Resolution

The Never Ending Quest - Episode 110452

Astra thought about the day's events. This fantastic underground world had distracted her from her mission, which was to slay the dragon. She needed to concentrate on her mission now.

Henry had mentioned that 'friends' of the sailors had 'taken care of the dragon'. What exactly did that mean? She thought that a deal might have been struck. Beatrice did not appear to be hostile when Astra talked about her mission, but she did not appear to be the least bit impressed or grateful. That was not what Astra was expecting.

Could these people even be minions of the dragon? Astra thought it unlikely. She then came to a resolution. She would talk about her mission to Henry, and ask for advice. Perhaps they would then be hostile. But they also might help. At least she would have a resolution to her doubts. And with that decided, she went to sleep.

Meanwhile, in the farmhouse, Beatrice was having problems getting to sleep, which soon meant that Henry was also having problems staying asleep.

Beatrice had changed into a nightgown, and lay under the blanket on the bed next to Henry.

She said, "Henry?"

Henry replied, "Hmmm?" This, by the way, is the opening move in an ancient game between spouses. The goal of the sleeper is the get the spouse to sleep without thinking too much, or using words. That would require the sleeper to become alert, and it would be difficult to get back to sleep.

Beatrice replied, "You know that there is a young woman in the barn?"

"Mmm-hmm," came the reply, as if this were the most natural thing in the world. And it was not too unexpected here, as they lived in a secure place where guests were welcomed, and doors often unlocked.

Beatrice then said, "She says that she is coming down here to slay the dragon."

"Hmmm!" (The implication being, "Oh, really? Here?") The game was in the balance. Beatrice was starting to deliver questions that might require him to wake up.

"So what do you think we should we do about it?"

"Hmm? Hm-hmm-hmm." (I don't know.) One last try. Henry could tell that he was not going to win this one and would have to wake up.

"We need to figure this out."

"Hmmm." (I was having such a nice sleep, but I will wake up for you.) Then Henry said, "Can it wait till morning?"

"I am just worried."

"When did you get back?"

"Not too long ago."

"Why are you riding at night?"

"It's perfectly safe. I have good lights on my horse."

"Just because you can doesn't mean you should. You might catch a cold."

"Because I want to be in a comfy bed with my wonderful husband."

"I am touched. You have to be sore from the ride though."