****
Elaysius found me in the garden, still working to repair the trampled rows and broken bean-poles.
“Have you seen Gareth, Elaysius? I could surely make use of him here,” I said.
“Couldst thou? Seemeth to me, princess, that solitude is more thine aim. I judge only by the manner in which thou hast been talking to thyself, gesturing and muttering in agitation.”
“Well, I…have much on my mind.”
“Also thou art flushed and disheveled, and smellest strongly of dragon.” He regarded me with innocent eyes and poorly-hidden amusement.
“I am laboring out of doors, of course I am flushed and disheveled. And for the time being, I share my domicile with a dragon.”
“Thou must share considerably more than that, to smell so strong. Come, princess, I am not fooled, and why should I be? Thou art no
