Troll Hunting is a short story in parallel to the novel Youngspell – both written by J. Rae Moore.
“Cagord ‘ears ya, chicken,” a deep voice bellowed from the dark depths of the cave. “Ya shall suffer for da murderin’ of da daughters,” it continued. “Cagord will grind ya bones to make me bread, ya hear?”
Juliana shivered. She knew the words were directed at her. She glanced across the rocky terrain at the three stone figures in front of the cave. “Daughters?” she muttered. Until then, she’d thought the petrified trolls were boys. Their exaggerated, wart-heavy features showed no sign of femininity. She shrugged. “Who knew?”
It had been her folly that brought Cagord’s daughters to their ends. She hadn’t meant to harm them—not to the point of death anyway—but the potion she needed to complete called for troll beard stubble, and she was going to get it. Since both male and female trolls grew facial hair from the age of two, it should have been easy to collect. After a long and weary night of trying to convince the young trolls to come out of the cave, it was the offer of human flesh for their tasting that finally did it. Success fluttered in Juliana’s chest as they’d tiptoed out, but, unfortunately, the sun had decided to break over the horizon at the same moment, petrifying the youngsters before Juliana got a chance to swipe her blade across the bristle covering their faces.
“Ya get ya sleep out there, chicken,” Cagord hollered. “Tonight Cagord hunt ya.”
Since she was forced to wait, Juliana sat back and noted the position of the sun. It had passed its zenith and was drooping toward the west. She had a few hours until sunset. She shoved a rolled up shirt behind her head. Cagord was right about one thing. She needed to sleep. As she settled in and closed her eyes, she also realized that the troll was also wrong. He might think he was going to be the one after her, but in reality, it was Juliana who was going to be doing the hunting.
As promised, Cagord emerged the moment the sun’s rays had extinguished for the day. He was a typical mountain troll with gray, porous skin and a flabby yet powerful body. His neck swelled with fatty bulges as if it cultivated a new one each year. A horn sprouted from the crown of his head and wrapped around his skull twice. Juliana was pleased to spot a thick layer of black stubble covering his chin and cheeks. He shook a fist above his head as he scanned the area. “Come out, ya green-eyed chicken,” he shouted.
Then, there was another troll beside him. Slightly smaller than Cagord, the new troll was the size of a shed with a head of wild, brown hair, a collection of large warts across the bridge of her nose, and a face full of stubble. The new troll pushed ahead of Cagord and touched each of the stone trolls. “Me poors poors babies,” she sobbed. Juliana ducked behind a boulder as the smaller troll swung her large, muddy brown eyes along the edges of the space. “Baloneen gots a pot just right for yas, bawk-bawk chickadee,” the troll called. She continued to bawk like a chicken as if Juliana would be drawn to the call.
Juliana checked her dagger and confirmed that her carpetbag was hitched high on her shoulder. She hadn’t intended on having to deal with two full-grown mountain trolls. This was going to be a bit harder than she’d thought. She was so busy trying to come up with a new strategy she didn’t realize the trolls had found her until she heard Cagord say, “Yas a stupid chicken, ain’t yas?” as he made a grab for her.
Juliana jumped up from her spot and sliced at his large, gnarled hand.
“Owwww!” Cagord bellowed, holding the wound to his mouth.
Juliana scrambled away from him, up the side of the rocky hill behind her only to be seized by the back of her shirt by the other troll. With one arm, Baloneen held her up like a pup by the scruff and studied her—face-to-face. “Yas a bad bawk-bawk chickadee,” the female troll seethed between her teeth.
Juliana dry-heaved as the troll’s breath swirled around her and wrapped her in its fumes. The stench stung her eyes, immediately causing them to water.
“Give Cagord chicken,” Cagord ordered. He reached for Juliana but Baloneen pulled her out of his reach.
“No, Baloneen smash it,” Baloneen argued, still dangling Juliana at arm’s length.
Cagord stomped a foot. “Cagord crush it!”
“Baloneen smash!”
“Cagord crush!”
Juliana saw her chance. She twisted hard to the left and a loud rip split the air. She landed on the ground with a muffled thump and scuttled away, leaving Baloneen holding only a scrap of her dress.
The rest of the night was a series of hides and finds with Juliana and the trolls trading turns for each. It was after another narrow escape that Juliana found herself hiding once again. This time, she crouched between two boulders the same size as the trolls who hunted her. There, she fought to regain her breath all the while listening for the footfalls of her pursuers.
Juliana wiped the sweat from her brow and checked the edge of her blade. Cagord and his wife had proved to be fast for big, fat buggers and they were relentless in their pursuit. It would have been a lot easier if she’d only had to deal with one troll at a time, but whenever she got the drop on one, the other would rush her and she’d be forced to retreat. “Not this time,” Juliana swore under her breath. She plunged her hand into her carpetbag and pulled out Vena, her magical broom. “This time, I even the odds.”
Juliana tapped the broom twice, bringing it to life. She swung a leg over to straddle it then silently levitated into the sky.
On the other side of the boulder mound, the husband and wife team were searching a small clearing for her. Baloneen pushed apart the branches of a large pricker bush, bawking, while Cagord was looking under the rocks.
“Dat chicken ‘ere somewhere,” Cagord commented, picking up a large boulder and peeking beneath it. He grunted when he realized he’d guessed wrong and chucked the boulder behind him. It landed with an earth-quaking thump. Cagord scratched his scalp before he bent down and lifted another boulder. “Nope.”
Now, Juliana thought. With her dagger at the ready, she steered toward Cagord and shot at him at an amazing speed. It would have been a clean shave had Cagord not looked up just as Juliana was about to graze his cheek. Before she knew it, his giant arm swung upward and knocked her out of the sky. She went sailing into the same pricker bush Baloneen was searching. She landed with a bump and rolled into a seated position, her legs spread wide. A small groan escaped her lips as the pain registered. Giant pricker bush thorns poked into her at every angle.
“Looky, looky,” Baloneen exclaimed. She wrapped a fist around Juliana’s head, lifted her out of the bush, and held her up triumphantly. “Bawk bawk bawk, Baloneen got it. Baloneen got da chicken. Bawk bawk bawk.”
Cagord cast away the most current boulder and threw his hands up. “Got da chicken,” he sang, shuffling a jig in the dirt. “Got da chicken. Now be time da eat da chicken.”
Still keeping a firm grip on Juliana’s cranium, Baloneen joined her husband’s dance. “Got da chicken. Got da chicken. Now be time da eat da chicken,” they sang together.
Ignoring the pain the troll’s grasp caused through her head and neck, Juliana squeezed her hand. She still held the dagger. Next, she searched the area for Vena. As she was being jostled around in the trolls’ victory celebration, it took a while to locate the broom. It was lying near one of the boulders Cagord had discarded earlier. She narrowed her eyes. She had to time this just right or she’d be troll chow for sure.
“It’s too bad about your daughters there, Baloneen,” she yelled above the trolls’ singing.
Baloneen stopped dancing and let out a tooth-rattling growl. She brought Juliana’s face to hers. “Ya murdered da girls, even da baby.” Baloneen spoke with her teeth clenched.
Juliana fought against the sudden urge to puke at the scent of her breath again. She was just close enough. The pressure around her head increased.
“Baloneen smash…” Baloneen’s threat ended there as Juliana reached out and sliced off a large chunk of the troll’s cheek.
Baloneen screamed, dropping Juliana and grabbing her bleeding face.
Cagord stomped over, nearly stepping on Juliana, and wrapped his arms around his crying wife. He inspected the wound. “Baloneen. Yas beauty face. Oh, poors Baloneen.”
In the meantime, Juliana scrambled to retrieve the pound of flesh she had hacked away from Baloneen. Just as she retrieved the bloody prize and shoved it into her bag, Cagord spotted her. “Ya evil chicken. Cagord crush ya,” the troll bellowed, lifting his hay barrel-sized foot and aiming it at her.
Juliana rolled away just before his foot hit the dirt with a ground-shaking blow. The troll bent low and slowly lifted his foot. As he examined the bottom of it, Juliana made a dash for Vena. She’d made it just as Cagord realized he’d missed her. It didn’t take long for him to find her again.
“Cagord crush evil chicken,” Cagord said, stomping her way.
“Wake up, Vena,” Juliana said. She tapped the broom and Vena buzzed to life. Juliana kicked up into the air but she didn’t get far when the broom stopped suddenly. She glanced behind her and saw Cagord holding the broom’s bristles between two fat fingers.
“Evil chicken no fly,” he stated.
“Get off my broom, you big-headed behemoth.” Juliana kicked at the troll’s hand but Cagord held tight.
Suddenly, a stream of red fire shot from the broom’s end and hit the troll’s hand. Cagord let go immediately, screaming.
Juliana shot high into the sky while Cagord stood below, pumping his fist at her. “Evil chicken come back.”
Juliana cackled. “Not anytime soon, oh Cagord, my pal.”
Cagord’s threats and Baloneen’s sobs followed Juliana as she sailed smoothly through the night sky. She still had several oversized thorns sunk deep into her skin—that would be a pain not soon forgotten—but she was smiling. She patted her bag then the handle of her broom. “Ah, Vena, old girl, you’ve still got a few tricks in you, don’t you.”
She reached into her shirt and pulled out the list of ingredients for the potion. Dabbing her finger into one of her wounds, she sighed as she used her own blood to mark off the box labeled Troll Beard Stubble.
J. Rae Moore 
I loved your story, can’t wait to read the rest. I liked how you brought the details in without a bunch of narrative, boring paragraphs. I also loved the fact that the broom had a name! Great job!
LikeLike
I loved it! The characters are great, as well as the story. Definitely makes me want to continue following Juliana in her quest to gather her ingredients!
LikeLike
Not my genre of choice, but your writing is so well crafted, I couldn’t help enjoying it xxx
LikeLike
You manage to create atmosphere without description – that’s good. This is not my genre, but I enjoyed the brief short story very much.
LikeLike
Great imagination and a flowing narrative.
LikeLike
Good story! I’m intrigued enough to want to follow the rest of the story. It’s a new take on trolls for me: trolls who petrify in sunlight, like gargoyles. Also, it’s hard to tell who’s good and who’s bad. (Maybe both?) The moral ambiguity is fascinating. Good imagination. Good job! I wish you continued success.
LikeLike
Love your story. Very good work. Wish you much success!
LikeLike
“Cagord crush evil chicken” Brilliant and enjoyed the read! Looking forward to reading more of your work!
LikeLike
Great writing. I loved this. I definitely want to read the full length story.
LikeLike
Wonderful writing
LikeLike
Very entertaining
LikeLike
Great writing. I could easily picture the characters in my head.
LikeLike
What a tease you are Rae! I have to know about the potions purpose. You hooked me. Well done…I’m left eager for more!
LikeLike
A good snapshot. Personally I’m not a broom kind of girl though
LikeLike
Really enjoyed reading your story J. Rae. Strong descriptions involving multiple senses, a clear sense of time, and time passing. Wonderful broom imagery. One sentence – “As promised the moment the sun’s rays had extinguished for the day, Cagord emerged” could be stronger, I think, and I believe Stephen King talks about always using active versus passive voice, with the action up front: “As promised, Cagord emerged the moment……” Not a big thing, but that sentence sets off the beginning of much of the story’s action. Cool stuff. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Buddy, I have to admit I like the way you think. That sentence is stronger that way. I am going in right now and changing it. I want to thank you as well. As most writers, I am learning as I go. People like you, who take the time to show how a minor change-up can enhance a story, are a beneficial influence to the writing community. Again, thank you. -J. Rae Moore
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought this was going to be about Internet trolls, but I liked your version better. Very vivid descriptions.
LikeLike
This a very good story. It should be a book. Very imaginative and well written.
LikeLike
Great story. You’re a talented writer that has the ability to draw the reader in from the start. I love how original these fantasy characters are. The way the trolls were described and the dialogue used separate them from the trolls I’ve read about in other stories. I also appreciate the small details, like how Juliana has to tap her broom twice to activate it. I wish you great success and look forward to reading more!
LikeLike
Loved this short story! Can’t wait to read the book!
LikeLike
Beautifully written !!
LikeLike
Wow beautifully written. I look forward to reading more 🙂
LikeLike
So, is it bad that I’m actually rooting for the trolls here? I mean, other than being smelly and annoying, they really aren’t that bad. Mama is understandably pissed that her daughters were murdered, and Papa troll is concerned when the witch disfigures his wife. What is her potion for? Taking over the world?
I liked the dialogue. The speech patterns for the trolls were both annoying and endearing. The story was well told, and I’d seriously like to know why she thought hunting trolls would be easy. I mean, what potion is worth all that trouble?
LikeLike
Reblogged this on ANDY THOMSON BLOG.
LikeLike
Wow, this is a very engaging short story. Job well done!
LikeLike
Love the details you give, it really brings the story to life! Especially with the description on the trolls, the fight with the dress ripping, and even the boulder chucking. Can’t wait to see what potion she’ll be brewing 🙂
LikeLike
Clever, entertaining, and (best of all) well written! Thanks for sending me the link.
LikeLike
Loved your story! It will be interesting to see what else you have in store for us.
LikeLike
Wonderful! I love the attention to detail. Can’t wait to read more!
LikeLike
Oh a witchy story. It sort of reminded me of the Worst Witch. Apparently the BBC are going to making a new adaptation of that. I can’t wait. And also a bit of the new adaptation of the BFG. Anyway I found the story a bundle of fun, especially with the trolls seeing Juliana. I suppose with the height comparison, she would seem like chicken after all. Your writing style was also easy to read. I’m also restricting myself to shorter sentences, as that often leads to a clearer narrative. Anyway keep up the good work!
LikeLike
I like this very much. It flows extremely well and I like the character who requires troll hair for a spell. I want to read more.
LikeLike
Nice! The story was really whimsical with a touch of slapstick. It had many close calls which showed how important Juliana’s quest for the ingredient was and what she would do to get it. I hope I could read some more!
LikeLike
What an interesting story. I love that the trolls had a reason to hunt Juliana down aside from just being trolls and that Juliana admitted to accidently hurting the girls. I”m hoping there was reason there, but interesting start. Juliana has spunk and it shows in her actions .
Curious to see where you take the main story line.
LikeLike
I loved the details and the trolls’ distinctive dialogue, but I found it hard to root for Juliana. Probably because we weren’t given a reason why she needs the potion, or any evidence why the trolls are bad (other than being trolls), she seemed unnecessarily cruel. But the story was well-told and enjoyable. I’m sure the book will be great too!
LikeLike
Please remove the last comment as I have noticed a typo
Loved the build up and suspense all in one, felt I was there witnessing the whole event live as opposed to reading it.
Look forward to reading the rest and what other ingredients she needs for this potion, and maybe what she will use this potion for.
LikeLike
nice dear
LikeLike
“Good strong characters with depth and a lively story that engaged my interest straight away. Very good of its kind and great fun.”
LikeLike
Enjoyed reading it. I liked that you gave your broom a name and that she has a mind of her own. Wish I could teach my broom to fly 😉
LikeLike
Really enjoyed it! I’m looking forward to more! I am intrigued to know what this potion is for that is making her risk her life! Also, love the fact that her broom is named! Can’t wait for the continuation! Great job!
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Cyndi Pilcher, Author.
LikeLike
Not a genre I usually read, but got sucked into your imaginative descriptions. Best of luck with the book:-)
LikeLike
Wonderfully descriptive and atmospheric story. Not my genre at all but I very much enjoyed the read. Good luck with future stories/books 🙂
LikeLike
This is not my genre either but I did enjoy the vivid yet concise descriptions. The only thing I would suggest is you watch the overuse of pronouns (I know, it can be a challenge) and with this “old style”, I personally would leave out contractions in the narrative. Leave them in the conversation for effect. When I write I always ask myself at the end of each page, “did I leave my reader wanting more?” I believe you did, friend! Keep up the good work!
LikeLike
I really liked the language, the way the trolls talked was very engaging and the pace and movement is quick and smooth, great narrative. I did NOT like Juliana, I know the trolls wanted to eat her but I had every sympathy with the troll mother wanting to grind her up. The murder of three children is not a small matter, whatever sort of children they are. The narrator seems to take for granted that it’s fine to do this, but I think you have a sympathy problem. Juliana was the one that came into their territory. There was also a place where you said “so it went throughout the night” and I felt uncomfortable, I don’t like fast forward abstractions like that, feel they make the story weaker. Wonder how else it could be done. And I wondered what possible reason Juliana could have for not being more terrified when in the clutches of a troll… she seems unreasonably confident. But these are small things. Great!!!! More please!
LikeLike
Good, fun story with easy to visualize action and description. Curious to see the rest of the world this story takes place in.
LikeLike
I enjoyed your story. Good luck with your novel!
LikeLike
Well done, I really enjoyed it. Keep writing, it’s magical.
LikeLike
Really great.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I first identified this short story as a fiction fantasy. Being able to identify the genre so easily improved the quality, which I feel allows you to appreciate it more. The quality is also improved because during my readings, I felt like I was in the book and that is extremely important. Anyone can write words but to make those words help you see the writer’s vision is a true author. I hope J. Rae Moore chooses to expand more on this short story, I feel it has much potential. Thank you for sharing and please keep me posted.
Check out chapter 1 to my book “Deception” series 1 http://www.dwaynetmartin.com/blog/check-out-ch-1-of-deception
LikeLike
Very entertaining!
LikeLike
That extract was very interesting and exciting at the same time.
Well done…..I like it.
Gaz
LikeLike