Four (very) Short Fantasies by Margaret Lake

Author:Margaret Lake
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: fantasy, romance, fantasy romance, collection, anthology, short stories, short story, wizard, dragon, wood elf, water sprite
Publisher: Jobree Publishing
Published: 2013-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Sir Dragonbreath

Gwendolyn sat in her cottage deep in the forest, gazing into the silver bowl brimming with water. Each day she looked, hoping to see a knight traveling her way. She was a lonely witch, looking for love. She'd managed to ensnare a few serfs, but they were too frightened to perform.

For too long all she'd seen in the still water was her own reflection. Waist-length blond hair, wide silvery eyes. Definitely not the pointy chin and hooked nose kind of witch. Ordinary, but far from an ugly old crone. So what was the problem? Maybe I should give up being a witch, she thought, not for the first time.

But something was stirring at the edge of the bowl; something dark and powerful. Gwendolyn gazed with all her might, willing the shadowy form to take shape. He was coming into focus and it was definitely a man, not a bear or deer.

Now she could see him more clearly. The man rode a powerful black stallion whose every step shook the ground. The knight, for that's what he appeared to be, was clad in black armor from head to toe, his helmet crested in black plumes. His silver-tipped black lance stood straight and tall and his black shield was banded in silver.

As he galloped closer, Gwendolyn gasped at the size of him. It was no wonder that he rode such a powerful stallion. He well needed such a huge mount to bear his weight. Would she be strong enough to do the same? The thought raised goosebumps on her flesh and she shivered in delight. There was only one way to find out.

The knight was some miles away, yet, but Gwendolyn moved quickly to finish her preparations for his arrival. Everything must be in readiness.

She mounted her broom and flew deeper into the trees to where Simon slept in the depths of his cave. He wasn't very big as dragons went, but he was fearsome enough when he wanted to be. She hoped he was in the mood to play.

“Simon!” she called in warning from outside the cave. It didn't do to startle the dragon when he was sleeping. One was liable to be singed if one wasn't careful.

Simon came sleepily out of his cave, yawning and stretching. He always enjoyed Gwendolyn's visits. She usually brought him a special treat made out of bone marrow and then stayed to play with him.

“Here you are, my darling boy,” Gwendolyn cooed, offering the treats.

Simon gobbled them down and then flopped at her feet, his big head butting her gently. In fact, his head was nearly as big as she and she only had to lean down a few inches to pet him. He immediately rolled over on his back, exposing his soft belly. Though time was short, she gave him a thorough belly rub, knowing he would be more inclined to play the game if he was happy.

“You really are a darling boy,” she laughed. “My only friend and playmate.”

Simon wriggled in ecstasy and Gwendolyn had to be careful to avoid his lashing tail.

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