The Dragons' Lair Chapter 5

Chapter Five.

 

Finn in Hiding.

 

Sadly, Finn rode back through the town gates. He had ridden hard since leaving home, sleeping by the roadside, and he was now tired, dirty, and, if the pretty girl was to be believed, there were no Dragons.

There was an inn just outside the gates. Finn used some of his small store of money to stable his horses and buy his first proper meal in days. He also paid for a bath. After eating the simple fare and changing into clean clothes, he felt a little better.

The next morning, he wandered back into town and down to where the seaweed was being loaded into the great vats. The firewood had dried enough to burn, and the workers were busy feeding the flames.

He watched for a few minutes.

“Shame,” he thought. “That pretty girl isn’t here.”

He turned to go, and slipped, landing hard. As he scrambled up, he saw two riders approaching. He recognised them instantly. His father and older brother.

He groaned. They must have ridden hard and fast to catch him.

Still on the ground, he was hidden from their view by one of the vats. He edged closer, keeping out of sight.

They were speaking to the man in charge.

“Good morning, Prince Emdan,” said Finn’s father.

“And a good morning to you, King Brinn. Not seen you for many a year. What brings you to Sealand?”

Finn stared. He had not known his father knew Prince Emdan.

“Not since your wedding,” said King Brinn.

“True,” said Emdan. “You didn’t make it to my son’s or daughter’s Naming Days.”

“No,” said King Brinn. “My wife was very ill by then, and we didn’t like to leave her. This is my son Glinn, by the way.”

Glinn bowed.

“My youngest son, Finn, has disappeared,” Brinn said. “He rode out a few days ago. Have you seen him?”

Emdan shook his head. “Not seen any strangers here recently. What makes you think he was coming here?”

“He has this thing about Dragons, and I know from your wedding that Sealand has been visited by them in the past. There were a whole lot of them there. Finn was forbidden to leave the Palace, and I am very angry with him for disobeying me.”

“Yes,” thought Finn. “I knew this was the place to come.”

Then he frowned. “Father knew about the Dragons, but he never said so. Why?”

“There certainly were Dragons,” Emdan went on, “and they came to our daughter’s Naming Day. But they haven’t been back since, and that’s about eighteen years ago.”

King Brinn sighed.

“Anyway,” said Emdan, “come up to the Castle and refresh yourselves. If Finn is anywhere in town, my men will find him.”

Emdan led King Brinn and Prince Glinn away. Finn stood up and brushed himself off.

He needed somewhere to hide. The town was too small for a stranger to go unnoticed. He stood thinking, then noticed that all the men working at the vats had blackened faces from the fires. He found a piece of charred wood. Soon his face was as black as any of theirs.

At the Castle, King Brinn and Prince Glinn were given time to wash before being presented to King Oswald and Queen Jessamy. Princess Jasmine and Princess Sarriette were in the Throne Room as well.

Sarriette gasped when she saw Glinn. He looked like a slightly older version of the young man she had spoken to in town.

Rose brought in a tray of sandwiches. While everyone was eating, Sarriette managed to whisper to her.

“That is the older brother of the man I saw in town. He was Prince Finn. He’s run away from home to look for Dragons. We have to help him. This could be our adventure. I can’t go out, but you can. Find Prince Finn and bring him to the Castle. We’ll hide him here.”

“But what does he look like?” asked Rose.

“Exactly like Prince Glinn, only younger and not quite as handsome. And don’t forget, he’s already spoken to you. Or at least he thinks he has.”

Rose nodded. “I’ll go as soon as I’ve finished here.”

“Oh,” breathed Sarriette, “this could be our adventure.”

As soon as she could, Rose slipped out of the Castle and into town. As usual, Billy Suggins appeared.

“You can make yourself useful for once,” said Rose. “Have you seen the man who spoke to me yesterday?”

Billy frowned. “You shouldn’t talk to strange men.”

Rose stamped her foot. “Unless you want me to tell my father you follow me everywhere, you can help me find him.”

“All right, all right,” said Billy. “No need for that.” He sighed. “I saw him a short time ago, down on the beach.” He giggled. “He’d wiped soot all over his face.”

“Take me to him,” snapped Rose.

“Can I walk with you instead of following?” asked Billy.

“I suppose so,” said Rose.

Prince Finn was still by the seaweed vats.

“That’s him,” said Billy.

Rose approached the black‑faced prince. “Hello, Prince Finn,” she said quietly.

He jumped and spun round. “How do you know my name?” Then, panicking: “My father and brother aren’t with you, are they?”

“No,” said Rose. “They’re up at the Castle. If you need somewhere to hide, you’d better come with me.”

“Why should I?” demanded Finn.

Billy raised his fists.

“Don’t be silly,” said Rose. “Just because you’ve covered your face with soot doesn’t mean you’re hidden. Even Billy found you.”

Billy lowered his fists and grinned.

“The town will be crawling with soldiers soon,” Rose went on. “Billy here will take you to the little gate in the Castle garden. I’ll open it and hide you somewhere no one will ever think to look. Then we can talk about Dragons.”

Billy sniffed. “Why should I?”

Rose leaned over and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “That’s why.”

Billy blushed.

Half an hour later, Prince Finn was inside the Castle and hidden in the Magician’s room.

“This is a good place to hide,” said Rose. “Only Princess Sarriette and I come in here. There’s a bathroom through there, you can wash. You look silly with a black face. I’ll bring you food as soon as I can.”

“Thank you,” said Finn. “But I don’t understand why you’re helping me.”

“You’ll see,” said Rose, and left, locking the door behind her.