Chapter II: Guardian Of The Gate

Chapter 2

GUARDIAN OF THE GATE

Before he could shout a word
that anyone could have heard
he landed at the bottom of a very deep hole.
Dark tunnels went off to his front and back and sides
and a breeze was blowing cool but not very cold.

From the tunnel to his front
Thimpin heard a distant grunt
and saw a dim light come bobbing his way.
Quickly he jumped and scrambled and climbed
trying his best to get out of there someway.

Sliding and falling back down
he turned to look around
and saw a little boy about half his size.
The little fella grinned and winked and laughed,
and carried an old lantern that sparkled in his eyes.

His short legs were bowed
as if he carried a heavy load
and his hair was dark brown and long.
His face was tiny and round and friendly,
but his arms looked very very strong.

"Hey-O, Thimpin Thord",
said the boy as he drew a tiny sword,
"Welcome to the Kingdom of the Four Brothers of Stone.".
Kneeling he lifted and presented and said.
"I yield my blade from your father's home.".

Thimpin's mouth went wide
as he spoke from somewhere inside,
"My name is not Thord and my Dad's home is up there.".
The boy looked puzzeled and confused and wondering
then laughed and pushed back a lock of his hair.

"I am sorry", the boy said,
hiding a smile and turning red,
"I am Bromyn Barkthell, Guardian of the Four Brother's Gate.
It is my duty to watch and serve and protect
the son of Thardon Thord and his mate."

Thimpin suddenly sat down
but Bromyn quickly looked around
and stared into the darkness of the tunnel on their right.
Stepping lightly with strength and agility and speed
he pulled Thimpin up and put out the light.

From out of the dark and stone it seemed
came an ear piercing screeching scream
and Bromyn ran pulling Thimpin into the tunnel straight ahead.
Thimpin wanted to ask what and why and where,
but,"Run as fast as you can!", is all that Bromyn had said.

{Read the next Chapter here: "Chapter III: A Thing To Keep"