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After a while, the passage came to an alcove, which consisted of two trolls wedged in the passageway. She had seen this kind of door before, but only on the houses of the very rich. Trolls were sentient and trained to know who should be allowed access and few beings can force their way past a troll. To leave, one simply tapped the troll on the shoulder, and it would move out of the way.

The changeling spoke. “We would like egress to the outside world if you would please step aside.”

The troll facing them shook his head. “No. Against the rules. Won’t move.”

Tyrrae showed it the bite mark on her arm, since that had worked like a magic talisman so far.

“Lady,” the troll said, “do I look like a spider to you? That won’t get you through my gate.”

She went ahead and tapped the other troll on the shoulder.

“Nice one, lady,” the troll said, “but no dice.”

The changeling puffed dramatically, preparing to either attack or explode in anger. Tyrrae gently touched his arm to stay him, then addressed the troll. “I marry in two fortnights. I must acquire more servants. Unless you and your companion are inclined to volunteer, I must pass through to the out world. Spiders lack the necessary physiology to become my servants.”

The troll grinned. “That’s more like it lady. Only, I wanna hear the magic word.”

The changeling groaned. Tyrrae smiled a little. “Please,” she said.

The troll bowed to her, and moved enough to let her through. Quickly, before the troll changed its mind, she slipped by.

The changeling moved to follow, but a thick arm blocked his path.

“Where do you think you’re going?” the troll said.

“With her.”

“She needs servants. You don’t have enough bones to be a servant.”

“I’m her guide.”

“That’s great for the spiders. They listen to you, and you know the dangers well. But your kind does not go out there. You know that. Don’t make me break your face for breaking the rules.”

The changeling sighed. “Lady, come back for a moment.”

Tyrrae obliged.

“While I may not follow, I may give you this gift.” He gently kissed her forehead and then traced a mark upon it. “I am a Guardian of our people. If any other Guardians see you, they shall know this mark, and be disinclined to harm you. And I promise to wait here for your return.”

The troll snorted, but they ignored him.

Tyrrae bowed deeply. “Thank you for your help. I would have been lost without you.” Also, she probably would have died to that burrower, but one tried not to acknowledge life-debts unless necessary. She walked past the troll one more time, and he settled himself back down next to his companion. She waved to the other troll, because he could see her, and continued along the passageway.  ¶ 10:44 AM