The Academie Novice retells his tale; a journey to southern Kirganthis, to a small place known as the Valley of Trolls.

"It was horrible. The most vile, disgusting creatures I have ever laid my eyes upon. Most had never seen, let alone heard of a wash basin. Their hair was crawling with mites and lice. They ripped flesh from wounded animals with their bare hands and ate it raw. It was horrible.

"The only light I saw in that place of darkness and evil was a small troll - as far as trollish standards go. He had an undescribable glimmer in his eye, a spark if you will. Sure he stank just as bad as the rest of them, and his tables manners left much to be desired, but he was a docile creature, somewhat 'friendly'.

"How did I come across him, I hear you ask? Well, I was sitting nearby one of their huts, under cover of the foliage, attempting to translate their tongue. It was a careless mistake, they could smell my flesh from ten dragon tails away. A large hand soon clamped over my shoulder, crippling my arm. The pain was unbearable and I soon blacked out.

"I awoke with a start, though unable to move. The sun had fallen, and the moon was yet to rise so it was quite dark out. I could make out the form of a beast standing before me. My parched lips whispered the words "help me". For what seemed like forever, the beast contemplated. Then slowly he walked around the post I was tied to and began breaking the vine which held me fast.

"It was not long before I was free. The beast gathered me in its arms and strode slowly, with deliberate steps away from the village. Closer to him now I could see it was a troll, and my mind raced as to what he had in store for me. He walked for what seemed like eternity, the moon rose high into the sky. The pain in my arm was excrutiating, and I passed out countless times.

"Upon waking for the umpteenth time I found myself in a cave, the glow of a small fire eerie upon the walls. The beast sat aside from me, quiet..as if contemplating deep thoughts. My arm was in a makeshift sling, and actually feeling better. His head turned and to my astonishment he spoke Common, though with a heavy accent.

"'Me, Brogok.', he stated. 'You human should not be in troll village, bad things happen to human there. You lucky Brogok there to rescue you.

"'Thank you Brogok, but why did you rescue me?', I asked him.

"Frowning Brogok replied, 'Brogok dad make him work on bridge, kill human as they come, steal money. Me not think that good so me leave now. You show me to City of Rivers and Brogok be free. You be free.'

"I agreed, what else was I to do. If not he would have left me in the cave and eventually found his own way. After two days travel Riverdale was in our sight. It was here that we departed. I was a bit sceptical at first about leaving him, such a helpful soul though inexperienced in the ways of the big cities, but deep inside I knew he would be alright. He seemed to have an indefinable quality, as if the Totems are smiling upon him. I'm sure he'll be alright."