Dropping the torch.

Fred dropped the torch over the side. It sputtered as it fell... and fell... and fell... and hit the bottom. The torch was almost extinguished by its fall. Fred and Diana peered at the dull glow, trying to make out what it had fallen onto. The torch sputtered again and for a moment they could see nothing at all, then it caught again and flamed into life.

Diana gasped and Fred let out a low whistle. The torch had landed on a hoard of treasure. As the flame strengthened, the circle of gold, silver, weapons and jewelry got wider and wider.

Then Diana gasped again and pointed to the edge of the circle furthest out into the dark. Fred saw it too. The arrow-headed, shiny, scaly tip of the dragon's tail.

Suddenly they heard a woman's voice from behind them: "Impressed by what you see, I trust?"

Fred spun, sword at the ready, but even this bravest of knights was not prepared for what he saw. Standing in the middle of the green bed chamber was a young woman who looked exactly like the illegitimate waif at his side, except that this girl was clean and tidy and wearing a long flowing green gown. The curtains on the four-poster bed were open and Fred cursed himself for not checking there first.

"What trickery is this?" he demanded, "Who are you, and how come you to look like my Lady Diana here?"

The woman smiled coldly. "I am Zenobia, perhaps you've heard of me?" she said, "And as for the similarity in our appearance, that is mere coincidence, or perhaps the resemblance of a long-lost family connection."

'The sorceress! That explains the troll's haste when he saw Diana.' thought Fred.

"But who are you to be demanding answers of me, when it is you, sir knight, who have invaded my bed chamber. I should turn you into a toad on the spot. What have you to say for yourself?"

1. "Just try it, your head would be on the floor before you uttered three words."
2. "I apologise, my lady."
3. "Quickly Diana, over the balcony rail!"

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