A very short story

Marvin was a short knight. He was so short he had to have a special suit of lightweight armour made for him. The armour would have been aluminium if it been invented at the time, but of course it was long ago and I wasn’t there so I can only guess what it was made out of.

He rode a little pony named Percival, but although everyone laughed at him behind his back they decided not to show their feelings when he was looking at them. After all he was armoured in something metallic, his short sword was very sharp and he looked as if he knew how to use it.

This story started as Marvin and Percival were riding in search of a damsel in distress. Percival was unfortunately getting old and tired easily, whereas the damsel was a long way away imprisoned in a tower by a horrible ogre. The sky had become very black overhead and Marvin spurred Percival on to even greater efforts to try and reach shelter before the storm broke.

It was too much for his trusty steed who heaved a big sigh then slowly shuddered to the ground as he expired.

Marvin tried to scratch his head wondering what to do next, but unfortunately he was wearing his helmet at the time. By chance a Great Dane splashed past as Marvin unloaded the equipment from his ex steed.

“I say there dog” called Marvin, “you’re a big fellow aren’t you! Would you mind giving me lift as far as the next village before this storm breaks?

Fortunately in those days knights were allowed to talk to their animals and Marvin fully expected the huge dog to understand him. The Great Dane also knew better than to argue with a chap armed with a sword even if he was only short, so he agreed and the two rode off together into the pouring rain. Fortunately they’d only ridden a mile or so before they found an Inn.

Marvin banged loudly on the door as thunder and lightning crashed around him and the rain rattled off his armour.

A big burly inn keeper opened the door and looked down at Marvin with a sneer on his face. “No room here mate even for a little ‘un.”

Marvin drew himself up to his full height and pleaded with the Inn keeper. “Surely you wouldn’t turn a knight out on a dog like this?”