Hewy suddenly realized that maybe the voice was coming from the brook (after all, they aren't called babbling brooks for nothing). Nodding his head, he decided to test his theory by asking what direction this potter lived.
“Go down the stream until coming to a bend. Take the high road to the left and over the next knoll you will find the potter." Realizing that the brook was indeed helping him, he thanked the brook and set off to find the potter. (Incidentally, it wasn't until many years later Hewy found out that the brook did not really speak to him, it was two Pyksees hiding in the cat-tails trying to get him lost (pyksee-lated)... but that is another story).
Startled, Hewy looked around, but again did not see where the voice was coming from. "If you touch me again young troll-odyte, I will not be very happy," Hewy heard the voice again say. Walking around the rock, Hewy discovered his mistake. Instead of leaning on a rock, he had found another troll, and not just any troll, but an 'Ancient One'. After apologizing several times to the 'Ancient One', Hewy explained he was lost and could the Ancient One help him find his way to the potter. With a rumble and a roll, the Ancient One told him the directions and sent him on his way. (Actually, I think the old troll just wanted some peace and quiet and figured that was the fastest way to get rid of Hewy). |