A Story in 26 parts - T

The Warrior stood with his back to the door, staring out from the castle walls.  There was a polite knock and a much smaller man entered.
“Troy– I have been looking everywhere for you.  It is time.  Let us go now”

Troy turned from window and reached for the thick belt, holding the broadsword.
“You won’t need that”

“You said that last time – remember?”  He continued to reach for the belt.
“But that was last time; you really need to move on from that”
“Merlin said he would come again – two hundred and twenty moon cycles would pass – and he would come again.  See – the moon is past for that time.” The belt, now fastened, hung from his waist.  Troy’s size was such that the broadsword looked like a normal sword against his leg.  Troy then reached for his helmet – it glistened in the sunlight

”Oh now come on – you don’t need that!  I’m not wearing mine!”
“Well, dear friend, it’s a good job that I’m looking out for you then!  Okay, you carry it for me” and with that Troy threw the metal helmet at his butler.  The small man caught it, but stumbled back against the wall.  Troy laughed heartily, before once again regaining a stony face.
“Now lets see what they want “
- - -

The Great Hall was fairly busy, with people bustling around clearing away the remnants of a hearty feast

“TROY!! GOOD OF YOU TO COME!  JOIN ME FRIEND”  The voice shouted across the length of the hall from the wooden throne at the end.
Troy walked steadily along the side of the hall – his eyes darting from one servant to another.  He’d been in traps that looked like this before – and knew that he would need his wits about him when he got halfway as he’d have to fight his way out – for himself and Janitor.  Janitor had stood by him for many seasons and had provided the clever words when the only way out seemed to be a fight.

But no one looked at Troy for long before returning to their own duties and he quickly covered the length of the Hall.
“You have a job for me.”  Troy’s words were measured and straight to the point.
“Yes – you are to be the new Elf King.  I have returned the kingdom to how it should be – but without a King this kingdom will fail.  My Rune Stones tell me that you should be the King at this time – so congratulations, the job’s yours”
“But Merlin, I’m not a king!  I’m a warrior – I’m not patient and calm, like… like Janitor!  He is clever with words and numbers – he can deal with advisers and other clever people!”
“Troy – you are right; Janitor would be the ideal person when words are needed. But you are practical and down to earth; your decisions are swift and just.  Janitor can be your aide – and temper those times when your quick wits need to be dulled”

“Okay – I’ll do it.  Janitor will be my aide, not my second I’ll not have that, but I do have one question – what about Arthur?  It’s been two hundred and twenty cycles now….”
“Yes Troy, Arthur is approaching this castle.  I am fully aware of your history – both your side and Arthur’s.  However, I think as brothers you need to meet – you need to settle your feud.  My Rune Stones show that you will meet and that the matter will be ended finally….”

With that Merlin stood up – and passed the Elf crown to Troy.  Troy held it in his giant hands.
“This will not fit – Janitor, store this crown safely to respect the head that once wore this crown.  My head will only be covered with my Helmet, the one that has protected me for years.  Should we need to fight I will wear my helmet, not a crown – but I can lead from the front and the Elvin people will know me.  But I hope that we will not need to fight again.  Now, let me try this throne for size – janitor, we need to arrange a feast with all the senior Elvin people… we’re going to need many bottles of mead….”

Troy sat down in the chair.  It was hard, but comfortable.  As he looked down the Hall he couldn’t help but think back to when he was learning his craft from Merlin with his brother…  Merlin saw Troy’s eyes drift and quickly and quietly withdrew from the Kingdom…

(For Troy’s background, read the comments…Frog)

(With thanks to Joshua for the inspiration for Troy, below)