Butterfingers Page 8

  So off they went – a boy, a princess, a pony, a little dog, a pig, an otter, a lark, a mouse and all the brave animals who had come to help Ned. It was a joyous journey this time, full of triumph instead of dread.

  "Did you see how I tackled that old dargon!" Tuff was saying to any listening animal. "I . . . er . . . I mean, we showed it what's what and no mistake!" His tail wagged and wagged.

  All along their route, the friends were greeted by animals lining the wayside and cheering. One by one, the animals who had come to their help in the cave left the procession to jointhose at the wayside, and Bella earnestly thanked them all. Now only the original members of the "princess's army" remained, but still, with every step they took, creatures came to cheer, calling our, "Hooray for the Princess Bella! Hooray for Butterfingers!"

  Gradually they saw the bleached land on either side start to change. It was as if the earth breathed once more. Around them green grass rose up; flowers sprang forth under Dilly's hooves; birds filled the new blue of the sky, swallows flashing across their gaze. The air was fresh once more, sweetened by the smell of blossom. New leaves opened up on the trees, green and lush. The animals who lined the way threw flowers at them. Ned put them in his hat and on Dilly's bridle, and Bella stuck them in her hair. They looked around joyfully at the brightening land.

  As they descended the foothills, they heard the trill of birds and Lark swooped down to Ned.

  "It's my family greeting me! Oh, it's good to be back. Farewell, you brave and foolish . . . er . . . you brave boy," she said. "And if you're ever this way again, listen out for me."

  At the dark wood, Foxy grinned and saluted them. "An interesting excursion, dear boy," he said. "One so likes a change now and again. A delightfully unexpected little adventure."

  "It's you who were unexpected, Foxy," said Ned. "I'd never have guessed you'd be such a help in my time of need. I thank you with all my heart."

  "Wouldn't have missed it, dear boy. Wouldn't have missed it for anything. Not only was it entertaining, it was the first time that I've had so much co-operation from a dog." He tilted his head musingly and grinned. "It will no doubt be my last. I wish you and the lady all the best, Ned. A fond farewell to you all."

  "Never thought I'd trust a fox, but it just shows – you never can tell," said Tuff.

  They came to the cornfield and Mouse jumped off Ned's shoulder and down onto a corn stalk.

  "Home," she squeaked. "Not that I didn't enjoy my temporary stay in your jerkin, Ned. You never know, I might move a little closer to the palace and come and visit."

  "Please do, Mouse."

  How strange it was, that trip homewards. As if by magic, the long, long journey back seemed to take no time at all. What had taken days and nights, with heavy hearts, on the way to the dragon's lair, now seemed to pass by quickly and easily. Before they knew it, they were near the otter's home.

  "You helped us find the way, and you gave me courage," said Ned, standing on the bridge and looking down at the river. "I'll never forget you, Otter."

  "None of us will," said the princess.

  So they went onwards on the final part of their journey.

  SAFE

  WHEN THEY NEARED THE RUNDOWN FARM WHERE PIGGY LIVED, HE TROTTED TO THE GATE, LOOKING THROUGH AT HIS OLD STY. He gave a wistful grunt.

  "Funny, isn't it?" he said. "At one time all I wanted was to eat and roll in my mud, but I don't know – it's lost some of its charm."

  "Piggy," said Ned, "you're coming back with us. You were the first one to come on the journey with us, the first one to help us. You'll stay with us – is that all right, my lady?"

  "You are definitely coming back to the palace with us, Piggy dear," said Bella.

  Tuff grinned widely. "It'll be good to have you nearby, old mate," he said. "And the first thing we'll do is get you a big meal."

  "Now you're talking," said Piggy. "I've been more than a little peckish for far too long." He quickened his pace at the thought of food.

  "And we'll give you a nice sty near the stables," said Ned. "One with plenty of mud."

  So the friends set off on the last lap of their journey. Finally they saw before them the king's palace. As they neared it, the gates opened, and to Ned's surprise a crowd of people ran out to greet them, cheering wildly. He felt quite overwhelmed and wondered if he should slip off. The crowd parted to allow the king to come forward, tears in his eyes, to meet his beloved daughter.

  Bella ran up to her father. They embraced each other as if they would never let go and then made their way through the crowds across the old familiar ground.

  Ned took Dilly's bridle and led her off towards her stall.

  "Don't go, Ned," called Bella. "Wait, I'll come with you."

  Together they went into the stables – the place where Ned and Dilly and Tuff had spent so many years. But it was also the place where Ned worked. He looked around, suddenly a little nervous.

  There was Squelch, standing in his large leather apron, his dirty wide-brimmed hat in his hand, familiar grumpy expression on his face. Ned felt slightly uneasy, but it was Squelch who bent his head this time. His eyes flickered up to look uncertainly at his old stable lad. He was unsure whether to order him to "get in here quick, boy" or to bow.

  Although some had perished, many of the old horses had returned to the stables, carrying their knights away from the terrible mountain crag and the dragon's fire. They raised their heads and neighed in welcome. Ned led Dilly to her old stall in the corner, followed by Bella.

  "Master Squelch," she called out in her clear voice, "this pony, Dilly, is to be given the very best stall, worthy of a champion charger. She is to be given your finest oats. And Ned's heroic pet dog, Tuff is to be given a hearty meal and warm bedding. These two are valiant members of the king's court and must be treated as such."

  Tuff stared at her open-mouthed. Then his tail started to wag violently but he sat down quickly to hide it. "Oh, yeah? Member of the court – well, it's only to be expected. Knew it would happen sooner or later." And in a show of nonchalance he started to scratch.

  Bella and Ned laughed.

  Squelch rushed off to prepare the stall; Ned made as if to help, but Bella stopped him.

  "As for Ned," she announced to the crowd, "he is a knight worthy of any princess, for he has saved me. He has saved us all."

  "Ned will no longer be a stableboy," said the king, joining his daughter, "but a knight. He'll be given a suit of armour and a sword of his own. And he will be called Sir Ned."

  What? Sir Ned? It seemed far too grand. Ned opened his mouth to say so, but the king went on:

  "Ned, and his dog, Tuff, and his pony, Dilly, have saved our kingdom."

  The crowd cheered. Ned looked around at them, shy and embarrassed. He saw Squelch frowning and made out the fat shape of the cook, who was saying to her neighbour: "I always liked that boy. I was always very fond of that one, you know." Ned smiled to himself, remembering how very fond she was of clouting him.

  Then, among the crowd, Ned saw the knights who had returned from the mountain – the pompous Sir Fayn, the fat Sir Belwyn, who had been so keen to shout orders; and some younger knights, who looked at Ned and smiled. Would he really be one of them?

  Bella suddenly left her father's side and made her way over to Ned, who was standing back, holding Dilly's bridle. Tuff ran forward, his tail wagging. The princess bent down and patted his head and stroked Dilly's nose. Then she went up to Ned, leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Ned forgot his worries. He looked at her and smiled. Then she took both his hands in hers and leaned forward once more. And this time, with her eyes shining brightly, she tipped her head and quickly kissed his mouth.

  "That's my Ned!" yapped Tuff, leaping in the air with his little legs. "Ain't he a wonder? That's my boy!"

  "He's always been a good boy, my Ned," murmured Dilly quietly. "And good boys get their rewards – haven't I always said so?"

  "Far too often, you silly mare, but it seems you
was right for once!"

  Bella laughed, and ran off. Then she stopped and turned round to look at Ned.

  "Come on," she said. From the pocket of her dress she took her golden ball and tossed it to him. Up went Ned's hands to catch it, but it slipped from his grasp and rolled onto the ground. He blushed, as usual, and ran to pick it up as it rolled away.

  "Butterfingers," grinned the princess.

  Then she gave a loud, delighted laugh.

  "Sir Butterfingers!"

  Ned stood tall. He felt full of joy. How could he ever have minded such a name?

  All around him the crowd cheered delightedly.

  "Sir Butterfingers!"

  they cried.