Folksburywoods Story Blog

“Young lady, one does not waltz into a dragon’s den. You cannot order him to go off and fight a bunch of smelly trolls,” said Albatross.

Fern’s self-confidence plummeted. “I’m sorry, Mr. Dragon, sir. The matron ordered me to fetch you. She said I was to be strong. I must not take no for an answer,” Fern said.

“Ah, I see,” said the dragon with a wry smile.

“Can I assist you with something today? This might free up your time to go roast those trolls,” said the girl.

The dragon burst out laughing, then regained his composure so as not to embarrass the young girl too much.

“I see you’re new at this sort of thing. Let me guess, before the battle, you were a chambermaid?” questioned Albatross.

“Cook’s helper, actually,” replied the girl.

“Well, you have moved up in the ranks fast, I must say. So, cook’s helper, what is your name?” asked the dragon.

“Fern, Mr. Dragon, Sir,” answered the girl.

“Al, please. Mr. Dragon was my father. Now let’s see if we can help each other,” said Albatross.

The dragon asked if Fern knew how to cook northern mutten stew with blanched carrots. To his delight, Fern was a wiz at it, being the Queen’s favorite dish.

“It seems we have a deal. You cook up my dinner, and after that, I’ll go roast those trolls back to their caves,” said the dragon.

The girl prepared the meal. Meanwhile, the two chatted pleasantly. They discussed the best herbs to use on lamb. They also discussed when to collect honeydew drops for plum sauce.

“My goodness, child, the aroma is heavenly,” said Albatross.

“You’re too kind, sir. The best I get from the cook is a swift kick in the bottom. The rest of the time, it’s a pot over the head,” replied Fern.

“You need a change of scenery, Fern. I’ll make you a deal. You cook for me, and I will let you have the old castle. It sits above my den,” said the dragon.

“Oh, sir, in my wildest dreams I could not have ever asked for such a wonderful gift,” replied the girl.

Albatross ate his fill. When every last drop of gravy was licked clean, the dragon smiled. He said, “Let’s be off. Oh, my cook rides on my back. I wouldn’t want anything to happen to her.”

Fern climbed on Albatross’s back and held tight.

“You’ll like this bit,” said the dragon, then flew off to the battlefield.

The foul trolls were vanquished. Albatross informed the Queen that Fern would be returning with him as his personal helper. If the Queen needed anything, she should contact him through Fern.

“Thank you, sir, I mean, Al, you are too kind,” said Fern.

“I know, but let’s keep that little secret between you and me,” replied the dragon with a wink.

And they lived happily ever after.

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