I gasped, trying to catch my breath as tear after helpless tear streamed down my face. Gregoryk was in the same condition, helpless laughter echoed all round the cavern as he told me tale after tale of the hapless Knights who had turned up at his Cave entrance trying to prove themselves the bravest and the best.
Stories which he told with a quick wit and sly mischievous humour, giving me such a vivid mind picture of the events that my sense of the ridiculous was tickled again and again. IN the end I cried out for mercy ‘Oh Please, Gregoryk, please no more, I can’t breathe at all well and my eyes are so red and watery, in fact I think there’s a lash caught in my eye’ He sobered up straight away and was all concern… ‘Here take this gold mirror and see if it helps you and I think there’s a lace hankie around somewhere’ …. a comment which sent me into peals of laughter again as I thought on who might have left such a trophy, mayhap Sir Prenderghast, who left in such a hurry after Greg threatened to roast him, fully tinned, for supper. This Knight had tried to magic his way into Greg’s cave and have away with all the treasure before Greg even opened his eyes, little knowing Magic would not work against the wily Old Red Dragon. Greg had feigned sleep and gave the Knight the shock of his life, by opening one of his large eyes and saying ‘Boo’ … Which had been enough to startle said Knight who, from the aroma issuing forth, had soiled his armour quite badly before he jet propelled himself from sight never to be seen again, leaving only a monogrammed lace handkerchief to show he’d ever graced Gregoryks cave at all.
As he leaned over helpfully holding the mirror to the light, we both heard the scandalised tones of Fyrespike, “Unhand that Lady, Gregoryk or you’ll have me to answer too” He appeared out of the blue with a deadly and fierce expression on his face, clutching his Red Pipe, already fully lit and sending smoke trails enough to fill the Cavern,
making us all cough in confusion. Trouble was the bold statement sent Gregoryk and myself into hysterics again and laughter once more echoed round the cavern, loud helpless laughter which wiped the expression of anger from Fyrespikes face, and changed it to one of utter shock and disbelief. “Whatever is going on here?” he said finally “Aren’t you in mortal danger Lady Pen?” and again I found myself having to wipe my eyes and clear my vision enough to answer him. “I’m totally fine Fyrespike, your Father In Law has been entertaining me with tales of bygone days, and then you suddenly appear outraged and asking him to unhand the Lady which just set us off once more” He looked slightly mollified and started to grin himself, then sobered saying “I am so sorry, Lady Pen, to put you in this position, my magic spell was interrupted by … unforeseen circumstances” On hearing this Gregoryk added his own two-penn’orth, muttering “My daughter more like” … and Fyrespike puffed at his pipe not answering but looking a bit glummer. Gregoryk seemed loth to add any more, so I tried my best to put Fyrespikes mind at rest “It’s OK my friend, honestly, and it turned out well really. I’ve now made the acquaintance of another Magic Dragon and had the time of my life. We’ve even swapped addresses for some future holidays together.” I added mischievously. At this Fyrespike laughed in relief and settled himself to sit next to the two of us, slyly glancing at his Father in Law and asking if he’d told the one about the Sir Fortesque and his merry band of Cowards? Which set off Gregoryk once again, happily telling of a tale which this time ended with the whole band of Knights being skewered, barbequed and eaten for supper. Not a happy ending for humankind but a score for the wily Dragon. Kill or be killed was being underlined for me, and I rather absentmindedly played with the jewels scattered about as I wondered how Kalaseru would react when she heard her plan had totally backfired…
I didn’t have long to wait for my answer, … I truly didn’t… as she appeared
right there and then, seeming a bit redder than usual and gasping out hot breaths of steam my way, which made my face flame in response and my hair bush out and curl horribly. As I quickly leapt to my feet both Fyrespike and Gregoryk shouted out her name in unison, but her attention wasn’t on me for once, only on the two Eggs held carefully in her large front claws “Fyrespike, I need your help” she pleaded “ we have to keep our children safe. The Dragon Hunters have had the audacity to invade our Cave.” At which his eyes whirled dangerously in response and he looked to be in a killing mood, but wise Gregoryk was more level headed and sent a quick warning look to Fyrespike. “You’re safe here, my Daughter, please calm down and we’ll look after you and your two fine eggs, there’s space enough and you know the most comfortable places” Her harsh breathing levelled out in response as her fear for her Eggs diminished and she finally acknowledged her father, smiling warmly at him. “My gratitude, Oh Father of mine” giving a respectful bow of her head “I apologise for not calling on you for such a long while” and I heard such love and respect in her gruff voice that it made me smile in response. She of course noticed and her unwanted attention turned my way. “Ah Lady Pen, how have you enjoyed your visit?” I in turn didn’t know if she was interested or just poking fun, but I answered sincerely “I’ve had the time of my life Kalaseru, your father is a gracious host and a very fine raconteur” She smiled and nodded, finally turning her gaze from my still reddened face framed in it’s now fuzzy hairstyle, and passed the Eggs ever so carefully to Fyrespike, who’d been busily preparing a warm corner of the gigantic cave into a nest for their future offspring. She settled them to her own satisfaction and then started to croon slightly, a wonderful and surprisingly melodious sound to hear… totally content, away from danger and surrounded by her male retinue. I on the other hand felt rather like a spare part, hastily dropping the handful of jewels I’d been absently holding in my hand, hoping no-one had noticed. Fyrespike sent a smile my way, he’d settled himself comfortably near his mate, totally forgetting his rage at the mention of the Hunters now that she and their future children were safe. He was once again calmly puffing away at his pipe, and the warm affectionate look he sent my way made me feel as one of the Clan, just as if he’d read my thoughts he nodded, saying “You are Lady Pen, and welcome … always”
Life was good, life was sweet and I was surrounded by three Dragons, plus two Dragons in the making. Could it get any better? I think not dear reader, I think not…
Lady P © 2011
I was fascinated by this story Pen. good job.
I know yesterday was a very sad day for you and I am so sorry. I hope today is a better one.
HUGS!!
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Pleased you enjoyed my Dragon saga Beth, I had fun writing it.. and many thanks for the hugs, we always thought Bess would reach 14 years young, but no, the 23rd passed by with a tear or two…. xx
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To be surrounded by loving friends is quite a treasure. Excellent story, Pen. Your stories and poems are always excellent. Thank you fr sharing.
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many thanks Dan, I find Fyrespike is a wonderful character to write for… and he and his father in law spin wonderful tales of yore.. 😀 … Glad you enjoyed the read my friend. xx
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Now all you need is a hair dresser… LoL!!! 🙂
Well written as always young Pen!!!
Love and squishy hugs!
Prenin.
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too true Sir Prenin, and even if I had my hair straighteners there’s no Electricity sockets in the cave… Sigh!! 😉 …many thanks and hugs aplenty. xx
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Bugger! Forgot the notification tag…
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ok my friend, easily done… 😀 xx
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Hi Pen! 🙂
Just caught your comment!
My Pharmacist told me to go see the doctor and I got an immediate appointment.
Dr. Nair phoned the eye clinic in Oldham Royal Hospital and I have to go see them on the 2nd of September.
Meanwhile I’m on antibiotic eye drops.
They sting a bit, but they do the job! 🙂
I’m still Photophobic (Light sensitive) and struggling a bit but these eye drops will take care of the bacteria.
Mum has also told me to ask for a check to see if I have Corneal Dystrophy as my great Uncle was born blind, mum has it and it’s genetic.
Nice of her to tell me…
Thanks for the best wishes!!! 🙂
Love and hugs!
Prenin.
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flipping heck, sir Prenin, I hope and pray that you haven’t got the gene, and the Eye Clinic finds another cause for your eye problem. hugs aplenty my friend. xPenx
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I have enjoyed reading all of these wickedly told stories Lady pen, you have such a wonderful talent my great friend and one only has to read the many comments upon your stories and poetry to know that you are a gifted writer…
Have a lovely rest of evening and do try
combing out that hair of yours, a Dragons
pipe smoke can be so terribly awkward to
remove you know? 🙂 lol
Androgoth XXx
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I’ll start with the hair Andro, you know it’s such a problem in steamy atmosphere’s, frizz and curl can ruin a style something rotten you know? and as I was saying to Sir Prenin, no Elec.Sockets in caves,… can you believe it? … Not that I’m complaining mind you,.. wouldn’t dream of it… 😉 …. and glad you enjoyed the saga, ‘cos that’s what it felt like by this conclusion, I wondered if peeps would just get fed up… Good to know it’s readable, ‘cos after I’ve checked the punctuation (and my typing) over and over, I find myself going cross eyed, and fair red int’ face and almost start to hate the thing… (and don’t get me started on Live Writer and WordPress changing my font and deciding how a thing should look between themselves, I think I ‘post changed’ this one about seven times, and it didn’t get any funnier.. ) 😀 … have a great Thursday my Dark and Gothic friend. xx
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What a wonderful story… Thanks! 😀
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thanks IzaakMak, glad you enjoyed the tale… many thanks for dropping by and reading it…much appreciated. x
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Thank you for the entertaining story it kept me quite enthralled for at least ten minutes,
Beth Marie said yesterday was a sad day for you, can I ask why?
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Hi Arlene, if it was enthralling you;ve made my day, ‘cos I read it through so many times I can’t tell. and the 23rd was Bess’s Birthday, stupid of me I know, but it just kept reminding me that we always thought she’d live to her 14th Birthday, we joked about it last year, ‘cos we thought she’d recovered so well.. . and then the 24th? was my wedding anniversary… never rains but it pours. 😉 hugs to you three. from me. xPenx
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Awh, Kalaseru and Fyrespike are gonna have babies … so sweet … Gregoryk will be such a good “grampa” …. what a neat read this was, Lady Pen. Be well, thinking of you. Purrrs and love always, cat.
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I know Cat, little Dragons flapping about, burning everything in sight… mayhap I won’t have to dragon-sit? 😉 Glad you enjoyed this piece my lovely friend. purrs to you …. xx Pen xx
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oh lovely story Pen! you had me on the edge of my seat in some places and laughing out loud in others. perfect little ride to end my day.
thank you, dear Pen.
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Thank you so much Bex, I am so glad you enjoyed the read my friend, it means such a lot, I often wonder whether or not to post as when I read it thro’ it seems to lose something… ‘cos by the time it’s finally appeared on this page I’ve almost torn my hair out by the roots…. and it gets so out of condition visiting the Dragon caves you know? 😉 xx
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Awesome read! Well done.
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Glad you enjoyed it Hook, 😀 xxx
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You go on the most wonderful adventures, LadyPen. I’m almost a little jealous. But just a little, since you share your tales with us. 🙂
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Aww, don’t be jealous Robin, I’ll ask Fyrespike to drop by your way, trouble is he gets rather absent minded and can set fire to a few things…so keep the fire extinguisher handy… (always best I find and are you fully covered insurance wise for Dragons? Green Ones? 😉 ) … xx
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It could have been better for the Knights, ha,ha – rather a grisly ending for them
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Knights who are courteous are let go bb, 😉 … at least that’s what Gregoryk told me and he wouldn’t lie, would he? 😀 xx
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I have just called round for a cuppa and another read of your wonderful conclusion, you know there’s a lot to be said for tweaking a Script Lady Pen but I have found your work excellent so no worries on that score, actually I was wondering what the word count for this wonderful story?
You mentioned earlier, in your reply to me that you were thinking that peeps might get fed up, well anyone that has followed your wondrously told stories will be wishing that you had carried on with it, and definitely would not have been fed up, there is not a chance of that with your fine scripting 🙂
Right it is time for me to go and make a coffee, I might even dunk a biscuit or three, now I bet that you didn’t know that Vampires dunked their biscuits now did you Lady Pen? 🙂 lol
Have a lovely Friday now Lady Pen 😉
Androgoth XXx
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a cuppa and a dunked Hobnob?..careful Andro, thy Vampire ‘Cred’ is lessening by the second… (don’t you just hate it when the soggy biccie falls into the cup? 😉 or… is that just me?) … Word count?… um… hang on just opening up Live Writer. 1233 apparently, for this Conclusion, or did you mean all told?. … and many thanks for your input my friend, always helps to know that the story tweaked up OK, … Today, Friday, is wet, wet, wet….rain is pouring, and doesn’t seem to want to stop…. at all… Mayhap we’re in for the usual Bank Holiday weather? …. have a good one my Dark Gothic friend. xPenx
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I mean… I was wondering what the word
count is for this wonderful story… Oh I do
wish that my grammar was a little better
around here Lady Pen 🙂 lol
Androgoth XXx
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mayhap it’s this place, affects me the same way Andro, I keep forgetting how to spell/type ‘proper’ like… and Grammar has always been a strong point of mine, but recently. .. no hope!! 😀 … xx
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Very nice finish – I have enjoyed the stories – many thanks.
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Hi Pat, glad you enjoyed the finale’ … I often wonder if my stories are a bit tame, no deaths etc… ‘cepting the Knights of course, but they deserved it… 😀 xx
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Oh it certainly could not get better with such sweet friends in Dragon Realm. You are such a charming storyteller my dear friend. I hope we shall one day hear of the baby dragons. Although, this IS a Happy Ending of the Saga.
No matter what you do, it has been delightful!!!
smiles and a warm feathery for you,
Raven of Leyla
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I am so, so pleased you enjoyed this Raven, I just go with the flow and the story almost writes itself, (or mayhap Fyrespike takes control? who knows?) I will continue with the story about the hatchlings some time soon. How could I resist?… smiles to you and warm and feathery hugs my friend. . xx
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I enjoyed Pen 😉
All the Best,
Peace, xx
Laz
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MY thanks, Laz, for your comment and so pleased that you enjoyed the read. Peace my friend. xx
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