Page 4 of A Bridge to a Troll's Heart
“I’d better.” But Tobias stayed right where he sat.
The two of them watched the snow fall, side by side on Arlo’s bridge, feet hovering over the Red Elk River on Christmas Eve’s eve. An owl hooted in the distance.
Tobias stretched his legs and climbed up to his feet. He held out his hand. Arlo clasped his wrist and was startled by Tobias’s strength as the wolf shifter hauled him to his feet.
Tobias released Arlo’s hand. “Thank you for the tea.”
“’Course.” Arlo gathered his things, arms full of cookies and cups.
“Merry Christmas, Arlo.”
Arlo didn’t know what to say, so he nodded.
Tobias crossed the bridge and took off for home at a trot. Just before he disappeared from view, he turned around for one last look and caught Arlo staring once more. At least he wouldn’t see Arlo’s cheeks blush from so far away. Arlo raised a hand and waved good-bye and nearly dropped the teacups.
“Merry Christmas, Tobias.”
CHAPTER2
February
Tobias
Toby woke with a grin.He’d been looking forward to this morning for weeks. He planned to visit his sister and nieces at Fern Pack, which meant crossing the Red Elk River Bridge…and seeing Arlo. He’d often wondered how the troll was getting on, and today he’d find out.
He dressed in a hurry, then rifled through his wardrobe for his fluffy blue scarf. He wrapped it around his neck, added a matching cap, and grabbed his pack. He’d gone over and over what to give Arlo as tribute but couldn’t decide. He didn’t know Arlo well enough to choose something for him. Instead, he brought a few coins with the intention of asking what he’d like so he could pick it up on his return trip.
Snow blanketed the landscape, glistening white and silver under the early morning sky. The little village of Red Elk had yet to awaken as Toby hurried along the trail toward the river. The creaking of trees warming in dawn’s light broke the wintry silence of the forest. Toby had always loved that eerie sound.
Before long, he heard the river’s rapids in the distance. He picked up his pace, eager to catch his first glimpse of Arlo. By the time he set foot on the wooden bridge, he was practically running. Toby prepared to call out when he heard the troll’s echoing rumble.
“Cease, scoundrel!” growled Arlo from under the planks. “You’ll not cross without paying my tribute!”
Toby stopped in his tracks. Arlo emerged from his lair, hopped gracefully over the rails, and stood at the center of his bridge, hands on hips. A flicker of surprise crossed Arlo’s expression, followed by a hint of delight quickly hidden by a fearsome scowl.
“What are you playing at, sneaky wolf?” he roared, but Toby could see he wasn’t mad. “Trying to scuttle past me with no tribute?”
Cowering, Toby feigned a shiver and plastered a look of terror worthy of Arlo the troll on his face. “Oh, please! Don’t hurt me. I would never try to sneak across your bridge. You’re far too scary and dangerous for anyone to attempt such a feat!”
Arlo puffed his chest and gave a stoic nod. “That’s what I thought.” His lips curled into a smile.
Toby returned it with one of his own. Arlo was as cute as he’d remembered, with those rounded cheeks and huge blue eyes. “Oh, Yes! Far more frightening than last time, Arlo. Well done.”
“Thank you. I’ve been practicing.” Arlo shuffled a step forward. “Where are you off to? It’s cold out.”
“To see my sister, but I left early, so I have some time if you’d like a visitor.”
Arlo’s copper brows curved to twin arches. “A visitor?”
“Sure. If you’d like.”
“I’ve never had a visitor. What do I do?”
Toby shrugged. “You could offer me tea, but you really don’t have to. I’ve been thinking of you and wondering how you’re getting along. We could chat.”
“I would like that. And I’ve already made tea. I’ll fetch it while you make yourself comfortable.” Arlo gestured to the wide wooden planks.
The entirety of the bridge had been cleared of snow, railings included. Bits of holly decorated both ends with bright red berries, adding cheer. Toby plopped down in the middle and crossed his legs. It was a lovely morning to spend over the river with a new friend.
