NOVEL WEB Chapter 27: Chapter 26: The Trollhunter
The bustling streets of Camelot stretched before Arthur and Atreus, alive with the clamor of merchants, knights, and citizens going about their day. The golden spires of the castle loomed above, a constant reminder of the legacy Arthur was stepping into.
As they made their way toward the heart of the city, Arthur paused, sensing something unusual in the air. It was faint but distinct—a ripple of energy that seemed to hum beneath the surface of reality.
"Do you feel that?" Arthur asked, glancing at Atreus.
Atreus nodded, his hand resting instinctively on the hilt of the Ebony Blade. "Magic. And not the kind we've encountered before. It feels… different."
A Chance Encounter
Their steps led them to a quiet alleyway, far from the commotion of the main thoroughfare. There, amidst the shadows, stood a young man, no older than Arthur, wielding a gleaming sword that seemed almost alive with its own light.
The young man turned toward them, his blue eyes filled with both determination and caution. His armor, a mix of steel and mystical runes, shimmered faintly in the dim light. He held the sword aloft, its glow casting a warm aura around him.
"Who are you?" the young man demanded, his voice firm but not unkind.
Arthur stepped forward, holding up his hands to show he meant no harm. "I'm Arthur Pendragon, and this is Atreus. We mean no trouble. Who are you?"
The young man hesitated for a moment before lowering his sword slightly. "James Lake, Jr. But you can call me Jim. I'm… the Trollhunter."
Atreus raised an eyebrow. "Trollhunter? That's a title I haven't heard before."
Jim nodded. "It's my responsibility to protect both the human world and the troll world from those who would harm them." He glanced at the two of them, his gaze lingering on Excalibur and the Ebony Blade. "You're not ordinary travelers, are you?"
Arthur smiled faintly. "You could say that. We're here on a quest—though it seems we've crossed paths for a reason."
A Shared Purpose
Jim's expression softened, and he sheathed his sword, the glow fading as it returned to its scabbard. "If you're here, then maybe you're meant to help. Camelot has been under threat from dark forces lately—creatures that don't belong in this world."
Atreus folded his arms. "Dark forces? What kind?"
Jim hesitated, his brow furrowing. "Goblins, changelings, and worse. But lately, there's been talk of something bigger—something ancient awakening beneath the city. My mentor, Blinky, believes it's tied to the old magic of Camelot."
Arthur exchanged a glance with Atreus. "Old magic… that might explain what we felt earlier."
Jim nodded. "If you're willing, I could use your help. Whatever's coming, I don't think I can face it alone."
The Gathering Storm
The three of them made their way to a secluded clearing on the outskirts of Camelot, where a large, stone archway stood. Strange runes were etched into its surface, glowing faintly as the sun dipped below the horizon.
"This is one of the gateways to the troll world," Jim explained. "But lately, it's been… unstable."
Arthur stepped closer, examining the runes. "These markings… they're similar to the ones in my grimoire." He pulled the book from his side, flipping through the pages until he found a matching diagram.
Atreus studied the archway with a critical eye. "Whatever's affecting this gateway isn't natural. It's being manipulated."
Jim frowned. "By who?"
Before anyone could answer, a low growl echoed from the shadows. The three turned as a massive figure emerged—a troll with jagged armor and glowing red eyes. It wielded a heavy mace, the weapon crackling with dark energy.
"Looks like we've got company," Atreus muttered, drawing the Ebony Blade.
Jim unsheathed his sword, its light flaring to life. "Stay behind me," he said.
Arthur smirked, raising Excalibur. "Not a chance."
The Battle
The troll roared and charged, its mace swinging with devastating force. The ground trembled as the weapon struck, narrowly missing the trio as they scattered.
Atreus moved like a shadow, the Ebony Blade slicing through the air with lethal precision. Each strike seemed to sap the troll's strength, the blade feeding on its dark energy.
Jim fought with agility and purpose, his sword glowing brighter with each swing. The blade's light seared the troll's corrupted flesh, forcing it to retreat.
Arthur, meanwhile, called upon Excalibur's power, the holy blade igniting with a golden radiance. With a single strike, he severed the troll's mace, leaving it defenseless.
The three closed in, their combined efforts overwhelming the creature. With a final blow from Jim's sword, the troll collapsed, its body dissolving into ash.
A New Alliance
As the dust settled, Jim turned to Arthur and Atreus, a smile breaking across his face. "You two are better fighters than I expected."
Arthur grinned. "And you're not bad yourself, Trollhunter."
Atreus sheathed the Ebony Blade, his expression serious. "This was just the beginning. Whatever's behind this attack is still out there."
Jim nodded. "Then we'll face it together. If you're willing, I'd like to show you the rest of my world. There are allies there who might be able to help us."
Arthur extended his hand. "Lead the way."
As Jim clasped his hand, a new bond was forged—a partnership between the Trollhunter and the Pendragon heir, united against the darkness threatening Camelot and beyond.