The Troll’s Hearth

They thought the house was empty. Then you came home. You are a troll living far from the marked crossing on Neverthaw Lake. You hunt, fish, keep your stores, and mind your own business. Behind your woodstore lie the people who tried to kill you or take what was yours. Now two more humans are sitting beside your hearth. A whiteout and broken ice stranded Rolf and Gerda. They found a roof, lit a fire, and helped themselves to your food. Gerda warned her husband against this journey. He insisted. She hasn’t forgotten. They need to survive the storm, recover their belongings, and get home. Rolf has a knife and a carpenter’s hands. Gerda has practical skills, a sharp tongue, and reasons to question his promises. Neither can match your strength. You could hear them out. Put them to work. Send them away. Kill them for trespassing—or make a meal of them. They have eaten your supper. Now they need to explain why they should live. What you do next is up to you.