Bethjoy.com

Chapter nine

After blocking the cave entrance somewhat Dearth invited Nancealia to climb on his back. After she did so, they flew quite a ways to the place where the Five D. club was. It was a very large cave at the head of a narrow valley that they had made very convenient for knights to go up. Fortunately they arrived when a meeting was in session. Demothesisous looked up as they arrived.
“Dearth and Nancealia Arloth! This is most unusual. Make a note of that.” he said to the club secretary, a large grey-greenish dragon who had an immense notepad and pencil in his hands and was all ready busy scribbling.
“Greetings” began Nancealia, “I am here on some business regarding Dearth. He thought that it would be nice if you could help keep an eye on the knights who are coming after his treasure.”
“We’d love to but the rules of our club wouldn’t let us do so unless he were a member or unless he was in the process of being initiated.” said Demothesisous.
“Oh,” said Dearth, “Well, since I don’t desire Dire Deeds I suppose I will just have to keep on guarding it myself.” He looked rather disappointed as he had come a long way for nothing.
“Couldn’t we make a change?” asked Dwight, “I do think that it would be nice to keep an eye on treasure that has so many knights going after it.”
“But he doesn’t desire dire deeds!” said Demothesisous.
“You could change the name of the club to Dormant Dragons Doing Dire Deeds. As you would be changing the names of the dragons anyway it would make perfect sense and be very proper.”
“Make a note of that,” said Demothesisous, “Yes, I do suppose if we did that we could start Dearth on the initiation process.”
“What is the initiation process like?” asked Dearth.
“Well, Um…” Demothesisous looked at the other dragons. They looked back at him blankly and he continued. “We haven’t ever done an Initiation process yet, you would be the first added member. Make a…”
“I already have.” said the secretary.
“I suppose we should invent one,” continued Demothesisous, “It would have to be something Dire.”
“Yes, something Dire” the rest of club members agreed.
“Well,” said Nancealia, “Dearth just had some treasure stolen from him and perhaps getting it back would be an excellent initiation process. Providing of course that you don’t mind my going with him as I happen to have a strong interest in the treasure.”
“Excellent, Make a note of that” said Demothesisous, “I’ll send two dragons with you to guard over Dearth’s treasure for him while he is a way on Initiation business.”
“Good, let’s get back.” said Nancealia and mounting Dearth (again at his invitation) they headed back to Dearth’s cave.

Chapter Ten

When they arrived back, Celticia reported that nothing of interest had happened and no knights had approached.
“Should they do so, we’ll deal with them.” said the two club members preparing to settle down and watch for knights.
“Let’s get started towards Dolak McDath” Nancealia said to her three companions, “Dearth is coming with us so we shouldn’t have too many problems.”
“Dearth?” said Arnold looking surprised.
“Yes, it is his stolen treasure you know, and from what I have heard of Dolak McDath it might not be a bad idea to have a dragon with us.”
“Yes, it probably would help, but I don’t think my horse is going to like traveling with a dragon.”
“I know, so we are going to leave the horses here. I often leave my horse with the five D. club and they are very good at taking care of horses. Dearth will carry all of us.”
“Just don’t wiggle too much or grip too hard.” said Dearth. “So hop on and don’t fall off.”
They mounted on his back and after a little bit of readjusting Arnold and Schelsh discovered what Nancealia and Celticia already knew, that there really isn’t a comfortable place to sit on a dragon. After that discovery was made every one settled down in more or less uncomfortable positions and prepared themselves for a long flight.
Arnold was wondering just what subjects he could discuss in front of this most interesting dragon when Nancealia began the conversation for him by asking Dearth about how his family did. Dearth replied with a very long and detailed history of his relations and himself. Several hours of the journey where spent in finding out about Dearth’s various relations and how his Uncle Ralph ate twelve knights in a row and died of indigestion, how his grandmother won a prize for being the most attractive dragoness because she had the longest tail and the most golden spikes. Quite a few other relations and their doings were mentioned but I don’t have time to go into them now. Arnold and Schelsh might have been bored if anybody but a dragon had been going into the details of their families past history, but one is not bored when a dragon who can easily burn you to a crisp or drop you from a very great height is talking to you. Also is was quite interesting and Arnold was not very bored during the flight and almost forgot about how uncomfortable it is to sit on a dragon.

Chapter Eleven

Dearth flew far that day but shortly after the shadows of evening had fallen he landed at a small cave. Though they couldn’t see much ahead during the flight they had noticed that the mountain ranges were coming to an end. Dolak McDath lived in the middle of a large flat plain just east of the mountain range.
Dearth had sensibly stopped before flying over that plain as there wouldn’t be any shelter during their flight across it and it was very easy to get lost on it. Also he was as close to being tired as a great and mighty dragon can be. After all, carrying nearly twice your body weight is very tiring work even for short distances. Dragons are unusually light for their size and mass (except after a meal) which accounts for their being able to fly. Great heaviness and flight do not usually go well together but fortunately Dearth had very good wings and had sensibly kept them in good shape, unlike most dormant dragons.
The rested the night in a small cave, or at least it was small in comparison to Dearth who could just squeeze in. Nancealia passed out provisions (even to Dearth who ate a lot more things than meat) and everyone had a fairly good supper.
“Now, before we go to bed we should discuss what we are going to do when we get to Dolak McDath’s castle.” said Schelsh very practically.
“No, I think we should wait until tomorrow to do that.” said Nancealia. “We are tired right now and during the journey tomorrow morning we can discus what we are going to do.”
“All right with me.” said Arnold. He was tired and besides that he was wondering if he would dream of the princess again and he hoped that he would so. He wanted to see if she really did remind him of Nancealia.
And he was not disappointed, he did dream of the princess, and she did look like Nancealia, only she seemed a bit more beautiful. This time she wore a gown that was the color of golden sunbeams and she wore a wreath of daffodils in her hair and looked even more stunning than before. And once again she dismounted and as he leaned over to kiss her…
“Arnold, it is time to start” He woke up, Nancealia had spoken. He got up wondering if he ever would be able to kiss the princess in his dreams, or as he looked at Nancealia, out of them.
After a good, though somewhat stale breakfast they set out again. The land was as flat as it could be and there were no land marks. Everything looked the same and if it hadn’t been for the mountains slowly getting smaller in the west they wouldn’t have known they were moving at all. But they were, and they continued to move in the same slow manner for so long that it became monotonous.

Chapter twelve

“Everything looks so similar I hope we can find Dolak’s castle and don’t get lost.” said Schelsh and Arnold was thinking the same thing.
“Don’t worry.” said Celticia, “We can see the mountains at this altitude for the whole length of the plain, and when we can’t, or a little before we can’t see them we will see the next mountain range. And about half way between them is Dolak McDath’s Castle. At least that is what Nancealia has told me.”
“Yes,” said Nancealia, “I’ve never been there but my father was there once, before he married my mother. Also there are several maps that I have seen of these lands and fortunately we have Dearth here, and he can find his way by ways we can’t.”
“I have often flown over these lands with my father,” said Dearth, “only then it wasn’t Dolak McDath who was the lord of the castle it was his great grandfather Ardac McDath and his great grandfather Lakod McDath and others before them who ruled. The McDath’s have lived in that castle for a very, very long time. Which is quite surprising considering the fact that they don’t live for very long.”
“The previous Lord McDath lived for ninety years! That isn’t very short lived.” said Schelsh
“Not for a human, but I was referring to time in dragon years for in dragon years a hundred years isn’t quite as much as it is to you since we live to be many thousands of years old.”
“That is quite a long time. I’ll have to remember that next time my mother has a birthday,” said Arnold, “She usually worries that she is getting old but she’d probably realize that she isn’t if she knew how young she is in dragon years.”
“Anyway, to get back to the subject of Dolak McDath,” said Schelsh, as Arnold, Nancealia, Celticia, and Dearth laughed, “We still haven’t planned how to get the crowns form Dolak.”
“No, We haven’t.” said Dearth. “I think that Nancealia ought to plan the expedition on what she sees when we get there. She is very good at taking advantage of circumstances you know.”
“Well,” replied Nancealia, “I think we ought to have a few ideas discussed first.”
“Perhaps if Dearth roared and breathed fire for a bit then demanded that the crowns be brought out or else tear down the castle, Dolak might send them out and be scared stiff.” said Arnold.
“No, I don’t think that would work,” said Nancealia, “Dolak will have many, many knights with him and as the McDath castle has stood up against dragon attacks before…”
“My great grand uncle Kildrong can attest to that.” put in Dearth.
“I don’t think he would be so afraid that he would send the crowns out.” continued Nancealia.
“I am assuming that Dearth couldn’t really tear down the the castle?” asked Arnold
“No, I don’t think I could, it would be too Dire for me.” replied Dearth
“What about sneaking in and stealing the crowns.” put in Schelsh.
“No, it is impossible, or very near it, to sneak into Dolak McDath’s castle. It wasn’t built in the middle of a plain for nothing. He has sentries stationed on his walls all of the time and not a rabbit moves that isn’t spotted.”
“Really the rabbits are all spotted there?” said Dearth. “That’s unusual, usually rabbits are more solid in color than spotted but…”
“I suppose I should have used the word ‘Seen’” said Nancealia, “But as I didn’t your humorous remarks were much appreciated.”
“Thank you, I’m glad you liked them.” said Dearth.
“Now, we really aren’t much closer as to what we are going to do when we reach the castle.” said Celticia.
“No, we aren’t.” said Nancealia. “But we have discussed some methods that wouldn’t worked and it has taken up a good deal of time that might have been spent otherwise. I think that the best thing for us to do is to see what things are like when we get there. We may be able to get an audience with Dolak McDath and take things from there. Just use common sense and if I tell you to do something, do it!”

Chapter Thirteen

“Do you think that thirteen is an unlucky number?” said Arnold as the McDath castle came into view. It had thirteen black marble towers and each tower had thirteen black marble spikes running around it and there were also thirteen black marble Gargoyles on the thirteen black marble spikes. Everything architectural seemed to be in groups of thirteen and everything seemed to be black marble.
“Yes, I’m not superstitious but there usually is a reason behind superstitions. Ordinarily when it comes to the number thirteen I say twelve plus one and avoid it.”
“As do I.” said Celticia.
“But what are we going to do now?” asked Dearth. If thirteen is unlucky or if it isn’t doesn’t seem to have a great deal to do with this, other than giving us a reason to blame anything that happens on bad luck. So how about just call it a bakers dozen and figure out how to get in the castle or get the crowns or something.”
“Yes, it is definitely time to do something.” said Nancealia. “I think we ought to head straight at the castle like we had business there, then say that we have an important message for Dolak McDath. We might be allowed in to see him and then we can possibly find out about where he keeps the crowns.”
“But supposing we need to confer more or less privately when we are in the castle?” asked Arnold.
“We can use Igpay Atinlay. I know that Celticia speaks it.” replied Nancealia
“I also know it” said Schelsh.
“And I know something about it.” said Arnold. Then speaking very slowly and haltingly he said “Oughthay Ipay Oubtday Ipay Ouldcay Eakspay Uchmay.” (Translation, “Though I doubt I could speak much”)
“Just so long as you can understand a bit. We probably won’t be speaking it much though, for all we know, Dolak McDath might speak it.” said Nancealia
“I wonder if he does…” said Dearth, “and more to the point, we are about to get to those guards at the gate.”
There were a few moments of silence as they approached the gate. It was huge and made of black marble with thirteen guards standing in front of it. Also there were thirteen black marble pillars in front of it (the gate opened inwards.) They could tell from the reaction of the guards that they had been seen, and as soon as Dearth landed in front of the gate they were greeted with.
“Who are you and what business do you have here.” said the foremost guard.
“I am Nancealia Arloth and I have an important message for Lord McDath” said Nancealia.
“Very well, you may deliver your message and for your sakes I hope that it is to his liking.”
At that the gate opened. Arnold couldn’t help wondering at that, for in Scotland if a large dragon and four strangers showed up at the gates of a castle and asked to see the lord of the castle, they usually were not let in so quickly and he couldn’t help wondering if this was a trap.
Nancealia dismounted and everyone else did so. Together the five of them walked in. There were thirteen black marble passages to go through before they reached the great hall. It was quite a sight, there were thirteen black marble walls and there were thirteen black marble pillars elaborately carved with designs of evil looking dragons, scorpions, vultures, and ten other such creatures. The throne itself was carved out of the same black marble that everything else seemed to made of. The torches that lighted the room reflected and cast a strange light about the room.
Dolak McDath was seated on the black marble throne and he was dressed in black as well. Other than the guard that had led them in and who soon left, there was no one else in the room. Most of the party felt a little bit nervous for some strange reason, and even Nancealia felt somewhat apprehensive though you never would have told it from the expression on her face. It showed neither fear nor defiance but rather a respectful courage, if you know what I mean by that.
After a short pause Dolak McDath said. “Who are you and what is your business with me?”
“I am Nancealia Arloth.” she said, then she seemed slightly hesitant about her next words.
There was a short pause and in it Celticia whispered to Schelsh, “Isthay Aceplay Ispay Ookyspay!” (Translation “This place is spooky!”) However all of the black marble seemed quite capable of echoing and magnifying the sound of a whisper, which was odd since anything that was spoken at a regular tone of voice was not echoed. It was a very strange room indeed. “Isthay Aceplay ispay Ookyspay” was echoed thirteen times and that also was strange.
Nancealia turned to her and said, “Ietquay”, Then Dolak McDath spoke again, this time in fluent and unfaltering Pig Latin, but for those of you who do not speak it I will write it in regular English.
“You should know that I am very fluent in Pig Latin, and I am always pleased to meet those who can speak it fluently as well. I myself do think that this place is very spooky, my ancestors liked black Marble but I for one think they over did it.”
“Definitely,” replied Nancealia, also speaking in Pig Latin, “But have you ever considered remodeling?”
“Yes, but the place was built this way and posterity might like it this way and I don’t think I want all of the fuss and bother of remolding. Besides black marble usually terrifies visitors and that’s its main purpose. Now what can I do for you?”
“Well,” said Nancealia, this time speaking in English, “Since it does take a long time to say things in Pig Latin I think we should switch to English, also Dearth doesn’t speak it.”
“Dearth!” exclaimed Dolak looking slightly nervous, “You mean the dragon who has been guarding the royal crowns of scotland in his hoard for so long!”
“Yes, and I’d like them back if you don’t mind.” said Dearth with a none too pleasant look on his face. Dolak looked a bit nervous and said,
“I wish I could get them right now. Unfortunately, I can not.”
“Why?” interrupted Arnold.
“Well, uh” said Dolak looking uncomfortable.
“Please tell us,” said Nancealia, “And do remember, Dearth, that it is equally impolite to walk in ask a man for his treasure without a formal challenge as it is to do so to a dragon.”
Dolak looked relieved as Nancealia spoke. “Well, I’ll start the story. You see, there are several treasure vaults in the castle and the largest one is and has been guarded by a ferocious dragon named Yrtemoeg almost since the castle was built. Apparently, though my ancestors put quite a bit of treasure in the vault, they never thought of taking any of it out or else something would have been done about it before.”
“Done about what?” asked Celticia, who was very good at interrupting.
“About the dragon that was guarding the vault. You see I put the crowns in there since I thought it was the safest place to put them. A few hours ago I sent for them and apparently there has been a misunderstanding because the dragon thought that it was not guarding my treasure, it thought that it was guarding it’s own so it wouldn’t let the crowns leave the vault. So now I am rather upset, because there are many other treasures there that I can’t get at and it is rather unfortunate.”

Chapter Fourteen

There was a bit of silence after Dolak finished speaking. Dearth, Celticia, Arnold, and Schelsh all looked intently at Nancealia as though they expected her to do something which they did. She turned and looked at them then turned back to Dolak,” Supposing we go rid of the dragon so that you could access your treasure, would you let us take the crowns?”
“Yes,” agreed Dolak, “I hope you can take down the dragon and as the crowns are no good to me in there you may as well have them. Besides, that dragon was getting far too difficult and expensive to feed, he has a tremendous appetite and will eat anything alive.”
“Well, let us go and visit this dragon and see what we shall see.” said Nancealia.
Dolak McDath went with them and the six of them walked down thirteen black marble hallways, staircases and rooms. They were all sick of black marble before very long and even Dearth mentioned that redecorating ancient castles was a very enjoyable hobby, especially when the previous owners had decorated in the exact same style for every single room.
“Not everything is black marble” replied Dolak.
“What isn’t?” asked Arnold.
“The torches you know.”
“Haha,” said nearly everybody and they continued on their way.
Soon after they stopped in front of a large iron door. The fact that it was iron instead of black marble was very pleasant, just because of the change, though normally the huge, barred, iron gate would have inspired other feelings. However they were led right by that door because Dolak had only paused to catch his breath and that door wasn’t really the door that led them to the main treasure vault were Yrtemoeg was. However if they were relieved it wasn’t for very long. The door that led to the main treasure vault was soon reached and it was black marble and even more elaborately carved (primarily with dragons) than most of the other doors. Arnold wondered just how many carvers had been used to make this castle, and just how long it had taken. But he did not dwell on these thoughts for long because Dolak McDath was opening the door. He told them to enter and to walk down the passage way it led to until it came to a door at the end of that passage. Entering that would bring them to the treasure vault.
“Here is the key,” he said to Nancealia, “I am going to shut this door behind you but you can open it easily enough from the inside. It’s just a precaution in case Yrtemoeg attempts to rush you, I personally don’t care to meet him which is why I am not continuing the journey with you.
“That’s all right, we can find our way and the four of us ought to be able to take down the dragon.” replied Nancealia
“I hope that you can.” said Dolak McDath as he shut the door with them on the inside.

Chapter Fifteen

As they began to walk down the final hallway to the final door at the end they couldn’t help feeling a strong sense of relief. However a deep sense of foreboding began to grow on them as they saw the signs of scorching around the edges of the walls. It was quite obvious that many times fiery flames had passed through the door at the end of the hallway.
Arnold was feeling somewhat nervous and asked Nancealia “What are we going to do when we get in there?”
“Well,” Nancealia said, “A several thousand year old dragon who has had some one attempt to take his treasure away from him recently is not going to be very friendly. I have a feeling that we will have a tough fight ahead of us. However since he has been down there for several thousand years there is a chance that he won’t be in the best of shape. Dearth, I am going to get on your back and I want you to get close enough to the dragon for me to get on his back and do what I can. Celticia, Schelsh, and Arnold, I want the three of you to avoid the flames as much as possible and spread out somewhat. Throw spears, swords, and other sharp objects at the dragon and be sure to avoid the flames if possible.”
“From the look of the flames on the wall,” said Schelsh, “I have a feeling that somebody who isn’t really good at avoiding flames is very likely to be burnt to a crisp.”
“Yes, it is possible.”
“You aren’t afraid are you, Schelsh?” said Arnold.
“NO, but I don’t think that even if the royal crowns were recovered it would do much good if the crown prince were burned to a crisp by a dragon.”
“Did you say crown prince!” exclaimed Nancealia and Celticia at the same time.
“Yes, he did.” replied Arnold, “I meant it to be a secret and Schelsh has frequently told me not to mention it. You see I wanted to get the crowns back so that I could wear them someday. When I was planning on going to find them Schelsh, who is the captain of my bodyguard, insisted on going with me as soon as he had discovered my plans.”
“I should have told the King and kept him from going off on this wild goose chase though,” said Schelsh, “A body guard’s job is making sure that his charge is safe, and not encouraging wild adventures.”
“Oh well,” said Nancealia, “But it does put a different light on things. I don’t think that you Arnold, or Schelsh should fight the dragon, Celticia and I, with the help of Dearth should be able to manage that.”
“But I don’t want to do nothing!” said Arnold.
“All right, I’l let you and Schelsh find the crowns and get them back here, then stand as far up the passage as you can so you won’t get burned by the flames.”
“Remember, if you do get burned, Stop, Drop, and Roll, but make sure you roll away from the dragon and to safety.” added Celticia.
“Now with your highness’s permission we’ll go and see what’s behind that door.” said Nancealia.
“You have it so long as you stop calling me “your highness”. Remember that until we get back you’re still in charge of the expedition.”
“All right, Arnold.” She smiled at him and once again he realized just how beautiful Nancealia Arloth was. But there wasn’t much time for admiring at the moment for Nancealia was already beginning to open the door. She picked up the key and told the others to stand behind where the door was opening. She then opened the door.
Dearth’s treasure hoard was nothing in comparison to the treasure that lay before them. It was huge! The McDath family was very wealthy and had been steadily adding to their wealth for quite some time, and it was indeed a vast treasure hoard that met there eyes. But the dragon was a vast dragon that guarded the treasure! Apparently it was fed very well and was somewhat fat, but still very dangerous he looked.
When he noticed the gate was opened he let out a blast of fire (which fortunately didn’t reach them since he appeared to be at the other end of the vault) and yelled, in a somewhat high and squeaky voice for so large a dragon, “I am Yrtemoeg and this treasure is MINE MINE MINE and go away unless you are going to feed me or bring me more treasure!”
Then it began to come forward. Nancealia was the first person to realize that though the dragon looked huge, he wasn’t. Actually Yrtemoeg was only about five feet high. He was red and could breath fire to a distance of twenty feet, and sometimes further but he was very small. The fact that he was flying and the fact that they had expected a large dragon had created an optical illusion.
As soon as Nancealia realized that the dragon was actually not as far away as he seemed she said “Quick, grab swords, stones and anything sharp and get ready to throw them.”
Her orders were promptly obeyed as Yrtemoeg approached rapidly yelling in his shrill voice “Mine, Mine, Mine!!!” the five adventurers were getting nervous as they saw the hot flames spurting out of Yrtemoeg’s mouth every time he said “Mine”, which was very often. They saw that it was going to be a very difficult fight and most of them would probably be burned and hurt.

Chapter Sixteen

But some one else had noticed their plight, and since she had gotten them into it she thought she should get them out of it. So since there is no time like the present, suddenly standing right beside Nancealia a dark brown haired girl of about fifteen appeared. She was dressed in a stunning gown of crimson satin which was studded all over with diamonds and trimmed with cloth of gold. Around her neck was a gorgeous necklace of red diamonds and gold and she was wearing a matching tiara, bracelet, and earrings. Of course since I was appearing before royalty I wanted to be dressed properly and since red diamonds are rather rare I thought that they would be appropriate.
Calmly I paused Yrtemoeg’s rush with a wave of my hand and said to him, “Yrtemoeg, With the right and authority of an authoress I have decided against having a large fight scene right now and I hereby banish you to the world of Geometry where you belong.” Then with another wave of my hand Yrtemoeg found himself flying through planes of points, lines, equiangular triangles, and other such Geometric Figures screaming delightedly “Mine, Mine, Mine” and I am sure that he lived happily ever after because nobody ever disputed his claim.
Having taken care of Yrtemoeg I turned to the others and said, “I’m sure you don’t mind skipping the fight scene and heading straight to more important things. Oh, and the crowns are right over there,” I said pointing to them. “Good bye, and if I were you I would hurry up and get the crowns before I change my mind and have somebody else take them. And in case you are wondering I am Elizabeth Von Fange, the writer of this book.” Then I curtsied and vanished back to where I came from.
Nancealia was probably the least surprised of them all, and she was astonished. It was a few moments before Nancealia recovered herself and said, “Well, let us take her advice and get the crowns. After all you know, Authoresses aren’t to be trifled with and unless we want to live unhappily ever after we had better do exactly as she commands.”
Everyone saw the sense in this so they went over to where the crowns were and picked them up. They were both very well made and impressive. The King’s crown was larger and more massive than the queen’s was. It had a green emerald in the center and several other smaller green emeralds were set in it. The Queen’s crown was similar, only it was smaller and had fiery red rubies instead of emeralds.
Nancealia looked at it (she was the first person to pick it up) and slowly slipped away to a corner where there was a large shield that reflected well and slipped the crown on. She took a look at herself in it and couldn’t help thinking that it would be nice to wear that crown, only she doubted that she would ever have a chance to wear a real queen’s crown and have a right too it. Arnold slipped the kings crown on and looked over her shoulder.
“These crowns are definitely in good condition, and I must say that the queen’s crown looks very nice on you.”
“Thank you, the king’s looks very nice on you, and it should,” she said with a slight difference in her voice, “Since you are going to be the one wearing it.”
“Would you like to wear the queen’s when I wear the king’s?”
“That is what we are doing right now.”
“No, not now, I meant later, when I am officially king of Scotland would you like to be the official queen of Scotland, and maybe crown princess before then?”
“Is this a proposal of marriage? Or am I greatly mistaken?”
“It’s a proposal, I know it’s not a good one but I haven’t had any practice and well….” Arnold looked somewhat uncomfortable, “But would you?”
“Well,” said Nancealia, “So long as you don’t mind Celticia coming with me I don’t think I’d mind, actually, I am not any better at saying ‘Yes’ than you are at asking.”
“Oh well, you said ‘Yes’ and that is the most important part!”
“So it is.”
Then Arnold finally got to kiss the beautiful princess from his dream, and it was very pleasant.

Chapter Seventeen

Celticia and Schelsh were rather surprised at what they saw Nancealia and Arnold do, but they very calmly ignored them and looked at some of the other treasure until Celticia asked,
“Is it nice living in the capitol and being the captain of the prince’s bodyguard?”
“Oh, it’s very lovely at the capitol, and the captains of the guard have their own living quarters, practically a whole house, right in the palace. In fact everything is quite nicely arranged because most of the captains of the guard are married.”
“I hope you aren’t!” said Celticia and if Schelsh had any doubts as to her answer they were stopped right then and there.
“I hope to be soon, but I haven’t asked her yet.”
“I doubt you’ll get a ‘no’. I don’t really think that most girls could possibly refuse you.”
“Would you?”
“Unless I was asked by a man on his knees and asking me to marry him I wouldn’t answer any question as to whether I would marry somebody or not.” said Celticia, with significant emphasis on the words knees, and marry. Schelsh took the hint right away and dropping to his knees said,
“Celticia, I love you, will you marry me?”
“Esyay!” said Celticia, so excited that she forgot to speak English. So Schelsh swept her up in his arms and kissed her. By that time Arnold and Nancealia had come out to tell the good news and were surprised in there turn. Everybody was very pleased with the two engagements. Dearth was rather surprised at the suddenness of the proposals,
“Dragon customs are quite different. When two dragons want to get married they usually have about two hundred years of courting at a minimum. Then there is the proposal period which usually lasts about six months. Then they get ready for the wedding for about fifty years, sometimes longer. Then they get married during a three year span….”
“And we would all be dead long before wedding if we took as long as that” laughed Celticia.
“Well, you humans are very strange and there is no denying it. But we ought to get those two crowns and get back, if you know what I mean.”
“Oh dear, how are we going to explain to Dolak about Yrtemoeg being banished by Elizabeth Von Fange?” asked Arnold.
“We will just say that he will no longer be bothering anybody.”
“Alright. Lets get out of here and tell him.”
They then made their way to the egress.

Chapter eighteen

Dolak McDath was waiting for them when the came out the gate.
“Is Yrtemoeg gone?”
“Yes, he is gone and he won’t bother you any more” said Nancealia, “And since we now have the crowns and have a long way to travel I don’t think that we shall traverse upon your hospitality any longer and shall head back to our homes.”
“All right, I’ll show you the way out.”
So they went back through all of the long black marble passages, but for some reason they weren’t as boring and monotones as they were before, instead they were simply ignored as everybody had something much more interesting to think about and look at. Dolak McDath was thinking about the treasure he could now access again, and he was looking at the ground in front of him. Arnold was thinking about Nancealia, and looking at Nancealia. Nancealia was thinking about Arnold and looking at Arnold. Schelsh was looking at and thinking about Celticia, and visa versa.
Dearth however was looking at Arnold, Nancealia, Schelsh, and Celticia, and thinking about what interesting and unusual creatures humans were.
They made there way out of the black marble castle and as Dolak waved goodbye they climbed onto Dearth’s back and he took off.
The journey back seemed a lot shorter than the one going. Despite the fact that it was completely delightful to four of the main characters there really isn’t much to tell about it. Dearth learned a lot about human courting methods, only I think he learned a bit erroneously because as neither Nancealia or Celticia were normal girls, and neither Arnold nor Schelsh were normal men, they didn’t proceed about it in a completely normal fashion. But they did a lot of things that that are normally done but I shan’t describe them because I am not experienced enough in the art of courting being currently to young for it.