Fiction Short Story

The Writer's E-Zine Home

Writers' Village University - F2K: Free Fiction Writing Course - ePress-online
Writers' Village University Membership Information

Fiction Short Story

by Sonya L. Weiss

A Dragon Tale

Debbie grumbled, adjusting her heavy breastplate. She would have to remember not to fall asleep reading "Medieval Times" again, at least until she got the hang of this time travel.

Trudging upward toward the dragon's lair, she searched her memory for the words that would take her back to her nice, warm bed. Now what were they again? Ah, yes! Placing herself squarely in front of the cave, she lifted her magic sword, calling loudly, "Come out Sir Dragon! I've come to rescue Princess Judi."

"Who are you?" The voice of the dragon thundered from deep within the darkness.

"I am Debbie, Reader-of-Books."

There was a snort of laughter followed by a belch of smoke. "Debbie, you say? What happened to Knight Ashley the fearless one?"

Frowning, Debbie tried to peer into the darkness. "Your voice sounds funny. Very undragon-like."

"Enter Debbie, Reader-of-Books."

Sword in front, Debbie crept carefully inside the cave, wrinkling her nose at the fishy smell. The dragon was much smaller than she expected. It was bright yellow with ... bright yellow?

"It's rude to stare." The dragon snapped.

"Ashley?" Debbie was so startled she dropped her sword.

"Don't look so surprised, this is all your fault you know." The dragon sniffed.

"My fault?" Dazed, Debbie sat down on the nearest rock.

"Yes, your fault." Princess Judi said as she climbed from behind the dragon.

"How is it my fault?" Debbie rubbed her stinging eyes and frowned at the dragon. "Ashley, quit blowing smoke circles."

"Sorry."

"It's your fault because you read us the book." Princess Judi pointed out. "When you fell asleep, you brought us with you into the dream." She dropped her shoulders dejectedly.

"We just have to remember the magic words." Debbie looked hopefully at her sisters.

"Words." A small voice echoed.

"Jessie's here too?" Debbie yelped.

"Yes," Princess Judi shot a dark glance at the dragon. "And Ashley keeps burning the extra diapers."

"Well! I don't mean to!" Dragon said hotly.

"If you'd breathe through your nose..." Princess Judi began, "then it wouldn't happen."

Pressing her fingers to her temple, Debbie concentrated as hard as she could. Magic words... magic words...

"Debbie, it's time for school." Mom announced cheerily.

Blinking awake, Debbie sighed, relieved. It had all been a dream. She laughed out loud and jumped from bed, promptly tripping over something. Annoyed, she reached for the object, her eyes widening when she realized what it was: the magic sword.

© Copyright 2003 Sonya L. Weiss

About the Author:

Sonya Weiss is a mother of four, currently residing in South Carolina. She often writes short stories to entertain her children.