Elf and Bear: The Conclusion of Chapter One

The bear hunkered down on all fours and the elf climbed on his back, clinging on top and holding onto the great beast’s fur.  Bear squatted even lower, and then with a leap he cleared the creek wall and lumbered off, crashing into the night.  Soon they had left the last dying flickers of the goblin’s fire far, far behind them.

Bear trotted along at a great pace through the frosty woods, while overhead the stars glittered like ice through the ragged clouds.  At last, when he judged that they had gone a safe distance, he paused to rest under a large fir tree.  The elf slid down from his back.

“Blast,” said Thornbriar.  “I’ve forgotten the key for these chains.”

“Let me see, said Bear.  The elf hobbled over and the bear leaned close to examine the lock.  Then, extending one long claw, he inserted it into the keyhole.  A few clinks and clanks and the manacles sprang open with a snap.  Thornbriar picked up the chain and threw it off into the bushes.

“Bear,” he said, turning to his friend.  “How in the world did you find me?  I thought I’d got myself lost good and proper.  In fact, I thought for a while that I’d never see home again.”

“Well, my nose still works,” said Bear shyly.  “I got worried when you didn’t get back for supper, so I went to look for you…and, well…to apologize.  I tracked you to Dr. Gilpin’s house, and then into the woods.  About ten yards away from that ravine I sniffed and said to myself ‘Goblins!’  And when I poked my nose down to check it out, there you were.”

“And just in time, too,” said Thornbriar.  “You saved me from a life of ignominious servitude, old fellow.”

“Well, you wouldn’t have been in that mess if it weren’t for me,” said the bear unhappily.  “I hope you’ll forgive me.”

“There’s nothing to forgive, my friend,” said Thornbriar warmly.  “Let’s get back home.”

The two started through the woods.  Overhead, the last few tatters of clouds were gone, and the stars shone bright and clear.  All around was silence, except for the slight crunch of leaves under their feet.  A faint light began outlining the trunks of the bare oak trees, and by the time they left the woods the morning sun was brilliant red over the far mountains.

As they drew near their home, the bear turned toward the elf and said, “You must be tired and starving.  When we get home you rest, and I’ll make you a big breakfast, of anything you want.  How does that sound?”

“Truly excellent,” said Thornbriar.  “I would like about a dozen eggs, and toast, and tea!  And you know what would be especially nice?  A couple of thick slices of that ham hanging in the larder.”

Bear stopped in his tracks and hung his head.  “Oh,” he said.

“Why, Bear, what’s the matter?”

“Thornbriar, I ate the ham while I was waiting for you to get home yesterday! Oh dear, oh dear, I am sorry!”

“Bear!” yelled Thornbriar.

But he was laughing.