Page 9

 “I won't leave another poor creature caged for people to stare at,” the princess seethed. She saw that Sir Diego's cage had a large lock holding it closed. The keyhole looked big enough for her to reach into. She flew down to the lock and gently felt the inner mechanism. She closed her eyes with concentration, “If I push this here...and jiggle this latch...” The lock sprang open to the delight of both the fairy and the knight.

Sir Diego lept from his cage, grabbed the support rope and swung down to the ground. “Come on,” he called over his shoulder, already at a full run.

The princess joined him as they went up the stairs. The staircase was pitch black except for the flickering of an occasional torch. Noises echoed down to them as they climbed. Screetches, wails and howls sent shivers up Essie's spine. “I wish I had my wand,” she said.

“I wish I had my sword,” Sir Diego said.

They came to the top of the stairs and froze. Standing in front of the door was a large, snarling dog. It's eyes blazed with fire and drool fell from its bared teeth. “It looks like Mularky was expecting my escape,” the knight sighed.

The hound began moving towards them, eyes locked on the fairy with its hackles rasied, ready to pounce. Essie's heart raced.

To try calming the dog, go to page 13

To try fighting the dog, go to page 14