The summer season had just begun in the Kingdom of Lemonstar as the boy-king, Dominick, made his way through the courtyard to his gardens when a large shadow passed overhead. Glancing up he was in time to see a dragon with golden eyes hover and settle on its haunches.
“Oh dear,” Dominick gulped in awe.
‘I…I am searching for a Knight, Albert is his name. Might I be able to speak with him?’ The dragon leaned inquisitively closer.
“So you are Lyre, witch-eater.” Dominick nodded cheerfully to himself. “Your story is beloved by my people.” He turned towards a hall and bellowed for an attendant.
Albert, the man sought, was currently occupied trying to pick his way safely through his pages. Each boy and girl gazed on the old knight in adoration.
“Ah, if only the king wouldn’t find it necessary to badger me with knights-in-training.” He muttered crossly.
“But sir, we are your future Dragon Tale Brigade.” One boy piped up.
“Yes, we are your loyal comrades to adventure with dragons.” Another cooed in anticipation.
“Feisty devils you are-” Albert was interrupted by an attendant, who burst in to tell of the dragon waiting for him with the king.
Albert stumbled into the courtyard to the amusement of the dragon. “Ah Lyre, you have come to whisk me away?” Albert chuckled.
Lyre made hiccupping noises causing smoke to pour from his scaly nose. ‘I have missed you this time spent alone with my treasure. I do have a request of you-” Lyre glanced curiously behind Albert to a half-dozen eager faces peeking from the hallway. ‘You have an entourage now?’ Albert sighed without turning around. “A knighthood bestowed on me by my king”
Dominick looked pleased with himself as he gazed up at the laughing dragon. “In honor of such a noble beast”
“I still recall you as pushy.” Albert mused.
Lyre cleared his throat narrowing his eyes at Albert. ‘Still haven’t lost your crotchetiness. Back to my request: I need you to accompany me to a distant land’
“Would stealing treasure be involved again?” Albert raised his eyebrows.
‘Of course, you rickety old pirate. All treasure should be my treasure...’ Lyre snorted, ‘…except maybe your treasure’
“Well, if my king would grant me leave to journey with you?” Albert glanced to Dominick, who nodded his permission. “Then tell me when you request my help”
‘Now, if you please. I might require a few of your young disciples, or two at least.’ Lyre suggested.
Albert paled as cheers from behind him went up and hands gripped his tunic. “Pick me!” was screamed at his fragile ears.
“All right! All right!” Albert scanned the lit faces. “Ah, you,” he pointed to a boy with sandy hair, “you,” a boy with black hair, “and you,” a little girl with red hair.
“Awwww,” the rest cried before they were shepherded by a stern maid who had appeared.
“We are ready to go.” Albert cast a disapproving eye over his charges then turned to his king who waited patiently.
“One day, great dragon, I should like to accompany you and sir Albert on a fantastic quest.” Dominick’s eyes were aglow at the very thought.
‘When you’re older, your majesty.’ Lyre bowed happily.
A young butler ushered the king off to attend his lessons. Left were Albert, his three followers, and a plotting dragon in the vast courtyard. ‘I should lay out the plan.’ With a claw Lyre drew a map in a small patch of sand. He purred in joy as he traced an outline of a castle, putting an X inside to mark the spot.
The boy with sandy hair, and worship in his eyes, turned to Albert. “Shall we fight hordes of masked men”
“No, no Trey.” The black haired boy shook his head. “We light the place on fire”
“Stanley, you’re so dumb.” The girl smacked both over the head. “We sneak in through the aqueducts”
“Ah, Marcia.” Albert turned a critical eye upon her. “And what would you do with Lyre? Push him in from behind? He would not fit.” All three children sat before him in contemplation. Glancing up at Lyre, they inspected him from head to toe wondering how he would fit in each of their plans.
Albert sighed in disbelief. “You have this thought out, haven’t you?” He looked to Lyre as well. ‘Have I ever missed something in my plans?’ Lyre sounded smug.
“If you are subtly telling me you meant for that witch to feel the way she did, I will have you scales misplaced.” Albert’s eyes narrowed.
Lyre chuckled at this threat. ‘I would not have let her keep you, dear friend’
Albert looked slightly mollified. “Tell us your plan, you pompous dragon”
With the four humans surrounding him, Lyre began. ‘Though my size is indeed a problem, this kingdom we are setting forth to conquer has a number of dragon statues. I only have to impersonate one until our plan has been set in motion. You girl, Marcia, must play a lady’s maid until you are able to give me the signal. You boys, Stanley and-uh-Trey, shall be as pages to our dear jester’
Albert looked up with a killing glint in his withered eyes. "And who, might I ask, will play such a buffoon for you”
Lyre held back the urge to make his hiccup sound. ‘I have chosen you, dear friend’
“I will not-” Albert rose.
An hour later Marcia and Stanley were held in each of Lyre’s fore claws while Trey sat excitedly gripping his tail, and an annoyed Albert sat on his neck wearing an outfit with so many bright colors he nearly shone in the afternoon sky.
“Pompous, ignorant, pushy beast of burden!” Albert cursed as they crossed over the dazzling seas. Leaving the kingdom and Lyre’s purple mountains far behind. No clouds marred the endless stretch of blue above.
‘Like the view?’ Lyre tilted so Albert could gaze fully on a lush island drifting in the waters.
“Better than any I’ve seen before.” Albert stared in wonder.
By nightfall Lyre descended on the emerging coast of a foreign land. The travel-weary children stumbled closer to Albert as he collected a bit of wood for a fire Lyre was to provide.
“Let us help you, sir Albert.” Marcia yawned and dropped off to sleep on the sand.
“Great deal of help you are.” Albert muttered as Trey and Stanley followed her lead. The three children curled in on themselves for warmth. “If you wouldn’t mind directing me to a place I could find some blankets I would be most appreciative”
Lyre sniffed the air. ‘I smell humans west of here, not too far but I’ll fly your creaky bones anyway’
“How thoughtful.” Albert shot back sarcastically as they took off.
The lights of torches indicated a small village hidden in a forest’s clearing. Laughter and music floated up to where Lyre hovered, landing lightly in a clearing close by he shoved Albert forward encouragingly.
‘Act your piece, mighty Jester.’ The hiccups erupted from his throat.
Albert huffed in mock anger as he set out into the wild wood. A few minutes later everything went still and silent causing Albert’s spine to stiffen in terror. With no sword to draw and no dragon’s fire to protect him, the tiniest snap of a twig had him hobbling along as fast as he could.
The undergrowth ended so suddenly Albert fell face first in the dirt before a dozen villagers’ surprised eyes. Lifting himself, and the shredded dignity he called his own, off the ground he risked a glance up. The villagers, only seeing an elderly man dressed in a flamboyant costume with mud clinging to his features, began to laugh so hard many nearly fell over. Albert’s face flushed beneath his mud mask as he stood and dusted himself off.
“Might I persuade one of you to lend me a blanket for a night?” He asked.
It seems that an old man covered in dirt asking for a blanket was hilarious, so the laughter resumed even louder than before. Frustrated with all the mirth at his expense, Albert trudged over to a small hut. Inside the cozy abode he scooped up a few itchy wools and left. The villagers took this as another joke enjoying it as Albert muttered himself back to the forest.
Lyre looked up happily lazing about in the thick grass. ‘How was your visit’
“A regular roll in the hay.” Albert snarled.
‘I sorely missed your barking.’ Lyre sighed as they took off to camp.
“Ah, I missed you too.” Albert tucked a blanket around each child, taking special care to not wake them. “They seem so peaceful when they aren’t chattering”
‘You do enjoy their company, don’t you?’ Lyre gazed on the knight fondly.
“I suppose I might feel some affection for my youthful companions.” Albert smiled.
Full night settled overhead but something seethed under the sea’s calm demeanor. It was lying in wait for the perfect moment to strike. Dawn arose to Trey bounding up; sand flew as he shook his head. “Morning everyone! Tis time to break our fasts and fight hordes of angry beasts”
Albert cracked open a bleary eye to gaze at the page. “Are you daft? The sun has barely made its way above the sea.” He rolled over.
Staring at him was Stanley. “Sir Albert, might we light a few bridges on fire to ward off our enemies?” He looked so very eager. Albert groaned as he sat upright. His white hair stood in every direction for he had taken off his hat the night before. “Good God, children never still when you deem it necessary”
Marcia leapt up at the sight. “You’re awake, sir.” She looked to Lyre. “Would you have a bit of tea for kind Albert”
Lyre snorted happily at the shade of purple Albert had turned with all the fuss being dealt to him. ‘I think he has no need of tea; he appears to be warm enough. Shall we begin to execute our fine plan’
Albert rolled his eyes in irritation as the three children helped him to his feet. “Prithee I remind you that I am a great knight and not some dawdling village idiot”
Marcia giggled as she stepped back. “Can we go yet”
Lyre scooped up the children and Albert, flying as high as they could handle. Not far off was a gigantic castle towering over the land. Its stonewalls were home to fierce-looking gargoyles.
Trey gulped in fear. “We don’t have to go there, do we”
“Chin up, boy.” Albert straightened his jester’s hat. “Let us get on with this, dragon”
Lyre landed in the woods so as not to be seen by sentries, though there were none around. Albert stumbled off, brushing any wind-blown leaves from his costume. The three children followed suit.
“Remember your instructions.” Albert advised. “If you run into trouble escape to the gardens, Lyre should be there to guard over you until it is time”
The three pages nodded before disappearing towards the castle. Albert looked to Lyre before he too hobbled away to the main gate. As he walked he tripped over a hunter’s trap. The rope snapped taut, causing him to hang upside down off the floor.
“What the devil is this doing so close to a castle?” Albert silently cursed his stupidity for not checking the ground.
A shadow sprang towards him, halting to stare wide-eyed at its catch. Seeing only an old man swing upside down with his arms crossed the shadow, a young woman, began to shake with laughter.
“Does everyone in this accursed country have the urge to laugh when I walk by?” Albert sniffed indignantly.
“Aye, old man. I have just seen you and I do feel I must laugh.” She giggled as she took out a bow to shoot the rope.
“Don’t-” It was too late, he was already sent sprawling on the forest floor. “Oh, my head”
The young woman led him to the castle as he rubbed his aching head. Meanwhile Lyre restlessly paced, waiting for nightfall was harder than he thought. When he sighed in frustration a stream of fire lit a tree on fire.
‘Not again,’ Lyre used his tail to beat the fire out. ‘They had better hurry and locate the treasure or I might burn down the castle to find it.’ A large cloud passed overhead, a storm was brewing. ‘Perfect.’ Lyre vanished to the courtyard where he would await the signal.
Inside the castle Marcia had joined a group of girls who giggled brainlessly as they walked. Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, she joined in when a few curious eyes turned her way. She smiled at Stanley to show that she was ready for anything.
Stanley and Trey were waiting for Albert to make his appearance. Trey bounded from foot to foot in impatience. “When is he”
The main doors swung wide open as the courtiers peered over one another for a better view. Albert paused on the threshold to gaze in wonder at the tapestries hanging behind the throne. They depicted a great battle between land dragons and water serpents, dark storm clouds raged over a great volcano erupting to massacre the land below.
“Welcome to my kingdom, Jester.” The young woman turned her face to Albert and smiled. “I appoint this fine fellow as my newest entertainer, welcome him like a king.” She shouted to her subjects.
Cheers went up shaking the very foundations of ancient stone. Albert, annoyed at this introduction, mocked a bow just wanting to steal the treasure and get out. Curiosity got the better of him though.
“Might I inquire who owns this castle? Be it you, young huntress”
The woman laughed in delight. “A mighty fine huntress I would make. Aye, I am Queen of this nation, this is my castle Thorina”
“It is named after her majesty.” Stanley walked up and bowed.
Thorina nodded her head regally. “My Jester is in need of attendants, gather some and present yourselves quickly”
Stanley smiled as Trey walked forward. “I believe we shall be enough”
“Serve him well.” Thorina gestured for them to follow her to the throne.
Albert detested having to sit at her feet like a dog when she was not his liege, but when he hesitated Trey crashed into him from behind. Albert was sprawled out on the dais when Thorina turned to look at him.
Marcia took the chance to slip away and locate the treasure chamber. Laughter followed her up a winding staircase. Lyre was waiting for her to signal him the attack was ready to begin she would not fail. A dreamy look came into her eyes as she imagined herself riding atop Lyre beside her hero Sir Albert as thousands cheered her glory.
Not paying attention, Marcia crashed into a solid body. Glancing up she saw a grizzled knight glaring down at her. She gulped when he reached out, but all he did was set her on her feet.
“What are you doing so far from the festivities, little miss?” He asked in a gruff voice.
Her legs quaked. “Just looking for your treasure trove”
He laughed thinking she was joking. “Third door on your left.” Another knight walked up beside him, they both left laughing. “Cute kid.” Marcia grinned triumphantly. She followed his directions, opening the door. There it was: a mountain of treasure for Lyre to steal.

In the courtyard, Lyre struggled not to flinch as a tiny dove perched gracefully on his snout. Each time the bird fluttered a wing the feathers tickled his scales, the movements threatened to send him into a frenzy of fiery sneezes. ‘Hurry up.’ Lyre pleaded as a pair of lovers gazed with awe at the many statues in the vibrant gardens. Their innocent footfalls sent chills down Lyre’s spine.
The dove, as if sensing the dragon’s discomfort, shook itself off and fled to a nearby tree. Lyre sighed in relief earning him a sharp look from the couple. Lyre gulped silently, but nothing ever came of the glance. “Oh darling, lets get married right here.” The girl swooned happily. “He is a dragon unlike any other around”
“Yes, I suppose he is.” The boy stared at the statue with suspicion. “Oh but dearest one, he is as lovely as your eyes that have held my heart captive from the first moment the heavens showered the riches of my first sighting of you.” The girl sighed as she spoke.
Lyre glared down in disgust. ‘Humans are such fickle creatures’
“What was that!?” The couple held on to one another in terror. ‘Uh-oh.’ Lyre froze. “Did you hear that?” The boy cried out.
“Maybe it was a sign from the Great One that we are to be blessed in matrimony.” The girl’s eyes lit up.
Lyre would have smirked if he could have. ‘Beautiful mortals, hear my words as I bestow them upon you.’ Lyre deepened his voice.
“We hear you, Great One!” The girl exclaimed reverently.
‘Such youth must not be wasted. Go forth and seek the union of your souls this night. Be not afraid of what is to come. Go my children and never look back to what the past might hold. Go forth and be strong.’ Lyre was pleased with himself for having made such a fine speech.
“Yes, Great One. We must not be afraid, Lancet.” The girl ran off carrying her new fiancé along behind her. Lyre caught himself in a chuckle as a second pair of lovers came into view. Not wanting to repeat the earlier annoyances he tried once more to be like stone…feel like a stone. That was until a second bird came along. ‘Please hurry, you crotchety old pirate!’

Wasting no time Marcia ran to a window, grabbing a torch she waved it about until she saw a shadow stir. Lyre was ready when Marcia signaled him, but the dove was not. Launching from his spot he flew upward frightening a pair of lovers as they wandered the paths. Straight as an arrow, he burst through the stone ceiling to plummet down into the treasure room. Marcia was already busy filling the bags she had brought with treasure; Lyre was only there to speed up the process.
In the main hall none had heard nor cared about the explosion of sound that echoed in the castle so enthralled they were by Albert. The old knight looked pleased to see so many faces riveted by his story of challenging a deadly troll.
Using a courtier’s rod he acted out his adventures playing the troll’s part as well. Thorina sat at the edge of her seat in wonder as Albert thrust his play sword forward then collapsed on the floor at the troll’s death. Cheers rose as he bowed. To the crowd he was immortal, to Trey and Stanley he was as close to a demi-god as a mortal could be. Finished loading their treasure to Lyre’s back, Marcia climbed on as they burst into the main hall. Lyre paused for a moment to stare at Albert’s flushed face. The knight was in his element and would need to be dragged home.
Lyre swooped in catching Albert in his claws as both Trey and Stanley jumped onto his tail. Roaring in fake rage he lit the tapestries on fire before exploding out of the doors. “Catch that dragon! He has stolen our Jester!” Thorina cried in outrage. “We need our Jester”
Hundreds ran to the courtyard in time to see Lyre fly away carrying Jester, treasure, and all. A low collective moan ensued; it tore at Lyre’s heart. Back in their journey across the sea the group was so busy rearranging themselves comfortably they never noticed a pair of eyes hovering at the surface of the waves. It watched and it followed.
They arrived in their beloved kingdom of Lemonstar where King Dominick awaited their return. Trey, Stanley, and Marcia rambled on about their victory against the cruel, bloodthirsty Queen. Each story grew to be more fantastic than the last. An envoy arrived a while later just as Albert was changing back into his armor. Dominick read the message in the open gardens so Lyre could be included.
“You three have been charged with kidnapping a jester.” The young king turned to the pages and then Albert. “What Jester”
Lyre coughed. ‘Albert is the Jester’
“Albert.” Dominick blinked. “They can’t have him, he is my most trusted knight.” Lyre laughed at such a determined answer. ‘I shall take my leave you; I have a mass of treasure that needs to be settled. I’ll come back again soon, dear friend.’ Lyre lowered his head for Albert to pet fondly. “Pushy dragon”
‘Old man, you would amuse the very stars from their heavens if you wished.’ Lyre took off to his purple mountains.
Albert groaned. “I never want to hear the word amuse again”
A dozen children latched on to his scrawny arms begging for the newest story. Dominick hung back, annoyed; he glared at Marcia, Trey, and Stanley. “They really wanted him? How could you possible even let them think they could have him for their own”
Marcia shrugged. Trey looked thoughtful a moment. “I feel rather bad for having destroyed part of their castle. They loved Albert almost as much as we do”
“It was better they had their castle destroyed by Lyre than when I do if they dare come for Albert.” Dominick stormed away in childish rage.
As Lyre flew home, treasure laden and exhausted, a serpent burst out from the sea roaring a challenge to the death. It charged at Lyre as he hovered in surprise.
‘What is this?’ Was all Lyre thought before he flung himself to catch the attacker in mid-air.