Time for a Story

"Er, no, I'd like to join in," she replied, thinking that - whatever the amuzgar might say - she would be better thought of if she made an effort to contribute. She searched for a form of words that would not seem to imply that she believed in the single male diety of the Hespaniards. "I am a long way from home, and have a lengthy, difficult and possibly dangerous journey ahead of me," she began. "I would wish to return safely to my family and friends before too many more weeks have gone by."

She went on: "As to what I have given to others recently..." She paused, wondering whether to mention saving Hesht from the wild boar. But she felt that was something that ought to remain private between the two of them; she would not wish to embarrass the boy.

Then she had an idea. At the picnic she had gone to back in Golabi, she had contributed by singing. Perhaps she could do something similar this time. But maybe not a song. She said: "I have had no opportunity to give anything to others since I arrived here yesterday evening, but perhaps I could give something back to all of you now to repay you for your hospitality. There are a number of young children here. Amuzgar, would it be permissible for me to tell them a traditional story from my own land, that they will perhaps not have heard before? It should not take very long."

The amuzgar smiled. "Of course," he said. "That is an excellent idea."

Which one shall I tell them? Astra wondered. There's "Little Blue Riding Hood". That's always popular with the children back home, but might it be thought a little violent for a religious setting like this? There's "The Empress's New Clothes". That has an improving moral that the adults might approve of. There's "The Ugly Gosling", of course. Or "The Prince and the Pea", which I always thought was rather silly but my younger sisters seemed to like it. Then there's "Jill and the Beanstalk". Or "The Damsel and the Dragon". It's a bit scary, but I know that children like to be scared a little.

Astra chose:

1. Little Blue Riding Hood.
2. The Empress's New Clothes.
3. The Ugly Gosling.
4. The Prince and the Pea.
5. Jill and the Beanstalk.
6. The Damsel and the Dragon
7. Another story, which she had recollected at the last minute.

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