Mirror, Mirror by Laura McConaughay

Author:Laura McConaughay [McConaughay, Laura]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Laura McConaughay
Published: 2013-02-26T05:00:00+00:00

The Tinderbox

I

Once upon a time, in a far away land, a gallant soldier was marching down an old highway. Left, right - left, right - his pace was steady and familiar, with the time being kept both by the tune he whistled and the light clatter of his sword as it swung at his side.

His pockets were empty, his knapsack was woefully bare of supplies, and his boots were falling apart. Still, he moved briskly and in good cheer, for he had survived the war and was determined to seek his fortune and his future.

The rhythm of his marching was so regular, and his thoughts so full of the many things that he wanted to do and see, that at first he did not even notice the old woman calling to him from the side of the road. It wasn’t until she had called out to him a full three times that he heard her.

“Stay, please,” the old woman said, shambling forward from the trees.

The soldier halted his march and looked over at the old woman in curiosity. Her back was twisted and she leaned heavily on a length of stout ashwood. She was wrapped in many layers of shawls and scarves, from which hung small charms and many-colored beads, and which covered her from head to toe. He could not see her face, for she stood in shadow.

“Good morning, old woman,” the soldier said. “What do you halt me for?”

“Ah, you are a straight-forward lad, I see,” the woman said, stopping just short of the road and bracing herself with her stick. “A good thing in a soldier. I hope that you were rewarded as you deserved for your service in the war?”

“No soldier is ever rewarded enough for his service,” the soldier replied with a grin. “But never fear, old woman - I shall make my own way in the world.”

“Yes, yes,” the old woman replied. “I can see that you shall. I could tell at a glance that you were a brave fellow. Quite stout-hearted, no doubt?”

The soldier bowed. “You’ll not find a more courageous fellow for seven leagues.”

“Wonderful!” the woman said. “I knew that you were - I was quite certain of it. So certain in fact that I stopped you on the road, for I’ve ever had a soft spot for a brave soldier, and I would like to help you find the reward that you deserve.”

“I don’t see how you’re going to do that,” said the soldier, looking at the old woman in amusement. “Perhaps if you were forty years younger...”

“Pssh,” chuckled the old woman. “None of that now. No, I mean to make you a rich man, a very rich man indeed.”

“Well, that would be very pleasant,” said the soldier cheerfully.

“Yes, yes,” the old woman said again. “All you need do is one small favor for me, and you shall have as much money as you like.”

The soldier laughed. “I will help you, old woman, if I may, though I do not see how that will lead me to riches.

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