The Last Knight

"It’s a lovely day," says Dragon, "I already feel better." She sinks into the mud bath beside Tortoise. The wizard seems to have been quite forgotten.

"He’s lost his way," says Tortoise. "We must wait until he finds it again."

"Lost his way? What do you mean? How can someone lose their way?"

"It’s a human thing. When their head is too full or too empty, they lose it."

"Oh."

Dragon studies the wizard, who sits at the edge of the mud pool with a puzzled expression.

"When are we going home? I thought you were taking me back," he says.

"Later," replies Tortoise. "First, a bath. It’s relaxing. Come in."

Dragon’s stomach rumbles. "I’m hungry," she says.

"I don’t think that old wizard would taste very nice," mutters Tortoise, ducking under the mud. "He’s well past his expiry date."

"There haven’t been any knights in the forest for ages," Dragon muses. "And where have all the hunters gone?"

"Poof! Gone!" cackles the Wizard, grinning. "Did you know you can eat mushrooms?"

"I’ve noticed," groans Wolf, rubbing his belly.

"You can eat anything," the wizard continues cheerfully. "Trust me."

"Of course you can," mumbles Tortoise, her head now completely submerged.

Dragon sighs. "I do feel better. Wizard—why did you call me here?"

The old man blinks at her, then giggles. "You’re green! You’re the first green dragon I’ve ever seen. How splendid! The colour of adventure!"

"I’m hungry," Dragon insists, eyeing the wizard thoughtfully. "It’s not much, but something’s better than nothing..."

Just as Dragon was considering whether wizard might taste like chicken (or at least like overcooked turnips), a loud SQUAWK echoed through the trees. A bright-eyed raven landed on Tortoise’s muddy shell, scattering droplets everywhere.

"Message for the Wizard!" the bird announced, puffing out its chest. "Urgent! Probably!"

The wizard, who had been doodling in the mud with his finger, looked up. "Eh? What’s that? Urgent, you say?"

"The Great Oak has spoken!" croaked the raven. "The last knight entered the forest!"

Tortoise surfaced with a blorp. "That’s the third time this week."

"Does he taste nice?" Dragon asked hopefully.

"Like rusty spoons and regret," muttered Wolf.

"Oh."

The wizard clapped his hands. "Right then! Adventure calls! Dragon, let's rescue the knight."

"Or not," mumbles Tortoise.

_{26.6.25
Original language: Dutch
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