THE SECOND DRAGON BOOK
BY
TAO TAMMES
GLASGOW
1996
THIS BOOK IS DEDICATED TO NUALA.
THANKS TO THE GODS FOR THEIR HELP AND GUIDANCE.
THANKS TO JULIE AND JOHNY FOR LETTING ME USE THEIR COMPUTER AND MAKING IT BEHAVE.
GLASGOW,
FINISHED IN FEBRUARY 1996
EDITED AND REVISED IN HOWMORE, April 2003
MADE IN SOUTH UIST
BY RIVERHOUSE PUBLISHERS
© COPYRIGHT
BY TAO TAMMES
Casa Azul
Porto do Paul
Pernes20002000-500
Portugal
CONTENTS
CHAPTER ONE THE GREEN RABBIT AND THE PURPLE GO
TO DRAGON-LAND
CHAPTER TWO HOW THEY FOUND AND LOST A GUIDE
CHAPTER THREE WHERE THE DRAGONS MEET
CHAPTER FOUR THE RETURN OF THE GUIDE AND HOW THEY MET
A GIANT
CHAPTER FIVE THE DRAGON’S LIAR
CHAPTER SIX WITCHES DAY
CHAPTER SEVEN ON DRAGON’S WINGS
CHAPTER EIGHT A DRESS-UP PARTY
CHAPTER NINE THE FIRE BREATHING CONTEST
CHAPTER TEN ACROSS THE SEA AND BACK HOME
CHAPTER ONE
THE GREEN RABBIT AND THE PURPLE HARE GO TO DRAGON LAND
Once upon a time the green-rabbit and the purple-hare were having a nice evening in the Horse-shoe Bar. They had a few drinks, nibbled some carrots and a cabbage and talked about their adventures. Ever and ever again they talked about the story telling contest and how the green rabbit had won it. “What are you going to do with your prize?” asked the purple-hare. “Well", said his friend,” since it is a holiday for two to Dragon-land, and neither my wife nor my girl-friend want to come, because they are afraid of dragons, I thought about asking you to come.” The purple-hare was very pleased with this turn of events. He loved dragons and them being as rare as anything, he would certainly enjoy going on a visit to Dragon land. So it was agreed that they would go soon. They spent the rest of the evening talking to the rainbow-dog, who had dropped by as well. And of course they had to listen to the travel-turtle who loved to tell his stories about all the strange creatures that lived in the seven seas. And about his friend the frog who could live in salt and fresh water alike. More and more animals came for a drink and a chat, and it was well after midnight before they were on their way home. The stars lit their way, the river mumbled slowly and drowsily and they felt just wonderful. The purple-hare went home to his loving wife, the green-rabbit went to spend the night with his girlfriend and the whole land of In-between lay slumbering quietly and peacefully under the magic of the heavens. The Gods had a party and smiled down at their favourite country, sending a fireworks display of falling stars just to please anyone who might be watching. As you know there are many doors in and out of the magic land, some leading to different worlds, other to different times. But most of us can only enter one door, or two at the very best. The green-rabbit could enter any door; visit any world or time he liked. And of course he had done so in the past, numerous times. But he was busy keeping an eye on the affairs of the magic land of In-between, and there were many other worlds and places he had not yet had the chance to visit. Now that the time had come to visit Dragon-land, and he didn’t even have to go on his own. To have the company of his best friend was a great pleasure to him. After all the necessary preparations were made, they set out on a fine morning. The rainbow-dog himself saw them off and promised to keep an eye on everything. A fine golden mist hung in the air, the birds sang and the flowers talked softly amongst themselves. The honey-swans were busy studying some new dance with intricate steps and fast movements and they looked fabulous. They passed many different doors and gates, most of them hidden to the unknowing eye, but all of them well known to the green-rabbit. Beyond the shadow-trees, in a dark cave, they finally came to the entrance to Dragon land. So they said good-bye to the rainbow-dog and opened the door. A slowworm acted as the doorkeeper and the green-rabbit showed him their two tickets. They were allowed in. And they entered a completely different world. A wild and wide landscape with high mountains, fierce cliffs, deep canyons and never ending plains in between opened to their eyes. A giant blood -red sun hovered over the horizon and started to set in the west. Strange stars were already faintly visible in the heavens. Then they saw their first dragon. And it was big. It was enormous! It was bigger than anything alive they had ever seen before. It flew off with a fierce flapping of its wings. They were deeply impressed but not yet scared. The purple-hare had heard that the dragons never killed a visitor in Dragon-land. They chased every other living being in their own country, but no strangers. Silently the green-rabbit prayed that he would be right. Then they started to wander about.
CHAPTER TWO
HOW THEY FOUND AND LOST A GUIDE
Darkness was falling rapidly over Dragon land as the green-rabbit and the purple-hare slowly started walking. Far in the distance they could see a dragon flying around the mountain peaks and they tried to make their way up the slopes. Suddenly they heard a tiny voice. Turning around they saw a lovely little mouse, a mountain-mouse. She told them that she would be their guide if they agreed. Since she was the first kindred spirit they encountered in this strange land, they hurriedly agreed and soon the mountain-mouse led the way, talking continuously. She was so glad to be a guide again after waiting such a long time. Her two long tails swept around in excitement as she told them about life in Dragon-land. “You see”, she said, “Life is very strange here. They leave me alone, them dragons, you know. They think I am not worth the bother of catching and eating, since I am so small. Lucky me. But for the rest of us life is a struggle and they need to be alert all the time. There is even nights when some of them dragons go hunting, and they are so clever. It's hard to trick them. Very hard that is.“ She led them up the mountains, following an almost invisible trail, and never stopped talking. It was just as well that the stars were out, and there were no clouds to obscure their light, for otherwise our two friends wouldn’t have been able to see anything at all. After a long and troublesome ascent they came to a valley, opening between two high peaks, and they were allowed to rest. They needed that rest, I can tell you. They were so tired, and only wanted to sleep. The mountain-mouse offered them a safe place for the night in a cave nearby, or a bed in her own home, just around the corner. The green-rabbit and the purple-hare decided to sleep in their guide’s home and followed her. They didn’t have to go far. Suddenly the mountain-mouse knocked on a stone in the ground, a voice answered her and the stone slid aside, revealing the opening to her house. Proudly she invited them in and showed them the way. They were given a very nice meal indeed and shown to their beds. Being dog tired, the green-rabbit couldn’t sleep none-the-less, and lay awake for a long time. He wondered what was going to happen next day and how many dragons they would meet. Then he finally fell asleep and remembered nothing until the purple-hare woke him up next morning. Breakfast was placed on the kitchen table, but there was no sign of their guide. They went out and thoughtfully looked around. An arrow was lying in the grass pointing towards the end of the valley, and they decided to go there, by lack of any better ideas. Their guide never showed up, and they worried about her as well as about themselves. It had been so pleasant to have a guide, and now she had disappeared without a sign.
CHAPTER THREE
WHERE THE DRAGONS MEET
Up at the far end of the valley, where it narrows down, there is a big meadow surrounded by trees and bushes. And that’s where the dragons meet every other day, to exchange gossip and to talk about their plans. The green-rabbit and the purple-hare weren’t aware of this, because they didn’t know about it. They were just following the direction of the arrow that had pointed there. It was still early and the mountain air was fresh. Whilst they were walking, they talked. And looked around. Suddenly a dragon appeared over the mountaintops, circled around and then dived down. Believing they were attacked our two friends ran for shelter. And in no time at all they were hiding in the bushes. But the dragon hadn’t been after them at all! He landed on the meadows, strolled to the middle and sat down. Soon enough there were more dragons coming, flapping their big wings, and they all landed at the meadows. Our two friends couldn’t believe their luck. Such a crowd of dragons! From their safe hiding place they could see them clearly and even hear them. The dragons were all laughing and talking and making jokes. “Say, those dragons sure know how to enjoy themselves”, whispered the purple-hare to his friend. The green-rabbit nodded. They crept nearer, very slowly and cautiously, until they could clearly understand anything the dragons said. It was a strange language the dragons used. They could understand most of it, for it resembled the language of In-between, but it was spoken in a very old-fashioned way. And there were words they couldn’t place at all. But our friends enjoyed most of all just to sit and watch the dragons, and stare at those magnificent creatures. They felt very privileged. The dragon’s meeting didn’t last long, just about half an hour, but towards the end the green-rabbit and the purple-hare overheard some discussion about a dress-up party the next weekend. They got all exited! They should go there by all means, but they hadn’t been able to hear where the party was going to be. “Ach, we’ll find out”, said the purple-hare. “And this has been a marvellous beginning of the day”, answered the green-rabbit. And so it was. With mighty flapping wings the dragons took off, one after the other, and soon the meadow was left quiet and empty. Nothing disturbed the peace of the valley.
CHAPTER FOUR
THE RETURN OF THE GUIDE AND HOW THEY MET A GIANT.
“Where are we going now?” asked the green-rabbit. “Let’s climb that one peak over there so we can have a look at the land”, answered his friend. They walked for a while. When they had to cross a little stream they became aware of a lot of commotion in some bushes downstream. Cautiously they approached the noise. Several small animals and lots of birds were all gathering around a small brown box. As our friends came nearer a blackbird suddenly hopped on the green-rabbit’s shoulder. It told our two friends that their guide, the mountain-mouse was caught in the box and couldn’t get out. All the birds and a crowd of mice and rats were trying to open the box, but they found it impossible. “Can I have a look?” the purple-hare asked. Stepping forward he studied the box for a moment. There was no sign of an opening, but he had seen boxes like this before. “Hang on, hang on”, he said. “The lid slips out, I tell you. Let me just have a go.” And he moved the front of the box. It slid up as easy as anything! Out came the mountain-mouse, cursing and crying at the same time. What a relief! And how happy were the two friends to have their guide back. Soon enough food and drink was brought to the mountain-mouse, and our friends could inquire how she had become trapped in the brown box. “Ach, it wasn’t a box at the beginning”, told their guide. “There was just a nice piece of salmon on a wooden platter lying around when I walked by. But when I started to eat, all of a sudden it changed into this horrible box. With me inside! I’m sure it was a trick of that evil witch Ealy-wealy. Bly me, what a horror!” Shedding a couple of tears she sat down. Then she praised her luck that she had been found soon enough and that the green-rabbit and his friend had come by just in time to set her free. It became a merry gathering now, and there was a lot of talk between all the animals Suddenly the sound of heavy footsteps was heard, and in a second all the animals had gone. “Run for your life”, the mountain-mouse shouted to her friends. Then she was gone too. The purple-hare and the green-rabbit stared bewildered at each other. Before they could move, a great long leg came down over the top of the hill, followed by another. And looking up our two friends became aware that those legs belonged to a giant. A truly enormous giant as well! For shock and fright unable to move, they just stood there frozen, until a big hand reached down from out of the sky, and picked them up as lightly and easily as if they were just feathers. “Oh now”, rumbled a deep voice, “Oh la la my lovelies! What have we got here? A green-rabbit and a purple-hare. How extraordinary! I did never see such a thing before. I couldn’t tell you indeed. How strange“. He chuckled, which sounded like a storm coming up, and held them high up in the air, in front of his face. Our two friends were frozen with terror. Not a sound escaped their lips. The giant put them securely in a bag, which he slang over his shoulders, and then he continued his journey. He walked over the mountains like you and I step over an ant heap, soon they were far away. Inside the bag our two friends were holding on to each other. They were terrified and sure their last minutes had come. And it was quite dark and stuffy inside that bag. They were tossed around and up and down until they felt sick. After a long time the giant stopped and put the bag down. They could hear the giant starting a fire and they firmly believed that he was going to boil them alive in his big cauldron. What horror and terror! But this was the day of surprises. For the giant had been spotted by a couple of dragons and they now prepared to attack him straight away. It is a strange thing between dragons and giants. They are sworn enemies. If one meets the other there may be a fight, but mostly they are equally strong, and therefore they don’t like to start a fight. But put two or more dragons together, and they will chase any giant. It is an old and bitter feud they have, and our two friends were suddenly right in the middle of it. As soon as the fighting started, they managed to escape from the bag. Hiding under the nearest bushes, they followed the battle. And it was a terrific fight they witnessed. Time and again a dragon would swoop down, trying to get hold of the giant, and he stood there, engulfed in smoke and fire, shouting and cursing. He tried to pluck the dragons out of the air, to break their wings. He managed once to snatch a dragon, but the second one came upon him and bit off one of his arms. It was a terrific struggle, but when the giant lost his balance for a second, he was knocked down. He had lost the battle and he lost his life as well. The dragons were furious in their victory. They ripped the giant apart in bloody pieces. Whilst the dragons started their meal, our two friends slipped away. They ran and ran until they found shelter in a cave. Exhausted by all what had happened that day, they fell asleep.
CHAPTER FIVE
THE DRAGON'S LAIR
The green-rabbit and his friend woke up early next morning and scrambled from their cave. They were stiff and hungry and yesterday’s ordeal was still fresh in their memory. At the moment they felt quite lost and lonesome in Dragon land and they wondered what would happen next. As they walked down to the stream to get a drink and to nibble some of the lush green grass, a bird spotted them. It took off immediately and disappeared down the valley. The bird flew straight to the mountain-mouse, who had been up for hours, sending messages to all the birds to look out for the green-rabbit and the purple-hare. She had gone home after the Giant had taken her two friends away. But she had send the birds after them, and asked them to follow the Giant from a distance. That’s why she knew about the fight with the dragons. The golden eagle had spotted the fight, and had reported it back to her. But he had missed how our two friends had escaped and managed to hide away. So our mountain-mouse didn’t know if they were still alive or not, she just hoped that someone would spot them. She was delighted with the news the bird brought her. Two baskets had been packed with a healthy breakfast and some drinks, and now she was busy getting them on the way. She called the two silver-swans who had been waiting for her at the loch, and gave them instructions. They took off with the baskets and the mountain-mouse followed them as fast as she could. Our two friends were more than just a little surprised to see the two silver-swans coming towards them, and when they learned that they brought them food and a message from their guide as well, they were delighted. They ate and drank heartily, talked to the silver-swans who congratulated them on their escape, and before they knew it there was a rustle of tiny feet and the mountain-mouse came running down the slope. “Oh gosh, I’m so glad you’re sound and safe”, she said. “I was so worried when that dreadful giant ran away with yous. What a horrible thing to happen. Our two friends were feeling a lot better after their delicious breakfast and just shook their shoulders. The purple-hare shook his long ears and said “Let’s not talk about it anymore. We are safe. We were lucky to escape and now we are together again. Thanks God!” The mountain-mouse shook her two tails and said, “It is a shame, you know. It ‘s been upsetting my whole program as well, it is. I was wanting to take you to Smaug’s lair today, since I know for sure he’ll be hunting far away at the shore today, and it would be a great opportunity to show you his lair. But I guess yous two will be too tired and shocked to come along now.” She had not reckoned with the fierce determination of the purple-hare to see as much of Dragon land as possible. “Of course we will go “, he said. “But are you quite sure that it is safe to go to Smaug’s lair, and that he won’t come back all of a sudden?” Their guide shook her head. “Oh no”, she said. “I am sure he is away for the whole day. Would you really like to come with me and see his lair? It’s a miracle just. So it is. You ain’t seen nothing yet!” So our friends set out. Because it was too far to walk their guide summoned a passing bird to go and tell the golden eagle to carry them. And the golden eagle came. In his big talons he carried the basket, and our friends climbed in it. Flying high over Dragon land they had a magnificent view. And before long the big bird put them down on top of the highest mountain, near the entrance of the cave. Smaug’s lair was big. The cave was bigger then any they had seen before, but not half as dark as they suspected it would be. Soon they found out why. The walls were covered in jewels, reflecting the light. The floors were covered in gold. Coins and rings, bracelets and silver foil was lying everywhere. The light was reflected a hundred fold, and the beauty revealed to them was unbelievable. They stood gazing in awe and wonder. The cave was huge and side-rooms opened up one after the other. Some rooms were stacked with more valuables still, others with the finest silk and other fabrics. Some were full of bedding and blankets. There was a wondrous bathroom with a tub as big as a swimming pool. They found a kitchen as big as a church hall, and everything was full of splendour. Hour after hour our friends dwelled around, and they remained speechless most of the time. The beauty of Smaug’s lair was overwhelming. As you all know Smaug is the oldest of all the dragons, born in the first era of the world. He was both cleverer and more powerful then any other dragon. In the past hundreds of years he had turned his lair into the most beautiful place you can imagine. As all dragons he loved gold and silver and any kind of jewellery. He loved fine fabrics and nice clothes and funny hats. He actually loved anything that was beautiful. Our three friends were completely immersed in their visit to the dragon’s lair when they heard a sudden rumble. And another one. Smaug had come back! The mountain-mouse panicked. “Run and hide!” she shouted. But before they could move Smaug had come in, and spotted them. They stood frozen in their terror, unable to move. Smaug laughed. A deep rumbling laugh, loud and rather scary. “So I got visitors”, he shouted. “Well I dare say I wonder if all of you together would make a single mouthful.” The mountain-mouse burst out in tears. “Oh please Smaug”, she whispered, “Don’t kill and eat us. These two are friends of mine and visitors from outside.” Smaug looked down at them and raised an eyebrow. “That the truth?” he demanded. “You’re from another world?” He sniffed and pondered for a while. “Well sure”, he grumbled. “I’ve no seen a green-rabbit yet. And what are you, you purple thing?” "Excuse me sir, I’m just the purple-hare sir”, answered the trembling hare. Believe it or not, for whatever reason, the big dragon calmed down and became quite friendly all of a sudden. He showed the friends around, explaining where all his treasures had come from, how he had battled and fought over many of them, and how he had won others by using his wits. It proved to be a long and busy afternoon for the green-rabbit and the purple-hare. Their guide had fallen asleep in Smaug’s bathroom, and so they felt obliged to be polite and listen to the dragon. Once Smaug had an audience there was no stopping him. The mountain-mouse woke up and rattled her tails. She shook the sleep out of her eyes and yawned. “Excuse me Smaug”, she said. “But it is getting rather late and I think we need to go home soon.” So they all said good bye. Smaug invited them to come and visit any time they wanted. “And you should come to our dress-up party next Saturday”, he told them. Outside the golden eagle was waiting with his basket to fly them home.
CHAPTER SIX
WITCHES DAY
It was raining softly and steadily when the green-rabbit and the purple-hare woke up next morning. After a long and leisurely enjoyed breakfast they went out for a stroll with the mountain-mouse. The clouds were hanging low and heavy over the mountains, and it seemed that the rain would go on forever. Their guide was silent apart from a whispered “Witches Day”, now and again. “What are you on about? “, asked the purple-hare. “Well you know”, said the mountain-mouse, “There are of course witches in Dragon land, evil witches at that, and when it is raining like now, and it is full moon time, they come out and play their evil games. Most of us stay at home at such days, and especially the dragons don’t like to go out. And they are the only ones that can keep those witches in check. For they have a magic of their own, apart from the young ones, and a witch can’t do much against a dragon. So we better stay in today.” They settled down for a long cosy and quiet day, played games together and told each other numerous stories. But early in the afternoon there was a knock at the door, and answering it they found the two silver-swans at the doorstep. “We don’t know why”, they said,” but the dragons are out and we think they will go witch-hunting.” The mountain-mouse was amazed. “This hasn’t happened for ages”, she said. “Those witches are up to no good. They must have been playing a dirty trick on a dragon for sure! How exciting. Let’s go and have a look then!” So they all went out and the silver-swans carried them near to Smaug’s lair, on top of the highest mountain of all. “We’ll wait here and have a look at them dragons. As soon as they start the hunt we’ll follow them with the silver-swans “, said the mountain-mouse, whisking her two tails excitedly. “I’m all nervous now and all that.“ They could well understand her anxiety, for the green-rabbit and the purple-hare remembered well enough how their guide had been trapped in the witche’s box only a few days before. Then there was a sudden rush, a mighty roar, and a loud flapping of wings. Smaug left his cave. From all directions other dragons were arriving to join him. Soon the whole lot of them flew in a wide curve towards to coast. Our friends followed them, sitting on the backs of the silver-swans. Through clouds and rain they flew, getting wetter and wetter all the time. Then they saw the dragons dive down towards a lone figure on the beach. The first witch had been spotted! And she fought back, full of fury and very cunningly. Relentlessly she put spell after spell on all around her. She changed herself into one thing after the other, from tree to cloud, from mouse to falcon. But every time she changed her shape, the dragons noticed, and pursued her merciless. They were not so easily out tricked! And she didn’t have any power over them. Although she made the earth split and turned the sky solid, the dragons came nearer and nearer. They were furious by now, and with their nostrils ablaze with smoke and fire, their great and dangerous tails wagging like mad, at last they got her. It was Smaug himself who killed her, just as she was changing from a brown bear into a greyhound. A long eerie, wailing cry arose, a dark silver-grey cloud emerged out of her dead body, and that was the end of the witch. Our friends had followed the fight with total concentration. They marvelled at the speed with which the witch could change her shape and put spells on others. When the fight was over they stood up and cheered and clapped their hands. And amidst all the noise and the smoke Smaug must have heard them, for he came flying towards them. He landed in front of them and spoke. “Uhm, my little foreign friends. So you enjoyed the show?” He introduced the green-rabbit and the purple-hare to the other dragons and they all talked for a while. “Why did you go witch-hunting today?” asked the mountain-mouse. “This evil witch tried to put a spell on a young dragon, tried to turn him into a stone”, Smaug told them. “Luckily we found out in time “. The two friends and their guide hovered under Smaug’s great wings that kept the rain away from them. Smaug invited them to come and fly around with him the next day, if they would like to. “Or maybe you prefer to fly with any of the younger dragons”, he added. The purple-hare fell asleep that night in the happy knowledge that one of his biggest wishes might come true tomorrow.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ON DRAGON’S WINGS
The rain had stopped some time in the night and the clouds were clearing away as the green-rabbit and the purple-hare stepped out in the open the next morning. The mountain-mouse had left them to their own devices for a while, just after breakfast, and so they strolled along. They talked about yesterday and the purple-hare mentioned the invitation from Smaug to come for a trip on the dragon’s wings. “Do you really think it is going to happen?” he asked the green-rabbit. “It will be even more fun then flying with the silver-swans.” The green-rabbit nodded his head, and hopped up and down a couple of times. “Yes, I’m sure it is going to happen and it will be great fun”, he stated. They went in the direction of the dragon’s meeting place when they saw a dragon coming towards them. It was a young one, not half as big as Smaug. The dragon spotted them quick enough, and landed in front of them. “Hello, my name is Awsal”, she said. “And I have the pleasure to invite you to come and fly with me today, if you wish. Smaug thought you might prefer to fly with me as I am smaller and younger.” The purple-hare was so overcome with joy that he could only shake his head in amazement until his ears rattled and he became dizzy. “Calm down, calm down”, the green-rabbit warned him. Just at that moment the mountain-mouse came back with some of her brothers and sisters. They were all excited to see a real dragon close by, and they waggled their tails. “0h”, said their guide,” it is so nice to meet you and not to be afraid. That is, you see, we used to be afraid of yous, since yous are all so big and cunning and fast. And you are related to Smaug himself I hear?” Awsal nodded her big head and shook her tail. She was pleased with this honest and nice approach by the mountain-mouse. “Would you care to come too?” she inquired. “Ach well you see, that is such a thing, isn’t it. I mean that is, uh yes, uh. I uh love to come, but uh I need to get to know you better I think, that is. Maybe next time?” So the green-rabbit and the purple-hare climbed on Awsal’s back and made sure they had a good halt. And the young dragon took of, not in the least disturbed by the weight of our two friends on her back. They flew over the mountains, followed the valleys down to the plains and finally made a big circle over the sea. Then they were joined by some other young dragons, friends of Awsal. And they began to neck each other, chase each other and play any trick they could think of. What an incredible show they gave! The green-rabbit and his friend enjoyed every single moment of it. Some of the other dragons played one of their favourite games, crashing treetops. But when one of them got almost stuck between two branches, Awsal called a halt to it. “Let’s show our little friends how we catch fish”, she suggested. And so they went to the big lochs that lay scattered amongst the mountain peaks like pearls on a string. Two of the dragons landed on the water and made a lot of noise, stirring up the fishes that way. At the other end of the loch the rest of the dragons were slowly circling around, waiting for a shoal of fish to come their way. Then they dived down, one after the other, catching as many fish as they could. It was fun to watch them and see how clever the dragons were, and how fast they could dive. The dragons repeated the whole process over and over again until their appetite was satisfied. Then Awsal and the others flew the green-rabbit and the purple-hare to one of their playgrounds. They gave them a nice meal and then they played different games, like shadow-hunting and tipple-stone. Our friends enjoyed the day so much, there was so much to see and do that by the end of the day they hardly could keep their eyes open. The young dragons brought them back to their guide’s home and promised to come back Saturday, in time to pick them up for the party. Then they all said goodnight and the mountain-mouse put them to bed. The purple-hare was so tired that he was asleep before his head touched the pillow. He dreamed all night about dragons and he himself having wings as well and flying around Dragon land.
CHAPTER EIGHT
THE DRESS-UP PARTY
All morning the green-rabbit and the purple-hare were waiting for Awsal to come and collect them for the big dress-up party, and they were getting more and more excited all the time. The purple-hare talked all the time, spilled his coffee, got the hick-ups and stumbled over his own feet. He kept walking around and couldn’t sit still for a second. At last even the mountain-mouse got excited. She wished to come too, but she had not been invited so far. The green-rabbit assured her that she would be asked to come, but she wasn’t so sure about it. When at midday the clouds began to lift, and the sun came out of it’s hiding place behind the clouds, the big moment had finally arrived. The sky was darkened by an amazing amount of dragons, big and small. The noise of their wings beating up and down, deafened every one, and for a while that was all that could be heard. Then Awsal landed first of all, and walked over to our friends. She nodded friendly to the mountain-mouse, and invited the purple-hare and the green-rabbit to fly on her back to Smaug’s lair. Turning her head again, she smiled at the mountain-mouse, and asked if she would like to come this time. Our mountain-mouse just nodded her head, waggled her tails around in wild excitement. “Oh yes, I sure do”, she answered. “I’d love to come you see. That is uh, yes indeed. Could I please have some minutes to get ready? Of course I want to come, but uh.....“ Awsal laughed and said” Of course you can have some time, but there is no need now to dress or anything. Just come with us, for we will all dress-up in Smaug’s lair, and there is plenty of time and clothes for all of us.” And so the mountain-mouse joined her two friends on Awsal’s back, and the whole company set off. They flew low over the valleys, almost touching the mountain tops and circled a couple of times over the lochs where they had been fishing the other day. Then they arrived in a splendid mood and all very excited at Smaug’s lair. A busy Smaug welcomed them, and let them into the big cave, where it was all ready as busy as a beehive. The dragons and our friends all went into Smaug’s big dressing room and started to search for garments they could wear. There was so much to choose from! Big silk coverings and colourful blankets. Hats and boots in every seize and colour you could think of. Jewellery, gold and silver necklaces and bracelets. All the dragons chose garments they liked, and started to dress up. There were queues waiting to look in the mirror, dragons helping each other out fastening belts and pinning dresses together. The air was filled with laughter and jokes were flying around. They had a marvellous time. They dressed themselves in all those beautiful garments Smaug had been collecting over all those years. After a while they started to prepare big cauldrons of face-paint, then they started to put on their make-up. Some dragons were making music and singing old songs of long forgotten battles in eras long gone by. It was a merry gathering! One after the other the dragons started slowly to be ready for the party. Dressed up as no one had seen them before. Our friends were of course dressed up as well, the mountain-mouse had her tails painted with pure silver, and decorated with ruby-rings. Her ears shone golden, and her body was covered in a beautiful blue cloak. She was hardly recognisable at all. The only shadow on her happiness was that she couldn’t find a small enough hat to wear. For the dragons loved hats. They had a collection of the most remarkable and amazing hats on the whole planet. They looked great, and the purple-hare just wondered why they didn’t always wear hats. The dragons’ natural colours were accentuated by bright face-paint and make-up, and they all wore as many rings, bracelets and necklaces as they could. It was incredible. They were wonderful. An almost unbelievable glorious group of dragons! Then Smaug beat the big drum to announce the start of the party. Music played while the dragons and their guests paraded around, displaying their costumes to their best abilities. And then the dancing started. The whole massive cave was full of dancing dragons, all as merry as anything, singing and joking. There was a big buffet, all the food was served on the most extraordinary plates and saucers, the drinks came in big silver tumblers. And what drinks! Drinks in all the colours of the rainbow. Crystal sparkled in the light of a thousand candles, and all the diamonds and rubies were aglow whilst the dragons moved around. The party went on and on forever, and nobody seemed to get tired. Well, you wouldn’t be tired if you had only one party a year, isn’t it? And such a party as well! Neither the green-rabbit nor the purple-hare had ever enjoyed a party so much in their entire lives. And the mountain-mouse was so thrilled and delighted that she couldn’t talk anymore! She kept shaking her tails and at times she had to close her eyes because she was so overwhelmed. Never had there been so much beauty, such loveliness in one place. The stories and jokes went on forever, games were played and the purple-hare found himself gambling for high stakes with Smaug and two other dragons. Just before midnight all the candles and fires were extinguished, to show the stars reflecting upon all the jewels, through the mirrors on the walls. It was fantastic. The dragons all fell silent for a while, and then they started to sing their last song. The melody was as soft as the whisper of a spring breeze on fresh grass. Their voices were tender, and many of the dragons cried openly. It was their oldest love song, and the beauty of it was so great that all their hearts just melted. When the dragons had finished there was a silence. Then on after the other thanked Smaug for the brilliant evening, wished goodnight and was gone. The mountain-mouse had fallen asleep in a corner, and someone had put a blanket over her. The purple-hare curled himself up and fell asleep in a basket, and for a little while only Smaug and the green-rabbit were left awake. But not for long. They sat down for a while and talked quietly, but then the green-rabbit ‘s eyes closed and he was asleep as well. Smaug covered him up carefully and yawned. Then he stepped out in the bright starlit night and flew of. The party was over.
CHAPTER NINE
THE FIRE-BREATHING CONTEST
There were only a couple of days left of their holidays in Dragon land, and the green-rabbit and the purple-hare strolled around at leisure. Sometimes on their own, sometimes with the mountain-mouse. In the mornings they went to the dragon’s meeting place, to talk and joke with their new friends. Every time again they were overwhelmed by the beautiful sight of the dragons landing or taking off. In the afternoons they flew either around with Awsal and her young friends, or they went with their guide to visit some of her friends. She still talked all the time, and sometimes the purple-hare just couldn’t believe anyone could talk that much. They fished in the rivers, swam in the lochs and had a wonderful time. Smaug himself came down to visit them one evening. With his mighty wings spread out, he came sailing down the valley. In the twilight of the green moon of Dragon-land he looked very impressive, and there was a special beauty about him that was hard to describe. He had come to invite them to a last farewell party. Smaug spoke to our two friends, “Tomorrow at night we will have a fire-breathing contest. I’m sure it is going to be great fun, and you just have to come. You can bring any friends you care for, it is going to be brilliant.” Then he smiled at them, told a couple of jokes, and then he took off in the night again. The green-rabbit was very pleased. “That is awfully nice of Smaug”, he said to the purple-hare. And his friend agreed wholeheartedly. They spent the rest of the evening with their guide and her family, playing games and telling stories to the silver-swans. Since it was almost their last day and the next day there was going to be the fire-breathing contest, they enjoyed their time as much as possible. They weren’t allowed to do anything but eat and drink, to listen to stories and to partake in all the games the mountain-mouse and her friends could think of Awsal came to fetch them in the late afternoon, for she wanted to take them on a last flight around Dragon land. And the mountain-mouse had to come too! After a glorious sunset they all flew out to the beach, the silver-swans carrying baskets in which the mountain-mouse and her friends sat. A big gathering of dragons started, piles of straw lay in the middle of a big circle, logs were heaped on a big pile a little way of, and everybody was busy with the preparations. As soon as it became really dark Smaug stepped forward into the circle and addressed the crowd.
“You all know the rules of the game”, he said. “At least I hope so!” Laughter greeted his remark, for of course every dragon knew the rules! “We will al sit in a circle, a bale of straw will be placed in the middle. Then we will breathe fire, one after the other and see if we can set the straw on fire. When every dragon has managed that, we will widen the circle, and start all over again. When a dragon fails to ignite the straw, he is out for the count. The last dragons will then try to light a fire with the logs, and again the ones that succeed will make a bigger circle in each round.” Then the fire-breathing contest started in all earnest. And it was spectacular! One after the other the dragons breathed fire until the straw was smoking and burning. Then the circle was widened and the whole fun started all over again. Slowly some dragons couldn’t breath fire that far, and they were out of the game. The number of dragons still in the contest grew less and less. There came a time that only ten dragons were left, and now they started to try to set fire to the wood. But that was a lot harder! For they needed to breath fire for a much longer time before the logs would catch fire. Awsal was still in the race, and every time she managed to ignite another log still, the green-rabbit and the purple-hare cheered and clapped their hands. Smaug himself didn’t partake; every one knew that he would win anyway. Awsal belonged to the last three dragons in the contest, but she couldn’t win. It didn’t matter to her or to our friends, she was happy enough having lasted so long. She and all the other dragons cheered loud for the last round. Only Gur and Smack were left in the race, and the distance from where they had to set fire to the wood was truly enormous. Gur managed, Smack didn’t, and that was the end of the fire-breathing contest for this time. Then all the rest of the wood and the straw was piled in the circle, the dragons gathered around and started to breath fire on Smaug’s count. You should have seen them! Within seconds a roaring fire as huge as a church was on the go, and they all cheered and rejoiced. Then the dragons started to dance and sing, and soon the party was in full swing. Late at night Smaug flew his little friends back home and wished them goodnight. “I think we have a last surprise for you tomorrow”, he said. “But you wait and see. Goodnight and sweet dreams!”
CHAPTER TEN
ACROSS THE SEA AND HOME
Finally the last day in Dragon land had come for the purple-hare and the green-rabbit. Of course they had missed their friends back home and their own world, but the time in Dragon land had passed so quickly, so many things had happened in such a short time, that they had almost forgotten they had a whole other life in their own country. But now that they were to return memories flooded back. Whilst they were packing their few belongings, they talked softly to each other. About their loved ones, the children and of course about the Horseshoe bar. They wondered what would have happened back home during their holiday in Dragon-land. “I’m sure everything will be OK”, said the green-rabbit. “Remember that the rainbow-dog promised to keep an eye on things?” Soon after breakfast they were ready. They waited for the mountain-mouse to come along and bring them back to the door of the land of Inbetween. However, they didn’t reckon with Smaug and the other dragons, and so it was a big surprise to them when suddenly a whole horde of dragons came flying down over the mountain tops, flapping their great wings, breathing fire and making an incredible noise. “Come on “, shouted Awsal. “Climb on my back and we will bring you home! I’m actually coming with you, but we will fly over the sea and use the other secret door to get to your country. For I want to come with you and see your land and maybe even visit other places”. The purple-hare was so pleased that he could only shake his head. He loved dragons so much, and to be brought home by a real dragon surpassed his wildest dreams. The green-rabbit was pleased too. He was sure Awsal would like their country very much, and for a lot of animals it would be the first time they could see a real dragon with their own eyes. So they said good-bye to the mountain-mouse and her brothers and sisters. There were tears in their eyes. Then they climbed on Awsal’s back and off they went. On the way to the shore the dragons were met by the silver-swans, who wanted to say good-bye too, and flew along over the sea towards the secret door. They were more then welcome of course, and the purple-hare talked a lot to them during their flight. The sea was calm and stretched as far as their eyes could see. “Are those dragons never going to be tired?” wondered the green-rabbit. It seemed not, for they flew on and on. Sometimes they could spot whales and even some dolphins far below them in the sea, and then they came to the border of Dragon land. It was a strange border, not like a straight line or anything. Everything just became kind of vague and kind of misty. Before long you couldn’t tell where you were at all. But Awsal knew the way and flew straight to the big hidden door. Then they had to say good-bye to the others. There were tears in the green-rabbit’s eyes, and the purple-hare found himself unable to speak. Smaug laughed and said, “I know how you feel, my little friends, don’t worry. But this is not the end of the world and not the end of our friendship. You can come back any time you like, and you’re welcome. Seldom did we have so much pleasure with visitors of our land.” That cheered them up a little, and then Awsal knocked at the secret door. They flew through and soon they were in their own beloved country. Awsal stayed for a while and became the wonder of the land of Inbetween. Every one came to see her and to admire her. The green-rabbit and the purple-hare had to spend many an evening in the horseshoe bar, to tell the tale of their adventures in Dragon land over and over again. It has been told that Awsal went to visit the lands of Middle Earth and even went to visit her own relatives in the magic kingdom of Scotland. But that is another story yet, and some day you might hear it. For now it only remains to say that they all lived happily ever after.
the end.