Snake Ring at Risk & Other Stories by John Holroyd

Author:John Holroyd
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Published: 2016-10-13T00:00:00+00:00

Snake Ring at Risk

Long ago in Germany, in the farm beside the two rivers, Thomas and Gerda had lived happily since they were married three years ago. Their most treasured possession was a ring which was a present to Thomas from his grandmother. It was made in the form of two snakes intertwined, with tiny jewels for eyes. It had magic powers, and in the past had warned Thomas of danger, and had led two dangerous criminals to justice. Each morning, as soon as she was dressed, Gerda would put the snake ring on her wedding finger, and smile as she looked forward to her day’s work on the farm.

But this morning Gerda was not smiling. When she opened the little jewel box where she kept the snake ring, she noticed that one of the jewels was missing. A moment later she found it in the corner of the jewel box and replaced it, but minutes later it had come out again. When Thomas arrived home he too tried to replace the jewel, with the same result.

“I know what we must do,” he said to Gerda. “When we have had breakfast I shall ride into town and take the ring to the goldsmith’s. I think he may be able to replace the jewel for us.”

They hurried over breakfast, and then Thomas saddled his horse and rode into town.

The goldsmith greeted Thomas warmly.

“Good day, my young friend. What can I do for you today? Don’t tell me that you want to sell that wonderful ring?”

“Not at all,” replied Thomas. “I am seeking your advice and your skill. You will see that one of the jewels has moved into the corner of the box. Both Gerda and I have tried replacing it, but it always finds its way back to the place where you see it now.”

The goldsmith looked at the ring through his magnifying glass. After a pause he said quietly, “You will not be surprised if I tell you that, in my opinion, we are dealing with magic. This is not within my expertise, but I can tell you that damage can only be caused by magic, and damage can only be repaired by magic. That means that either a magician is wishing you harm, or is sending out negative signals for some other reason. I’m sorry that I cannot help you.” The goldsmith paused, as though he had just thought of something. “When you were at the king’s palace, did you meet the king’s magician? Because he is the chief of all the magicians in the country, and I’m sure that he is on the side of goodness.”

“Yes I know him very well,” replied Thomas. “He is a very pleasant and clever young man. But the Shining Kingdom is far away, and I should not leave Gerda alone with a wicked magician possibly nearby.”

If he had known how near, he would have been still more cautious.

Back at the farm, Gerda was feeding the chickens when Alice, the young housemaid,

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