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Well, let's just backtrack a little... Exactly what DID happen to Horace the Troll after the pirates freed him from CAPTIVITY? Well, the FIRST thing Horace did was lead them back towards KNOTTWOOD, through great, shadowy, magical Knottwood Forest... They move at GREAT speed. The two captains are desperate to find the MAGIC PORTAL again - their only hope of returning to their OWN time and place...

...while Horace is eager to return to the place he now thinks of as home! The miles seem to flash past!

They camp nightly only when all light has gone, and their fare is meager, cheerless and sparse, in keeping with the weather, which has been bleak for WEEKS...

However, Christmas Eve Day in Knottwood Forest dawns bright and fair! After WEEKS of dark, gloomy weather, all are in high spirits! ...But eventually.... Easier said than done! However, the pirates (and Horace!) are not without some hunting skill...

Fortunately for the little fellow, Cap'n Peggy suddenly calls their attention to a DISTANT OBJECT...

Horace can hardly believe his EYES!

The rabbit thankfully scampers away... Twenty minutes later, in the PARKING LOT of McDonalds...

Emily-Amelie just happened to be ARRIVING at that Very Moment!... It doesn't take the pirates long to return to Horace with their, uh, "booty"... (But just how did they end up at Knottwood CASTLE?)

CAP'N PEGGY GORDON and assorted weaponry from Knottwood's OFFICIAL BLACKSMITH, INTENTS, Smith of the West Most of CAPTAIN JIM HAMBONE's outfit and accessories courtesy of FRED JESKA, Undisputed KING of fantasy dioramas! HORACE THE TROLL Courtesy of Our Buddy in Tulsa Happy Meals courtesy of JANE from Maresnest