"That's it?" Phillard whispered despite his frustration. He couldn't risk alerting the trolls.
"What are we going to do with just twenty stooges?"
"Twenty one." Reaper said, pointing at the Lindwurm. "I brought only champions. Weaklings would only be dead weight or food for the trolls. Besides, why so gloomy? We almost outnumber them two to one."
"Dream on." Phillard sighed. "There are sixteen now."
Trolls reproduced asexually. Whenever one of them was full enough, it would give birth to a new creature.
"Dammit!" Reaper cursed. "We have to move fast. Here's my plan."
Everyone nodded in agreement, except the Byks.
"We don't trust birds. They'll fly away like the cowards they are." Said Cormr, their leader.
"Shut up, Cormr." Reaper commanded him. "I know you can't stand Crons. I only asked for your help because Byks are the only ones beside the Rys that can use fire magic."
