Life is Sweet

Now having absolute power, Fred was able to relax and enjoy it. The Great Kingdom now dominated the known world through control of a number of client kingdoms and through the tribute of barbarian chiefs. Fred, with the help of the DRAGON, embarked on a program of building roads, bridges, schools, and other civic improvements.

The greatest of these civic improvements, of course, were the botanical and zoological gardens. The DRAGON, with his knack for changing rebels and annoying people into animals, kept these gardens very well supplied. The greatest of these gardens was the King's Own Garden (KOG), located in D'Honaire City, in the Duchy of Suffex. It was on this day, just over ten years after Fred met the DRAGON, that the plot took another twist.

Fred was touring the KOG with his wife and young son, Sam. Fred was riding his trusty steed, Emry, with Astra riding the little grey horse, Belboz, and Sam riding Chucky, a small, docile Shetland pony, supplied through the helpful intervention of the DRAGON.

Fred and his family stopped by a beautiful little lake, with an orchard of peach trees adjacent to it. It was early summer. The fruit was still green, and the wilted remains of flowers could still be seen on the ground. On impulse, Sam cried out, "Daddy, let us swim to the island in the middle of the lake." Fred, at the height of his powers, smiled, and said, "Sure. The first one to the island becomes its king."

Sam and Fred plunged into the water enthusiastically. The lake was shallow, and Fred was a good swimmer, so Sam could not get into too much trouble. As Fred had arranged, Sam 'beat' him to the island. Fred and Sam were then surprised to see the DRAGON on the island, with an important piece of news.

The dragon said,

1. "It appears that another DRAGON has entered this world. We must move fast to protect ourselves."

Add New Option

Go Back

View Forward Story Tree
View Back Story Tree