Jim was used to a lot of attitudes from Trolls. Annoyance, disdain, distrust… Gradually turning back to acceptance and even friendship. Part of him had hoped that he’d be enough to keep them happy.

Not even. They glared at Director Fury, Captain America, Hawkeye, and Black Widow, frowned in confusion at Iron Man… Cowered at Angor…

But the trolls, especially the older ones, were terrified of Thor. They’d only gone a few dozen feet into the main cavern when the whispers of “Odinson” filled the chamber. A troll whelp, barely out of its first decade, waddled unsteadily in front of the group when its mother ran out, grabbed it with a squeak of fear, six eyes wide and fixed on Thor, and then ran back into their cavern.

“Thor,” Captain America said. “You fought these people. They still remember you, even today?”

“It was… Not much of a fight, not with the armies of Asgard on our side.” Thor frowned. “At that time, I was far less forgiving than I am today, and we fought for the humans and our allies.”

“Great,” Toby muttered.

“Trolls frightened,” Arrrggghhh said. “Thor was death.”

“The legends of the conflict against the Asgardians have no doubt been exaggerated by time,” Blinky said. “The tale of how the Troll-King’s island was sunk under the deeps when he challenged Odin to a battle for ex—”

“No,” Thor said. “That was true, one of the last times my father took the field.”

“Ah.” Blinky paused and then in a lower voice. “Master Jim, I think we may have underestimated the impact of our new friends.”

“Blinkeous!” A voice bellowed from across the cavern.

“Oh boy,” Toby said.

“Vendel incoming…” Claire muttered.

“First you bring a human Trollhunter, then their friends—oh, hello, Fair Claire—and now what? Their families? Their neighbors? A Human tour group? I have been fighting Ur—” the elder stopped, blinked. “Is that Thor Odinson?”

“Indeed I am!” Thor said with a smile. “And these are my boon companions!”

“The Avengers.” Vendel put his hands up to his horns as if a great headache was coming upon him.

“You know the Avengers?” Toby asked.

“Not all of us use the television solely for its soothing static…” Then he glared at Blinky. “Blinkeous! Are you trying to incite a panic!”

“No. The Avengers discovered the Trollhunter and desire to speak to the council.” Blinky smiled. “I think you will be pleased—”

“Usurna has claimed that James Lake has betrayed us, and she wishes to put him on trial!” Vendel hissed. “And you wish to walk in with proof-positive that she is right? Do you have any idea what punishment the Trollhunter could face?”

“Let’s go with zip and nada,” Mr. Stark said. “Going after the kids is not on the table.”

“Oh, I’ll let you tell Usurna that.”

“I’ll be happy to, Horns,” Mr. Stark glared at him. “And everything that comes with it—”

Some of the Trolls around Vendel were beginning to grumble, their annoyance overriding their fear of Thor, and Jim was getting really nervous. He didn’t mind Mr. Stark wanting to stick up for him, but it would only take one dummy, and the whole thing would fall apart, and most trolls were territorial. Tony insulting Vendel really wasn’t going to go over well.

“Wait!” Jim said. He put his arms out, standing between Vendel and Iron Man. “Mr. Stark, Vendel’s a friend, and he’s always had my back. He’s not your enemy.” He turned to the leader of Heartstone Trollmarket. “Vendel, I know some trolls are afraid of humans and of the Asgardians… But they’re here to help. I killed Bular and captured the bridge, and now we can get rid of the threat of the changelings and Gunmar, forever. Humans and trolls don’t have to be enemies—heck, Me, Claire, and Toby are proof of that, and the Avengers can do this.” Jim turned to the Avengers. “Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Dr. Banner, Hawkeye, Black Widow—they’ve all fought things that I could never dream of fighting, and they’re here as allies.”

“Usurna will ask where your loyalties lie,” Vendel said. “And what will you answer?”

“My loyalties lie with protecting trolls and humans, no matter who the enemy might be.”

“And we’re with him,” Claire said.

“Yep,” Toby replied as he stepped up to Jim’s side.

“And who speaks for you?” Vendel asked.

“That would be me,” Nick Fury said.

“Well, then, let us discuss your plan on the way to the council. Given the Trollhunter’s involvement, I have no doubt that it is utterly insane and likely suicidal. But why break precedent at this late date?”

Jim saw Fury’s lips twitch, and then the man was explaining their plan to Vendel as they headed for the council chambers.

And all I have to do is convince everyone about this plan, keep this Usurna from having me executed, and keep Iron Man from starting the next Troll-Human War.

Easy.

“Jim,” Black Widow said. “If Usurna is going after your loyalties, put your armor on. Remind them of who you are.”

“Right.” Jim took a deep breath. “For the Glory of Merlin, Daylight is Mine to Command!”