Chapter 46: Rogue Ogre

Chapter 46: Rogue Ogre

Everyone stay calm, shouted Sonny, although we were all just standing there in shock. The only one really panicking was Sonnys horse, which he had tied to a large log. The terrified animal was trying to rip its reins free but looked more likely to break its own neck.

Sonny backed away from the ogre as it slowly lumbered towards us. Looks like this is a fight you wont be able to pass on. He grinned at me. No need to worry, we can handle this. No problemo. Just do what I tell you and well teach this bastard to crash our barbie. He pulled out his sword. Right, everyone fan out. Form a line. Make sure to keep at least ten paces between you.

We did as he instructed and spread out. The ogre stopped as we moved in different directions. Its head moved from side to side as it tried to decide who to go for first.

Listen up! said Sonny from slightly behind our line. This is real simple. One person tries to attract its attention. When it starts moving towards that person, someone else on the other side starts making a ruckus so it moves over there. Rinse and repeat. You over there he pointed his sword at Maurice who was the furthest on the right give it a go.

We had all seen how Graysons men had confused the ogre that attacked us on our first day, so we already had a good idea of how this was supposed to work. New novel chapters are published on

Maurice raised his hands over his head and waved them. Hey! Hey! Over here!

The ogre let out a wa hoo and headed towards Maurice.

Excellent, said Sonny. Now you over there, your turn. His sword was pointed at Dudley.

Dudley raised one hand and in very quiet voice said, Excuse me. Excuse me.

Come one, put a bit of effort into it. Your mates going to get eaten if you dont.

In a booming voice, Dudley called out. I say! Hello? Im talking to you, damn it.

The ogre stopped and turned to face Dudley.

Nice one, said Sonny. Now keep doing that while I sneak around behind him.

Sonny walked around the back of our line as the ogre moved towards Dudley. It took a few steps, and then Maurice started calling it over to the other side. Everything appeared to be going to plan. Until I decided to join in.

I was in the middle of the line, with Flossie on my right and Claire on my left. Both girls looked pretty scared and happy to let Maurice and Dudley play ogre ping pong. I took a step forward and at the highest volume I could manage, I called out, Wa hoooooo.

The ogre immediately lost interest in the others and fixed its eyes on me. Its hard to properly describe the face of something so hideous. Think of a boxer who should have retired from the ring a long time ago. Then make him play rugby. And give him a collapsed nose from doing too much cocaine. Now set his hair on fire so it only grows back in odd patches. That person would be Miss World compared to this monstrosity.

Maurice tried to attract the ogres attention by shouting. The ogre ignored him and kept coming towards me. Dudley joined in, but it made no difference. I backed away from the approaching behemoth. The girls also started hollering but I gave it another wa hoo and the ogre started to pick up speed.

You really think horses are the same as people. Are you hearing this? He turned to the others. Youre not going to last ten minutes out here with this nutjob. Fuck this guy and come with me. Ill make sure youre alright, I promise you.

I also turned to the others, ready for them to start shouting at me too. But they didnt.

The thing about Colin, said Maurice, is that he has a special ability.

What? said Sonny. Getting people killed?

No, said Maurice, its more like that movie, The Sixth Sense, you know the one?

Sonny stared at him, baffled. I wasnt too clear on what Maurice was going on about either. Since when could I speak to ghosts?

Only, continued Maurice, instead of being able to see dead people, he can see dickheads. Like, from a mile away. Dont know how he does it, really.

Far as I can tell, said Claire, it works off the basic principle of takes one to know one.

Hes a useful person to have around, chipped in Flossie, even if hes real fookin annoying most of the time.

Maurice started picking up his gear, as did the others. So well be sticking with him, for now.

Better the devil you know, and all that, said Dudley.

It was strange hearing them talk about me. It made me realise they must have discussed these things when I wasnt around, which in itself was a strange experience. Ive never been too bothered about people speaking behind my back, because no one cared enough to do it. Most people werent aware of my existence, even when standing right next to me.

These people very definitely did know I existed. Was this how it felt to be part of a group? I didnt know how I felt about this kind of relationship where people treated you like you mattered.

I didnt hate it.

Youre all crazy! screamed Sonny. You wont get away with this. Ill make sure of it.

You should go find your sword, I said, pointing into the dark with my own sword. I think its over there somewhere.

We should get going before the ogre decides it wants dessert, said Maurice.

I nodded and grabbed my gear and we headed back to the road. It was dark and hard to see where we were going, but I just followed the person in front of me. They seemed to know the right direction.