CH 49: Troll Toll

The party called it a day after that, they were too distracted by their lust to do any more traveling. In the end, all five women were a panting, tired mess as they lay in a puddle of limbs. Claire made sure to tell each of her lovers that she loved them, even telling Lily for the first time.

“I know we’ve been intimate for only a few weeks.” Claire said as she embraced Lily. The two cuddled in the middle as she was saying this. Her hand grazing Lily’s soft skin. “But, what you’ve done for Jaz, how helpful you’ve been and your beauty… It was incredibly easy…” She said between labored breaths.

Lily was a blushing mess as Claire told her this. She was so casually throwing her emotions around, something Lily was struggling to comprehend. She nodded back, too exasperated to properly respond. Claire smiled before snuggling up closer, she needed to nap before watch started. They all needed a nap.

With that delay, Jasmine insisted they book it to their next destination. Claire chose to fight the troll, wanting to test herself. She would be the one dealing with it head-on and it would test her adaptability. Even if it was smarter to go after the cockatrices first, she needed experience fighting stronger opponents.

She was under no illusion that her fights would be getting easier. If she wanted to get Ryley back, she would need to fight their Lady’s guard. Most of them were higher leveled than Jasmine, so she couldn’t even rely on her strength. She needed this test to see how well she can adapt.

Jasmine was proud to say the least. While she initially wanted to build up in threats, she could see her former student’s reasoning. She accepted Claire’s decision as they headed towards the cave it called home. She kept all four members on a tight schedule to make up for the half day they wasted.

The four day ride from Cyprus to Weiss village was made on time thanks to their horses' keen health. Claire tended to them nightly and made sure that they weren’t pushed too hard. Her farm experience came in handy as the horses trusted and liked her. She spoiled them slightly to make up for the tough ride which was how they were able to make it in time.

Once they made it to the village, Claire insisted the horses be taken care of while they hunted the troll. She used her own share of the gold to pay a local farm owner to take care of them. Thankfully, the farm owner also let them park their carriage on her property. Claire offered to help with her chores if need be, but the farmer declined.

So, the Scarlet Seraphs got to work planning on how to defeat the troll.

“It won’t be like last time, this is a fully grown troll.” Jasmine said to the twins. “The one we fought had just left its mother to venture by itself. Do not expect it to go down as fast.”

Elsie and Ana nodded, they remembered how ferocious the troll was. Ana trembled as she thought about it. Thankfully, Elsie was able to calm her down. “Understood. We’ll be prepared.” She said back for her sister.

“Now Claire… Do not take its blows head-on. They are known to break boulders at this age and your defense isn’t strong enough yet. I might even suggest leaving the steel plates behind.” Jasmine said, her own nervousness taking over. This wasn’t a slime or a rat. Claire’s defenses couldn’t shrug off a blow from this creature. “Rely on dodging and out maneuvering rather than your shield.”

Claire thought deeply about it. She’d be nothing more than a distraction instead of a tank. But, if that’s what she needed to do. “I don’t know… I’ll still carry my shield just in case.” She finally said, it may slow her down somewhat, but it’s better than nothing. “Better it takes most of the blow along with my arm than my chest.” Jasmine nodded, she winced as she thought about it. She could feel a pit form in her stomach as she thought about the upcoming fight. “This time I’ll be joining from the start. The troll is too powerful to let you three take care of it.” She said, she was stocking her quiver as she spoke. “I will help in distracting it from Elsie and Ana, but only if it overwhelms Claire. My poison will stop its natural regeneration while Elsie focuses on damaging it. But it needs to constantly be applied.”

All three nodded as their nerves took over. “Here. These are firebomb potions. They aren’t powerful, but trolls hate fire. Use them when you feel overwhelmed.” She handed a satchel to Claire. She checked the contents to find 10 vials of an orange liquid.

“Thank you.” She said, setting the satchel down.

“Okay, we’ll be using hit and run tactics. So Elsie and Ana, stay as far back as you can. Claire, aim for the tendon under his calf on your initial strike.” She touched Claire’s tendon that connected her calf to her heel. “The Tyrant’s Tendon. It’ll cripple its movements. If we can take both of those out, then it’ll be much easier.”

Claire nodded, she wasn’t the quietest when sneaking. Hopefully, she doesn’t screw this up. ”Okay, we should get ready. It’s almost nightfall.” Claire said, setting the satchel down then dropping her pants. “I’ll try to make this quick…” She said as her lovers swarmed her.

It only took an hour for the four to make it to the cave. It was a massive 20 foot entrance fit for a monster of this size. The smell of blood and rotting flesh emanated from the cave reminding Claire of the giant rats.

“Do they all smell like that?” She asked.

“Pretty much.” Jasmine said, her voice in a low tone almost a whisper. “Apparently it’s the smell of corrupted mana, but that’s never been proven.”

“A-ah, Lily said that too. Reminds me of those flowers.” Ana said.

“True, they aren’t far off.” Elsie said, pinching her nose. “Though, that drink tasted fantastic.”

“We’ll have to get more on the way back. I still haven’t got to try alcohol again.” Claire said, her voice’s pitch and tone mimicking Jasmine’s.

“Sure… but focus up.” Jasmine said as they approached the cave. “Elsie and Ana, you two go behind that tree. Claire, come with me. And be quiet.”

Claire nodded, she took Jasmine’s hand and followed her lover’s movements. Crouching and stepping where she stepped. Jasmine kept a slower pace, cautious of their surroundings. She was using her night vision skill to see and guide Claire through the dark.

They were able to make it through the entrance without making noise. Claire was extremely careful as they walked, trying her best not to make a noise. The overwhelming smell of the troll nearly made her gag, but her collar helped block it. They crept through the cave, searching for the monster when Jasmine squeezed her hand.

The signal that she spotted the troll. She did something that made Claire’s blood run cold. She placed two fingers on her palm, signaling that there were two trolls. Claire froze as her nerves took over. They planned for only one troll, how would they deal with two?

“We should go.” Jasmine whispered, barely loud enough for Claire to register. She nodded, her nerves acting up. “Thankfully, they are sleeping.”

She led the way out of the cave, easing through the mess as Claire followed. It was only when they saw light that Claire started to feel less nervous. Her breath evened out as the light grew. They were almost out when they heard rustling behind them.

The trolls had awoken.

They hastened their pace, getting to the entrance before Jasmine pulled Claire to the side. She signaled to the twins to hide as footsteps echoed through the cave. They waited with bated breath as the footsteps grew louder and louder. Claire could feel her sweat and nerves build as the menacing sound approached.

Then she heard their voices. A mix of raspy voice that sounded guttural and reverberated throughout the cave. “Smells like meat. Hueman?” The voice sounded vaguely human, but off. Something about its inflections sent chills down Claire’s spine. She panicked as they applied their scent removing potions, how could they be found out?

She almost jumped when she heard a branch snap. She looked to where the twins were, horrified if they did it. She could feel Jaz tense up as well, but then a figure emerged from the thicket. They looked humanoid and had glowing red eyes. She could even hear her breath from here.

“HUEMANN!” The troll cried as its body was exposed to the light. Claire nearly gagged at the sight, it stood at 15 feet tall with green colored skin. Welts, worts and hair covered its skin as it looked vaguely like a woman. It had a distended belly and nose. Claire’s mind froze as it smiled, rows of jagged, knife-like yellowed teeth.

The other looked smaller and more masculine. Its distended belly sagged almost to its knees. Claire wanted to puke, their smell was horrible. Both women stood silent, waiting to see what would happen. The figure moved into the light, showing off a muscular build, tanned skin, and covered in animal skins. Her eyes glowed a deep, blood red as her face contorted in rage.

“RAAAGH” The woman cried out as she flew forward, a two-handed axe in her hand. Claire was stunned as she ran towards the trolls.