Once

Once I was asked a simple question, this was my reply ........

The Lord Wolfpaw and his faithful companion the Prince Darkriver put on their best armour and made ready for the trek across the barren dark wastes to search for the lair of the beast so that they might steal his magical elixir of strength and health.

Trudging through the soft snow through the dangerous streets of Grim City they were aware of eyes watching them

“Take care" the great Lord told Darkriver "there are wastrels and wild dogs abroad"

Any dogs that barked were soon dispatched by a look from Wolfpaw and if that was not enough his sword spoke for him.

For many hours they walked, until at last they could see marks of the beast.

"We must be careful now He is close” spoke Wolfpaw

Slowly they approached the Beasts lair and entered.

The overpowering smell made them both gag.

"Darkriver do you have the bait?”

The young lad handed the meat to Wolfpaw, who set it on the floor

"If he wakes, that will keep him busy while we search for his magic elixir" said Wolfpaw

Patiently they both searched the lair until buried deep in a chest Darkriver found a flask containing a white fluid.

"Is this it?”

"Good lad, it is. Now let us go before the beast wakes"

They both crept stealthily from the lair and started the long journey home.

Much later Wolfpaw and Darkriver returned to the safety of Wolfpaw’s castle proud in the knowledge that they had outwitted the Beast and that all the people would benefit from using the elixir to gain strength and health over the coming dark days.

Oh, the question? "Have you fed the cat and got the milk?"