I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons

by Peter S. Beagle

“What we will do,” she said at last, “is what we Wise always do when wisdom fails. We will chant and charm in all the languages we know, using every prayer, every incantation at our disposal, conjuring to make what approaches leave us in peace. And it… it will do whatever it will do. Begin.”

Both men retired from the exchange delighted: in any profession, encountering true skill is a rarity.

The King left, briefly annoyed at his wife’s dismissal but delighted not to participate in what he’d always thought of as “that sort” of conversation. While he loved his daughter dearly, he was also keenly aware of the spheres of his capability.

I suggest we begin by arming the company as best we can, down to the last pastry cook’s apprentice, and then organize a watch. Fear cannot breed where there is action.”

“Now you want something altogether else, and we both know it. It doesn’t matter how many lessons I give you, it’ll just be a skill. You won’t be a valet—you’ll be a man who knows how to be a valet. Useful, doubtless, but… different.”

“Robert, my one companion, love of my life forever, ‘let’ is not a word you will use to me again.”