The Troll by Brian Darr Read Free Book Online

the strangest dinner anyone on Earth would
ever have.
    They
walked quietly through the hall and to the hotel lobby where he
entered an adjoining restaurant and was taken to a back room. He
would sit head of the table—each side with five people lined up
who would be hunting him the next day. When he entered the room, it
suddenly became too real upon seeing the faces of the bounty hunters.
Some he recognized. Others were new. All ten had already arrived,
except for an empty seat which was quickly filled by The Chameleon.
Her body quickly blended in to the colors around her and she nearly
turned invisible. While they waited for dinner to start, The Troll
watched as the bounty hunters wrapped up their ordinary discussions.
To see the dining room from the outside, one would assume it was just
a dinner among an old group of friends.
    “ Have
a seat,” a voice said and then the man stood. With The
Moderator gone, it was clear who led the group. The Magician grabbed
attention every time he spoke, and when he entered the room
or stood up, suddenly the rest of the world disappeared, as if
by…magic. The Troll didn’t know if it was an illusion.
Maybe The Magician had fairy dust that was invisible to the naked
eye, and being in his presence automatically commanded respect, but
when The Magician spoke, everyone listened. “How nice to meet
you Troll. I am The Magician, your master of ceremonies for the
evening.”
    The
Troll smiled and nodded. He’d already decided his demeanor
would be polite, cooperative, friendly…he’d give a human
face to the game and hopefully, when their plates were empty, he
could bargain for his life. Judging by the looks of the group, he
might have a shot. The only person in the room who wasn’t very
welcoming to Troll was The Pilot, who sat at the far end on the left
and didn’t say a word all night. The Troll began to wonder if
The Pilot couldn’t actually speak. He never made eye contact or
looked directly at The Pilot. He’d have to win the hearts of
nine others instead.
    The
Magician moved aside to allow waiters to deliver salad to the table.
“Tonight’s menu will consist of an Arugula salad with
caramelized onions, Feta cheese, and Kalamata Olives, followed by one
of my favorites: Chinese Duck with Plum Sauce and Chinois pancakes.
For dessert, we will be enjoying a cranberry cream cheese tart, The
Chef’s specialty and award winning dish.”
    There
was some applause at the table. The Troll quickly followed suit,
playing the part of a man who belonged in Chicago. He was clearly out
of his element and didn’t know what to expect one minute to the
next, but he’d pick it up as he went along and show the others
he was a respectful friend. His foul mouth, sarcastic responses, and
poking and prodding were all cast aside. He would keep the trolling
in check, as long as he didn’t habitually get sharp with his
tongue, he would display himself as an impressive asset to team Psi.
    “ I
think the best way to get acquainted would be if we all go around the
room and introduce ourselves to The Troll and say a little something
interesting or share an anecdote. How does that sound?” The
Magician only got a few murmurs, but clapped his hands and jumped up
and down wildly with a large toothy grin plastered to his face. He
was delighted to proceed. He pointed at the
first man in line, another recognizable face.
    “ I’m
The Coach. I know you already know this, but I led The Scorpions
to the Super Bowl. What else you wanna know?”
    “ Tell
him about your team,” The Magician said, pointing to a duffel
bag at The Coach's side.
    “ I'd
rather he meets the team later,” The Coach said. “Assuming
we cross paths.”
    “ Okay? ”
The Troll said, slowly, wondering if that was the right response. He
reminded himself to smile, and did, but it came off as phony and The
Coach didn’t bother to respond. He only sat and turned the
floor to the next in line.
    “ I’m
The Acrobat,” the man said and