To my brave and gentle Princess Celestia, in the 603rd YR, my 7,236th letter

Gail & Gentle have spotted an unusual and promising architectural structure. It may contain a nesting area for dragons. I was game to go it alone, but Mr. Pass insisted on coming with me. I hope I can protect him, and I have warned him that his best protection may be in hiding. From our conversations with locals we learned that the mysterious structure is guarded by a demon. Miss Brush Broom also wanted to come, but I block this, as it was too dangerous to risk too many of us on what may turn out to be nothing more than a relaxing walk in the hills.

Our walk inland was unmarred except for the astonished and fright feared stares some of the locals gave us strangers to their country. The countryside was quite beautiful and Gentle followed us like a flying shadow. As we entered the forest, Gentle had to fly lower on occasion to keep us pointed in the correct direction.

Rather than one, the buildings we encountered upon a small plateau were many, structures with extending tile roofs and paper walls. The complex was uninhabited, yet despite the extended time, weeds and grass had not taken over the area. Gentle joined us in our exploration of the structures, but as the day began to wane, I sent her back to the ship with orders that either she or Gail were to bring out some fresh supplies for us the next day.

It is comical that after all the days of sleeping in our tiny bunks aboard the little ship, Mr. Pass and I did not use one of the bigger halls for our bedding area. Instead out of habit, we slept in the tiniest cupboards and closets in what may have been the kitchen. My dreams that night were haunted by a fire that walked the complex. Mr. Pass was even more disturbed in the morning, so I gave him liberty while I continued my exploration of the complex. There was sum (not some) type of mathematical inconsistency in the layout of the campus and it tasks me for a solution. Gail arrived and encouraged Mr. Pass to relax by drawing on the paper walls. Mr. Pass (being no artist like Miss Broom) did know how to draw cats. Gail joined me in my explorations and we discussed if Mr. Pass should return to the ship.

Again, as the day waned, Gail left and Mr. Pass steadfastly refused. The cats he had drawn in the kitchen area were particularly good. We retreated to our closets and cupboards for the night and I was reassured as I could hear Mr. Pass snoring. Then panic gripped me as I could hear a screeching howl in the facility. In my anger at myself for my fear, my mind slipped into that place between dreams and waking up. In that sleepless dream I could see the fiery demon screaming as claws and teeth tore into it. The demon crashed through walls and buildings making its way toward the kitchen, and still I could not rouse myself to fight.

In the morning, I awoke with the memory of my cowardice. Mr. Pass was much refreshed. We left the complex sadly confident that no dragon egg would be found there. The buildings were untouched except for Mr. Pass’s cats. Gentle & Gail met us both for breakfast. Yet I too feel much renewed for the math of the place now feels correct. In this alone do I find solace for the cowardice of my nightmare.

With all my generosity, loyalty, humor, kindness, and trustworthiness, Sum-po-neigh Knot Yew.

Author's Note

This chapter is actually loosely based upon a Japanese ghost story, that was a favorite of mine as a child. I included it because it does not distract from the Yellow River atmosphere and adds some information.