Chapter 7.
In which Roland sparks things up
"What kind of curse shall we use on this one do you think, Creeper?" She grinned wickedly at the scowling princess.
When he failed to answer she looked to see his eyes fixed on the approaching dragon. The young witch hesitated, disappointed her kitten wasn't eagerly conspiring with her like usual. A farmer was whipping his uneasy team toward a barn. Hastily collected harvest had been thrown into the cart, and was leaving behind a small sliding trail. A couple of children ran past, pointing excitedly at the sky as their mother called urgently for them to get inside or else.
Gildy looked up to watch the approaching dragon. There were nice dragons, and sure she was a witch, but...she was tired. You need a lot of energy to use magic effectively against a dragon, or at least considerably more skill and experience than she had. She could at least curse the princess though, to teach her a lesson.
Gildelaine, the 'Wicked Witch of the Wailing Shadows' was far from helpless there.
"You don't make sense, Gildy."
Sir Roland was avoiding looking at the dragon, his flanks shivering and the whites of his eyes showing outside the glowing red. It was clear he was fighting a horse's powerful instinct to run, and winning. But still, he was trying to pretend the dragon wasn't there. Not very knightly, but the horse nature would be strong. She stifled the guilt twinging her conscience, it struggled still in its mental corner.
"What do you mean I don't make sense?"
She shifted her feet and realized she was leaning rather heavily on the stallion. Oh, right, already did a few spells today, didn't I? She was starting to feel it, emotionally and physically.
Sir Roland reared, and directed some rampant male posturing at the dragon. Shocked, Gildy stumbled back, only just managed to recover her balance and looked at him uneasily. His behavior clearly laid claim on the territory and warned the dragon off. He tore at the ground with great sparking hooves. The effects of her spell added an unearthly intensity to his sudden fierce behavior, un-nerving her.
Gildy walked over to stand near the princess, as though she hadn't meant to retreat. Despite herself, she was impressed, and for the moment forgot about his comment. The dragon roared back and rushed forward eagerly in the sky high above. It's long snake-like neck gracefully curved downward as it dipped a wing and circled, eying the stallion with interest. Wind whipped her hair around her face and she looked up to see that the dragon had landed. The stallion reared bravely at the dragon again, screaming challenge. She looked around as a few of the peoples' doors and shutters belatedly slammed shut. Then stared.
The remainder of someone's haystack was scattering in the wind nearby. There was a half-heartedly struggling figure rolling out of the hay, and getting to his...hands.
"Oh." She looked away from the disheveled old man to the familiar dragon. "Wait a moment," she looked at the dragon accusingly. "I thought you were taking the wizard to the king right away! What are you doing here?"
The dragon, which had been favoring its foot, looked up with narrowed eyes. Belatedly, she remembered there was a reason you were supposed to be polite to dragons. "Er, I mean...young dragon! A pleasure, of course, to see you again. Did something go amiss in your flight? Is all well?"
Sir Roland's aggressive equine show calmed as he looked at the dragon closely. He snorted and looked at Gildy, shuffling restlessly. He bade the dragon a cautious but polite welcome of his own, then looked at her, not bothering to hide his irritation now. Like it was her fault!
"Are you going to curse the princess, let me rescue her, or let the dragon deal with her?" The dragon was looking hungrily at the chained princess, the offerings of healthy beasts--and that which glitters.
"Well, being a wicked witch, I was considering a bit of both curse and dragon, somehow. They would make for an appropriate combination." Gildy looked past the horse's shoulder, avoiding his eye. A nearby shutter was slowly opened a crack, too little to see the person opening it.
"There, you see? That doesn't make sense. Even if the princess needs a lesson, think about the people here. The last thing they need is some draconic destruction added to what the princess took. There's only a few farms in this town, haven't you noticed? By the way, you did pay the stables for the meal they gave me, yes?"
The dragon looked up from its foot suddenly, then at the fields thoughtfully. Its neck stretched up toward the fields, then down uncertainly. Serpentine eyes regarded the stallion and Gildy questioningly. She suspected it was wondering if it ought to perform some of the mentioned destruction.
"But," she said desperately., "It would be wicked of me, right?"
He stayed silent.
She blinked as her eyes burned. It dawned on her that things as they were, well, were downright lousy. Nevermind that it hadn't seemed that way a few minutes ago! Of course she had paid the man, and generously too, but for some reason she didn't want to admit it to Roland. She'd been working her way to a better plan but he had to go throw in his two cents before she was finished. Here he was throwing out all kinds of possibilities so that, no matter what she came up with or decided on, her idea would seem like his idea! He was making it rather hard to come off as a powerful, self-sufficient wicked witch. Sir Roland pawed at the ground with an enchanted hoof and tossed his head arrogantly. She glared at him.
The dragon waited for one of them to remember him. Creeper sat with tail neatly laid on his paws, enjoying the entertainment while his mistress fumed. The knight still wouldn't admit she was a Wicked Witch, and a unique one at that. Despite everything she had done to him already! The last thing her pride would allow right now was to give him an exposing explanation that she didn't exactly have a clear plan yet. How would he be able to resist making an attack when she left herself vulnerable? It had to be avoided! What was with her? She wanted to impress him, but she didn't. She wanted him to know she was wicked, but that she was good too.
Bringing her thoughts forcefully back to the present, Gildy started to consider possible curses. Started to...her body vehemently reminded her there was no way anything but a spell implementation on a wart potion was going to happen today. No wonder he thinks I don't make sense. Did he have to keep watching her like that? It was weird to have a horse fixing an unblinking gaze on you. There was a thump and rustling somewhere nearby.
"If you turn me back into my human form, young Witch, I shall deal with this situation for you," he reminded her.
She was tempted, so tempted. Why shouldn't she? Having him around was more bothersome than anything, and confusing. She'd never felt so confused and so frustrated all the time, in her life! Too bad I can't right now. It's so tempting to try. To save face, Gildy made a show of considering the princess. The royal pain was looking at the hungry dragon with dismay, and the horse knight. A form interjected itself into the witch's view of the knight.
"Excuse me for interrupting, but where are we, and why is it such a large group of "we" now? Although I've suffered several bumps to my head and various other unmentionables the past long hours, I was under the impression we were on the way, that is--the dragon and I--were on our way to see the king. She," he pointed the instantly affronted princess, "Doesn't much look like the king, if you take my meaning. I'm sure my wits haven't been so battered as to make a mistake there. I do want to see the king now you know. Very much. I have quite a bit to say about the abuse I have suffered! The head wizard will have much to do about it, too!"
They all stared at the inverted wizard. His face was not as flushed as one's face should be after spending time upside down. Perhaps it was possible for the body to adjust to such a thing. Bruises and a scratch along his cheek discolored oddly pale skin. The long stick rope Gildy had made lay on the ground, one end still attached to the wizard, the other wet with something.
Part of the wizard's robes had started to escape the big bow tied about his shaking ankles, and the material gaped wearily to expose a white hairy calf. The bow itself looked utterly exhausted with its job. Sir Roland looked at the wizard, then at the young witch, shaking his head silently. The dragon ignored the wizard and leaned forward to sniff a cow that had resigned itself to munching on grass. The cow's eyes rolled, showing the whites, as the dragon's breath ruffled its tail. The dragon realized it was being watched and pulled its snout back just in time to avoid a kick.
"Well...uhh..." Gildy looked at them blankly, overwhelmed. Sir Roland snorted softly in disgust and stepped slightly in front of her. Looking around, the stallion spotted the partially open shutters and called out.
"You there! Have no fear! Could you tell me who graciously provided these healthy beasts for the well being of the town?" He indicated the tethered grazers with a toss of his head. The shutter slammed shut, a few others that had opened un-noticed echoing it. The young witch smirked slightly.
The knight shook his head, tossing his mane, and pricked his ears to the young dragon, addressing it in turn. "Young dragon, no doubt you are hungry after your burdened flight. Or have you already eaten?" Gildy saw the shutter easing cautiously open again, but kept silent. The dragon dipped its head at Sir Roland, showing a bit too much interest in his equine form.
"Oh yes, hungry indeed. Why I have only just awoken you know. The young witch's cat there roused me. Breakfast sounds wonderful." The dragon shifted its gaze to the cow which had tried to kick him, his hunger clear without the glistening bit of drool sneaking down the side of his mouth.
The knight extended a foreleg and bent himself into a neat, sparking equine bow. "Noble young dragon," the knight said loudly--and Gildy saw the shutter open further. "I propose a bargain on behalf of these people and the fair princess. Will you listen?"
The young dragon, tired, hungry, but flattered by the knight's manners, settled on his haunches and preened. Gildy sighed and scooped up Creeper, petting him, listening and musing. Sir Roland made a very handsome horse. It was a shame she'd have to change him back some time. Although, he wasn't so bad looking as a knight either, when she let herself admit it. Young too, only a few years older than her from what he'd told her. She and Creeper stared at each other for a moment and she realized what she'd been thinking. She felt her face flame. That insufferable, spineless knight? Ha! Creeper yawned and stretched in her arms, returning his attention to the scene.
"I will listen, sir knight. What manner of bargain do you propose?"
The wizard, whose shaking had increased, moved back a bit to draw less attention, then settled carefully onto the ground lying down. He sagged with a small sigh, watching. Belatedly, and perhaps with poor timing, the princess suddenly struck a pose at Sir Roland and wailed. "Oh me! Oh help, brave...knight! Wilt thou not save me from this cruel dragon? Oh, help!"
Everyone jumped in surprise. Gildy at least, had sort of forgotten about the princess. She rolled her eyes, then snickered. After all, the princess was aggressively posing at a horse. The young witch tugged at her robes slightly, making certain they were straight and smooth. For dignity, of course.
The dragon considered the royal maiden, looking mildly affronted, and muttered to itself. "Well now, did I not just show myself to be uncruel? With what has she founded this cruelty?"
The wizard, who had heard, uttered a bitter 'ha!'. The dragon's muttering subsided and Sir Roland continued.
"These people have little in the way of livestock and farmland in this town, and have offered their treasures to protect their families and pacify the great, cruel, and destructive dragon they expected. You have come before us, and rather than immediately ravaging this town, consuming the offerings, or taking the princess--you have proven yourself an intelligent example of your species. You wisely controlled your basic needs and want to determine the situation.
"The bargain I propose is this: In return for sparing this noble town, would you accept a portion of this tribute, with some manner of modest ongoing yearly provision? You might save an entire town with such a merciful act. Their lips would be moved to praise rather than curse you! What think you, oh wise and merciful dragon?" Sir Roland tossed his head proudly, then again made a graceful bow, remaining prostrate as he awaited the dragon's response.
Gildelaine saw a few faces in the half open shutter now, and knew without looking that still more of the people were watching. Waiting for Roland to make a fool of himself, still stunned at his renewed confidence, she waited. If he did something, she wouldn't have to expose her current inability to cast the threatened curse. Letting him play mediator might actually allow her to save face.
So long as no one started to wonder why the powerful wicked witch was letting a knight run the show and failing to thwart a tradional enemy to wicked witches.
"Fools!" The wizard sneered half-heartedly. "This dragon is only a young, weak pup among them. It is no wise and fearsome dragon needing placating! No young dragon would take you up on such a thing and keep its word! No such dragon would be willing to give up more riches than he can carry for a promise of free food through the future!"
Sir Roland rolled an eye at the wizard, his nostrils flaring. He kept silent. The dragon lifted its head and snapped its teeth with a click toward the wizard without real threat. It lifted a claw to its mouth thoughtfully, tilting its head, then rose and moved closer to the arrayed princess and treasure to inspect all that was there. The princess shrank back, glaring at the dragon, then glanced at Sir Roland and sagged into a carefully draped faint.
"Sir knight, because I am a dragon of intelligence, I will consider a bargain with this town."
"Great dragon, we thank you for your mercy! If you will but allow, I will summon a spokesperson." Now his voice was especially loud--did knights train for that?--and clearly aimed at the houses. "Gentle townsfolk! We request from among you a brave and wise spokesperson, to bargain with this dragon for the well being of your town!"
The group around the princess--who was peeking at the stallion--all turned to watch the houses. The heads pulled back from the shutters, but Gildy could see that they were all left open. Everyone waited patiently. Suddenly a door burst open off to the side and a child streaked out toward another house as though he were being chased by a demon.
Creeper hopped down from the witch's arms and approached the princess. The fainting floozy shut her eyes hastily. He sniffed her nose, tail lashing languidly, then sat studying her for a moment. Her long pale red-gold hair was thrown back from her face. He slowly reached out a paw, then batted at a strand playfully. To her credit, her flinch was minimal. When the kitten had succeeded in covered most of her face with freshly tangled locks, he yawned, stretched, then trotted off to sniff the glittering offerings. The girl's nose twitched, and Gildelaine grinned.
At last a pair of townspeople approached. The shorter of the two strode confidently forward, taking in everything about the scene from the looks of him. The other, a lanky, harried looking woman, followed hastily, talking quickly with frequent hand gestures. She stopped level with the last house, breathing a little heavily, and the man joined the odd group in the clearing around the princess warily. Quietly they exchanged small talk and introductions, the young witch looking on in disbelief. Then the bargaining began with the dragon.
"I have decided it would be wise for me to spare your princess, and find another elsewhere."
"WHAT?" The princess dropped all pretense of fainting and glared at the dragon in fury. Then she appeared to realise what she was questioning, and subsided. For apparent lack of a better plan, she feigned another faint. Gildy yawned.
"My apologies, noble dragon, but if part of the tribute were to be returned to us, she would not be...err..." He stumbled, looking around nervously. "Look, this princess is not even one from our kingdom!" He pointed a finger at her accusingly. "She came and demanded all those 'tributes' as a part of her attention seeking scheme! She demanded our most valuable items and our best livestock, then proceeded to chain herself here in one of this town's three farms and set about trying to lure a dragon, knight, or prince! She is a foolish mockery of royalty, and I tell you, despite her threats of prison or execution, I will not lie or hide what she did here!"
Taken aback, the dragon looked at a loss for words. "Oh..."
Sir Roland snorted and resumed the bargaining. This went on for some time, voices low, with the dragon becoming increasingly impatient. Frequently he had to be recalled to their discussion from his drooling fixation on the livestock just out of his reach. The temperature began to drop. Gildelaine had long since moved to sit against the wall of the nearest house, from which bread and cheese were shared with her. It was quickly becoming boring. Several of the townspeople were talking in their houses, the subject having passed on, their shutters wide open. Finally the odd group of human, dragon, and stallion knight broke up. Sir Roland and the man walked away, the latter expressing his gratitude for the intervention. They came to a stop next to Gildy, to speak to the small group through the open window who had shared food.
Gildy frowned as fresh meat, a loaf, cheese, and a couple of apples were passed to Sir Roland, shortly followed by a water beaded stein. She looked down at the remaining bit of heel she'd been given. It clearly had come from the knight's loaf. She looked at that stein, and her mouth went dry as though in dramatic appeal to her. Thirsty. The man moved away, and suddenly she remembered Sir Roland was currently a horse and wouldn't want to eat meat. Right? She looked up at a sudden scream from the princess.
The dragon had approached her and was speaking to her. "How dare you! You lie! The knight came to rescue me! He is my betrothed now! How dare you insinuate he would let me be bargained to you, that he would let me become your slave! Help! Brave knight! Oh, the cruel dragon! Save me from his torment!"
Sir Roland's flanks shuddered and he turned to look at the princess. He set the basket of food and stein on the ground carefully so he could speak. "You will go with the dragon. It will take good care of you, and you will take good care of it, in return. There you will have your pick of princes and knights as rescuers, and your plight will be genuine."
Gildy looked at the knight in amazement. He was being so nice...but so mean in a nice and just way. It wasn't so different from what she would do. Although she would have added a humiliating curse to finish it all off. The princess sobbed, and the wicked witch, free to do so in private as an observer--felt sorry for her. Hay rustled. Gildelaine looked up to see the wizard, whom she had forgotten, stirring groggily, as though just waking up. No longer was his face a bruise blotched white. It was now a deep pink from the exposure to the sun in a diagonal line across his face, where his hat had failed to protect him. Trust a wizard to be able to hang on to his hat after all that, but not his staff.
He had heard the princess and was beaming broadly. "Well then, I suppose you'll have to leave me here with the knight and witch then. You certainly can't carry both of us, or even one of us and any livestock."
The princess, choking, leapt on that,"That's right! You cannot carry us both! You will have to leave me behind! I'm sure your business with that wizard is much more important!"
"Oh...you're right." The dragon looked between the two, holding the tether of the largest of the livestock as the people began taking back their things. Unable to contain his hunger any longer, the dragon began its meal as soon as the people had removed all but one more of the grazers. The princess remained chained and ignored by them. She looked away in fearful distaste. When it had finished its meal it licked its chops and looked downright jubilant.
"I've got it! I, the wise dragon, have an excellent solution! I shall indeed leave you behind, princess!" The wizard moaned while the princess practically glowed with happiness and relief. "Then, as soon as I have delivered this wizard, I shall return for you! In fact, since it is rescue by a knight or prince you so desire, I shall even allow attempts to rescue you before I return!"
Looking very pleased with itself, the dragon lifted its head and sniffed while the princess wailed in incoherent dismay. "Is there water around here somewhere?" it asked.
