolls will be there in their midst. We would then negotiate between witches and vampires, but we would be in danger, which would make us more vulnerable to their machinations. And everyone who wanted to stay was more than welcome to do so. But please understand that this is not a weakness of mine. I'm talking on behalf of the elders' decision."

It's amusing how the first thing that came to Osmond's mind at this point was either the beautiful witch or the punishment appropriate for the traitor's actions in not listening to the elder. For the days they scouted out their little community with skepticism, they were abandoned and forced to endure years of