Page 12 of A Bridge to a Troll's Heart
They gazed at each other.
Footsteps echoed overhead.
“That’s them.” Toby took Arlo’s hand and tugged. “Come on!”
They clambered up onto the bridge together, Toby first and Arlo on his heels. Half the wolf pack had gathered to pay tribute. The youngest and oldest of the bunch were in their wolf forms to make the journey easier. The healthy adults remained on two legs and carried packs with water and snacks for the trip. Behind them, others filed in, nearly sixty in total, all headed for their traditional summer celebration with the Fern Pack.
Toby’s mother, their pack’s alpha wolf, stood front and center, her long black hair hanging in waves around her slim waist. She wore a flowing, green dress, the color of magnolia leaves, which brought out her hunter-green eyes.
Toby had inherited her looks down to their matching dimpled cheeks, and he was glad of it. His mother was beautiful, and the crinkled lines around her eyes only enhanced her charm. Her silent smile reminded Toby she expected something.
Toby elbowed Arlo in the side and yell-whispered, “Go on. Do your thing.”
“What? Oh…” The confusion on Arlo’s face cleared as he gave a horrifying growl and bellowed, “Who dares cross Arlo’s bridge? What tribute do they bring for safe passage? Speak now or turn back, or else!” He added another growl for good measure.
“Good job.” Toby grinned with pride, for Arlo was fearsome indeed.
The pack played their part, shuffling back, some of the younger wolves cowering.
Only Toby’s mother stepped forward. “My name is Regina of River Pack, and I’ve brought my family to cross your mighty bridge today.” She bent at the waist, presenting an elegant bow, which Arlo copied with far less grace but plenty of enthusiasm.
“Well met,” said Arlo.
“And you.” Regina straightened. “For a tribute worthy of Arlo the troll, proud guardian of the Red Elk River Bridge, we have brought you a basket of treats.”
Toby’s cousin Eliza poked her head around his mother’s shoulder and stepped forward to hand off the gift. Toby had helped select the items inside. Deer jerky, drawings from the children, sweet-candied nuts, a collection of the tiniest pinecones, and a smattering of fresh wildflowers picked along the way. He hoped it would please Arlo and bring him joy.
Arlo took the basket gently and returned Eliza’s polite curtsy with an awkward one of his own. “Thank you, miss,” he rumbled.
Eliza giggled and backed away. Toby peered through his lashes to inspect Arlo’s face. The troll struggled to contain his delight as his gaze roamed the contents, eyes reflecting the grin his lips held back.
Arlo cleared his throat and grunted. “I proclaim this tribute worthy. You may pass.”
Toby’s pack, the ones currently without snouts or tails, cheered. The wolves yipped and howled, and the younger pups danced around Toby and Arlo. Arlo stood still, but an indulgent smile bloomed for the children.
“I especially like the drawings,” said Arlo, and Toby’s nephew Arthur let out a chorus of happy barks, for he was the aspiring young artist among the bunch.
Regina took Toby’s elbow. “I’ve heard an awful lot about you since Christmas, Arlo. It’s wonderful to finally make your acquaintance.”
Arlo’s cheeks took on a pretty purple blush under his dark freckles. “My pleasure, ma’am.”
Toby’s brother Timothy joined them while the rest of the pack made their way across the bridge. “I hear I must play you at fivestones. Are you as good as Toby says?”
Arlo lifted a shoulder in a half shrug. “I don’t know. I’ve only played Toby, and well”—Arlo lowered his voice—“he isn’t very hard to beat.”
Timothy laughed a great belly laugh.
“Hey!” Toby piped up. “I taught you to play.”
“Sorry, sorry,” said Arlo, though he didn’t look sorry at all. He looked rather pleased with himself. “You have been a great teacher is what I meant.”
“Of course. And you have been an excellent student. I’m sure you’ll give Timothy a good match.”
“When we get back, then?” asked Timothy.
Arlo nodded. “You’re on.”
“I wouldn’t place any bets if I were you,” warned Regina with a warm laugh. “Timothy has been known to take his brothers and sisters for their share of dessert on several notable occasions.”
