Conrad Gardner
Torvold reached the castle at the forest’s end, a looming structure of fine architecture that overlooked the trees and river beyond. It had an impressive display of ruby-red windows that stood above the doors. Torvold kept guard high as he ascended the steps and entered the castle doors, which had been left open. He entered a hall that reminded him of a cathedral, complete with more ruby windows. An enormous table sat in the center. At the head, she sat, a clear pane of glass hanging suspended over her head.
Princess Inastm stared at our hero with wide eyes. Muffled screams came from her gagged mouth and Torvold smiled, stepping towards her.
“Do not fear, my fair lady, I shall release you soon enough,” he said. Torvold crossed the hall and set his bloodied sword by the head of the table in front of the princess. “I am Torvold of Quarsney, and I will release you soon, though I must ask, where is your captor?” The princess could not speak through her gag; Torvold lowered it whilst she remained bound.
“You must have slain him on your journey here, brave knight. Do you recall facing a hideous troll?” Torvold remembered several trolls but asking about a hideous troll was like asking about a princess that Torvold had rescued and bedded: they had a tendency to blur into one.
“I have faced many a hideous troll on my journey, my fair lady, but do not fear, you are safe now.” Torvold placed a hand on her shoulder, and let it brush over her body. “Now I wish to collect my reward. It is customary, after all, that a damsel offer her rescuer anything, and I have no need for gold.”
Upon Torvold’s saying this, the bonds around Inastm’s body faded away with a mystical shimmer. Torvold pulled his hand away. “What trickery is this?” he said, and those would be the last words the hero of Quarsney would utter, because Inastm’s arm took the form of a razorblade and severed the man’s neck.