THREE GIANTS

Masood Ahmed

CHAPTER ONE- EDGAR, LURCH AND GOLIATH

It all began on an island. Just off  the coast of England.  Named  Giants land. Their three giants lived .  going by the names of Edgar, lurch and Goliath.  They were, by far huge in their stature.  Taller then the trees, that grew wildly in the forest.  Giants Land was a peaceful dwelling for them and nothing untowardly really happened there.  Until the breach, from the trolls occurred. Who lived on the other side of Giants land.

They were, menacing and there were hundreds of them.  Mean looking.  Grimacing and vulgar.  To say the least.  They had very few attributes and scars on their faces.  They wanted to harm the giants a great deal, but they didn’t stand a chance.  Truly they paled in comparison, with regards to their height.  Miniatures compared to that of the three giants.  Their leader was called ‘holt’.  And he had a venomous streak to him. He detested the three giants greatly.  To the point , that he once vowed to the others, that he would, seek revenge for the killing of Saba.  The other troll.  Half brother to Holt.  

The giants were apparently embroiled in a battle at the stone of nobleness, where they fought with almost hundreds of trolls and won.  Killing Saba , with a grudge so strong, that Holt couldn’t let go of his vengeance, as he sat on a slab at their troll fortress.  A huge cave, that was surrounded by thorny bushes outside.  And inside it was staunch with cobwebs and mould.  A putrid dwelling .  as Holt said to the other trolls, that were gathered .  bearing in mind they could all speak a language all of their own .  As he said “let us annihilate these giants.  Once and for all.  For they have brought dishonour to us.  We are collectively stronger now, with a bigger army.  Do you all agree?  Ill never forgive them for the killing of my brother and he was family to all of us.  Revenge is sweet.  Let us devise a plan , that swiftly works.  Shall we?”

The crowd of trolls jeered elated and made erratic hooting noises, that pierced the air.  It was safe to say, that Giants land, would feel a tremor once again, that would shatter the peace installed on that island , for years it had remained peaceful and serene, where wild roses grew and daffodils spread on the hill tops, but they could perhaps perish also, if a battle should erupt, no doubt!

Meanwhile there was a plane crash on Giants land, which unfortunately was serious.  Some of the passengers on board perished .  all but two children remained.  Their names were, Susie and steven, they were twins and their parents, didn’t stand a chance as initially their helicopter nose dived, as the engine failed , as it hurtled and hit the hard surface below.  Their parents were no more and the two children at the tender age of twelve years of age, were desolate and left all alone.  Concussed , bruised and with deep cuts to their skin.  But in the distance they had, their saviours.  The formidable giants as they miraculously came across the crashed helicopter on one of their jaunts.

As Edgar stopped the others in their tracks, as he towered over the wreckage and said “lurch , Goliath look over here , what have we found.  I don’t recognise this machine or what is it exactly?” the others stood mystified on their findings .  they didn’t have an inkling of what was before them, as Goliath then said “don’t know what is it ? do you know lurch.  I mean it could be anything.  It’s just I’ve never seen anything like this upon our land before.  I’m curious you know ?”

Edgar then replied inquisitively “ well let’s have a look inside.  And see what we can find shall we?” They all entered the smashed helicopter.  Poking their heads through the open doorway.  As firstly Goliath noticed the four bodies lying there.  As he shouted loudly “anyone can you hear me?”

Silence fell until the twins simultaneously , were aroused by his voice, which brought them almost back to life, as Susan mumbled “who’s that, Steve are you awake.  Who is calling us?”

Steve replied drowsily “ I don’t know really.  Aww I’m not feeling good, what happened to us?”

Susan lifted herself awkwardly and then sat crouched , within that helicopter, as she said “what’s happened to mum and dad, I can see they are not moving at all . ahh mum and dad wake up, wake up!”

Steve began to cry loudly .  rocking to and frow as he managed to sit upright, as he said “mum and dad are not speaking.  Susan does that mean, they’re umm ?”

Susan began to cry uncontrollably also stumbling to find the words to communicate to Steve as she says” I don’t know what’s happened to them ?”

Goliath then peers even more closely as he says “children don’t fret .  don’t be scared .  we’re here to help you out.  I think you’re parents are dead.  I’m sorry to have to tell you this.  Quick take hold of my hand”.  As Goliath extends his arm .  all the way towards them.  Susan and Steve become anxious and hesitant to grasp it.  They don’t have a choice in the matter it seems.  As Edgar then tells Goliath to haul them back soft handed and then releases them from that wreckage.  The children remain petrified as Susan glances wide eyed as she musters and says “so you are all huge.  What are your names ?”

Goliath mouths “I’m Goliath .  that’s lurch and Edgar.  Pleased to meet you both. We’re sorry for your loss.  You know we truly are”.  Susan softly replies “I know you all are I can see that now, but I haven’t got the strength to walk, nor has can you carry us Goliath?”

Goliath replies “of course I will let’s take you to our cave shall we.  Their you both can rest.  Have a little amount of water, for you must be thirsty.  You both have been through an ordeal .  the worst of it’s kind no doubt.  You both firmly need to rest and gain your strength.  And at our cave you’ll get all that I promise”.

With that, they all set off running  like the wind, with the twins in the palm of goliath’s hand.  As the sky was, a brazen blue and the winds whirred a coldness like no other.  The children no doubt, we’re cold and destitute for now.  It seemed like hours before they reached anywhere but finally the three giants along with the children arrived at their destination. ‘mount Heely’.

Then Goliath gently lowered the two individuals to the ground.  As they lead Susan and Steve in to the widest cave, through it’s mouth and inside it glistened almost.  Spotless , with roses growing untouched as the rock was sparkly alike diamonds.  Summed up a very clean cave indeed.  As Susan scanned the cave.  As did Steve, with intrigue.  They felt reassured , that everything was above board and was going to be alright.

As Lurch spoke with a hoarse , but calming tone as he said “have you both been taken aback by our wondrous cave.  Yes it once was our parent’s home.  We are three brothers by the way.  We have lived here since birth and we like it here.  No doubt you will like it here too.  Don’t ever be afraid.  We are gentle giants to add.  You can trust us.  And now we are your soul guardians.  If you both have us to be, as it stands”.

Steve replied quietly like a mouse in a hushed voice “yes I would love for you to be our protectors. 

Please we feel so lonely, without our parents you know.  Ahh the cuts to my face and hands hurt and I can’t straighten both my legs.  Look Susan they’re bruised “

Susan looked at Steve’s legs in haste as she said “oh yes they are bruised quite a bit.  Rest them Steve.  I believe the Giants will do the rest”

Edgar replied “of course we’re here to serve you.  We are your only friends out here, but you must promise not to stray, from this cave.  Once you both get better, that is”.

Steve and Susan nodded in agreement, that they understood their gestures told a different reaction, no doubt.  

Meanwhile on the other side of the island .  the troll leader and his despicable lot, were venturing on their journey and suddenly stumbled on the wreckage.  As curious as they became as they caught sight of the charred helicopter, holt shouted loudly “trolls let’s scour this area and more to the point that helicopter needs to be searched to see what remains, we can find”.

They all hurried and stomped their feet in succession towards that wreckage, as they drew nearer and nearer it seemed clear to holt, that it was abandoned as they tentatively peered inside.   Holt could see outline of two bodies.  Human bodies to be exact.  As holt viewed the carnage.  The dead bodies to be specific he then exclaimed “my, my what happened here”. He then advanced further and then entered the helicopter through the hatch, as he noticed a small girls bag and a cap and photo’s which lay strewn on the metal floor.  

Holt thought cleverly to himself “ I wonder if there were survivors.  Must have been other humans and if so where would they be now”.

As he then climbed out of this wreckage. And then snarled as he then shouted to the others “there’s two  bodies in here , we must find I believe what could be two other souls.  Let not they escape trolls .  they must be found and quickly”.

The many trolls stomped their feet in unison and croaking voices, could be heard, simultaneously.  Meanwhile Susan and Steve, were acquainting themselves, with the Giants and settling in the cave no doubt.  But Susan couldn’t help wondering what became of their helicopter and who would probably bury her parents, but the thought was nagging her.  

It was more then she could, bear.  As tearful as she was .   As goliath noticed her eyes well up, as he consoled her by presenting her with a bunch of flowers, that cheered her up a little, he hoped. 

Softened her pain and as for steven.  Her twin.  He felt the same emotions.  Felt down in the ditch.  Heartbroken and bereft of happy feelings on this occasion.

The giants, would now leave Susan and Steven to go and chop wood for the fire stack and this was a chore, they exercised almost daily.  Foraging for the largest berries and from the largest pine trees and fruit bearing trees, that grew on their Island, no doubt. But the three giants warned them “not to leave the cave at any cost, because there could, be danger in the form of large beasts and most of all, they were lots of heinous trolls.

That lurked not too far away.  Who were, robust and infuriating.  As they left the cave to venture out.  Susan and steven were more settled after almost a month on the island.  With the giants by their side, but Susan’s curiosity got the better of her.  And she managed to convince steven to follow her out on a trail , that could be disastrous no doubt.  As Susan said “steven we need to see for ourselves.  What’s out there.  I can imagine pretty flowers and streams flowing and little deer roaming around.  We should go Steve right now”.

Steven shrugged his shoulders, as he had second thoughts, but at the same time had finally given in to his sister’s persistence and persuasion and most of all her nagging pushy side.  As they both left the cave, cautiously .  even the littlest of creatures dazzled them.  As even it was far larger then the both of them.  The beetles glazed shell glistened as it scurried past.  

And then Susan said alarmingly “look at it ten times that beetle it’s normal size.  Can we catch it?”

Steven replied “no, no Susan it’s probably dangerous.  Look at it’s horns.  It’s a horned beetle.  Let’s leave it alone”.

As they both walked further upon this hostile land.  Suddenly Susan lost her grip.  Her foot slinked on the ground beneath her.  It disappeared it almost sunk as Susan screamed “Steven I’m falling .  help me, I’m falling”.

Steven looked on in horror, as he tried in vain , but failed dismally.  The ground sunk fast, as Susan fell deep inside this ditch.  Steven frantically stood atop this ditch.  Screaming every inch, but it seemed Susan had fallen too deep, within the depths of this pit.  

“Only the giants could, save her”, steven thought.  “but where are they”, he murmured .  the giants, were returning with chopped wood, nestled within their strong arms and they would return enroute the similar way.  As lurch noticed steven cowering over the sunken patch.  As goliath shouted hoarsely “steven .  who’s in there , that ditch I mean.  It holds Susan does it ?” steven awkwardly gestured by shrugging his shoulders.

And then shouted back “yes it’s got Susan .  she’s down there, please help?”

Goliath almost raced over.  Followed by the others, as he then ranted annoyed “ I told you both not to go outside and you disobeyed me, but why ? it was for your own safety”.  Then he peered downwards.  Scanning for Susan  to surface as he shouted “don’t worry Susan .  we’re here .  we’ll get you out, I promise”.

Mnjjjjj4r3emk,As goliath then threw a rope, that he carried with him sometimes to fell the trees,  he threw that in to the ditch, for Susan to grab hold of.  Luckily and miraculously Susan was still alive.  She had not fallen too deep, as first thought.  As Susan’s muffled voice echoed back.  As her words floated , almost .  Susan shrieked “I’m okay.  Get me out of here goliath .  please my clothes have been torn a little.  My knees have, been scuffed, but I’m okay.

Susan was above her years in maturity .  a sensible individual at all times, but on this occasion. It was the latter in some respects.  Goliath reached down, with his elongated arms and grasped Susan , with a gentleness and hoisted her up through the ditch.  Upwards she went.  Finally she was lowered on to the surface and then managed to climb on her feet.  Goliath then scolded her as he said “Susan I warned you .  in fact we have all warned you both of the dangers present beyond our cave walls.  Upon this land.  You did not heed it.  You don’t listen do you?  Let that be a lesson.  Follow our instructions next time we mind be so lucky. Susan sulked a little.  She had a more challenging day, and the mistake was made by her, she felt.

As they reached to the cave, by walking many a mile and felt safe even after the meter but felt at ease with their settings.  The three giants then became increasingly watchful over them .  a vested interest , in their safety , that could not be compromised , as it stood !

CHAPTER TWO – THE WOLVES

On one particular day .  the three giants, were talking amongst themselves.  Regarding their desire to go  wood chopping and they unanimously decided , they would take the twins on their jaunts.  As they asked the twins, that was lurch who initiated the conversation as he said “Susan, Steven, would you like to accompany us to chop wood.  I mean you can watch us.  See how we fell the trees.  It’s a great exercise.  We have in place.  Will you both come with us?”

Susan and Steven beamed and both replied “yes, we will friends”.

So they all set off towards, that wooded area, as they crossed large thickets and fields of wild roses. 

The fragrance from them wafted in to the air.  The giant bees, that were buzzing busily above them.  Amongst the tulip patch also .  as they trampled past and then they were finally here. Goliath had his wooden axe.  Along with the others in tow.  As they started chopping profusely, as Susan and Steven stood out of harms way.  Side lined for their own safety as they looked on in awe of the spectacle.

Susan thought “how easily the trees fell. `like butter when sliced `.  the giants made it look so simple and effortless as they stacked the logs in a pile .  ready to carry in their strong arms, no doubt!

This was their exercise in a sense .  as goliath made panting noises, who often became worn out, as he said “children this is how we do this.  Are you both impressed?”

The twins replied looking astonished as they said simultaneously “we couldn’t do that. We have to be big and strong like you giants then”.  They both started to chuckle.  Their smile etched from ear to ear, as they looked on.  Goliath then said “so this will be for the log fire, but I do notice the forest is clearing, which worries me.  We can’t be the only loggers around here?”

Edgar and lurch simultaneously sighed and said “well that must be true.  Who else is out here apart from us, do you think?”

Goliath sheepishly replied “dun no it could be anyone or anything.  I can only imagine”.

Curious as they all were.  They let the thought go and carried on with their journey home.  As they ventured towards their home, their cave.  They were, almost marching past the long thickets and then suddenly , they were ambushed.  Five great big wolves stood leering and hungry for a bite of their flesh.  And the children were, it seemed high on the agenda and  on the top of their food list.  As their fangs sharp and precise, were gleaming.  As they eagle eyed their prey, but when they realised  the giants , were in the background.  They had second thoughts, but even still prepared their fight.  Even though they were five and comparatively so were the other party, but the wolves felt they had the upper hand.

As they began to coil their necks and flash their fangs a great deal more to scare the children.  Even after this obstruction.  The wolves ran as fast as they could, possibly and leapt several feet in to the air.  As they almost glided over the children and met the wrath of the three giants.  One by one they were battered and pounded by their stone clubs, which hit the wolves directly on their tufty bodies and faces and their clubs made contact several times!

The wolves were, outsmarted and then beaten to a pulp.  And soon after retreated .  the victory was with the giants.  Of course being full of might and the three giants then exclaimed “those pesky vulgar wolves.  What were they thinking.  They’re no match for us.  I mean puny things, at that. “

Susan and steven, were firmly placed within these gentle giants and always, would be.  No doubt!

As they all made their way back home.  The lingering thoughts occurred.  As goliath thought “this land of giants land, had become volatile, hostile and a changing setting.  The giants whistled a tune, that almost fluted .  as the twins listened on and they had their own jolly song to sing as it seemed.  All the way back to the cave.  

Meanwhile the trolls sniffed out a trail, that belonged to Susan and steven and not forgetting those formidable giants.   They were, hot on their heels.  As it were.  As the trolls possibly were gaining ground.  As they ran like wildfire, but soon enough it went cold.  They were on a wild goose chase.  Going nowhere, as they collectively decided to retreat and return to their fortress.  

Meanwhile the giants and the two twins, were sleeping in those caves.  Nightfall had it darkened desire no doubt.  To overlap the day.  The giants always slept, with one eye opened.  Guarding the cave entrance, from would be intruders.  It was incumbent they did so, for the children’s protection.  As bats flittered in and out of those caves.  Sometimes swooping so low as to awake the children, with their twittering , but the giants were never rattled in the least, they were prone to this spectre for many years now.

Susan and steven almost slept like a log.  Deep inhalation .  as they dreamed simultaneously of their parents faces.  Like primroses and their harrowing fragmented final moments.  Partially blurred .  as they both woke up in cold sweats.  As they screamed loudly “aah no oh my God”.  They shrieked .  the giants awoke to their alarming distress, as they darted over to them.  As goliath inquisitively asked “are you both okay.  You seem to be having a nightmare of some sort. Please share this with us”.

As Susan and Steve tried in vain to recollect their dream .  they couldn’t .  it was so vague and it had left them both in tears.  As Susan tearfully replied “goliath I can’t understand why mum and dad are gone.  Will I ever see them both again, ever?”