Truly Trolly Adventures

By Jackie Griffey

When two lovely troll princesses are taken from beneath their cabbage leaves to be introduced to the people and guests of Royal Garden Kingdom, there is food, joy, and gifts of all kinds including magical gifts until a black witch appears in a clap of thunder, smoke, and lightening, screeching that she was not invited! She pronounces a curse of curiosity on the two little princesses. The loyal and magical friends of the little princesses and their parents gather when she disappears to neutralize the curse and use their magic gifts to protect the little princesses. Come enjoy the fun and adventures as they learn to use their powers. You'e invited - enjoy!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jackie Griffey
• Release date: Sep 25, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301344864

Jackie Griffey

My family and I live in Arkansas where we are owned by two cats with masters in relaxation (Dogs have Masters, cats have Staff-LOL) and a tiny Chihuahua who thinks she's a watchdog and has a long list of stuff to bark at. My current Work in Progress is another cozy mystery in the Maryvale series. I love meeting new reading and writing friends so please visit my page and blog and leave a comment. Happy reading, Jackie

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

The golden sun rose over the large and wooded area of land around the convent of the Good Sisters of Neighborliness and Love where a kingdom of trolls and other magical citizens had set up their homes. The wonderful thing was done with the blessings of the good sisters of the convent in general and Sister Rose in particular. She had asked and got permission to give them leave to build homes and live inside the back portion of the kitchen garden and part of the pleasant wood which bordered it.

When their king had asked permission to share the garden area, he told Sister Rose of their happy expectations of having twin princesses soon. As they walked in the kitchen garden he paused by a row of healthy looking cabbage plants.

A bit taller than she, he bent and spoke softly as another of her order passed by. He told her of their practice of placing their young under a cabbage leaf after they were conceived where they would grow until ready to open their eyes and join their family in the new kingdom.

Sister Rose smiled. A cabbage plant? Would there be room and protection enough? Her smile grew broader. To wait until they open their eyes like precious, pretty, little kittens?

King Augustus smiled too. When we were looking at every place here about, this was our choice without a doubt. Finding a home here near the convent, for us would be safe and convenient. We talked about it and after a few meetings, got everyone's input and feelings and greetings. To tell the truth, we are such a mixed crowd. We are all of us hoping that we'll be allowed.

He paused. A size to fit in here we must invent, to be near you and be friends is our intent. To have your friendship and protection, if you and your order have no objection?

Sounds a fine project to me. But size? The size of you? I was beginning to wonder about that too. King Gus smiled at the unwitting rhyme. She looked down at the cabbage plants in her own kitchen garden.

We'll be the size or a bit larger than full grown frogs perhaps. We've spoke of it among us, even drawn us some maps. He continued to explain. We have a few nice citizens who are beautiful geckos, and some frogs whose croaks are loud enough to raise echoes.

He paused to laugh and Sister Rose smiled. We want to live here, fit in and be friends, and sleep safe in our beds when our work day ends.

Your speech is so pleasant, the way it seems to rhyme. Are you a poet?

No, but I had an uncle who was a human poet. When my sentences rhyme, I hardly even know it. He's gone to his rest and we miss him of course, but I'm sure moving here would cause no remorse. Would you please consider putting forth this plea of mine and tell me you'll ask Mother Superior soon as you have time?

Of course I will. And do come back in a day or two. I certainly will put forth your petition for you. She laughed at his concerned expression.

See, now you're rhyming too. I think that's a good sign, don't you?

He looked hopeful and Sister Rose nodded.

He watched as she returned to the pathway with a friendly wave. King Gus went to report.

About a month later, after the Trolls had moved in, the tiny homes and King Augustus's castle had been built and most of them furnished. They'd put all their citizens' good skills and magic to work with good will to finish their homes, shops, and everything a village would need to be comfortable starting out. The village rose around the castle and shown in the sun as all the talented and gifted citizens worked.

The Mother Superior of the Order of Neighborliness and Love was delighted to have the magical citizens of the Troll Kingdom within their borders. Sister Rose had conveyed the good news to King Augustus and asked permission to watch the activity of the building of the kingdom's castle and buildings from a distance.

Though I'm not too sure you'll understand things you'll be seeing, King Gus told her. Since as I've told you, every one of us is a magical being.

Oh, I hadn't thought of that. But it is so exciting, and well back I'll stay. I'll be very careful not to get in your way.

Ho, ho, King Gus laughed. Oh, no. But since we are so small and you are so tall, you'll only see glimmers and movement, that's all.

Then I'll take my leave in a few minutes and get back to my work. All of us are so glad you're here.

Thank you, we've nearly got all the immediately necessary building done, using the talents and gifts of everyone.

Sister Rose nodded. Then don't work too hard and get to your beds early. And welcome, from all of our order.

The good sisters were already at their morning prayers about a week later as the magical village of trolls, fairies and other citizens began to wake in the morning.

Good King Gus, short for Augustus, stretched in the king sized bed and opened his eyes. He squinted at the bright sunshine pouring in from the wide windows and smiled.

"Looks like another beautiful day in our Personal Paradise." He smiled to himself noticing his thoughts didn't rhyme as his spoken words always seemed to.

There was no sound in the big sunny bedroom. He shook the warm body lying beside him with her back turned.

The body moaned and reluctantly opened wide violet eyes to squint back at him. They looked him over. They recognized him, love gleams showing in their violet depths. Then they simply closed again without comment.

Gus grabbed the top of the coverlet and tossed off all the cover, laughing. Get up, get up, whatever you do, he sang. The world outside is waiting for you!

Oh my, The violet eyes flew open. It's too early in the morning for rhymes, Gus, whether you can help it or not.

Gus rose from the bed and went to look out the window. His lovely and patient wife, Queen Wilda Joye, rubbed her eyes and reluctantly got up to join him. They both stood looking out. Both were peering at a cabbage bed at the edge of their castle's kitchen garden.

Not a stir from the little ones yet. Wilda Joye smiled at last. We don't want to rush them, now do we? And have them wake up missing a toe nail or something.

No, no, never anything like that. Queen Wilda Joye declared.

And not too thin, nor ever too fat. No, never, ever, a thing like that!

Wilda laughed. Gus frowned.

"You shouldn't laugh at my rhymes,

It's only some of the times…." Gus frowned.

Oh, I know, it's a thing you can't help. You got it from a distant uncle or great uncle, two or three times removed. Who should have been removed. She put her dainty fingers over her mouth. Oh, I'm sorry dear. But sometimes it makes me laugh. And that's a good thing, I suppose.

She turned as the bedroom door opened cautiously and a head with two bright eyes peeked in.

Oh, here's Twilla.

A woman with a full length apron entered on a virtual cloud of good smells from a hot breakfast on a large silver tray.

Ah, Gus eyed the tray of food and covered dishes the castle-keeper carried. Ah, I'm hungry as a bear! Twilla? What special goodies have you there?

Why a breakfast fit for a King, Twilla's broad face beamed. And a Queen, she smiled at Queen Wilda Joye who was stretching and also looking at the tray.

Wilda pulled on her robe and Gus sat down in his long nightshirt as Twilla arranged things on the round table near the windows.

Gus opened the covered dishes. He smiled in anticipation at chopped fruits, hot bread and butter, robins’ eggs and sausage. All of them wonderful specialties of their land, Royal Garden Kingdom, the palace grounds, and some from the convent's kitchen garden too. Their garden and also the garden in their Personal Paradise, as Gus and Wilda Joye called their place in the castle, were always full of good things to eat.

Both Gus and Wilda Joye helped their plates as Twilla poured juice and coffee. She glanced toward the large windows and tilted her head.

Not a leaf stirring yet? Twilla raised an eyebrow looking hopeful.

Not at all that any can see yet, King Gus shook his head.

But it won't be very long, I'll bet.

Sit down and have coffee with us, Wilda invited. She touched the chair near her.

Twilla sat and looked again toward the windows as she sipped her coffee. It is just the best arrangement that Trolldom ever thought of, this cabbage leaf incubation, reminds me of little chicks before they hatch.

Or pretty little kittens, Queen Wilda Joye smiled around a bite of toast and sausage as she nodded.

Gus smiled around a mouth full of scrambled robins' eggs.

Yes, this way is so healthy and safe you know, Wilda agreed.

King Gus nodded happily. The cabbage leaf protection is great. And all we need do is watch and wait.

Twilla set her empty cup on the table and went again to look out the window at the cabbage bed. She turned a bit, looking excited. People are already showing up for the royal awakening. Lots of people are coming from everywhere. What did you decide about the little princesses’ names?

Gus frowned slightly. We’re not even whether to call home a palace or a castle, He shrugged. Let everyone choose for himself and not have a hassle. Wilda Joye and Twilla Laughed and looked back out the window.

We haven't decided yet on our daughter's names. Wilda Joye answered Twilla.

It's a thing that really takes some thought. We must do what the family thinks we ought. King Gus looked concerned.

Old Trolluncle Jakob who is the oldest of our Troll family, thinks one should be named for him, even though they are twin girls. Wilda shook her head at that.

And too, Sister Rose, the dear and good nun who gave us this garden for our kingdom would like us to name one of them for Luzerne, the place where she was born.

Jakob and Luzerne? Twilla looked horrified at such names but didn't comment.

We haven't really come to any decision yet. Wilda told Twilla.

But we want them to have names that are beautiful. But still be at least somewhat dutiful? King Gus added, his handsome face thoughtful.

Well, there's still a little while. Twilla shrugged and began gathering up the dishes. I'll be back after a bit to change the sheets and I'll tell you if there are any messages or any news to report.

She smiled. Anyone who asks about the names, I will tell that the names will be announced when the leaves begin to stir.

CHAPTER TWO

Twilla returned to the kitchen with her tray of dishes and put them on the counter for Zig Troll and Zag Troll to wash up when they cleaned the kitchen. Millie Troll and Marty Troll, the kitchen chefs good helpers, were scraping vegetables at a large double sink and Twilla smiled.

Oh, we're going to have some of your good stew for lunch, I see. And plenty too, might there be a little bowl for me? Twilla laughed.

I guess I got too close to the King's plate and caught a rhyme. She picked up a little piece of a raw vegetable. I need something good to chew. But what about my stew?

It will be ready about time for early light lunches for everyone. Marty promised her. But why are you so hungry so early?"

Oh, I've been so excited I can hardly sleep and I was up early.

Me too, Zig agreed and Zag nodded. Everything's in the pot to cook. Millie came to give it a stir.

Twilla sniffed the good scent of onions and good stew as she turned to Zig and Zag and grinned expectantly.

Let's go see if there are more important guests to visit us and look. Or maybe some more here who have signed the visitors' book. All of them laughed at Twilla's second unintended rhyme.

Twilla bobbed along between Zig and Zag to the front of the castle and stood peering in before entering the hall where the guest book stood in all its leather-bound glory. A big book for guest signatures.

Shh. Just wait a minute. Twilla stuck out her arm to stop the other two. Her eyes were on two important looking personages who stood at the podium where the big, open book lay.

One of them was signing the book. Twilla, Zig and Zag eyed the two who were signing, looking them over curiously. Both were insects of some sort.

Twilla whispered, Must be the cousins of Mr. and Mrs. May Beatle's. They told everyone they were coming.

Guess so. Zag nodded speaking softly. Wonder if they're Civilized and Baptized?

Never mind. Twilla shrugged, Long as they're Accounted For.

How do we know? Zig looked suspicious.

I think a little bell rings if they're not on the invited list.

Oh, Twila, I thought everyone everywhere was invited and welcome, list or no list. Surely, everyone everywhere is most certainly welcome and invited. Zag looked shocked.

Well, really, everyone is. This must be just another magic safe guard or precaution. You know, for a bad witch or someone who shouldn't be here or would maybe do us and our kingdom harm in some way.

Zig and Zag both looked doubtful. They could tell Twilla might be just guessing about this.

But, Twilla finally decided, Maybe signing the book is just to make everyone feel welcome and important. Yes, that's probably it. You know, their names in the book to show they were here at the Awakening.

That must me why, all three heads nodded in agreement. But it makes us feel better and safer too. I know I do. Don't you?

Twilla stared at them till they nodded. Me too.

Must be a good thing then. Zag watched and added. But I can't imagine anyone who would want to do us or the babes any harm. She pointed. Oh, look. They're leaving.

And no bells rang. Twilla held her head up, listening. There was nothing, no sound but their low conversation.

The two important looking insects went out on their spindly legs, wings folded neatly.

Let's go look at some of the other names on the page.

All three approached and looked at the big and important looking book. The big hall was silent and still.

Zig reached for the pen at the top then stopped and laughed at Twilla's expression. I was only teasing you. I've already signed the book. Did you? Both nodded, looking happy.

Oh, look here. Twilla touched a name on the page. Zig and Zag looked at the beautiful flowing signature.

The name was Angela of Enchanted Isle.

She's a very important and magical fairy. Twilla's voice held awe. And look, here's another. This couple, King Rip and Queen Neap of Oceana Kingdom. It's a magical land beneath the sea. They are very powerful wizards.

Here are some other names I know are witches and fairies, Zag worried. But are they all good friends?

Yes, the bell didn't ring did it? It's supposed to ring if there's anyone signing in that means danger to any of us.

A melodious gong sounded back in the castle and Twilla turned. Let's go put our names down for some stew.

Wait! Someone called and Twilla stopped.

A handsome frog couple stood waiting as Twilla went to them.

Oh, I didn't recognize you. Twilla smiled. How can I help you?

I only want to ask, if it is proper for us to sign the book?

Of course. It's for everyone who comes to see the Awakening. Citizens here in Royal Gardens Kingdom and visitors from elsewhere.

Elsewhere? The male frog asked politely. Where is that?

Oh, Twilla smiled, trying to think of an explanation. Just elsewhere. That's ah, Somewhere Other Than Here.

That must cover a lot of territory, the frog's lady said wisely.

It does indeed. But please, come on and sign the book. Twilla curtsied. And on behalf of King Augustus and Queen Wilda Joye, welcome.

Dr. Helpful Frog, MD (Mighty Dignified), signed the book for him and his wife, Feeling Frog.

Twilla wished she had a picture of them all dressed up in their finery. The doctor was posing it seemed, holding his top hat respectfully in one hand. She smiled as they turned to leave. Over their shoulder Twilla saw more people coming and looked for the keeper of the guest book.

He was just returning and waved to her, going directly to more incoming guests.

Zig and Zag went back to the kitchen.

Twilla left and went out the way the guests had come in. She went the long way around the castle and entered the kitchen garden where great spaces had been cleared for people who were waiting to see the Royal Awakening.

It was a large crowd of the mixed lineage of all races and species of magical beings whose relatives touched every kingdom on the planet. Maybe some other galaxies too, if the truth be known.

More people were coming all the time. Twilla looked over the ones she could see. The wonder of the gathering and the joy of the occasion were written on her plain but pleasant face. Her heart was glad to see how many had come to see the little princesses and wish them well. She felt a tug on her skirt.

Twilla looked down to see a caterpillar who, since it was only using a third of its height to look up and the rest to stand on, only came up to a bit past her knee. It held in each of its front claws a cookie, each one a different flavor.

Yes? Twilla said sounding a bit doubtful.

I was wondering, he paused in his nibbling. If there are any cookies with coconut?

I think so. Twilla pointed. Go and ask that June Beatle in the white jacket. He would surely know.

Thank you. The caterpillar finished the last of its cookies and headed toward the June Beatle in the white jacket. Twilla watched to see he went to the right person.

I'm going back to the kitchen, Twilla decided. Before something else with that many hands or claws decides he also wants stew.

Two people who knew how good the stew was and definitely wanted some were King Gus and Queen Wilda Joye. Assistant Chef Marty as well as chefs Zig and Zag, knew their appetites and tastes well. He had brought them big generous bowls of stew and a covered plate full of hot rolls with butter melting on their tops.

King Gus tasted his stew the chef set before him. This so good, the taste and the aroma too. I'm so grateful we have Millie, the others, and you.

Your highness is always so complimentary, Marty smiled. I will check back in a few minutes.

Wait. Queen Wilda said. "Are there lots of