The Pond Portal

Part I

Layla and I sighed in unison.  Our father, King Ronald VII of England, had just informed us that our “dear cousin Annabelle” was coming for a visit.  She was, in our opinion, the worst cousin living in England. 

“I’d rather have a pig for a cousin!” I murmured to my younger twin as we strolled to the stable behind the castle.  We both had long blonde hair and bright green eyes.  Our sixteenth birthday had just passed and we had each received a strong palfrey stallion.  She and I had resolved to ride them around the castle grounds today and we were awfully excited.

Once we reached the stable, the grooms were leading out Layla’s black steed, Cerberus, and my white one, Festus.  I jumped on quickly, and was already riding away when a blood-curdling scream pierced the evening air.  Not again!  I sighed.  Festus reared as I yanked on the reins.  Cerberus then came bolting past with poor Layla hanging on for dear life.  I couldn’t suppress my giggles.  So I urged Festus into a gallop and soon caught up with Cerberus.  

“Layla!  Are you okay?” I shouted as the black horse slowed to a walk.

“Yes, I think so,” Layla said straightening up.  She comfortingly patted Cerberus’ shoulder.  “I think he spooked.”

“You think?” I laughed.  Then quietly, “Do you want to eat supper?  We can ride tomorrow.”

“Um, yes, let’s have supper.  But if Mother asked for liver casserole, I’m going straight back out here to ride until the dessert is served.”

We laughed all the way back to the stable and into the castle to clean up before dinner.  But Layla’s scream still echoed in my head.  It haunted me throughout supper (which was pasta with roast chicken) and all night.  In fact, I could barely sleep.  But the next morning I had completely forgotten about it.  

Actually I was in a great mood that morning.  After my breakfast, I awoke Layla and we went out to the barn together.  

“What a perfect morning!” Layla cried, trotting beside me as we rode through the meadow.

“A perfect morning for racing!” I spurred Festus into a full gallop, while Layla sped after me.  But Cerberus was no match for Festus.  The white stallion glided over rocks and bushes.  Layla let out an angry shriek as I leapt over the last stone.

“You cheater!  You always win!” Layla was enraged.  She spun Cerberus around and started trotting away.

“No, Layla! Wait!” I called and turned Festus around to the castle to follow my twin in hot pursuit.  When Festus and I arrived at the stable, Layla had already vanished into the castle.  I left Festus in the care of the grooms and sprinted home.  I ran as fast as I could, but by the time I reached my twin’s bed chamber, Layla had already locked the door.  I sighed in defeat.  Now Layla was mad at me.  I didn’t even know where she’d run off to.

I spent my lunchtime alone.  My mother and father were chaperoning cousin Annabelle to the castle, and Layla still hadn’t shown up.  Worried thoughts entered my mind.  Where is she?  I wondered.

Suddenly, an ear-splitting scream rang out from the direction of the meadow.  My world started spinning.  It was the exact same scream that had haunted me all night.  Layla!

So I dashed out of the dining hall and didn’t stop running until I came to the meadow.  At first glance, there was no sign of Layla.  Then I looked up, up to where a huge red dragon hovered.  In its horrible claws, it grasped… Cerberus?  And my Layla!  

“Bridget! Help!” Layla yelped.

But there was absolutely nothing I could do.  The great dragon roared and a jet of flame burst from its jaws.  I stumbled backward and fell on my bum.  Then, in one flap of its giant wings, it flew over the meadow and into the forest.  

“NO!” I cried.  “Please, no.”

Layla, Cerberus and their captor had disappeared into the heart of the forest.  I stood up and ran into the woods.  I ran until I could run no more.  The sun soon began to sink lower into the horizon.  I collapsed on the forest floor which was covered in leaves and pine needles.  My mind could barely grasp what had just occurred.  I should run after them, I concluded. But my instinct took over and I jogged back to the castle to warn my father.

I burst through the great oak doors that now seemed so sullen and dashed to the throne room.  Please let them be home now, I silently prayed.

“FATHER!” I screamed as I slammed my body into the heavy doors that separated the throne room from the hall. “FATHER!” 

A tall figure opened the door so fast that I fell on the ground before him. 

“What could ever be the matter, Bridget?”  The king’s voice was tinged with panic.

“Layla…Dragon…Flew…Forest…Sorry…” I struggled to catch my breath.

My mother, Queen Helena, practically flew toward us in a flurry of her dress.  “Now, now, Dear, calm down.  It’s okay.” She soothed, running her smooth hand over my forehead.

“But it’s not okay, mother.  Layla’s been captured by a dragon, Cerberus too.  I saw it with my own two eyes.  It flew into the forest.  I tried to follow, but…” I trailed off into sobs.  “It’s all my fault.  If I’d never asked her to race, she wouldn’t have run away.” 

“No, she allowed her anger to get the best of her.  It wasn’t your fault.  But we still need to rescue her, of course.” Ronald declared.  “Guards!  Gather a patrol!  Find my daughter.  She’ll most likely be in a cave of some sort in the forest.  Now GO!!!”

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the tallest guard replied and clanked away with his armored companion close behind.

“Oh Bridget!  I’m so glad to see you.  It’s been too long!”  A high-pitched voice whined as a tall, slender girl of 16 rushed over to my side.  Her curly brown hair brushed my cheek as she bent to help me up.

“Thanks Annabelle,” I murmured reluctantly as she looked me up and down with her big brown eyes.

“What is that ugly rag that you’re wearing?” she exclaimed, horrified.

“It’s my riding outfit, thank you!” I growled as she stared at my filthy pants and plain shirt.  “Do you know how to ride?”

“Well, of course!  Who doesn’t?” she snapped.

“Prove it!” I turned to the door to leave, but Annabelle stopped me.

“I don’t feel like riding at the moment.  How about we go clean up before supper?  I have to teach you a lesson on fashion.”

I sighed and gave in.  Upstairs, she bathed me right away, then picked out my dress.

“How about this one? Or this one?” Annabelle held up two gowns.  The first was pink with a ruffled skirt.  It looked so tight that it would probably fit a 12 year old.  The other dress was emerald green velvet.

“I think this one would look just wonderful on you.  I’ll wear the other,” she decided, handing me the pink gown.  I struggled to get it to fit, but I finally squeezed in.  We walked down to the dining hall together-me taking tiny steps in my constricting dress and Annabelle skipping freely next to unfortunate me.  

The dining hall was dim.  The gold trimming that bordered the colossal room didn’t look as beautiful as it did when Layla’s laughter filled the hall.  Annabelle was obviously surprised by the darkness in the room.  She nearly tripped over the empty chair that was to be hers and her little tiara fell off her head.  I allowed myself a smile until I realized that my mother was giving me a hard stare.  I took my cue and helped her up.  She was blushing profusely and I felt a little sympathy for her.

“Here,” I said and pulled out her chair.

“Thanks,” the grateful girl replied.

The first course was chicken soup with bread for dipping.  Just as my father began to say the blessing, a burly knight burst into the hall.  My father’s head jerked up.

“What could be so urgent as to interrupt my prayer?” he demanded.

“Sorry, Your Majesty,” the knight mumbled.  “But we found Your Majesty’s horse.  Actually, it’s your daughter’s.”

I stood up immediately, “Where is he?”

“Ah, Your Highness, he’s….he’s….”

“Where?” I screamed, stomping my foot.

“In the stable.  But he’s…dying.”

I nearly fell over in grief.  He can’t be dying…  He’s so young… Then I glanced at my parents and dashed out the door to the stable.  The moon had already risen as I swung open Cerberus’ stall door.

When I saw his condition, I began to sway.  I tried to fight the wave of nausea that splashed in my stomach.  Suddenly the light-headedness transformed into severe dizziness and I collapsed onto the floor.  I slipped into unconsciousness.  The last thing I glimpsed were the bloody claw marks that raced along Cerberus’ heaving flank and neck.

As I slept, a dream came to me.  I was in an eery cave.  In front of me crouched a huge red dragon.  I screamed when I recognized it as the beast that had stolen my sister, but no sound escaped my throat.  A small whimper sounded from the corner and I spotted a man in armor cowering in a gloomy corner.  Huddled next to him, a female figure slumped, unmoving.  I screamed yet again and tried to run to my poor twin, but I was immobile.  The dragon shifted.  The knight tried to squirm away from its razor sharp claws as they wrapped around his waist.  The image went black and as it faded, the knight began screaming in agony.

Part II

I woke in a sweat.  Nursemaids and ladies-in-waiting swarmed around me.  They brought me hot soup and warm milk.  My lips were dry and cracked.  I reached for the glass of water that Annabelle had just placed in front of me.  She scooted it closer and said, 

“You’ve been out for ten minutes.  Don’t look so worried, Cerberus is still alive.”

“I need to save him,” I mumbled, not listening.

“I’m sure the grooms will try their best,” Annabelle replied, readjusting her dress. 

“No, not Cerberus.  The knight.”

“What knight?  Oh Bridget!” she fluttered her eyelashes and giggled. “Are you in love?”

I nearly punched her in the face.  Love?  I was talking about saving lives!  

“Annabelle! I meant the knight in my dream,” I patiently explained.

“Aw, you even dreamed of him!” 

That time I did punch her, but on the arm.  She sprang up and howled.  One of her ladies escorted her out of the room.  At that moment, I had no regret. 

“Dress please!” I called and my ladies brought forth a lovely new red dress. 

“Scratch that.  Bring me some pants and a nice shirt.  I’m going riding.”

The ladies appeared to be a bit confused, but obeyed anyway.  After some rummaging in my wardrobe, they laid out a pair of padded brown riding pants and a tight brown shirt.  I hurriedly threw them on and was just about to leave when my favorite lady, Lady Anne, handed me a parcel.

“Here’s some food, and a change of clothes.  Be careful!” she warned.  Then noticing my confused look, she added, “For your journey.  To find your sister and that knight.” 

“How did you know?—“ she put a finger to my lips and ushered me out the door.

I didn’t have time to wonder.  Once outside, Anne led me to the stable where Festus was already saddled and bridled.  I immediately hopped on and urged him into a gallop. 

“Wait, Princess Bridget!  Don’t forget your sword and bow,” Anne called.

As I turned to receive my weapons, I ordered her, “Put them in the saddle bag.  And don’t tell anyone where I’ve gone!”  With that, I galloped away into the woods, unaware of the stocky man who’d crept out of the shadows to speak with Anne.

As the sun sank from the sky, I came to a  river.  Foam smeared Festus’ neck and flank.  His breath came in gasps.  I jumped out of the saddle and allowed him to drink of the clear river water.

I plopped down under a young oak tree and rummaged through my saddle bags.  I found the parcel of clothes and food, my weapons and two of my favorite books, Happiness in a Nutshell and For the Love of the Land.  I’d read them both many times over, but they were still interesting to me.

My mind turned its thoughts to Layla.  How am I ever going to find her? I thought despairingly

As Festus and I rested, a rustling soon reached my ears.  A red tail stuck out of a cluster of nearby holly bushes.  A fox!  I stood immediately as a pair of young foxes entered the clearing, a male and a female.  When the male fox spotted me he growled and bared his teeth.  I took an instinctive step back and grabbed a small piece of chicken with a morsel of bread.  Crouching low, I held the food out to the female, but the male fox blocked his mate from my offering.  So I held out the food to him.  Suddenly a deep voice resonated around the clearing, 

“Go away, Human!  Leave me and Fiona alone!”

I jumped back and ogled at the fox.  He could speak!

“Don’t be so harsh, Fillip!  She doesn’t know,” Fiona whispered to her mate.

“Know what?” I asked in shock.  Both of them could talk.

“Nothing!” Fillip yelped.

“I’m with kits,” Fiona spoke over his yelps.

I was at a loss for words, “Oh.”

“They’re my first litter,” she explained happily.

“Not after this human eats them!” Fillip warned.

“Hey, hey, hey!  I’m not a savage!  I don’t eat babies.” I defended.

“That’s what they all say,” Fillip snorted and nudged Fiona toward the bushes.

“No! Wait!  You can talk,” I said stupidly.

“Congratulations for stating the obvious!” Fillip teased.  I glared at him.

“Fillip! She is friendly! Stop this at once!” Fiona screeched and came back to me.  “I apologize.  He’s never trusted humans.  Not since they destroyed his home.”

“I’m quite sorry about that,” I said politely. “But how come you can speak English?”

“Oh, that’s quite a long story.  When we were young, a red dragon kitnapped us and forced us to drink the juice of the Apple-“

“What’s the Apple?  Do you mean apple juice?” I inquired.

“No, the Apple that tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden.”

“It’s still here?”

“No just the core, but even a drop of this juice is said to be deadly.  Fortunately, it didn’t kill us.  It gave us the power of speech.”

I glanced at Festus, “Wow!”

Fiona continued, “The juice was a gift and a curse though.  We can talk to humans now, but we cannot talk to other animals.” 

“Oh.”

“Don’t worry.  We’re the only animals in the whole world that can talk.  At least for now.  You never know with dragons.  They’re quite unpredictable.”

“Dragons?  You mean there’s more than just one?” From childhood, I’d always believed that there was only one dragon on earth.  This shocking news came as a disturbing surprise. 

“Well, yes, of course!  You didn’t know?” Fiona gasped in shock.

“No, my father said there was only one; the one that has my sister.  By the way, do you happen to know where a certain red dragon’s lair is?”  I glanced at Fillip who was giving me an evil stare.  “My twin sister, Layla, and this strange knight were both in this creepy dream…” I told them everything about the days leading up to my sister’s kidnapping.  When I’d finished my story, Fillip answered,

“Conley’s lair is a few miles from here and so is Apep’s.  In that direction,” he motioned north with his tail.  “But it’s sealed.”

“How do I get in then?”

“Well, you could get help from Conley.” Fiona mused. “He might be able to open Apep’s door.”

“Who is Apep?  And who is Conley?” 

“Apep is your 'red dragon,’ and Conley…well, you’ll see.”

“Uh, okay,” I was a little disappointed, but at least I knew where to go, “Thanks!”

“Your very welcome!” Fiona sang warmly as Fillip muttered, “Welcome.” 

 I watched as they receded into the bushes once again.  The moon was out now and the stars glittered in the navy sky as I put away my supplies.  Festus grunted when I lay my head upon his warm flank.  I missed the security of my warm bed, but I missed Layla even more.

Once again, a dream came to me.  Layla was in a jail cell.  She leaned over a bloodied, unmoving male figure whispering, “Donovan! Donovan! Please wake up!”  A deafening roar echoed through the cell and smoke filled the room.  Layla fell to the floor in a crumpled, unconscious heap.  I screamed.  But this time I was heard, for just as Layla fell, a grumbling voice roared,

“WHO’S THERE???”

Part III

I awoke to rain splattering on my face and Festus still sound asleep.  I stood up and softly stroked his neck.  He snorted and rolled over onto his feet.  I grabbed our saddlebags and hopped onto Festus’ back.

As I rode north, I wondered if my parents missed me.  I hope they aren’t too worried. I thought as thunder ripped through the sky and lightening flashed.  Soon Festus became tired and I jumped off under a huge oak tree.  It was getting late so I read my book for awhile until the rain stopped.  As I drifted to sleep, I heard the sound of horses’ hooves pounding by.  I lifted one eyelid and jolted back against the tree, completely awake.  A stocky man was galloping away on…Cerberus?  But the part that disturbed me most was that the horse in tow was Festus and something was slung over his back!  

I stood and ran after the man in hot pursuit, but I was no match for a strong stallion.  When I came to a cliff, I plopped down on the ground and burst into tears.  

“I’m n-never gonna find Layla all a-alone,” I whispered to myself. “I n-need Festus!  I don’t e-even have supplies n-now!  Just a b-book.”

“But you are not alone,” A gentle voice comforted me. “I will help you.”

“Who are you?  And where are you?”

“I’m Conley.  Don’t be frightened. As for your second question, check your shoulder.”

I yelped in surprise when I found a small green dragon perched lightly on my shoulder.  He flew up into the air and landed a good distance away.  As I watched, he grew to the size of a two-level building.  

“Now, what is your name and what do you need my assistance with?” Conley spoke and stretched his wings.

“My name is Bridget, can you take me to Apep’s lair?” I inquired. 

Conley looked shocked, “Why would you want to go there?”

“My sister, Layla, was taken by Apep, and I’m sure she’s in his den with this knight named Donovan.  I know all this because I saw it in a dream.” I explained knowing that I sounded insane.

“Okay, Bridget, then let’s go!” he said and shrank into the form of a fox.

“Woah!  How’d you do that?”

Conley let out a bark and a yap and became a small dragon again.  “All dragons can turn into one other animal.  They choose it at birth.  Mine is a fox.  I can’t speak English in that form, but I can still understand it.”

“Oh, cool!  Lead the way.”

I trailed behind him as we came around the corner of the cliff and to a valley.  Conley ran down to a pond at the bottom and turned back into a dragon.

“This is his lair.  Only dragons can get through the surface of this pond.  At the bottom is a portal.  Open that and you’ll be fine.  I’ll be hiding in your book.” With that, he shrank to the size of a gnat and flew into Happiness in a Nutshell.  

I gulped.  I wasn’t the best swimmer and I was slightly worried about how deep the pond was, but I said not a word.  Layla needed me, and with a spur of courage, I plunged into the icy water.

It was surprisingly clear.  I frantically glanced around in search of the portal.  Where is it?  Beginning to panic, my flailing foot hit something hard.  A handle!  I pulled and it swung open easily.  Oddly enough, the water around me didn’t pour in as I expected.  The air in the portal formed a bubble around the opening, and just as my eyes began to water, my head burst through the bubble, followed by the rest of my body.

I fell in a heap onto a huge embroidered rug.  I was lying in a normal-sized room with a bed and a table.  I stood up and walked silently through a metal doorway into a kitchen-like cavern.  The ceiling was much higher in this room.  The walls were caked with mold, and bones lined the floor.  

In a sudden moment of remembering, I opened my book.  Conley flew out and immediately turned into a kit.  I picked him up and stroked his soft, red fur as I explored.  I soon found a metal door that, I assumed, led to the cells.  Thinking it was locked, I pushed with all my might.  But that was unnecessary, for it was unlocked and swung open easily.  Strange…

I strolled down the short hallway.  At the end, there was one huge cell.

“Layla! Donovan! Cerberus! Festus!” I screamed.  Setting a suspicious Conley down on the floor, I rushed to the cell door, grabbed the keys that were hanging on a nail, and unlocked the door.  As I swung open the door, two horses came to greet me.  I gave Cerberus and Festus hugs and promised them many treats at the castle.  Then my gaze drifted across the room, “Layla! Donovan!” 

I embraced my sister.  But she didn’t return my embrace.  I told her how I’d found Conley and how Festus had been stolen.  Afterward, I gazed into her blank eyes and tried not to cry.  I knew she would recover, but it was sad to see her in that state.

Donovan wasn’t much better.  His arms were covered with cuts and burns.  I ripped off his shirt and soaked up the blood.

The last person in the room was a handsome young man of about seventeen years.  He lay shivering on a board of wood, moaning in pain.  An arrow stuck out of his leg.  I calmly felt his forehead and gently pulled out the arrow.  He screamed in pain. But when I bound his leg with cloth, he sighed.  I gazed down at him, hoping he would wake. 

“Bridget!” Conley’s voice echoed in the hall.

“Yes?”

“Come quick!  Bring everyone!”

The panic in his voice frightened me, “I can’t!  They’re wounded!”

“Just get them into the hallway! And close the door!”  roars echoed outside.  No wonder it was so simple.  It was a trap! 

 I led Donovan and Layla into the hall and dragged the young man out on the board.  If we had to run, he and I could ride Festus while Donovan and Layla rode Cerberus.  Soon I heard laughter and whimpers outside.  I knew I couldn’t let Conley die without lifting a finger, so I grabbed my bow out of the saddlebags and opened the door.  

My first surprise was a loaded bow aimed at my face; the second was that the owner of the bow was Lady Anne.  

“Anne?” I lowered my bow.

“Greetings Bridget,” she sneered and moved closer.

“What insanity is this? I thought…” I gasped in realization. 

She laughed, “Finally figured it out, eh?  How else could Apep have known where your sister was?  How could he have stolen your horses?  How could he have known that Leo was coming to rescue you and your sister?”

Fury bubbled up inside me.  “YOU TRAITOR!!!” I screeched and in one fluid moment, I aimed, drew back the drawstring, and let go.  My arrow pierced her skin just above her heart.  She fell to the ground, moaning.

Something she’d said really bothered me.  “How could Apep have stolen your horses?” But that stocky man stole the horses, I thought.  Then something clicked.  The stocky man was Apep!  He chose a human as his second form.

Next I moved to Conley’s side.  Both Conley and Apep were in dragon form.  But Conley was barely a match for Apep.  The red dragon grabbed Conley’s wing and tore at it.  Conley scratched Apep’s forearm, but our enemy wouldn’t give up.  

As they clawed and blew fire at each other, I knew I had to step in.  I grabbed an arrow, pulled back the drawstring and I carefully aimed inside Apep’s exposed mouth.  Just as he shot a jet of fire in my direction, I allowed the arrow to fly.

It hit its target.  Apep’s eyes widened in surprise and he shrank back down to human form.  His bald head lifted and he glared at me with red eyes,

“Fool!  You cannot completely kill a dragon with a single arrow!  It may kill me for a few weeks, but what good will that do?  I’ll just come right back!” He laughed evilly and his eyes slowly closed as blood trickled out of his mouth.  Conley limped over to me, 

“Are you going home now?” 

“Yes, are you coming with me?  My parents would certainly let you come if you were just a lost kit,” I said, smiling.

Conley snorted, “Fine, I’ll come!”

I pointed to the young man, “His name is Leo.  Get him up on Festus and find the Apple of Eden.  I’ll help Layla and Donovan mount Cerberus.”

I lifted Layla onto Cerberus’ back, helped Donovan up behind her and out of the goodness of my heart, I lifted the nearly-lifeless Anne up also.  

Once Leo was ready, I took the Apple that Conley had found in the bedroom, held the little fox in my arms and tied Cerberus’ lead to Festus’ halter.  Next I searched the cavern for an easy way out.  I didn’t think anyone would be able to swim up at the moment.  Soon I found a stone doorway that led to a flight of stairs.  Light shone in and lit them, so I knew they led back up.  I hurriedly mounted Festus in front of Leo and urged him up the steps.

After a few minutes, we emerged out of the tunnel and into the bright setting sunshine.  I shielded my eyes and turned everyone to the left.  Conley curled up in my lap, while Layla, Donovan and Leo slept.  I was the only one awake, save the horses.

We rode all through the night, and finally, early in the morning, the castle came into sight.

“Conley, we’re almost there,”  I whispered, but Conley slept on.

When we finally reached the stables, I was exhausted.  As I dismounted, Conley jumped down onto a stump.  I assisted the others’ dismounting process and stabled the tired horses.  

“Conley,” I whispered, “Come here.”

The little fox obeyed and crawled into my arms.  I led the others to the castle gate.  When the guard on duty saw me and Layla, he shouted,

“The Princesses have returned!”

Immediately the gate was opened and we entered to be greeted by my mother and father,

“Bridget! Layla!” my mother screamed in delight, giving us each a hug. 

“Who do we have here?” my father questioned, pointing at Leo, Anne and Donovan.  His brow was furrowed from thinking.  Finally he exclaimed, “Prince Leo!  Sir Donovan!  Lady Anne!  I almost couldn’t recognize them.  Take them and Layla to the nurses,” he ordered his guards.

Suddenly Annabelle was at my side, “Oh my gosh, Bridget!  What is that adorable little scrap of fur you have there?” 

I laughed, “Um, Annabelle!  This is a fox.”

“Oh my gosh, he’s so cute!”

By now I had an audience.  The King and Queen were both gazing at Conley.  If only they knew…  

“This is Conley.  I found him all alone in the forest,” I lied.  The ladies in the crowd gasped.  “May I keep him, Father?”

“Well, of course!  You’re a hero!”

With that, everyone disbanded and made their way into the castle for a celebration feast.  Back in my room, my ladies congratulated me and made comments about my need for some new attire.  

Once I was clean, it was time to get dressed.  I chose the red dress that I had refused before I left.  It fit me perfectly.  As I descended the stairs, Annabelle and Layla - who were both wearing new gowns — flanked me.  We arrived in the dining hall together.  I recognized Donovan and Leo - who looked quite dashing — seated beside two empty chairs.  I began to pull one out, but my father called my name and motioned for me to sit beside him at the place of honor.  I blushed profusely when Leo gave me an encouraging nod.

Once I was seated, the food was served.  We had macaroni, chicken, soup, bread, cheese and every imaginable dessert.  When everyone was stuffed, I stood and told the whole story (except for the part about Conley, Fiona and Fillip).  Everyone was amazed by my archery skills and gasped to hear about Lady Anne - who had been escorted out of the room by guards.  

Silence filled the room when I finished.  Then King Ronald stood and raised his glass, “To Princess Bridget, my daughter!” Glasses clinked as everyone repeated my name.  I blushed again as Leo caught my eye.

“Thank you!” I said embarrassed.

After dinner I spoke with many of the lords and ladies.  Then Layla, Annabelle and I went to our chambers.  I was glad to be home.  Conley was waiting for me on his own miniature bed.  An empty bowl showed that he had been fed.

I was still exhausted, so I quickly changed into my nightgown and got in bed.  What an exhausting and exciting day!  I was glad that we’d rescued Layla, Donovan and Leo.  But Apep’s half-death bothered me.  Would he attack again? 

I can only control what I can control! I reminded myself.  Even if Apep came back, I could take care of him.  But how long could I keep that up? Conley may have some answers, I thought.  He is a dragon after all.  So on that hopeful thought, I fell into a deep slumber.

________________________________________________________

Characters:

Bridget: A young princess with blond hair and green eyes.  Our heroine.

Layla: A young princess with blond hair and green eyes.  Bridget’s younger twin.

King Ronald: Bridget and Layla’s father.

Queen Helena: Bridget and Layla’s mother.

Annabelle: Bridget and Layla’s eccentric cousin with brown hair and eyes.

Anne: Bridget’s favorite lady-in-waiting.  A traitor.

Donovan: A missing knight with black hair and blue eyes.

Leo: A missing knight with red hair and brown eyes.

Animals:

Festus: Bridget’s white stallion.

Cerberus: Layla’s black stallion.

Fiona: A friendly pregnant female fox.

Fillip: Fiona’s protective mate. 

Conley: A green dragon who can turn into a fox.

Apep: An evil red dragon who can turn into a man.

About the Author

Abby Dortch is a young author of thirteen years.  She has written many short stories, but this is the first to be published.  Other than writing and reading, she enjoys riding horses, biking and drawing.  She lives with her family in Dallas, Texas.