“Robert!” They both yelled with excitement. Dr Hitzvelgar turned to see both of
the girls running towards a one-eyed Giant. Robert had become the children’s friend when they were last in Tintonia and he looked just as pleased to see them. He stood tall with open arms, looking splendid in a suit and cape of crimson. The girls ran into his arms with joy written all over their faces and hugged him madly. He gently patted their heads and said.
“There, there, calm down, you still have a long way to go.” He wasn’t the same smelly, horrible Giant the children had met before. He was clean and tidy, his hair was washed and tied beck in a ponytail. His beard was trimmed and his eye was clear and sparkling.
“Oh Robert we are pleased to see you!” blurted out Georgie.
“Were being chased by Witches,” added Rebecca. Robert looked down on them and said.
“I know child but don’t worry I won’t let them harm you. You be sure of that.” Dr Hitzvelgar came up to Robert and asked.
“Vhy are you here Robert? Vhat has happened? You look so different.” Thomas, Sam and Gordo were standing together and Sam asked Thomas.
“Is that the same Giant that I stabbed in the bottom with a sword the last time we were here?”
“Yes, but I wouldn’t mention that if I were you. Anyway, he did help us after that didn’t he.” Sam nodded and continued to watch with Thomas and Gordo. Robert was now talking with Dr Hitzvelgar.
“I’ve come to claim back The Toad Rocks for the Giants,” he announced. “Once these rocks were the most sacred place to the Giants and they will be again.” He raised his arm into the air and performed a short, sharp whistle. At once, other Giants began to appear behind him, at least twenty-five. They had been hiding waiting for Roberts signal.
“I had no idea there were so many Giants left,” said Dr Hitzvelgar in astonishment.
“Neither did I,” admitted Robert. “I searched high and low, long and hard until I had found all that I could. Then when the Dwarfs started to persecute the Giants others found me looking for a leader. They have made me their King and I have taken a wife.” He turned and waved to a female Giant who waved back. The children noticed that there were quite a few female Giants amongst the group. Robert turned back to the children and said.
“We have come to rid of Tintonia of The Hags Of Harg and to help you in the process.”
“How did you know that we were here?” asked The Doctor.
“Professor Mckintey told me what you intended to do before he was captured. I guess he must have been tortured and that he revealed your plans to the Dwarfs. That’s why the Hags were sent here. They knew you were coming.” It was news to all that The Professor had been captured but there was no time to question it.
“Listen Robert,” said Dr Hitzvelgar. “It is vital that The Toad Rocks are open to us. They have to be so that the children can return to the world above. Can you do that for us?”
“Consider it done Doctor; consider it done” said Robert assuredly. Just then the buzzing and shrieking coming from above the rock maze became much louder. Six or more witches(just as Georgie had described) came flying into view and hovered just above head-height, in front of them, surveying the scene.
&nb