THE DRAGON of HUSHBY, PART III
by Abbie Farwell Brown · from Kisington Town
Adapted Version
Arthur was a brave boy. He had tamed a big dragon. Now the dragon was very small. It was cute and friendly. It sat on his shoulder. People cheered for Arthur. They threw pretty flowers. Arthur smiled a big smile.
The King was very happy. "You are very brave," he said. "You made a special promise. You will be friends with my daughter. You can help her."
Arthur had a magic glass. It could make things small. He wanted to use it. The Princess was very tall. He looked in his bag. The glass was gone!
Oscar was in the bag. He was a naughty little creature. He had the magic glass. He jumped out. "I will play a trick!" he said. He giggled.
Oscar looked through the glass. He pointed it at Arthur. Nothing happened. The glass was used up. It did not work anymore. Oscar was sad. "Oh no!" he said.
"Oscar is naughty," Arthur told the King. "He took my glass." The King nodded. "Oscar must stay with the dragon," he said. "They can be in a cozy corner. They can be friends."
Arthur felt worried. The Princess was very big. How could they be friends? He did not know. He felt a little nervous.
The heralds came back. "The Princess is gone," they said. "She went to play with another friend. She likes him more."
The King was sad. "I am sorry," he said. "I want to give you a gift. What would you like? You can choose anything."
Arthur was happy inside. "I want to go home," he said. "I am tired of adventures. I want to rest."
The King smiled. "You are a hero," he said. "I give you a shiny medal. It is very special. You are very brave. I will come to your party someday. We will have cake. It will be fun."
Arthur thought of Margot. She was his friend. He wanted to see her. He was very happy. He missed her smile.
"I'm glad things worked out!" Arthur thought. "Good things happen when we don't expect them."
Arthur smiled. He thought of his friend Margot. He was very happy to go home. He held his shiny medal tight.
Original Story
VI. THE DRAGON OF HUSHBY, PART III
Amid hurrahs and blessings and a rain of flowers, Arthur said farewell to Margot, who loved him, and to Hushby, which he had delivered from the Terror; and once more he journeyed to the King. But this time he went as a hero, whose fame had traveled before him.
The King sent heralds and soldiers to meet him, and a golden chariot to bring him to the city. When Arthur reached the palace he found a great banquet prepared, and the King himself came to welcome him and led him to the place of honor. But the Princess Agnes was not there.
As for the Dragon, every one was mad with delight over the wonderful little creature. When the King saw him he laughed so that his crown nearly fell into the soup. He delighted to tickle the Dragon's tail and hear him spit and hiss like a little tea-kettle. He liked the Dragon much better in this small edition, for he was more conveniently handled. They placed the Dragon's cage in the center of the table, where every one could see him, and the Dragon glared fiercely with his little red eyes, but no one was afraid. How times had changed since this was the Terror of Hushby!
Then the King said: "Brave Arthur, this Dragonet is the choicest treasure of my kingdom. I will keep him in a cage of gold beside my throne, and strangers will come from the ends of the world to see him. It will make my reign famous for all time, and I am very grateful to you. You are a clever fellow, and perhaps, since you have tamed a Dragon, you can tame my daughter as no one else has been able to do,-- not even the late Queen or myself. Now, then, to keep my promise. What ho, heralds! Lead forth the maid."
The heralds blew a joyous blast on their trumpets and went to fetch the Princess Agnes. Arthur found himself thinking of little Margot at the inn, and how sadly she had looked after him when he went away. But he knew that, being a hero, he must accept the responsibilities of that position and marry the Princess. He felt nervously in his wallet for the magic glass, for he said to himself:
"Since I must marry this giantess, between whom and me is little love, let me be sure that I can make her small like myself; else there will be no happiness in my family. As soon as we are wed I will stare at the big girl until she shrinks into the proper size, as did Oscar and the Dragon."
Arthur felt into the corners of his wallet for the magic glass--but it was not there! Hurriedly he searched again. It was gone! What was to be done? Must he, then, marry the giant girl and be a slave to her cruel temper all his life? Horrible thought! What had become of the glass? Suddenly he remembered Oscar, who had also been put into the wallet. Oscar likewise was gone!
Arthur saw what had happened. With his little dagger Oscar had cut the threads which bound him and had escaped, taking the magic glass with him.
"What makes your face so pale, brave Arthur?" asked the King jokingly. "Is it the thought of your dainty little bride?"
Even as Arthur opened his lips to answer, there came a shrill cry from beneath his very nose. Looking down he saw Oscar standing on the table and peering over his beaker of wine. In both arms he held the magic glass, and he was turning its shining eye upon Arthur himself.
"Revenge!" cried the little fellow, fiercely. "Revenge! I have learned his secret. I will gaze him smaller and smaller, until he goes out. Nothing can save him!"
Before Arthur could move, Oscar pressed his face to the glass and began to stare as through a window, his malicious eyes fixed upon Arthur's face. With horror Arthur waited to feel himself shrink. He looked about fearfully at the other guests, expecting to see them appear to swell into giants as he himself grew tiny. He stared at Oscar again, who should now seem larger than himself.
But what was this? Nothing happened. The guests were staring open-mouthed with surprise, but they were of the usual size, Oscar was still a tiny dwarf. Arthur rubbed his eyes and looked again. Still nothing happened. The glass seemed to have lost its magic!
Suddenly, Arthur saw what it meant. The magic of the glass was to last only for three trials. Once, before he knew its worth, he had wasted it upon the spider, the rat, and the singing bird. Once the Dragon had felt its power. Its third and last spell had turned Oscar into a midget. Now its virtue was gone. It was but a piece of ordinary crystal, and Oscar's wicked plan was foiled!
With a squeal of rage Oscar threw the glass crashing upon the floor, and stamped his foot, which made everybody laugh. It was as if a tiny mouse had stamped.
The King stretched out his hand and took up the little fellow curiously. "What is this strange insect?" he asked. "Your Majesty," said Arthur, "he is Oscar, a villain who seeks to mischief everybody. I have punished him as I punished the Dragon, because he tried to rob me of my most precious treasure. He can do no more harm, I think."
"Oscar!" said the King. "Indeed, I know him well. More than once has he done evil in my city, and I have long meant to punish him. You are a clever fellow to handle him so tactfully. And now, we will dub him 'Companion of the Dragon.' He, too, shall have a little cage of gold and shall live with the Dragon for his neighbor. A quaint pair they, Arthur! I thank you for them. But where is my daughter, and why does she delay?"
With horror Arthur heard these words. He had forgotten the Princess. Alas! The glass had lost its power. How then was he to magic her and make her small, as he had hoped to do? How was he to tame this terrible big girl and make her a nice little wife? Arthur wished that he had never set out to be a hero; he awaited the approach of his bride with terror far greater than he had felt in the Dragon's glen.
Presently the heralds came back to the King, and their faces were very grave. "Your Majesty," they said, "we cannot bring the Princess. She has gone; she has fled from the Kingdom with the first royal coachman, who was a handsome young giant after her own heart. Even now they must be far beyond the border of the neighboring Kingdom. She was heard to say that she would have no dwarf for a husband, however great a hero he might be. And when she knew what had happened to the Dragon of Hushby, she was afraid."
There was silence in the banquet hall. Then the King struck a blow on the table with his fist that made the Dragon hop and hiss nervously, while Oscar fell over and bumped his head on a salt cellar. "Well," said the King, "so be it! She was an ill-tempered jade, and I could do nothing with her. You are well rid of her, brave Arthur. But how can I amend this insult to your dignity? Ask of me whatever you choose, and it will not be enough."
Now, instead of looking sad, Arthur's face was shining with joy at his narrow escape. "Your Majesty," he said, "I ask no amend. The lady had a right to her choice, and I hope she may have a giant happiness. Since this royal marriage may not be for me, I must look elsewhere. But I have had enough of adventure and of magic, and I shall now retire into private life."
"Some reward you must have, nevertheless," said the King. "You shall retire nobly. Arise, Sir Arthur! I make you Knight of the Dragon, Lord of the Hushby Marches, and Earl of Kisington. Moreover, whomsoever and wheresoever you choose to wed, I myself will attend the nuptials and will bestow upon the bride a countess's crown of diamonds. Long live the hero of Hushby and Earl of Kisington!"
"Long live the hero of Hushby and Earl of Kisington!" echoed all the guests. The Dragon hissed spitefully and lashed out with his tail, but no one paid any attention to him. Oscar, sulking with elbows on knees, groaned squeakily. But no one paid any attention to him either.
Everybody was thinking of Arthur, and how wonderfully he had become a hero. But Arthur himself was thinking of little Margot at the inn, and how sweet her face would look under the coronet of a countess. And Arthur grinned happily.
Story DNA
Moral
Sometimes, what seems like a misfortune can lead to true happiness and a better outcome.
Plot Summary
Arthur returns to the King as a hero, bringing the now-tiny Dragon, and is promised marriage to Princess Agnes. He plans to use a magic glass to shrink the Princess, but discovers it's missing. Oscar, a vengeful dwarf, reappears with the glass, attempting to shrink Arthur, but the glass's magic is revealed to be spent. To Arthur's relief, the Princess flees the kingdom, refusing to marry a 'dwarf' hero. The King, accepting his daughter's choice, bestows noble titles upon Arthur, who is now free to pursue his true love, Margot.
Themes
Emotional Arc
anxiety to relief and joy
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects traditional European fairy tale tropes of heroes, kings, princesses, and magical objects, without specific historical anchoring.
Plot Beats (12)
- Arthur returns to the King as a hero, celebrated for taming the Dragon, which is now a small, harmless creature.
- The King praises Arthur and confirms his promise of marriage to Princess Agnes, also tasking Arthur with 'taming' her.
- Arthur secretly plans to use the magic glass to shrink the Princess, but discovers it is missing from his wallet.
- Oscar, the dwarf, emerges from Arthur's wallet with the magic glass, intending to shrink Arthur as revenge.
- Oscar attempts to use the glass on Arthur, but it has no effect, revealing its magic is spent after three uses.
- Arthur explains Oscar's villainy to the King, who decides to cage Oscar with the Dragon as a 'Companion of the Dragon'.
- Arthur is still filled with dread about marrying the Princess without the glass's power to make her small and 'tame'.
- The heralds return with the news that Princess Agnes has fled the kingdom with a handsome coachman, refusing to marry a 'dwarf' hero.
- The King, though initially angry, accepts his daughter's flight and offers Arthur any reward to amend the insult.
- Arthur, secretly overjoyed, declines any amend for the Princess's flight, stating he wishes to retire from adventure.
- The King bestows upon Arthur the titles of Knight of the Dragon, Lord of the Hushby Marches, and Earl of Kisington, promising to attend his future wedding and crown his bride a countess.
- Arthur, now a celebrated nobleman, thinks of Margot and her sweet face under a countess's coronet, grinning happily.
Characters
Arthur ★ protagonist
Of average height and build for a young man, but considered a 'dwarf' by the Princess Agnes, implying he is shorter than average or at least shorter than her preference for a 'giant'. He is nimble and quick-witted.
Attire: Likely wears practical, sturdy traveling clothes befitting a hero, perhaps with some embellishments after his fame, but not overly opulent. No specific details are given, but he would be dressed for adventure and later for a royal banquet.
Wants: Initially motivated by the King's promise of marriage to the Princess for taming the Dragon. Later, his motivation shifts to avoiding an unhappy marriage and securing a comfortable, honorable life.
Flaw: His reliance on the magic glass for solving personal problems, and a slight naivety regarding the complexities of royal life and personal relationships.
Begins as a hero seeking a royal reward, faces a personal crisis when he fears marrying the Princess, and ultimately finds unexpected happiness and a noble title without the marriage he dreaded. He learns that true happiness might not come from grand adventures or forced marriages.
Brave, clever, resourceful, somewhat opportunistic, and ultimately kind-hearted. He is driven by a desire for recognition and reward, but also shows genuine relief and happiness when he avoids an undesirable marriage.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young man of average height, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has fair skin, a clean-shaven face with a determined yet slightly relieved expression, and short, neat brown hair. He wears a practical, well-fitted tunic of forest green linen over light brown breeches, with sturdy leather boots. A simple, unadorned leather belt cinches his waist. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Margot ◆ supporting
Described as 'little Margot,' implying she is of small stature or delicate build. Her face is sweet.
Attire: Likely wears simple, clean clothing befitting someone working at an inn, perhaps a linen dress and apron, in muted colors.
Wants: To be with Arthur, the man she loves.
Flaw: Her passive nature; she waits for Arthur rather than actively pursuing him.
Remains largely static in this part of the story, serving as Arthur's romantic ideal and eventual reward.
Loving, gentle, and somewhat wistful. She cares deeply for Arthur.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman of delicate build, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has soft, kind features, fair skin, and long, wavy light brown hair tied back with a simple ribbon. She wears a modest, cream-colored linen dress with a simple blue apron over it, and practical leather shoes. Her expression is gentle and slightly wistful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The King ◆ supporting
A robust man, capable of striking a table with his fist. He is jovial and enjoys a good laugh.
Attire: Wears opulent royal attire, including a crown. Specifics are not given, but would be rich fabrics like velvet or silk, embroidered with gold, in deep regal colors.
Wants: To secure treasures and fame for his kingdom, and to see his daughter married, though he seems resigned to her difficult nature.
Flaw: His inability to control his own daughter, and perhaps a slight superficiality in valuing novelty (like the small Dragon) over true character.
Remains largely static, serving as the authority figure who rewards Arthur and provides exposition about the Princess.
Jovial, appreciative, somewhat pragmatic, and easily amused. He values treasures and fame for his reign. He is also decisive and willing to honor his promises.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly king with a robust build, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a round, jovial face with rosy cheeks, a neatly trimmed white beard, and a balding head topped with a golden crown adorned with jewels. He wears a rich, deep crimson velvet robe trimmed with ermine fur, with intricate gold embroidery on the sleeves, and a heavy gold chain around his neck. He holds a golden scepter in one hand. His expression is hearty and amused. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Dragon ◆ supporting
Originally a 'Terror,' now a 'wonderful little creature' or 'Dragonet.' It is small enough to be conveniently handled and placed in a cage on a banquet table. It can spit and hiss like a tea-kettle.
Attire: None, as it is an animal.
Wants: To express its inherent draconic nature, even if only through hisses and glares.
Flaw: Its small size makes it easily contained and no longer a true threat.
Transformed from a fearsome beast into a harmless, caged curiosity. Its physical change is complete, but its personality remains.
Fierce, spiteful, and easily agitated, even in its small form. It retains its 'terror' personality despite its diminished size.
Image Prompt & Upload
A small, scaled dragon, no larger than a house cat, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. It has dark green scales, a long, slender tail, and small, sharp claws. Its head is reptilian with two small horns, and its eyes are bright, glaring red. Its mouth is slightly open, showing tiny fangs, as if about to hiss. It is standing inside an ornate golden cage. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Princess Agnes ○ minor
Described as a 'giantess' and a 'big girl,' implying she is unusually tall and perhaps robust. She is also described as 'handsome' by the coachman, suggesting an imposing but attractive physique.
Attire: Likely wears royal attire, but no specifics are given. It would be grand and fitting for a princess, perhaps in bold colors to match her personality.
Wants: To marry a man of her own choosing, specifically a 'handsome young giant after her own heart,' and to avoid a forced marriage to Arthur.
Flaw: Her temper and her fear of being 'magicked' like the Dragon.
Flees the kingdom to marry the royal coachman, asserting her independence and avoiding a marriage she despises.
Ill-tempered, strong-willed, defiant, and independent. She refuses to be married against her will, especially to someone she considers a 'dwarf'.
Image Prompt & Upload
A very tall, statuesque young woman with a strong build, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. She has a proud, determined expression, sharp features, and long, dark hair styled in an elaborate braid. She wears a rich, deep purple velvet gown with silver embroidery, a high collar, and flowing sleeves. Her posture is regal and defiant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Oscar ⚔ antagonist
A tiny dwarf or midget, small enough to stand on a table and peer over a beaker of wine. He is described as a 'little fellow' and compared to a 'tiny mouse' when he stamps his foot.
Attire: No specific details, but likely simple, dark, or practical clothing that allows for stealth and mischief, perhaps with a small dagger.
Wants: Revenge against Arthur for shrinking him and to cause general mischief.
Flaw: His small size, which makes his threats laughable, and his overconfidence in the magic glass's power.
Escapes Arthur's wallet, attempts to enact revenge by shrinking Arthur, but fails due to the magic glass losing its power. He is then recaptured and caged with the Dragon.
Villainous, malicious, vengeful, and mischievous. He seeks to harm others and is easily enraged when his plans are foiled.
Image Prompt & Upload
A tiny, malevolent dwarf, no taller than a foot, facing forward, full body visible head to toe. He has a scowling face with sharp, malicious dark eyes and short, messy black hair. He wears a dark, patched tunic of coarse brown fabric, tight-fitting breeches, and small, worn leather boots. He holds a small, ornate dagger in one hand. His posture is hunched and angry. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
The Royal Palace of the King
A grand, opulent palace, likely of a medieval European style, with a large banquet hall. The hall is filled with guests, a long table laden with food, and a place of honor for Arthur. The architecture would feature high ceilings, possibly vaulted, with large windows and tapestries. The materials would be polished stone, rich timbers, and fine fabrics.
Mood: Festive, celebratory, initially formal and then shifting to surprise and relief.
Arthur is honored by the King, the magic glass is revealed to be powerless, and the Princess Agnes flees, leading to Arthur's unexpected freedom and new titles.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast medieval European banquet hall, with high arched stone ceilings and tall, narrow stained-glass windows filtering soft afternoon light. Long, heavy timber tables are laden with silver platters, goblets, and roasted meats. Rich tapestries depicting heroic scenes hang on the stone walls. In the foreground, a small, ornate golden cage sits on the polished wooden table. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.