Grolger's dwelling was a crude affair of wood and stone, sparsely furnished with only the barest necessities. The decorations consisted mainly of roughly hewn animal bones and the remains of magical creatures. Tea or coffee were, naturally, absent from the giants' village. Instead, there was a selection of somewhat unrefined fruits, presented still clinging to their branches.
Tom surveyed the collection of bare branches strewn on the ground, picturing the giants consuming the fruit as if they were eating kebabs. Grolger deposited a bundle of sprigs laden with leaves and fruit before Tom. "Now you can tell me what you require of us."
"There is no rush." Tom casually plucked a vibrant, red-orange fruit from the "tree." This fruit, a European rowan, was commonly used by Muggles to make jam, though edible raw. He sampled it, unimpressed. The texture was unremarkable, the taste sour with a bitter undertone. Were it not for its abundant yield, likely even the giants would have passed it by.
After a single bite, Tom set it aside. "Before we proceed, something has piqued my curiosity."
"Please, ask away."
"I understand that you conduct sacrifices here?"
"That is correct." Grolger showed no surprise at Tom's knowledge; undoubtedly, it was the reason why the party had sought out the giants in the first place.
Tom gave a small nod, then inquired directly, "Who is it that you worship?"
"..."
Grolger was perplexed, assuming Tom was driven by simple curiosity. "Have you heard of the great god Balor? He is the giant god that our people have revered for generations."
"..."
Behind Tom, Malfoy stroked his chin and muttered, "Sounds familiar."
"Malfoy, have you heard of him?" Harry asked, his curiosity piqued.
"No." Malfoy shook his head.
"..."
Cassandra cast a silent glance at the pair, before refocusing on the exchange between Grolger and Tom.
"The King of Evil Gods." Tom's lips curved into a smile; he had indeed come to the right place.
"That is what wizards and Muggles call Him, yes." Grolger shook his head. "But to us giants, He is the God of War, the God of Giants!"
"This is where the great God of Giants slumbers. This mountain possesses a great magic; at this time of year, it stirs, causing the sleeping God of Giants to briefly reappear atop the mountain!" Grolger's voice resonated with reverence and excitement.
"Wait, 'slumbers'?" So, the artifacts associated with Balor that manifested here were not remnants He had left behind, but things He had been forced to abandon later? But something still did not quite add up. "Was he not dead?" Killed by his grandson, the god-king Lugh. However, Balor's power was undeniable. If Lugh had not exploited his one weakness—his need for assistance in opening his eye, leaving him briefly vulnerable—he would not have been defeated so easily.
"No, he is not dead yet!" Grolger's tone was harsher than he intended, and, fearful of angering Tom, he softened it immediately. "He merely sleeps; he will awaken one day."
"..."
This is not ideal. Tom remained silent, contemplating the veracity of Grolger's words. Upon arrival, he had attempted to sense the treasure's location. However, the mountain was strange, blocking his senses. Consequently, Grolger's claims might hold some truth.
How then, could he claim what belonged to the sleeping Balor? Stealing was unlikely to succeed. Should he simply fight? Even if the mighty King of Evil was "weak enough to sleep," Tom harbored little confidence in his chances of victory. Moreover, given Balor's divine power, his magical runes would certainly prove insufficient to deliver a killing blow.
This is proving rather tricky… But Tom was not one to yield easily. "When will you hold the ceremony?"
"Tomorrow at dusk." Grolger answered without hesitation. There was no point in concealing it; Tom would undoubtedly learn of it once it commenced.
"I intend to remain and observe your ceremony." Tom's tone was firm; there was no room for argument.
"..."
Grolger paused, conflicted. Finally, he relented. "Sir, it is not our intention to force you to do anything, but you must abide by certain restrictions."
"..."
Tom remained silent, his eyes clearly communicating, "Speak."
"Even we giants cannot draw near to the great Balor. The terrifying divine power that He unwittingly emanates will reduce anyone who approaches Him to ashes." Grolger had considered omitting this warning, hoping Tom would perish under Balor's divine might. However, he surmised that if Tom observed them keeping their distance, he would grow suspicious, perhaps even enraged, and kill them all. The "sleeping" Balor could not protect his followers.
Helplessly, Grolger continued, "And you must… show Him respect. Otherwise, even from afar, you will feel the god's pressure." He glanced at Tom, only to find him expressionless.
"..."
In truth, these conditions were of little consequence to Tom. Whether asleep or dead, the divine power leaking from Balor would not kill him. As for respect, Tom was about to rob Him, so how could he maintain any semblance of it? The divine power, however, was less of a concern than the leaked energy emanating from the god; there would be no need to worry.
The only precaution necessary was to keep Harry and the others at a safe distance. If it was confirmed that Balor was indeed still alive, they would leave. For himself, Tom declared, "I will be in your care for the next two days."
"..."
Grolger understood that Tom still intended to stay. "Understood, but it will be a hardship for you for two days. Our giants' living conditions are not as refined as those of you wizards."
...
That evening, Harry and the others finally understood Grolger's earlier warning. It was not merely the giants' living conditions that were harsh. Even the food was somewhat… unacceptable. The giants' enormous hands were far less dexterous than those of Muggles or wizards. With rudimentary cooking utensils and a near-total absence of seasoning, how could they possibly prepare anything palatable?
At least… Harry eyed the roasted meat of an unknown animal, claiming to be "crispy on the outside and tender on the inside." He took a bite, swallowed it with great effort, but did not touch it again.
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