The adoption of Cyril 4/4

"My name's Cyril and I've just learnt to flame this afternoon," said Cyril proudly.

"There's a clever boy then," said Megan. "Isn't he sweet Clarence? And to what do we owe the pleasure of this meeting?"

"Cyril's run away from home and he needs someone to look after him. He also likes eating coal and I thought Wales would be the perfect place for him to live," said Jennifer Jane.

"Coal, is it? Well, we've plenty of that. Lying around, it is, all over the mountain. But won't his parents want him back?"

"I don't think so," said Abigail. She looked round to see if Cyril could hear her. "He came through the Gate this afternoon because he likes talking to the peasants instead of eating them. His father is Tornak the Terrible and I think the family is a really a bit ashamed of him."

Just then, Cyril hiccupped. There was a bang and a cloud of brown smoke. Cyril peered out of the smoke with his eyes watering. "It's not nearly as nice as the captain's coal," he said.

Clarence was laughing. "You should stick to peasants, or teeth," he added quickly, "if you want a clean flame."

"It's proper steam coal or anthracite he'll be wanting," said Megan "but there's plenty of that if he goes down to the tips after dark. Up here, it's only soft brown stuff."

"The giant told me this world flowed with milk and honey but I haven't been able to find any yet. Please can you show me where it all is?" asked Cyril.

"You poor dear," said Megan, "that's only a story. She put one wing around Cyril. "You come with me and I'll find you something better than that old milk and honey."

"Can I really live here with you?" asked Cyril.

"Of course you can," said Megan "and Clarence can come over and teach you all sorts of things about treasure hunting. I'm sure we'll have a wonderful time."

"Delighted to have you, old chap," said Clarence.
"Good, that's settled then," said Abigail. "Come on, Jennifer Jane, it's time we got you back home."

The three dragons waved goodbye as the broom took off. The sound of Abigail and Jennifer Jane's chatter faded as it disappeared into the clouds.

"Let's go into the cave and see if we can find a spare tin of cat food for young Cyril," said Megan.

"Jolly good idea, old girl," said Clarence, "I'm feeling a bit peckish myself."

"I'm so happy," said Cyril. "I'm sure I'm going to like staying here."

And as darkness fell, the mountain was deserted once again and very quiet, except for the occasional crunch of a cat food tin.