Copyright © 2004, Joanna Hollier
Published by Whiskey Creek Press LLC

Reviews For ROARY O'ROURKE Book 3: CHALLENGE OF THE TROLLS by Joanna Hollier

Ms. Hollier does a fine job of allowing this book to stand alone, even though it’s actually the third in its series. Her characters are fun and have the most wonderful names! I think that this is an excellent children’s story. Children will love this book. It’s so hard to get children to read that it’s great to find someone who writes such amazing stories.

Reviewed by: Brandy 5 Angels

The Anniversary Celebration and The Army is Ready

Lady O’Rourke, Mamajosey, and Lady Chauncy Do sat in Chauncy’s chambers. They deserved a break after all their hard work getting ready for the anniversary celebration.

“Mamajosey,” asked Chauncy, “have you got the entertainment ready?”

“Finally, Chauncy. Even lined up the final surprise. I won’t tell you what that is. Decorations are done. Are you and Chef Strongsteele ready for the Grand Ball?”

“We’re ready. Tea’s over. Better get busy.”

While the ladies were chatting, Roary and Shaggy Sam went to the stables. “Squire, saddle up Moonbeam, please. Shaggy Sam and I need to go out.”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

“Hope we can remember the act we did to help rescue Lacey.”

Roary wore the same clothes he wore that day.

“Woof,” barked Shaggy Sam.

* * * *

The Anniversary Celebration Day arrived. Roary looked out his balcony, and turned to Lacey. “Looks like every person in Elfdom has come. Are you excited? I am.”

Miranda arrived. “I’m back, Your Majesty. Here, let me help you into your gown.”

“Thank goodness, Miranda.”

Roary breathed a sigh of relief. Wow. I’m glad I don’t have to wear that all day. It’s beautiful but certainly looks uncomfortable.

“Lacey, I’m going out for a while.”

Queen Lacey paced the balcony, afraid Roary would be late. “Miranda, any sign of him?”

“No, your Majesty. Wait, I hear him coming now.”

“Roary, I was afraid you wouldn’t make it in time. Miranda has your suit laid out. Hurry. There’s hot water in the basin. Come, Miranda, sit with me.”

Lacey carefully settled in the large chair. “I’m uncomfortable, but not too much so. The designer outdid himself with this gown. It’s more beautiful than my wedding or coronation gowns. I’m going to try to wear it to the Grand Ball. Watch from the balcony. Afterwards, I’ll come and take it off to rest. I’ll need your help before the Grand Ball.”

Roary freshened and dressed. This is better, I’ll be ready for the ceremony. He studied himself in the full-length mirror. “You’ll do,” he said.

“Well, my beautiful queen, are we ready? One thing is certain, they can’t start without us, can they?”

“No, and it’s a royal privilege to be late, if I want. Come, we’re ready. We’re leaving, Miranda, watch from the balcony.”

* * * *

They stopped at the door and waited for the music. The orchestra started the Royal March, they began to make their way down the aisle. Earl and Lady Dooley Do were on the dais, seated next to the throne platform. On the other side, Lord and Lady O’Rourke were seated. King Leaningtree was on the throne platform, slightly behind the royal couple. Everyone stood until Roary led Queen Lacey Lovelyful to her throne, Shaggy Sam curled at her feet. She waved to the crowd. They cheered.

Queen Lacey spoke and officially opened the celebration. Lady O’Rourke had lined up musicians, magicians, singers, tumblers, jugglers and more to entertain the Queen and her Consort. The crowd was excited.

Roary whispered in Lacey’s ear and quietly slipped away behind the throne platform. He whistled softly to Shaggy Sam. They went down the back stairs of the platform and into the little room underneath. Roary’s Squire was holding Moonbeam’s reins.

Lady O’Rourke asked permission to speak. Lacey nodded her head.

“Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls of Elfdom. I introduce the surprise act of our celebration. It was this act that distracted Baron Barnabuss Bramble, who held our own Queen Lacey captive at Dark Clouds Peak Castle. This allowed our friend, Earl Dooley Do, and his Mountain Men to fight and vanquish the Baron. It allowed Roary to lift Princess Lacey to his side. They flew down the back side of the mountain on Moombeam, with Shaggy Sam at their heels. They rode to freedom and home to Elfdom. Let’s welcome Roary and Moonbeam.”

After a loud drum roll, Roary came galloping out on Moonbeam, Shaggy Sam at his side. Roary hopped up and stood on the saddle and rode round and round in a circle, Shaggy Sam barking all the while. Roary then did a somersault off the saddle and tumbled over and over, caught the reins and vaulted back into Moonbeam’s saddle. Shaggy Sam ran in circles and barked. Roary clung to the saddle sideways and rode around in the circle. He hopped to the ground and quickly back into the saddle. He and Shaggy Sam did tricks in the center of the circle that Moonbeam made as she went round and round. Finally they stopped, faced first the crowd, then Queen Lacey, and bowed. The crowd whistled, clapped and yelled.

Roary ran and jumped into the saddle again, rode Moonbeam up the stairs to where Queen Lacey was seated. He grabbed her firmly to his side and they rode off in back of the throne platform. He handed Moonbeam to the squire after treating her to a sugar cube. Roary led Queen Lacey up the stairs to the throne again.

The crowd chanted, “Long live Prince Roary! Long live Queen Lacey Lovelyful! Lord and Lady O’Rourke, Earl Dooley Do and Lady Chauncy Do and our King Leaningtree, too.” They were all talking and hugging each other while Shaggy Sam barked and ran and ran around them.

Queen Lacey raised her hands to quiet everyone. She pulled Prince Roary to her side. “Reverend Billphil, where are you? Please join us.” The crowd was quiet now. “Last year at this time, you married Prince Roary and me in holy matrimony. Please lead a prayer of thanksgiving and praise that we have many years of peace in Elfdom.”

Reverend Billphil, clasped his hands and reverently bowed his head. “I pray, oh Lord of the Forest and all the earth, that Queen Lacey Lovelyful, her Prince Consort Roary O’Rourke, and all the people of Elfdom enjoy many years of happiness and peace. May the citizens of Elfdom be loyal to our rulers and give them all the help they need to make our Kingdom the best Kingdom on earth. Lead us with our allies to keep the peace with your blessings. Amen.”

The crowd cheered. They made way for the royal procession to lead them out to enjoy the rest of the celebration. The procession retired to the chambers of Queen Lacey and Prince Roary. Chef Strongsteele had set a table of delightful morsels to tempt their taste buds. They were hungry.

Queen Lacey insisted Miranda join them at the table. She bowed and thanked her mistress. There was much joking and laughing going on while they ate.

“Was that really how it was when Roary rescued you?” Reverend Billphil asked Queen Lacey.

* * * *

The crowd went home happy with good memories. They tried not to think of the army and their upcoming battle in Milesaround Mountains for Dark Clouds Peak Castle. The army was eager to help Earl Dooley Do regain his kingdom. Dooley was liked and respected by all in Elfdom. They thought of him as “one of them,” now he had married the halfling, Chauncy.

* * * *

Roary called Commander Johnbow, Lord Dooley, and Captain Lancer to his chambers. “We need to discuss a departure date for the Army. I’d like to be able to march out by the first of next week. How does that sound to you, Commander?”

“We’re ready, your Majesty, Lancer has assured me the army is ready and willing.”

“Yes sir, they do seem anxious to get on with the campaign.”

“Dooley Do,” Roary turned to him, “you and I will lead the troops. You said something about ‘magic cakes’ for the dragon. Have you spoken to Chef Strongsteele about that?”

“Yes, I have. Chef Strongsteele was able to figure out what he needed shortly after I came to Elfdom. I told him it was very important that he get the cakes correct, or the ‘magic’ wouldn’t work on Bleethemon. As long as I have cakes to feed the dragon, he’s friendly and will work with us.”

“Okay, Dooley, see Strongsteete has plenty of those cakes. I’d like every man to carry ten in his backpack. Who knows what we’ll find in that tunnel? Johnbow, Lancer, have the men ready to march the first day of next week. The Horsemen will lead the march. Dooley said the tunnel is not very long but it’s winding and dimly lit. Dooley, I understand Slim, Strongsteele’s assistant, knows the Smoke Language very well and will communicate with you. He’ll report to Queen Lacey. Any questions?”

* * * *

Roary was quiet at dinner that night.

Lacey said, “Roary, talk to me. I hate to see you go when you have a worried look on your face.”

“I’m not really worried, I feel a great responsibility as leader. We have three hundred men to lead into battle and keep safe. Guess I’ll feel better when we get through the Ancient Tunnel. I have a bad feeling about that part of our march.”

Roary wondered about Dooley.

“Dooley, what are you thinking about?” asked Chauncy. “You look like you’re miles away.”

“I am. I’m thinking of my cabin in Milesaround Mountains. I’m thinking of how I first met Roary, I shot an arrow in his direction to scare him off. He came right back at me and we almost fought. When I explained I had no intention of hurting him and that I was only following the orders of Baron Bramble, we became friends. I called all the Mountain Men together and we made plans to storm the castle and rescue Princess Lacey. Little did I know what changes would occur in my life. Of course, I wouldn’t have met you, Chauncy, if I hadn’t helped Roary.”

“I’m glad of that. My life has changed, too. I’ll have to move far away and live on Dark Clouds Peak. I wonder what it’ll be like. If our castle is cold and dark, we’ll have to make it bright and cheerful. We’ll work together to make new friends and you will be with old friends. Just watch yourself and come back to me, Lord Dooley Do, Earl of Dark Clouds Peak. I don’t want to live without you, wherever we may find ourselves.”

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