The adoption of Cyril 2/3

The witch on guard duty at the Witches’ Home looked out of the gatehouse window and yawned. Nothing exciting ever happened. The only time she could remember the drawbridge being raised was the other day when Abigail had rescued Jennifer Jane. Sometimes you could see a giant or a troll among the trees, or a dragon might fly past. Every now and again Esmerelda and Dulcibella would try and cook up spells on their smoky fire and someone had to go and tell them off but otherwise it was a very boring job.

She looked out of the window again. A small brown dragon trotted out of the wood and came towards the Gate. It stopped and sniffed some flowers. A passing butterfly caught its attention and the dragon chased it for a bit, patting at it with a claw. Each movement brought it slightly nearer. The witch smiled to herself. Nothing to worry about there, it was only a young dragon playing in the sunshine.

'Probably that nice son of old Tornak,' she thought. 'He's supposed to be ever so friendly and loves a good chat.' She got up from her seat and walked out across the drawbridge. "Hello there," she called, "where are you going?"

The little dragon trotted over. "If I went through the Gate, would I really find myself in another world?" he asked.

"Yes, of course," said the witch "but you're not allowed..."

"Oh goody," said the dragon before the witch could finish. Three quick steps and he was airborne and flying through the Gate. He zoomed over the castle and disappeared behind the Witches' Home.

The witch ran back to the gatehouse as quickly as she could and raised the drawbridge in case Tornak came looking for his son. Then she pressed the alarm button.

Jennifer Jane and Barnacle Bill watched as Abigail disappeared into the distance.

"I wonder what it can be," said Jennifer Jane. "Abigail said all the horrible giants and dragons and the nastier sort of fairy folk live on the other side of the Gate."

"Well, if one of them's come through, there could be trouble," said Barnacle Bill. "I think we'd better call off today's trip. I'll turn round and take you back home."

As usual, Barnacle Bill started to give himself orders. "Ten degrees port rudder, head South West, full steam ahead." The paddle steamer turned slowly in a half circle until it was heading back towards the river leading to the Giant's pool. The paddles began to turn faster and the boat rapidly neared the shore.

"Hello, someone's in a hurry," said Barnacle Bill.

The magic fog was about half a mile away as something flew out of it towards them.

"It doesn't look like a witch on a broomstick," said Jennifer Jane, "I can see wings. It looks like a dragon but not any of the ones I've met."

The dragon circled the steamer and then came down and landed on the fore deck.

"Why, it's only a baby," said Jennifer Jane, "isn't he sweet!"

"That depends on who he is and where he's come from," said Barnacle Bill. "Now then, young fellow, what's your name and what do you want?"

"Good morning Sir, my name’s Cyril. Are you both beans?"

Jennifer Jane couldn't help giggling. "What did you say your name was?" she asked.

"Cyril," said the dragon, "See, why, ah, eye, ell. Cyril. Please, is this the other world and are you beans?"

"It must be you who's just come through the Gate," said Jennifer Jane. "Yes, this is the other world. May I introduce the captain of this ship, Barnacle Bill who's a goblin. My name is Jennifer Jane and I'm a human being."

"Pleased to meet you," said Cyril, "I'm so glad I escaped from that terrible place. We were having peasants for dinner tonight and I hate eating them. All the other dragons laugh at me because I don't frighten people and I can't flame yet."

Once Barnacle Bill and Jennifer Jane found out that Cyril was the only one to come through, they both relaxed. It was obvious that he didn't want to hurt anybody and he became friends with Barnacle Bill at once, because he was so interested in the paddle steamer. Barnacle Bill showed Cyril all over his vessel. Jennifer Jane didn't go with them, partly because she'd seen it all before and partly because someone had to stay on lookout.

At last they came back on deck. Barnacle Bill was laughing and Cyril was chewing something crunchy and looking very pleased with himself. "He's eaten some of the coal from my bunker," said Barnacle Bill, "he thinks it's delicious."