Chapter Three

Waterfall Trolls

Meanwhile over in the next Dale, Easterdale, two unfriendly, miserable, grumpy and damp Waterfall Trolls, known locally as Ralphy and Timbo (yet again, their full names are unpronounceable by humans), were approaching a higher than usual waterfall. The waterfall was gushing from the top of a towering cliff face at the end of a deep but narrow gorge where enormous trees lined both sides of the gorge.

They were carrying with them a rather large ornate book and moaning to each other about how heavy it was.

Soon they moved around behind the waterfall and disappeared through a magical hole, inside the lodging (that is what Waterfall Trolls called their home) the large book was placed on the table. The lodging was very similar to Terry’s Home, in fact most troll dwelling were almost the same size and layout but the lodging was dark, dingy and damp, very damp. The sound of water dripping, could be heard in the background all the time, a sound that could turn you mad, perhaps it had.

The only light came from misshapen candles, candles that they stole from the candle factory, well not so much stole, that is a strong word but foraged from the bins behind the factory. Even in the dim light from the misshapen candles, the writing on the book’s cover was plain to see, the writing on the cover of the book on the Waterfall Troll’s table said, The Friendly Troll Book of Secrets and it was very much stolen.

As Ralphy boiled water to make coffee (yes Waterfall Trolls drank coffee, not tea and they did not use saucers either), Timbo tried to open the book but it would not open. There is a secret to opening The Friendly Troll Book of Secrets and these two didn’t know it. They tried and tried again but it would not open, in the end Timbo threw his now empty coffee cup in frustration, almost hitting Ralphy’s Catfish.

Waterfall Trolls keep Catfish but they are not your usual catfish, these catfish are a scaly, cat like creatures, which are used by Waterfall Trolls to catch fish for their food.  Their name comes from hungry Waterfall Trolls simply shouting "cat, fish".  At the command, "cat, fish", the Catfish will bring the Waterfall Troll a fish to eat or go fishing.

Anyway they were going to need some help to open the book, it was clearly beyond their talents.

Chapter Four