I am so sorry, said the person who entered, The door provided less resistance than I had imagined. She turned and closed the door softly.
I have attempted, she continued, somewhat ineffectually, to tame my hair so as not to present too wild a spectacle and cause you to retract your kind offer.
Then, stooping low to avoid collisions with the ceiling beams, she approached the fireside and sat down upon a vacant stool there.
The diminutive figure, which appeared to be almost swallowed by the size of the great armchair within which it sat, reached out a small hand on the end of an unusually short arm and said, come drink a beer with me and relate to me some things of interest that you have witnessed in your travels.
I can tell you the curious tale of how this smooth white stone came into my possession, said the stranger.
She took a long drink from the bottle and began. It was late in the evening, I was scanning the horizon for chimneys, as is my habit, and looking out for a suitable place to spend the night. I saw in the distance, amongst a great growth of trees, a thin trace of smoke winding upwards. I decided upon consideration that this might kill both birds with one stone and so I made my way into the trees there.
It seemed to take a hugely long time before I eventually came to the edge of a clearing wherein a small open fire was laid and lit, producing the thin trace which I had spied. I stood close in the great boles of the trees to better review the quality of welcome that I may expect upon revealing myself. The only other item of note in the clearing was an overgrown stone well, which I had at first overlooked. I could not ascertain the whereabouts of the fire lighter. Upon further inspection I noticed that in the far edge of the clearing came a group of wolves, hungry as always, who appeared intent on inspecting the clearing as well, but were being held in check by the fire.
Not long after, as the light dimmed and the firelight became bright, I heard a hollow sound and a small figure, no larger than a child, but supporting a beard and a merry hat, climbed out of the well and sat down by the fireside. I was on the point of calling out and introducing my presence, so that I may partake of the warmth of the small flames when a strange event occurred that stayed my hand. The diminutive figure stood up and upon shaking himself vigorously, was instantly replaced by a very handsome rabbit. I was astonished beyond words and drew back still further into the darkness from which I had been intending to emerge. The wolves on the far side of the clearing, became agitated and emboldened by the prospect of rabbit for supper. They began to furtively make their way into the clearing fanning out to prevent the rabbit’s escape. The rabbit, for itself, seemed unconcerned and began to clean his ears. Folding first one and then the other over his head with his paws.
Suddenly, the first wolf ‘s nose came into the firelight and the rabbit became aware of it. The rabbit took a stick from edge of the fire and began to stir it like a pot, the fire blazed brightly and from the centre rose a bright spot which shone like a piece of the sun. This fragment, which I admit was so bright that it was hard to look at, rose with its own power radiating bright light across the clearing. The Wolves, spellbound and nervous, retreated back into the dark of the trees. Meanwhile the rabbit hopped off in the opposite direction, disappearing into the undergrowth, not to be seen again.
As you can imagine I was loath to enter the clearing having seen wonders for which I had no explanation. But, as the glowing fragment had lowered back into the fire and I was beginning to shiver with cold, I crept up to the fire and lay down in the aura of its glow.
The next morning, when I awoke, the fire had gone out like a normal fire but at its centre a glow still remained and, in that glow, lay a white stone seeming made of light. I carefully moved the stone from the fire and as it cooled the light faded until it looked like this.
With those words she shewed her hand and upon the palm lay a stone. The stone was the size of a small apple, not perfectly around but smooth beyond compare and as white as driven snow.
That is an intriguing tale, said the fireside listener, it sounds to me very much like the tales my mother would tell us on winters nights to help us forget the chill of our beds and the darkness of the night. I cannot help but suspect that you may have fashioned this tale in order to persuade me to share my meagre supper with yourself.
Rising from her stool to tower over the small, seated figure, the Chimney Sweep said, You doubt my word, well then see if this can change your mind. And with that she threw the white stone into the heart of the fire.
Wow, said the elder of Az, great stuff, your story certainly has the style of the old fairy tales but is none the worse for that. Also, I am enjoying the way you leave us readers wondering what can possibly happen next. I shall come by next week to see what unfolds.
See you then said the Blue Knight and returned to his desk. Later, speaking under his breath, he was heard to mutter, I’m quite excited to see what happens myself.
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The Guardians of the Cave 