By Rachel Blasco

Rating: G

Word Count: 3866

Summary: An unlikely friendship forms between a knight, a princess and her dragon

Despite being a small country, Lor had more than its share of what the King referred to as ‘ill luck’. Such as a band of wandering Ogres that attacked a small village. The King, being a good man, was quite concerned when he heard about the attack on his subjects. He took his band of valiant knights and set out for that village immediately. The villagers were quite flattered at his appearance, but rather unconcerned about the attack.
“Oh, all is well. You see, we have James,” they said, as if this explained everything.
“And who is James? A powerful wizard of some sort?” inquired the baffled King.
“Oh no, he’s the farmhand of Farmer Kent.”
The King eventually put together from the very chatty peasants that the farmhand in question was a very brave and useful lad. He had fought off and repelled the Ogres several times after sternly scolding them. Though he wasn’t very tall or very broad in the shoulders, he had never shown any fear of anything.
The King, who was always on the lookout for another knight, went to meet this young man. He found James to be of average height, with red hair, a very thin face, and large eyes. In his appearance was nothing impressive, particularly strong-looking, or very handsome. Though the King had been tempted to believe the stories about the lad, at the face of this rather scrawny creature he was experiencing doubt. However, when he questioned the lad and heard his humble and believable stories of the attack, he could believe it. But still, before he made his offer he wished to see the lad in action. So he offered James some coins if he would test his mettle against one of his knights. The lad agreed, on the condition that the knight wore no armor and used no weapon. Seeing the fairness of this, the King agreed.
James sized up his larger opponent as he circled around him, dodging his blows. Then he dropped low, swept the taller man’s legs out from under him, and climbed on top of his back, effectively pinning him down. The fight had been brief, but the cunning and the daring of the farm hand impressed the King, and he took the lad with him.
The lad was quiet; but curious. He agreed to submit to being trained as a knight so as to serve his King and his land. He found the castle cold and drafty, but the company was just as cheerful as those he had left in the village. Though he remained quiet and tight-lipped about his past, he made friends with the other young knights in training. He proved himself to be both brave and loyal.
Several years later, after James had taken the oath of the knights, he proved his worth to the King and his fellow knights. Nobly he fought the evil giant that attacked their land, and conquered him. But he was quick to show mercy, as well, such as when an enchanter kept kidnapping peasants because he was lonely. Sir James went and had a long talk with the unconventional enchanter. He strongly suggested that the enchanter learn how to start making friends, instead. As a result, Sir James saw to it that all the inconvenienced but calm peasants were released. But somehow he ended up promising to come back and visit the lonely enchanter. After that, he had to deal with some ribbing from the other knights about his ‘new friend’. Still, he was a man of his word, and visited the enchanter on a regular basis.
The noble Knight had the politest manners among any of the King’s Knights and became his second-best fighter. Sir James fought villains and rescued damsels. But then the King’s niece arrived – her royal highness, Princess Ronelda the Third. After that, many things changed. To the poor Knight’s astonishment, he found most of his tasks now involved retrieving the Princess from a certain dragon. Not rescuing, but retrieving.
Princess Ronelda the Third was quite unusual, and a handful for her royal aunt and uncle. With black hair and blue eyes, her appearance, while being quite striking, was not overly pretty – though she looked at least a little pretty when she was smiling. She demanded to be addressed as Ronnie instead of Ronelda, against the wishes of the King and Queen, but they eventually succumbed to this and ordered that she be addressed by all as Princess Ronnie.
She had named the dragon ‘Bilbo’ and would often fly away on him when she was cross with her aunt and uncle. And so it fell to the noble Knight James to once again summon her and bring her back to the castle. The poor Knight was beginning to feel as if he were an errand boy instead of a warrior, but he went down to the stables without his armor, and went to his stallion which the King had given him.
“Hello, Sir,” greeted one of the young stable boys.
“Hello, Peter,” replied the Knight as he grabbed his saddle.
“Still no squire yet?” asked Peter, as he moved to help his favorite knight.
“Afraid so. I’m not interested in taking a servant of my own; the court has enough mouths to feed without me adding another one,” said James.
Peter, being on the bottom of the pecking order, couldn’t understand this, but didn’t argue with his favorite knight. “Are they sending you to rescue the Princess from that dragon again, Sir?” he asked instead.
James gave a quiet laugh. “I wonder if a firebrand like that will ever need rescuing from anything, but yes, they’ve sent me to collect the Princess.”
“I wish they wouldn’t!” said the little stable hand impulsively. “What if the dragon decides he wants to keep the princess and tries to eat you?”
The Knight smiled at him and ruffled his hair. “Don’t worry, Peter, that dragon has never eaten anyone in his life; he thinks it’s bad manners.”

The Knight mounted. James knew precisely where to find the Princess, though this meeting was be quite different than the first one. The first time the Princess had left with her scaled friend, her royal aunt and uncle thought she had been kidnapped. Immediately they had sent all their knights, including James, to retrieve her. This time James knew the Princess was simply restless.
The Knight rode through the thick green forest to a peaceful river. He rode his stallion alongside it, following it for a ways.
Sir James spied the dragon in the distance. Bilbo was not a full grown dragon, but he was still the height of at least three men. Covered with green scales, and with two yellow eyes like a cat, the dragon was an intimidating creature to behold. Yet there he lounged beside the rolling river, with the Princess sleeping on the creature’s green scales. .
The dragon spied him as the Knight raised his hand in salute. His horse rode over to the pair, and he quietly greeted the dragon.
“Ah, it’s you, Ronnie’s friend,” rumbled the dragon. “Friend Jamesious, have you traveled far? If you hunger, I can catch you some supper.”
It was a peculiar feeling being addressed in such a cheerful manner by a creature covered in scales and with such long teeth. Its head lowered towards him, the mouth curled into what the Knight hoped was a smile.
“Ah no, but thank you, Friend Bilbo. Her majesty the Queen has inquired of me to retrieve the Princess for the ball tonight,” James replied.
“Ah, a party!” sighed the young dragon. “The music, the food, the laughter! I wish I might attend as well. Do you attend, Friend Jamesious?”
“If I must,” replied the other with a slightly amused smile. “I’m afraid I’m a poor conversationalist and an even worse dancer.”
Bilbo sighed. “Ah, such a pity.”
“I’m not going!” announced a voice from his back.
Surprised, James strained his neck, but could not see the black-haired Princess. Bilbo implored her to reconsider, saying such a ball should not be wasted. She slid down the dragon’s back.
“Just think of all the pretty dancing you could see! You could even teach Friend Jamesious to dance!” persuaded Bilbo.
“Balls are all the same! You mustn’t laugh too long or loudly, even at the man with bells on his shoes. You must converse with every single one of the guests. It’s so dull!” the Princess sighed. “The only thing that could make it bearable would be if you were coming.” She caressed the dragon’s long face. Bilbo rubbed his scaly face against her smooth one, like a big cat.
Reluctantly she bid her dragon friend farewell. Sir James helped her mount his stallion, which was so far the only horse that could be coaxed to approach the dragon. They returned to the drafty castle and its beautiful gardens. Then her royal aunt swept the princess away.
That evening the ball was an affair to be remembered. Lit by bright chandeliers, the ballroom was gayly attired with soft fringed rugs and tables cluttered with food of all sorts. Heavy but lovely curtains and tapestries adorned the walls as nobles danced, ate, and laughed. Princes swept their chosen ladies about the dancing floor of the chamber.
Then Sir James caught sight of the black-haired Princess Ronnie, leaning back against one of the tall pillars. The Princess was beautifully attired in a fashionable gown. However, the Knight suspected it was only because she liked the style rather than actually caring about what was in season. It was a dark blue color that fetchingly brought out her gray eyes. Still, her red lips scowled, and she hardly seemed to be watching the dancers she appeared to be gazing at.
“Is everything alright, your Highness? You seem a bit downcast,” James inquired.
The Princess sighed. “Oh, look at how beautiful and silly everything is! Bilbo would have loved it! He should have been here instead of me.”
Knowing the little about the dragon that he did, the Knight well-believed this. “Perhaps you could have your own little ball with him?” he suggested. “You could bring a basket full of food and show him the courtly style of dancing.”
“Why, James! That’s a lovely idea!” she exclaimed, delighted. “But surely you must attend, as well! I must have a partner to dance with, and I promise I won’t tell Bilbo your secret!”
“Er…the Princess is most kind, but –”
“Oh, come off it, James! No one is listening to us, don’t be so formal! We are friends!” Princess Ronnie scolded.
“Indeed, but your Uncle may misunderstand –”
Whatever the Knight had been intending to say was lost at a curious sound.
The heavy wooden doors from the outside of the ballroom were being pushed open. The pair turned to see a huge head peeking around the wooden door.
“Bilbo?” asked Sir James in disbelief.
“Bilbo!” the Princess cried in delight.
The Dragon entered the ballroom looking pleased and shy. There was complete silence as everyone stared at the dragon.
“Good evening, everyone,” he greeted shyly. “I apologize for my intrusion.”
The ballroom exploded in cries of terror and calls to arms.
“Protect the women!” cried one of the Knights.
“We’re under attack!”
The Princes and Knights looked a lot less friendly than they had a moment ago.
Sir James sighed. “Here we go again.”
“NO! STOP IT! DRAW BACK, ALL OF YOU!!” cried the Princess in alarm.
Bilbo was looking nervous now. Princess Ronnie and the Knight were not the only ones flying towards him. He drew back a little.
The Princess stood in front of the dragon, shouting that anyone that wished to attack her friend had to go through her first. Two slender knives were in her hands, a gift from her royal sire. Sir James stood to the right of the dragon, shouting that the creature was not only harmless, but only there for the dancing.
“My Father is Jerel the Guardian; do not think that I haven’t had training in battle!” growled the Princess.
The crowd was still now, some saying one thing and some another, as the King and Queen pushed their way to the front.
The King approached, unarmed, his hands lifted. “Peace, peace. I apologize for the confusion, but yes, this dragon means no harm, he is a trusted friend of my niece!” he declared.
“Your niece is friends with that great brute?” cried one of the visiting Princes in disgust.
“He’s not a brute, he’s a dear sensitive friend! You’re the brute, Prince Hamish!” snapped Princess Ronnie.
The King sighed. “Bilbo is harmless. Now that the matter of the dragon is settled, please continue enjoying yourselves.”
With that, he clapped his hands. The musicians began again, granted somewhat shakily. There was no laughter now, or dancing, but very much talk.
“Friend Bilbo,” said the King sternly.
The dragon dropped his head. “My apologies for intruding, it’s just I’ve always wanted to see a ball and I thought no one would mind.” He sighed.
“As you know, some other lands have trouble with certain dragons. Not every creature can be trusted. Thus dragons make some nervous,” scolded the King.
“Yes, Friend King.” The dragon had the tone and a look akin to that of a child admonished by a parent. The sight struck Knight James as being slightly comical.
Ronnie’s Uncle blinked a little at the curious title of ‘Friend King’, but went on, “The next time you arrive it will be for a much smaller crowd.” He sighed.
“The next time?” inquired the dragon.
“It’s important to be on good terms with one’s neighbors. Ronnie shall see to it that you get your invitation in a few months. Please leave some food for the other guests, and don’t step on anyone. I will attempt to begin the dancing. Please excuse me.”
Bilbo looked dazed. “Beloved Ronnie! Has Friend King invited me to a ball?!” he whispered.
Ronnie had a wide smile as she leaned against him. “Indeed,” she said, the pleasure clear in her voice. Her Uncle had brought his wife out onto the dance floor and was dancing with skill.
“Your highness, if I may ask you a question?” Sir James said.
“You may.”
“Where were you keeping those knives?”
She laughed a little. “That is my secret.”
They ushered the dragon closer to the wall. People stared and gaped at them, drawing back. Bilbo seemed hurt by this, but they assured him of how edgy royal courts were.
“Why, most of these people have never even seen a dragon before!” the Princess told him. Bilbo settled down.
At first, James did not notice how the crowd parted before them like the Red Sea. How the men and women stared wide-eyed at the Princess, who claimed such close friendship with the large dragon. Sir James, himself, however, was hardly surprised. He knew that the Princess was a fierce creature, protecting her own.
But Princess Ronnie favored him with a fond smile. “Thank you for all your help, my friend.”
James gave her a smile. “Of course.”
The ball seemed to have returned to normal. Ronnie and James sat with the dragon. The scaly beast enjoyed the music, the likes of which he had never heard before, the pair making remarks about the ball, telling him stories of past balls and what it was like to dance on two legs. The scaly uninvited guest enjoyed himself immensely, if only because of the good company.
The ball disbanded earlier than it usually would. But some people, after being frightened nearly to death, were of course tired. After the guests had gone to bed, Bilbo left after promising to never drop by uninvited again. Then the Princess and Sir James were called for a conference with the King and Queen.
“How could you do that in front of the entire court?” Ronnie’s royal Aunt cried. “Rumors about you will be all over the kingdom! No man will wish to marry you now!”
Ronnie sighed. “What else was I supposed to do? Allow them to hurt Bilbo? He’s my friend!”
“Well, your friend doomed any chance you ever had of making a match or marrying at all! We’ll have to bribe a man to marry you now!”
“I didn’t come here to make a match, Aunt!” she replied.
“Well, good, because you’ll never make one now!”
Sir James cleared his throat. Caught off guard, the three all turned to look at him. “Actually, if the Princess is not opposed, it might be useful to her to leave the castle for a while. She could come with me on the diplomatic mission you wished me to attend to.”
Everyone stared at him.
“That ambassador mission?” repeated the King.
“Yes, it might give the public some time to forget about this incident.”
“But you are hardly a decent chaperone for our niece! You’re a man! And the two of you –” protested the Queen.
“Ah…..well,” replied Sir James, “if you promise not to let this go beyond this chamber…..your Ladyship….if you care to test me?”
“Test you?” repeated the Queen, baffled. “What do you mean?”
“Sir James means that she’s far too pretty to be a man,” announced Princess Ronnie, folding her arms over her chest with a smile.
“WHAT!!” roared both the King and Queen.
“My second-best Knight, a woman?” exclaimed the king.
“Aye, Sire,” answered James, shyly.
The Princess looked quite amused by their reactions.

After some more debate the Queen, upon James’ insistence, inspected her. The older woman found evidence that the Knight was indeed what she claimed to be.
“Knight James is female,” she told her husband, shocked.
“But why would –” he began.
His niece interrupted him.
“It is very kind of you to invite me along for this, Jenny.” The Princess grinned. “I have never been that far east before.”
“I thought not,” the knight replied with a slight smile. “It’s a beautiful place and you shall find the trip informative.”
“Now hang it all!” interrupted the King. “Knight James, Jenny, or whoever you are, why have you deceived me and my court by pretending to be a man?”

The Knight looked quite embarrassed. “Well Sire, my mother before she died told me it was the safest thing for a girl of my station. The best work I could find was as a farmer’s hired hand and they wouldn’t have hired a girl. Then when you offered me a position as one of your knights, I didn’t expect you to take me if I was female.” She confessed.
“You are going to keep her as one of your knights, aren’t you Uncle?” Princess Ronnie asked suspicious.
“She’s my second-best knight!” he protested. “Of course! Though at the moment I would prefer she continue to be discreet about this around the other knights, I’m not certain what to tell them.”
“Why tell them anything?” the Princess suggested.

“My Niece, exactly how long have you known that Knight James here was hiding things from us?” asked the Queen, with her arms folded.
The Princess thought for a while, then shared a glance with her friend. “How long has it been, Jenny?” she asked.
The Knight gave a slight smile. “I think it was after I came to rescue you from Bilbo the second time. You were complaining about the visiting princes and apparently, I agreed with you too quickly and you gave me that funny glance. Then you badgered my situation out of me and then insisted on addressing me by my first name whenever you could.”
“I didn’t badger it out of you!” Ronnie protested. “I coaxed it!”

The King sighed, knowing from experience that Ronnie very likely had badgered it out of her. “Ah yes, I had such hopes that you would marry him, Ronnie dear.” He said, dismally.
The two girls gave him a look.
“Well that’s what princesses do, they marry!” he protested. “But if you want to go together on the diplomacy mission, provided you are tactful, Ronnie, you may go. It’ll be a good experience for you.”

The Queen protested that the two maids would never be safe on their own. ‘Jenny’ replied that she was happy to extend the invitation of the journey to the dragon, as well.
The King laughed until tears ran from his eyes. “My second-best knight is a woman, and she wants to take the Princess on an ambassador mission with a dragon!” he gasped with laughter, leaning against the arm of his throne for support.
“So, it’s settled?” Jenny asked.
“Settled?” exclaimed the Queen. “I should say not!”
“Actually, my dear, what is there to object to?” remarked her husband. “You have noticed yourself that our niece is not happy here. She runs off every chance she gets with that scaly childhood friend of hers. Sending her on this ambassador mission might be good for her. And with Bilbo along, and my second best knight, and several guards just for good measure, she will also be perfectly safe.”

A few weeks later, Princess Ronnie and her friend, the Knight Jenny, were on the road to another kingdom.
“Ah, what a lovely day!” sighed the dragon. “I have never ventured here before.”
“I have, it’s a beautiful country,” replied Jenny.
“You know, when I first came here and met you several months ago, I never thought we would become such friends,” remarked the Princess with a fond smile. “I suppose I have Bilbo to thank for showing me that.”
“Oh? How so?” inquired both the knight and the dragon with surprise.
“You remember that brief scare my aunt and uncle had when someone thought Bilbo had kidnapped me?”
Both assented. “Of course.”
“I still cannot believe that anyone thought I would ever abduct someone. As if I were one of those villainous evil knights,” Bilbo sighed.
“Well, that was just it!” Princess Ronnie turned to the knight. “When you came with that arrogant Prince and took in the situation so calmly, and realized that Bilbo was my faithful companion. That Prince was eager to fight and to kill poor Bilbo, but you stopped him.”
“It was a simple misunderstanding. There are, after all, some evil dragons in the world, just as there are some evil knights.” replied the knight.
The Princess gave a sad little laugh as she caressed the dragon’s head. “True, there are. A misunderstanding, certainly, but no one made it so simple as you. Everyone else says that I’m no princess, not with my behavior. But you never treated me like anything else. You challenge me to live up to my responsibilities, and yet you allow me to be myself, to do things my way. That is a rare gift.”
Jenny smiled. “Perhaps you are unaware, but always you have done me the same courtesy.”
“Aww!” Princess Ronnie embraced the Knight.
Then Bilbo’s eyes teared up slightly as he embraced them both. And the five guards who had accompanied them all panicked.
*****