Drawtober Prompt 5: Troll Toll
The Messenger continued on through the forest, trailed by Beatrice and the fairies, the toad, and the princess. After a time they came across a river spanned by a tall stone bridge. Before they could cross, a large shadowy figure stepped out from under the bridge and blocked their way. In the glow from the Messenger’s candles, this shadow resolved into the imposing figure of a troll. He held out his hand expectantly. “Oh dear,” said the toad. “I forgot about the toll, and my pockets are empty.” The princess pouted. “Well don’t look at me, this dress doesn’t even HAVE pockets.” Beatrice dug through her coat for all the useful items she had left: a skeleton key, two tortoiseshell buttons, and a shiny-smooth river rock. She held everything out towards the troll. He considered these offerings for a moment before swiping everything from her hand with a satisfied nod, and then slowly ambled back under the bridge. The way was now clear. “Well done, you didn’t even need to wait for change!” exclaimed the toad. The Messenger stepped out onto the bridge, and Beatrice followed excitedly. She could tell their journey was almost at an end.
A day late again. Work trips make drawing challenges extra challenging.
