“Our prices are quite reasonable,” Dalbry said. We are in the process of an important merger that will greatly benefit the economy, but right now we can’t afford to hire the services of a dragon slayer.” “But what about the dragon, Majesty?” Cullin said. I’ve had to impose austerity measures, limiting feasts to once a week-which is quite a hardship, believe me.” He patted his stomach. “While that’s very kind of you, Sir Dalbry, my kingdom is currently experiencing financial difficulties. You’ll find my fee to be quite reasonable, in light of the terror and destruction the monster has already caused.” The knight drew his sword and said, “I have come, therefore, to offer my services as a dragon slayer, Majesty. They listened as Dalbry and Cullin presented their case about the horrible dragon. Four cats prowled around her feet, two more on her lap, and she took care to stroke each one, although she wore an absent expression as she did so.Ĭourtiers, ladies, lordlings, wannabe knights, an ancient matronly woman, and other staff members hovered in King Norrimun’s hall. Her blonde hair hung in a long braid down her back, like straw that had already been spun into gold. Her name was Affonyl-a willowy young woman who looked like a fairy princess in a lacy blue gown. Cullin looked at the princess who sat beside the throne and was smitten in an instant. Sir Dalbry and his squire entered the court, where bearded King Norrimun reclined on his special double-wide throne. The blacksmith (who had finally finished his dainty glass of white wine) went to his shop to make armor and swords to equip what would surely be a rush of eager dragon slayers coming to save the kingdom. In the tavern, Nightingale Bob had played “The Tale of Brave Sir Dalbry” twice more for an encore, and magician-entrepreneurs were designing and selling dragon-proof charms. The knight had spent the previous evening getting into his role, reshaping his personality as the honor-bound knight he would have been, if his life had turned out differently.īy now, rumors of a monstrous dragon had spread. When they entered the court of King Norrimun the Corpulent, Cullin adjusted Sir Dalbry’s dragonskin cape and his apricot-colored sash.
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