The Horns of Kern

By John Bielski

Millenniums had passed since the first human caught sight of the first troll. Was it by chance or design? For now, how and why it happened is hidden in the fog of history.
With time, humans assumed they were superior to trolls. And the trolls? Well, the trolls just wanted to be left alone. They didn’t care who was superior, they just wanted to live quietly and in peace. As with everything, though, change is inevitable.
Common to both humans and trolls, there were those who sought power and wealth. This brought war, and more war. Humans bloodied their hands with their brothers’ blood, over and over, and trolls did the same. Troll and human blood cried out from the ground in battle after battle, for control of the land, and one another.
The last of the wars was fought amongst the trolls themselves. One large group of trolls wanted closer ties with humans, feeling they held much in common with them. Those opposing their plan wanted limited contact with humans. Quarreling escalated and the trolls who didn’t want change declared war upon those who sought greater understanding of the humans. The war was one of the bloodiest ever recorded in the Journals of Time, ending suddenly when one of the leaders of the movement was killed.
Humans and trolls then continued avoiding one another after the war, but as I said before, change is inevitable, and it was born in the smallest of the kingdoms on a crisp, sunny, fall day.

• Language: English
• Publisher: John Bielski
• Release date: Mar 24, 2013
• ISBN: 9781310237966

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The Horns of Kern

Published by John J. Bielski at Smashwords

Copyright 2012 John J. Bielski

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you're reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords. Com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Chapter One:

Millenniums had passed since the first human caught sight of the first troll. Was it by chance or design? For now, how and why it happened is hidden in the fog of history.

With time, humans assumed they were superior to trolls. And the trolls? Well, the trolls just wanted to be left alone. They didn’t care who was superior, they just wanted to live quietly and in peace. As with everything, though, change is inevitable.

*

Common to both humans and trolls, there were those who sought power and wealth. This brought war, and more war. Humans bloodied their hands with their brothers’ blood, over and over, and trolls did the same. Troll and human blood cried out from the ground in battle after battle, for control of the land, and one another.

The last of the wars was fought amongst the trolls themselves. One large group of trolls wanted closer ties with humans, feeling they held much in common with them. Those opposing their plan wanted limited contact with humans. Quarreling escalated and the trolls who didn’t want change declared war upon those who sought greater understanding of the humans. The war was one of the bloodiest ever recorded in the Journals of Time, ending suddenly when one of the leaders of the movement was killed.

Humans and trolls then continued avoiding one another after the war, but as I said before, change is inevitable, and it was born in the smallest of the kingdoms on a crisp, sunny, fall day.

*

In the kingdom of ‘Glennmorley’ lived the beautiful Princess Norman. Yes, the princess was named Norman. Her father thought for sure his wife was going to have a boy. He insisted that the child would be named after his father who had died the previous winter. Upon the arrival of a girl instead of a boy, the king still demanded that his daughter be named Norman. So it came to be, that the beautiful baby girl would be called Norman.

Norman grew into a beautiful woman and she was loved by all who met her. It was said that she could charm anyone with just her smile.

One day, Princess Norman was walking through the rose garden enjoying the scent of the roses and the warmth of the sun. Suddenly out in front of her jumped an ugly, hideous frog troll. Norman screamed. She was so startled by the ugly creature that she fainted. When she opened her eyes she found herself eyeball to eyeball with the troll frog.

You are Soooooooooo ugly! shrieked the princess.

You are soooo beautiful, my Princess. cooed the little creature. I am so sorry that I startled you. I was walking through the garden gathering nectar for my mother so she could make some worm cookies. I wasn't paying any attention to where I was walking. Please forgive me. I have to go now as I am sure my mother is wondering where I am. Without further words, he hopped into the rose brambles, disappearing from Norman's view.

With a confused look on her face, Norman lifted herself from the garden path and brushed herself off. What a curious little creature he was, she thought. Norman ran back to the castle's main hall where her father was having his afternoon tea.

Father, Father! The most extraordinary thing just happened to me in the rose garden.

The King looked up and smiled broadly, waving a hand for his excited daughter to sit down and join him for tea. Now, my child, what adventure has befallen you? he queried, as he noticed some grass stuck in his daughter's hair.

Father, Father, there is the most hideous little creature out in the garden. I was walking along enjoying the day when this ugly little frog-troll appeared in front of me.

Did he hurt you in any way, Norman? One lump or two?

Two, please. Oh no, he didn't hurt me in any way. Norman accepted the cup of tea from her father. No. She stopped and put her hand up to her hair where her father was pointing, and she felt the piece of grass and pulled it out of her golden hair. I was going to tell you that he was so ugly that he made me faint. When I awoke, he was staring at me.

Shall I send a guard down there to get rid of him? The king asked.

No, Father. He is no longer there. He had to go home to give his mother the rose nectar he was collecting. Funny, I do not think that he would have harmed me and he could have if he had wanted to.

The King frowned slightly. You be careful, my daughter.

The next day turned out to be even more spectacular than the previous day and once again Norman found herself walking through the rose garden. As she rounded a bend in the path, there on a bench with a small basket alongside him, sat the ugly little frog-troll. This time she wasn't as startled and walked over to him.

The little creature smiled a huge, toothless smile as the princess approached. He jumped down from the bench and bowed deeply. I hoped that you would have a walk today, he croaked excitedly.

Norman smiled. You are sooo ugly on the outside, but you are so nice on the inside. She giggled and walked closer to the little creature.

With those words, the troll waxed a darker shade of green, turned to the bench, reached up, and drew the basket that was sitting next to him. Just as quickly, he thrust the tiny basket towards Norman. This is for y-y-you….you. He stuttered.

Bending over to accept the small gift, Norman remembered the circumstances of yesterday’s meeting and why the ugly little creature had been in the garden. These are not your mother's worm cookies, are they?

The troll at first looked confused, and then laughed at the look on the princess’ face. No, my mother makes the cookies to sell to the other trolls. She is the best worm cookie baker in this kingdom.

Norman sat down on the bench and gently lifted the small napkin that concealed the basket’s contents. A look of wonderment appeared on her face. Ever so carefully, she picked up the tiny object inside, awed by its artistry. In her hand she held a tiny glass sphere etched with delicate roses. Norman was beside herself and looked incredulously at the little creature. Did you make this.........for me? Oh my! I just realized that I don’t even know your name. I surely can not accept a gift from a total stranger. She smiled at the frog-troll.

The little creature spoke softly and appeared embarrassed by the question. My name is G-g-er-r-trude, he stammered.

Norman smiled, picked up Gertrude's hand and shook it vigorously. So happy to meet you, Gertrude! My name is Norman.

Gertrude frowned at first, thinking that she was making fun of him, but realized that Norman was really telling the truth.

The two started laughing so hard that tears of joy ran down their faces.

Norman was the first to regain her composure. She had almost accidentally dropped the beautiful sphere. She gently placed it in her apron pocket and told Gertrude thank you.

Gertrude hesitated at first, but saw something in the princess’ eyes that made him feel more comfortable. My grandmother thought my mother was going to have a girl because of the way she was carrying me in her womb and by the cravings that she was having. When my mother went into labor, my grandmother came rushing over to our house to help in my birth. Unfortunately, she met with an accident. She apparently tripped and fell and hit her head quite hard. She managed to walk to our house, but collapsed on the floor and died. Gertrude became silent.

How horrible! Then your mother named you after your grandmother out of grief? Norman’s eyes were filled with tears.

No, my grandmother’s name was Florah, but that was my great grandmother’s name. When they went to pick her up, they found a small shirt in her hand with the name ‘Gertrude’ embroidered on the front of it. My mother was so over-wrought with grief that she vowed that she would honor her mother’s last wish, so even though my father protested vehemently, my mother gave me my name when I was born the next day. It was hard growing up having a female’s name, but it made me strong, and I learned how you should never judge someone because they are different from you.

Gertrude looked up at the sky and said that he had to hurry home to help his mother. He turned and hopped once again into the rose thicket and disappeared.

Norman cried out after him, Will I see you tomorrow? There was no answer, only the soft sound of Gertrude's webbed feet hitting the dirt as he jumped away. Holding onto the prize in her pocket, she ran back to the castle, eager to share her day with someone. Sitting on the stairs leading to the main door was her mother, reading a book. Mother, Mother...! He was there again. The frog-troll… His name is Gertrude, she said breathlessly.

The queen looked up and smiled at her daughter, then frowned. You must be careful, Norman! Some trolls are dangerous! The queen then sighed and motioned for Norman to sit down beside her.

Mother, I have no fear of this troll. She put her hand in her pocket and pulled out Gertrude's present to her. She handed it over to her mother and Norman could tell immediately that her mother was very impressed with the delicate sphere she held in her hand.

The troll gave this to you? The queen asked.

Yes! He made it himself. Isn't it beautiful?

It is beyond beautiful, my daughter. Your gift is a true work of art. Your father told me about your encounter with this troll. He surely is different from other trolls. I have heard some very bad things about them. Her mother handed back the tiny treasure to her daughter. Frowning, she added; This troll creature isn't trying to get something from you, is he?

Mother, what would a troll want from me? Surely you don't think he is after more than I have... It just doesn't seem possible. He seems far too kind.

Just be careful, my daughter. The queen stood up. Bending over to get her book, she turned and walked up the stairs through the main doorway. Just as quickly as she left, she popped her head out of the shadow and proposed, See if your new acquaintance would care to meet me. With that said, she once again disappeared through the doorway.

Norman stared at where her mother had just been and shook her head in disbelief. Didn't her mother trust her judgment? Then she got a wonderful idea.

*

The next day she set off for the garden with a small package in her hands, wrapped in fine linen and tied with ribbon. Norman made her way to the bench where she had met Gertrude the previous day. She sat there for a long time, watching bees fly from flower to flower, fanciful butterflies gliding lazily over the same blooms, bluebirds diving for an insect dinner. Twice, she thought her friend was coming when the leaves rustled in the brambles, but the first was a ragged old rabbit and the next was a grey squirrel planting a treasure in the garden. Norman grew impatient and tired. She stood and walked back up to the castle. Once there, she entered into the great room where she found both of her parents.

My dear daughter, why do you look so forlorn? It is such a beautiful day. Surely on a day like today nothing bad could happen,commented her father. He stood up and embraced his daughter, kissing her delicately on the cheek. Come join your mother and me for afternoon tea. We have some of your favorite cakes to make you smile, too. Is this a ‘one lump’ or ‘two lump’ day?

Norman slid into one of the overstuffed chairs. This is definitely a ‘two lump’ day, Father. she mumbled.

Dear, what do you have in the package? Is it another gift from your friend? Her mother wondered.

Norman had forgotten about the package she was holding and set it down on the small table beside her chair. Sighing, she accepted the cup of tea from her father and gazed into the steam swirling up from the cup. The package is a gift from me to the frog-troll. I was going to give it to him today, but he never showed up. She sipped her tea and reached for one of the cakes.

The queen handed her a cake on a small silver dish along with a napkin. Did your friend say that he would meet you today in the garden? She queried.

Norman took another sip of tea to wash down the mouthful of cake. No, but I assumed he would be. Maybe he will be there tomorrow. Norman took another bite of cake and sat thoughtfully for a few moments.

What is the gift that you are giving to your new friend, my dear? Her father wanted to know.

I don't believe he is my friend yet. He is an acquaintance. I simply thought that since he gave me such a beautiful gift that I would return the kind gesture. I am giving him a fine velvet cape that I stitched up myself with a matching cap. I was fortunate to find a hawk’s feather to adorn the cap, and I used an old brooch I no longer needed to fasten the cape. Norman looked at both of her parents, expecting them to say something against her giving such a gift to a stranger. Her parents both smiled and nodded.

My dear daughter, all your mother and I ask of you is to be careful...please. The king took another cake and a sip of his tea.

I promise, I will be careful. Norman said with a little exasperation in her voice.

*

The next day brought heavy rains and all Norman could do was sit at her bedroom window and try to wish the rain away. The day following brought even more rain and she found herself down in the kitchen helping the castle's cook, Harriet, bake some more cakes to help pass the time. When she awoke the next day, a ray of sunshine was poking through a crack in the heavy draperies. Norman jumped out of bed and dressed as quickly as she could and ran downstairs. Under her arm was the small package for Gertrude. Just as she was about to go out the door, she heard her father's voice behind her.

My dear, I need to talk to you before you head down to the garden to see your new fr...new acquaintance. Please come into the hall with me so we can chat. I have some important news for you.

Norman turned to face her father, sighed and followed him into the hall. He motioned her to sit in a chair by the fire that had been lit to take some of the rain's dampness out of the castle. What is it you wish to tell me, Father? Norman said letting her mind travel to the garden instead of listening to her father.

"Norman...Norman! Have you heard one word that I have spoken to you?" Her father said in an exasperated tone.

The princess awoke from her daydream. I am so sorry, Father...really... Please, what were you saying?

I do not like talking to myself! the king huffed. This is serious! Next month you will be coming of age and it is time for you to marry. Your mother and I have made arrangements for a huge ball so you can meet the three prospective suitors we have chosen for you. The men come from neighboring kingdoms and good families.

Norman's jaw dropped down to her kneecaps. She jumped up and said with as much disdain as she could possibly muster in her voice, I will not marry someone who is chosen for me! Norman found herself crying. Oh, how could you and Mother do this to me? She ran out of the hall and through the front doors. Blindly, she somehow found her way to the garden. Still teary-eyed, she caught sight of Gertrude, who was collecting nectar from the flowers.

Gertrude turned quickly to see who was approaching. His big, buggy eyes opened wide, his body rigid, ready to react at a moment’s notice. When he saw that it was Norman who was running into the garden, a big grin crossed his face. Noticing that she had been crying, he frowned and hopped over to where the princess had stopped on the stony path. Why are you crying, Norman? Gertrude's face was screwed up in an over-exaggerated way, trying to show concern for Norman's sadness.

Oh my mother and father have arranged a ball for my upcoming birthday. sniffled Norman.

"That does not sound so bad to me. I like birthday parties! As a matter of fact, I like any kind of party! There is always a lot of music, not to mention all of the delicious foods and drink! I especially love the birthday cake. Last year my mother made me a huge cake that was taller than me. She went all out and decorated it with different colored slug eggs that were coated in crystallized rose nectar. She made me feel even more special when she spent hours trying to spell ‘Happy Birthday, Gertrude’ with live blood worms. Gertrude's face darkened. Then with a small chuckle, he added, Those darn worms had a mind of their own and kept squirming off of the top of the cake. My mother got so angry and frustrated that she pulled all of the worms off the cake, ate them, and spelled ‘Happy Birthday, Gertrude’ with chocolate-covered boo-beetles. Everyone enjoyed the cake very much, especially my Uncle Roofus.... Gertrude laughed out loud. He ate ten pieces of cake."

At this point Norman had forgotten all about her troubles and was smiling at Gertrude's story. What exactly are boo-bugs? Norman asked with a quizzical look on her face.

Mischief danced in Gertrude's eyes, and a huge, toothless smile ran across his now comical features. Boo-bugs are special bugs. When you go to blow out your candles, they jump up at your face and go...Boo! With that, Gertrude jumped up as high as he could with his arms stretched over his head and startled Norman so much that she fell backwards onto the bench she had been standing in front of. Gertrude was rolling around on the ground laughing so hard that tears rolled down his face. He stopped for a second to look at Norman who was still in shock. In a blink of an eye, Norman also was laughing. They both laughed ‘til their sides ached, struggling to catch their breath.

Norman pretended to scold Gertrude for scaring her, however all that succeeded in doing was bringing on another fit of laughter for both of them, exhausting the two. Gertrude jumped up on the bench next to Norman and sat down very un-froglike with his short legs, and webbed feet splayed in front of him.

Do you feel better now, my friend? Gertrude asked, looking up at the princess’ beautiful face.

With an affirmative nod, Norman put a hand on each side of Gertrude's green face and planted a soft kiss on his forehead. Thank you for making me feel better. And yes, you are my friend, too.

Why did you do that, Norman? Gertrude was a darker green than usual, with a questioning look on his face.

Because I like you, and I feel comfortable around you. You are my friend. Norman smiled down at the small, plump creature next to her and saw something that wasn't ugly about Gertrude. Oh my! Norman exclaimed. She started looking all around and found what she was looking for under the bench. She picked up the small package and handed it to Gertrude.

What is this? It is not my birthday. Is it for me? Gertrude stood up on the bench and bowed, holding the package as if he had just received one of the most valuable gifts in the world. His little hands trembled as he untied the ribbon securing the contents. Delicately, he unfolded the beautiful fabric hiding the gift. His eyes widened and welled up with tears. It is such a magnificent gift! It...it .it is wonderful! He unfolded the cape and threw it around his shoulders. Holding the cloak closed with one hand, he examined the diamond-encrusted brooch and deftly pinned both sides together. Then, when he found the hat, he excitedly put it on his head. Gertrude beamed as he asked, Do I look like a Grand Troll now?

Indeed you do, my friend. Norman replied, smiling broadly.

Gertrude hopped in front of Norman and, putting his hand on his new hat, lifted it off of his head and held it to his heart and bowed deeply. Looking up into Norman's face, he reached up and took Norman’s hands in his. I want to thank you for the two beautiful gifts you have given me today.

Norman looked puzzled. But I only gave you one gift, Gertrude.

You are wrong, Norman, for you have given me a gift beyond measure.....your friendship.

Norman blushed. Thank you, I never quite looked at it that way before. You are a wise frog-troll and someday I see you as a leader of many. Oh, Gertrude, I have a request. I almost forgot. My mother, the queen, has asked to meet you. She wants to make sure that I am safe.

Gertrude smiled up at his new friend. I would feel more comfortable here in the garden. Do you think your mother would come here to meet me, instead of me coming to the castle?

She is the one who has requested to meet you. She will come when you would like her to. Norman could see that Gertrude was nervous about such a meeting. Would tomorrow night, when the evening primroses bloom, be a good time for you?

Gertrude smiled a nervous smile and nodded ‘yes’.

You will be fine, my friend, for my mother swore off eating frog-trolls ages ago. Norman winked at Gertrude. I should be going. I think I will have to start deciding what to wear to this ball my parents have planned for me. ‘Til tomorrow… Norman turned and started walking up the path, looking back to wave goodbye.

Gertrude smiled, waved his hat, turned and hopped down the path in the opposite direction.

*

Norman reached the castle to find both of her parents waiting for her. Before her parents could utter one word, Norman apologized. I am sorry I ran off like that. Please forgive me. My only excuse is that I was acting childishly. She gave both of her parents a hug and, looking at her mother, she told her that Gertrude said he would meet her in the garden tomorrow night when the primroses were in bloom. With a devilish look in her eye, she teased, Oh, and Mother, I told Gertrude that you gave up eating frog-trolls long ago.

Norman...you didn't!

Norman laughed, turned, and ran through the doorway and flew up the stairs to her room.

The queen and king looked at each other and sighed at the same time. The king looked at his wife and asked, And what do frog-trolls taste like? And don't tell me like chicken. They both laughed.

*

At supper that evening, Norman told her parents about her day and how much Gertrude liked his gift. I do apologize for the way I acted earlier. This whole thing about marriage has me a little nervous. Besides, I do not know any of the three princes. What if I do not like any of them?!

My dear, her mother sighed, We have known these royal families a long time. The three young men that you will choose from are all extraordinary. I might add that the three young men are very handsome.

Norman wrinkled up her nose and scowled. I hope that these handsome princes have minds to go with their looks!

Chapter Two

Norman didn't sleep well at all that night. She kept seeing Gertrude being devoured by her mother. Once she even thought that maybe this whole meeting was planned by Gertrude so the trolls could kidnap both of them. ‘How absurd!’ she thought. Gertrude was not the one who requested the meeting. Soon morning came, announcing a beautiful day. Norman stumbled out of bed, dressed and wandered the castle. She was very anxious about the impending meeting.

Norman was not the only one who had slumbered badly. Gertrude’s sleep fled as he had terrible nightmares of the queen swallowing him whole. In the morning, his mother found Gertrude sitting at the kitchen table, drinking a hot mug of blog. He jumped when she waddled into the room. Her small figure was draped in a calico-like dress, with a shawl pulled tight around her slouched shoulders. She was a small figure, a good head shorter than Norman. Her bulging blue eyes seemed to hold so much wisdom. Mother, you startled me! Looking at her, his face contorted in a pretend scowl.

What are you doing out of bed, my son? Are you up early to help this old troll build a fire in her oven? She smiled at her son, thinking of how much he looked like his father. Her eyes started to water. Oh! When you start the fire, do you think you could bring up a couple of bags of cattail flour for me? My back is telling me that it doesn't feel very well today.

Gertrude smiled at his mother. He would do anything she asked. He had a lot of respect and love for her. He jumped up from the small stool, went over to the woodpile and then threw a couple pieces of wood into the old clay oven, also gathering some dried grasses from a large basket, stuffing it under the wood, setting it alight. Soon the warmth of the oven was driving the dampness out of the room. He fetched both bags of cattail flour and placed them next to his mother's workspace.

Please join me for breakfast, my son. I have some hazelnut-raspberry slug tarts that I saved from my work yesterday. You look like you need some nourishment, and I know how much you enjoy them. She looked at him and smiled one of those irresistible ‘mother’ smiles.

Gertrude poured himself and his mother a mug of blog and sat down at the opposite end of the table. They both sat quietly, eating the tarts and sipping the hot, milky-green blog. Gertrude's mother was the first to break the silence.

My son, are you still planning on going through with this meeting you have scheduled for this late afternoon? She looked up from her meal and glanced over towards Gertrude. You know how I feel about humans. I believe that none of them can be trusted – not even your friend. I am sure no good will come from this.

Gertrude looked at his mother thoughtfully. There was a lot of truth in what she said. It had been a human who had killed his father, twenty-eight years ago. He was an infant when it had happened. His mother was left to provide for him. He didn't hate the humans and he didn't think his mother did either, but there was a lot of doubt whether they could be trusted or not. One thing Gertrude was sure of was that his friend Norman could be trusted. Mother, I have my doubts about humans, but not Norman. She seems very different from all the other humans that I have had the misfortune to meet. She is kind. After all, she gave me such fine gifts.

His mother looked at him with pride swelling in her heart. She could not argue the fact that it was very unusual, in fact, unheard of for a human to give a troll the gift of friendship. She had always taught her son to trust in himself. You have a good heart, my son. If you must follow your heart today, follow it with caution. She got up from the table and busied herself with her work.

*

Gertrude spent the rest of the day in his small shop creating a gift for Norman's mother. It was almost time to leave as Gertrude finished the gift. He donned his cape and hat. With the package in hand and a kiss for his mother, Gertrude was on his way. He hopped up the path towards the garden, thinking that maybe he had eaten butterflies, because they sure were fluttering around in his stomach.

Meanwhile, Norman and her mother were making their way to the garden. The king had wanted to send a unit of guards with them. Norman had to plead with him not to order it. Only after the queen said that they would go alone was it that he agreed. They rounded the turn in the path and there stood Gertrude, looking very nervous and scared. His cape and hat made him look so grand, she thought. Norman smiled his way and waved. Soon the trio stood in front of each other.

Gertrude bowed deeply and reached up to take the queen’s hand. Norman introduced her mother to Gertrude. He gave the woman’s hand a delicate kiss. I am honored to meet the mother of my friend. Now I know where the princess gets her beautiful looks.

The queen seemed shocked. She had just let an ugly troll frog kiss her hand! It ...it is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Gertrude. You flatter me.

Gertrude was so nervous that he started to giggle.

The queen didn't know what he was laughing about and neither did Norman. What is so funny, Sir? queried the queen, looking around suspiciously.

"You called me ‘Sir Gertrude’. I have never heard such respect for a troll from a human. To me, that is funny."

Norman looked over towards her mother. Her mother had a blank look on her face and soon Norman was laughing right along with Gertrude. Then the queen began to laugh, too. She saw the irony in her words. Oh! I am quite sorry if I offended you. The queen offered, apologetically.

I was not offended, your Highness. Gertrude said, smiling one of his wide grins. Gertrude excused himself and went over to the bench and picked up the package he had brought. He hopped back over in front of Norman and the queen. This is for you, your Highness. Norman handed the queen the beautifully wrapped gift.

The Queen had a slightly surprised look on her face as she accepted the gift from the small frog-troll. Thank you, Sir Gertrude. You are very generous. She smiled, and sat down on the bench to open the package. Carefully, the queen took off the brightly colored bow and the wrapping paper that appeared to be handmade. She opened the box. Lifting the dried grass and flowers, the queen was awe-struck. Slowly she lifted the gift from the box to reveal a crown made of fine, filigreed gold, decorated with butterflies inlaid with iridescent shell, hovering above finely enameled pink roses. The queen was truly shocked by the gift. Finally, she looked at the frog-troll. Sir Gertrude, please do not take offense with the question I am about to ask, but I must ask it. You crafted this treasure with your own hands?

Gertrude was definitely blushing. His answer was swift and true. No, your Highness. I had to use tools to make the crown. First I used a little rock hammer to find the gold. I then had to melt the gold and use an old press to make the gold into workable sheets for the filigree... Gertrude went on for quite awhile until he noticed that both of the ladies where wearing huge grins and trying very hard to hold back from laughing. What is so funny? Did I say something funny? Gertrude said with a little annoyance in his voice.

No, you did not say anything funny. Norman said. What my mother meant was that you have a wonderful gift to make the tools do what you want in your hands.

Oh... Gertrude said rather sheepishly. My mother always tells me that I do not listen well and can talk the ear off of a donkey. He chuckled and shook his head. A broad smile crossed his face. Looking up at the queen, he inquired, Do you like the gift, your Highness?

Sir Gertrude, this crown is beautiful beyond words, and I would be most honored if you would put it upon my head. The queen handed the delicate crown down to Gertrude. She stood up and, picking up the hem of her dress, stooped down low enough to enable him to set the crown of gold in place.

Gertrude