Sir George goes home 3/8

The Great Alfredo, owner and ring master of Alfredo's Amazing Circus, (afternoon performances Wednesday and Saturday, children half price), sat miserably on the steps of his caravan with his chin in his hands, watching his two best acts drive away in their vans.

How on earth was he going to be able to continue? His high wire act had run off with his best clowns and there seemed to be no prospect of any replacements in the foreseeable future.

The sound of a police siren made him look up. A police car was turning into the field where the circus was camped, followed closely by a horsebox.

‘More trouble,’ he thought as he got to his feet and went to meet the car.

Alfredo reached the police car just as the driver got out.

"Can I help you?" he asked.

"Si Senor. We have found an English madman riding a horse along the motorway. He thinks he is a knight riding in search of another world and he wants to right wrongs and slay dragons on his travels. He seems to be harmless, so we thought he might be of use to you in your circus."

Alfredo looked hopefully at the man leading his animal from the horsebox. He certainly looked strange. He was wearing a long sleeved, belted smock and the horse was a stocky type tending towards the Shire but not so large. An idea formed in Alfredo's mind.

"I'll look after them," he said on the spur of the moment. The police ran back to their cars and drove out of the field quickly before he could change his mind.

"I'm the Great Alfredo, owner of this show," he said, "but you can call me Alf."

George solemnly shook his hand. "A travelling show of such a size," he said, "doubtless you have many tumblers and fools with cap and bells and, if I mistake not, performing animals to boot."

Alf looked at him curiously. "No, it's just an ordinary circus and I need a new act. If you really want to fight dragons then you could be just the bloke I'm looking for."

"The witch Abigail said I must not kill dragons in this world,” replied George, "I do not see how I can be of much assistance unless you have a wrong to right, or know of a damsel in distress?"

"You are joking aren't you mate?" said Alf.

"Nay I do not jest, why the great Karg lay dead at my feet not one week since. See I still have some of his treasure to hand."

"You really are from another world," said Alf in amazement as he looked at the handful of glittering rings and pearls.

"I speak truly, I must to England and seek the witch Jennifer Jane who holds the secret to my return."

"Well we're heading that way," said Alf, "and if you'd like to work with me, I'll give you free board and lodging for you and your horse, until we reach England and I can hire some new performers."