Friday 14 September 2012

Sixty Ninth Friday Flash: Golden Years


Being a veteran of the Elfwood war and the quest for the golden chalice Ogg was no stranger to danger. But these were supposed to be his golden years. Years of rest and relaxation. The young fire troll didn't seem to know that. The fur of the neck of the red furred fire troll was standing on end and she was crouched down like a cat. It had only been a matter of time before someone challenged him for leadership of the clan, but it was surprising that it was coming from a girl, especially his own daughter, Tumalta.

Short and fiery tempered she definitely took after her mother.

“Tumalta, have to do this?” asked Ogg just standing there, towering over his daughter, his green fur going gray in places.

“Shut up, dad, I'm sick and tired, when I become the leader no one will tell me what to do!” she shouted.

Ogg sighed.

Trolls of various kinds were gathered all around them. Things had become more interesting after the clans began to mingle more after the war.

“No daughter, too young.”

“I challenge you!”

There were gasps from the gathered crowd. Ogg shook his head. There was no turning back now.

Tumalta shrieked and charged forward and tackled Ogg around the midsection. Ogg was pushed back a few inches, but did not fall over. Seeing that she wasn't getting anywhere she pulled away and bashed him with her fists. Ogg gauged the crowd. A few were cracking smiles and some were on the verge of laughter.

Ogg pushed Tamalta as gently back as he could. They had wrestled a lot when she was younger, but it was different now, she was almost a lady. Enraged she charged back at him and punched him. Ogg doubled over. “Ouch!” It really was more painful than he thought it would be.

Taking advantage she bashed at him more. Raining blows on him. As much as he loved her, she was just not ready for such a leadership role. The tribe was at a tipping balance and they still needed him.

For a few minutes he let her get all her frustrations out. He remembered being the same at her age. So much anger. It was a part of being a troll.

Exhausted she stumbled back and collapsed into a sitting position.

“Done?”

“Yes, father.”

“Good,” he said helping her up. “Maybe next time.” He added with a wink.

She smiled weakly.

Creaking and aching all over, maybe she would really win next time.

*For those of you have read my books you might find Ogg familiar, but if not you can find out more about him and the books here The Red Stone and Zoolin Vale and the Chalice of Ringtar. 

6 comments:

  1. aaaah, kids, who'd have 'em, eh? :)

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  2. I like the father-daughter dynamic in this. She's frustrated but she doesn't hate her father and accepts being defeated.

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  3. Awww...I loved this Craig!! I miss my old lovely dad now.

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  4. The life lessons from a troll dad? I'd imagine it would be a difficult upbringing for both of them...

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  5. The age old battle between father and offspring, in the lives of trolls. Loved it.

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  6. Hilarious and cute and kind of touching at the same time. Nice job.

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