Duggla the Crone

Glad you could join us for the next diverting episode of Elliot’s Adventures. If you’re new here, you can catch up by returning to the beginning, and reading really fast…

The King arrived at the southern border with a squad of Knights at his back. More Knights stood guard in a line that stretched along the border as far as anyone’s eyes could see. They were armed, alert, and determined to protect their homeland against whatever it was that waited just beyond the trees.

A silky slipping sound in the undergrowth hissed through the air. Pikes and spears and slicing sticks readied to strike. Tongues flicked in anticipation.

Then silence.

A lumpy voice croaked from behind the log beside King Arnie. “The enemy baits you. I can help.” 

“Is that so, Old Woman?” His Greatness was torn between curiosity and irritation.

Duggla the Crone had served Arnie’s father as a valued advisor when Arnie was a tadpole, but her aging mind seemed to have wandered off and lost its bearings many years ago. Now she popped up at the most inopportune times, insensitive to the discomfort her presence caused, untouched by the scarcely contained laughter that surrounded her whenever she spoke.

As King, Arnie felt he had no choice but to acknowledge her.

“Come out, Madam Duggla. Tell me what you think.”

To be continued…

Previously, on Elliot’s Adventures ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ Next time . . .

Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story... View all posts by Sue Ranscht