Tall and proud I' Hosse rides
Cross dark and wild places.
Behind Talfalco on his steed,
His pony has short paces,
For Halfling ponies are quite small,
Their size not built for races.
Lodhreth, he the warrior true,
Bids straight to make their pathing.
Talfalco, lagging, turns aside,
To find a cause for laughing.
And such a foolish choice did cause
What we in aftermath sing.
'Stop, young halfling! You're a fool!
'And do not be so hasty!
'Besides!' Lodhreth informed small Tal
'Trolls find you rather tasty!'
But Tal was far too curious
To ride behind in safety.
'To the north there are three trolls
Made stone upon a hillside,
And I shall see them with my eyes
So to the trolls I shall ride!'
'Alas' the Elves cried in dismay
'Trolls squash small folk with each stride!'
So he heeded not their cries,
But found the trolls that felt grim
All sitting on their seats of stone,
The fate the sunlight dealt them.
But still there was one living troll
And that troll quickly smelt him!
Halflings are a quiet lot,
And very good at hiding,
But trolls can smell quite well indeed
And toward Tal one came striding.
So quick the Halfling ran away
No longer there abiding
Some say wind is very fast,
And time is even faster.
Some quote speed of friends in need
Or sorrow, love, or laughter.
But nothing's faster than small Tal
When trolls are chasing after!
