Free to Write

“Laughing is better than being thrown into those foul dungeons, since the Counts may want you out just because they are paranoid, and you can make the Counts mad, oh so easily. Anyway, forget those unjust Counts; forget the dreams of glory they promise you. They try to invite you to their chateaus, to seal you into slavery.

Better become a court jester for the King or a joker in a joker’s club and make the King laugh and laugh with him. A laughing king is a happy king, and he’ll always take your word over his Counts’ because he knows they might overthrow him any day.”

The minstrel gazed at the Yule log's flame, and stroked his white beard, as he advised his young apprentice. Then he continued. “You have the blood of the dragons in your veins. Get into the King’s court and charm him with your music and jokes. Always remember, we dragons, no matter which shape we take, are counting on you. We need this king on our side.”


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