Bang Goes a Troll Read Online Free PDF Page A

wrong.
    Ulf picked up the headlamp from the straw and put it on. He stuffed the map and compass into his pockets and slung the rope over his shoulder, then he crept out of his den.
    The rain had stopped and the clouds were clearing. In the half-light, he saw Orson’s lantern glowing from across the beast park. The giant was on his way back from giving the beasts their early-morning feed. Ulf ran through the yard to thecorner of the house and saw Dr. Fielding loading her medical backpack into the back of the helicopter.
    He looked up at Druce asleep on the rooftop. “Psst,” he said.
    The gargoyle turned from stone to flesh as he woke up.
    â€œKeep an eye on things here for me, Druce,” Ulf whispered.
    The gargoyle scurried down the drainpipe. “Where’s Fur Face going?” he gurgled.
    â€œTo Honeycomb Mountain,” Ulf whispered. “You’re in charge now.”
    Druce smiled. “Drucey the boss!”
    â€œSsh,” Ulf said. He saw Dr. Fielding climbing into the cockpit of the helicopter. She was checking the flight controls.
    Ulf saw that the cargo hold was open. With no one looking, he dashed across the forecourt and jumped into the back of the helicopter. He scrambled behind the pile of kit.

    â€œReady to go!” Dr. Fielding called.
    Ulf heard Orson’s footsteps coming around the side of the house. He stayed hidden behind the kit as the giant loaded a lantern into the back of the helicopter. The door slid shut. It was pitch dark in the cargo hold. Ulf switched on his headlamp and it shone on metal walls. There were no windows. Then from under Orson’s chainmail vest, a sparkle flew out. It was Tiana the fairy.
    â€œTiana!” Ulf said, amazed. “What are you doing here?”
    Tiana hovered in the lamplight. She was wearing a warm red cloak made from a pleated sycamore leaf. “You didn’t think I’d let you go on an expedition without me, did you?”
    â€œBut how did you know I was coming?”
    Tiana smiled. “You’re a werewolf. You’re always up to something.”
    Ulf heard Dr. Fielding calling to Orson outside. Then suddenly the helicopter engine started andUlf heard the blades beginning to turn. He felt the helicopter lift off the ground.
    â€œWe’re off,” he said excitedly.
    There was a clanking sound as Orson clipped his flying cable to the bottom of the helicopter, then a jolt as the giant was lifted into the air.
    Ulf felt the helicopter surge forward, carrying him away from Farraway Hall.

Chapter 7
    B ARON M ARACKAI STOOD BEHIND THE RECEPTION desk in an old hotel, counting a bundle of money. He looked up as the front door opened and a flurry of snowflakes blew into the lobby. A man stepped inside, dragging a suitcase. He was wearing a camouflage jacket and a cowboy hat. He stamped his snowy boots on the mat.
    â€œAh, Mr. Armstrong,” the Baron said. “Welcome to Loadem Lodge.”
    â€œHowdy,” the man replied.
    â€œYou’re just in time for morning coffee. The others are waiting. If you wouldn’t mind paying inadvance, I’ll show you through.”
    â€œHow much does this thing cost?” the man asked, pulling a wad of bank notes from his pocket.
    The Baron took
all
the money. “That’ll do nicely,” he said. Then he rang a little bell on the desk and Bone came lumbering into the lobby, wearing a small peaked cap.
    â€œMy porter will take your bags upstairs, Mr. Armstrong,” Baron Marackai said. He handed Bone a key attached to a key ring in the shape of a pistol. “Room five,” the Baron said. Then he stepped out from behind the reception desk. “Come and meet the others, Mr. Armstrong.”
    Baron Marackai led the man across the lobby and pushed open the double doors to an oakpanelled room. “Can I offer you a drink?”
    â€œSure thing,” Mr. Armstrong replied.
    Blud shuffled over carrying a tray with two steaming cups of