We made a beeline for the exit of the tunnel and out onto the scenic sea and countryside. When the dragon had put a safe distance between us and the tunnel, it touched down. Clambering off, we ran to the front of our saviour and each of us hugged and kissed him for all we were worth. After all the commotion, the dragon let out a roar and took to the open skies. We sat and waited for our companions and lo and behold, they showed up safely, albeit a little worse for wear from the ordeal. We climbed aboard and headed for the open seas. We travelled quietly for two days, then, out of the blue, the seas opened to reveal a being.
Everybody ran to the side of the ship and shouted, “Please, not again.”
But there ,sitting atop the waves, was Neptune, in a carriage drawn by four sea horses! “How are you all? I heard of your ordeal.”
The captain spoke up, “Thank you, Lord Neptune, for your concern. It was a harrowing experience, but we all survived to fight another day.”
“I’ll have my mermaid Rusalka escort you the rest of the way.” With that he shouted, “Rusalka, come hither, I bid you.”
In a couple of minutes, the sea opened again and out came the most beautiful creature I’d ever seen.
“Rusalka! I’ve a job for you! Escort these poor souls back to Nernia. I’ll see you when you get back.”
“Yes Lord Neptune, it will be a pleasure.”
With that, he tugged on the reins, the sea opened and his chariot disappeared.
Our mermaid sailed the oceans with the most exquisite carriage drawn by six sea horses that seemingly sailed atop the waves, and she was accompanied by a retinue of four sea creatures. They all came aboard and introduced themselves and then took me back with them as a passenger. I had the thrill of my life. At night everybody congregated on board our ship for a sing-song. Rosalka has a beautiful voice. What a glorious time we had. As we came into sight of the castle there was a flotilla of ships to greet us.
As we entered the harbour Rosalka boarded our ship and said, “I have to go.”
“But please stay for tea. The king and queen will be most offended if you don’t.”
“Well, I suppose we could. wWhat do you think, guys?”
The chorus was unanimous, “Please, Rosalka, lets stay for tea.”
“Ok, but we can’t be out of the water for too long.”
Our walk to the palace was a ceremonial affair, both sides of the street lined with well wishers throwing confetti. What a conclusion to a horrific experience.
