The leprechaun’s voice was loud and gruff, but Oliver could hear a hint of kindness in it.
Chapter 3 Excerpt: Oliver Oddsocks The Adventures Begin!
“Well now! If it isn’t ole Oddman. Ye have grown younger my old friend, and with a lot less around your middle. Have ye had a run-in with a goblin on one of your adventures? Have ye been cursed to be a boy again?” The voice was gruff and loud and coming from the air around Oliver.
A Leprechaun suddenly appeared on a rock in front of him. He was a tiny man with long hair and a red beard, a green hat, a green coat, green britches, a wooden staff, and leather boots to the knees. The leprechaun was smoking a long-stemmed pipe and staring at Oliver with one eye closed.
“There be something amiss. Ye have the feeling of me friend Oddman, but there be something about ye is askew.” He blew three smoke rings that hung in the air despite the brisk breeze. “Explain yourself, young sir, for if ye be a glamoured goblin or a spiteful shade, I will banish ye. But wait then. Ye are wearing magical mix-matched socks, so ye must be fair enough.” The leprechaun stood and squinted, pointing his staff at him. “Give me a truthful accounting or it will be sore trouble for ye. Don’t I have trouble enough without some mysterious meddler making even more mischief?”
Oliver took the threat seriously. “I am his grandson, Oliver. I have no idea how I got here wherever here is.”
The leprechaun sat back down, puffing furiously on his pipe. “It is your birthday today, is it not?”
Oliver nodded.
The leprechaun pursed his lips. “Answer this question carefully. If ye give me the wrong answer, it will be to your peril. How old are ye?”
“I am ten years old today.”
The leprechaun slapped his knee and laughed. “Then ye must be Oliver. My name is Glimmi. Tis a pleasure to meet you.” Glimmi’s face darkened and hung in a frown. “If ye are here Oliver, then me old friend has gone?” Oliver nodded. “Then ye must help us.” Glimmi stood and started walking toward the forest. “Come, friend Oliver, grandson of Oddman.”