Thomas Puts Fred to Work

Thomas replied, "We are thinking along the same lines. I think that the day after tomorrow will be soon enough to have a meeting. You will see the princess then, but I hope that you will meet her rescuer tonight. We have some time between now and supper. We are working on building a wagon. With your strong arms, you can be of great help."

Thomas led Fred and Anselm out of the cave and into the forest. Fred could not detect trail markings, but there was always just enough space where a man could pass easily, although a dragon could not. "I will not be able to find my way back unless Thomas guides me," he thought. Suddenly a shaft of light dropped from the sky, and the three men approached a clearing. On the far side, in the shadows, was a low, flat wooden platform resting on three axles. The wheels were half the height of a man, built of a thick wood, with rims reinforced by iron hoops that were scavenged from somewhere.

"My goodness," said Fred, as Anselm moved a wooden chest out from under the platform. "Are you trying to transport a cottage from one end of the valley to the other? And how do you intend on pulling this?"

Thomas smiled tightly and replied, "No, we are not trying to transport a cottage. But you have noticed that it is solidly built. It needs to be. But it is not finished. While we are working on it, I will inform you of its purpose."

As Anselm opens the chest, Fred sees

1. a variety of carpenter's tools. None of them are unusual.
2. one unusual item, in addition to the normal selection of carpenter's tools.
3. something completely unexpected.

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