Fortuno would not stay imprisoned for long. On a cold October day, Gast and his Troll Guards stormed the castle gates. Dorran and Sentira were surrounded, and as strong and bold as they are, they could not risk the loss of life that might fall on the villagers at the gate. They were imprisoned as were Queen Fesora and Fortan who were preparing to have an audience with Milo and the Queen's guard.

All would have been dire indeed except for one small break provided by fate. Milo was late for the meeting! Milo had recently fallen head over heals in love with the fair maiden, Millicent. Although Millicent seemed less than eager to introduce him to her family, she did keep company often with Milo. On the day in question, he was escorting her to some errand and was late for the meeting.

When Milo arrived in the throne room, some of the citizens including Princess Stardust and Sam I Am, Sam I Am warned Milo that Gast had taken the castle. Milo quickly exercised the lessons he was learning from Fortan and turned himself into a mouse so that he might escape Gast's detection. Milo and the brave questors were able to free Dorran and Sentira first.

Sentira was held in the Spring House

The guards wandered the castle in disguise. Luckily many of the troll guards fell asleep at the post. Dorran discovered that one talked in his sleep when exposed to the scent of vinegar. Sentira made some tea with a sleeping potion to put another one to sleep. The biggest and meanest troll who guarded the troll caverns gave up information when hit on the head with the iron skillet donated by Greselda, the cook.

The cook Griselda was held in the kitchen

The guards and the questors were able to free Queen Fesora and Fortan. The Queen was badly treated and retired to her chamber to rest, while Milo and the guards made plans with the citizens to take the castle back from the brigands.

In the throne room, Gast was telling his guards that he was afraid the remote troops would return soon. He had also been observing the citizens and could tell that they would risk life and limb to protect the kingdom. But as risky as the situation was, he demanded answers from Fortuno concerning the heir to the throne. Did the child live? Was it in the charge of the Queen's sister Isabella? Did the wolf kill the child?

Fortuno was barely able to answer that the child survived and was no longer guarded by the wolf nor Isabella. Before he could say more, Dorran and Sentira appeared, ready to challenge the evil ones now in the castle. At first Gast, Fortuno, Walganus and his minions Brandor and Grundar laughed at the thought that these two alone could retake the throne.

However, Dorran and Sentira assured the group that they were not alone. Upon a given signal, Milo, Sir Tiger, Sam I Am, Sam I Am and dozens more descended upon the unsuspecting interlopers. The citizens were armed with swords, spears ... even brooms and frying pans! They quickly chased Gast and his henchmen away. But the mystery of the heir is not yet solved, and Gast will live to fight another day!