Contents
Book Four: The Trap — 14.
Overview
Colin’s search engine succeeds where Arthur’s years of legwork failed, locating the troll Svangur—also known as Stu Finger—through his online activity. After striking a deal, Colin returns to the hoard, chooses the protective hair robe and vial over the sword, claims Arthur’s Glass, and inters Arthur. Svangur seals the coffin as Colin offers a terse blessing, signaling a pragmatic break from Arthur’s path.
Summary
Arthur spent six fruitless years hunting a troll through parish rumors, archives, and cold, muddy bridges. In stark contrast, Colin’s custom search engine pinpointed a likely troll near Camelford in six weeks, then confirmed the creature’s online footprint: Svangur’s inflammatory posts and crude hacks mirrored the panic-baiting style Colin recognized.
Colin already knew trolls were being industrially raised—possibly by Russians—and trained for violence and coding, which fit Svangur’s profile. In October, Colin contacted Stu Finger; by November they had a deal. Finger cared nothing for relics, only faster internet, making the bargain simple.
Back in Svangur’s hoard, Colin wrapped the vial in a rough robe woven from human hair, valuing its protection from dragon gaze and flame. He rejected the holy sword, sensing it disliked him and trusting he already “had a dragon.”
Colin searched Arthur’s pockets, took the Glass, and arranged Arthur in the stone coffin. He placed two coins over Arthur’s eyes, an image that struck him as unsettlingly angelic and judging.
Svangur effortlessly set the heavy lid in place. Colin spoke a brief blessing over Arthur—honoring good intentions while implicitly turning from Arthur’s quest—while Svangur answered with crude levity, underscoring their uneasy, transactional alliance.
Who Appears
- ColinUses a custom search to locate Svangur, strikes a deal, takes the hair robe and Arthur’s Glass, rejects the sword, and entombs Arthur.
- Svangur (Stu Finger)The troll found online; strong enough to lift the coffin lid, craves faster internet, and seals Arthur’s tomb after the deal.
- Arthur OakesFriend whose years of troll-hunting failed; now deceased. Colin arranges his body and places coins over his eyes.
- Donna McBrideMentioned as believing conspiracy themes that overlap with the troll’s online provocations.