John P. Mallon Writer & Poet
General Stoo has escaped and taken Braddle hostage. He and his men are far from the city, deep in the jaggeds. His plan is to conquer Carporoo but first he must rid himself of interfering giants. For Alfie, it is the start of the new school term. As well as learning about punctuation, fractions and the enormity of the universe he also learns that his life is in danger from tiny assassins. In this sequel to Braddle and the Giant, the adventures of Braddle and Alfie take an unexpected turn. This time General Stoo does not plan to fail.
There were about thirty men in the courtyard. Some of the men were getting dressed. It was a strange place to do it but it was a prison after all and maybe this is what happens in prisons. Some of the men were putting on armour in addition to cloaks, hats, pants and boots. Armour? Did guards wear armour in prisons? He didn’t know. Maybe they did.
A man standing at the edge of the group with a dagger in his hand called to another at its centre.
“Don’t worry General. The child-giant will be taken care of. He will be gone by the time you return.”
General Stoo! The man in the centre of the group was General Stoo! He wasn’t locked up! Escape…This is an escape!
One by one, the men turned to stare at them. General Stoo strolled from the centre to the edge of the group and observed the two intruders. For a moment, they all froze unsure what to do.
"What are you waiting for?" General Stoo called to his men. "Get them!"
“RUN!” shouted Braddle.