Under the Counter Woodcarvings

"I see." responds the librarian, whose name was Bike (the priest at the baptism had a bad cold). "Any - particular kind of forest nymph, Your Majesty? Dryad, hamadryad, naiad, nixie, clothed, . . .unclothed . . .". He lets the last word hang in the air like a dog fart.

"Uh, yeah, the last one." Emry mumbles, his face reddening as a young mother holding a baby walks past, looking disgusted.

"Well of course we having nothing of that depraved nature on our shelves, Your Majesty." Bike announces rather more loudly, Emry thinks, than is strictly necessary. Motioning discreetly for the king to come closer, the librarian's voice now turns to a whisper: "But I do have something Your Majesty might like under the counter here."

Bike fumbles around under the counter and eventually produces a book-sized object wrapped in a brown paper bag, which he places on the counter . He taps the side of his nose with a knowing finger and winks at the monarch.

"You take that home and have a look. Tell me what you think." He then makes a strange motion, placing a finger on top of the package and making a "Tsssssssssss!" sound.

Casting furtive glances to make sure the transaction has not been noticed, Emry picks up the package, tucks it under his arm and, with a nod to Bike, sets off for the palace.

Later, in his chamber, Emry bolts the door and opens the package. Inside he finds

1. some wood carvings of very attractive naked woodnymphs
2. some wood carvings of very unattractive naked male lepers
3. a book entitled "How to defeat a Dragon"
4. the Dragon?!?

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