The Chef’s Sidekick

“Ohhhhhhh . . .” wailed the dragon.

“What now?” asked Sierra. Sierra was growing tired of this dragon and his problems. Since early this morning, the dragon had joined her on her way to the palace. The dragon kept complaining of all his problems and Sierra was growing more irritated by the moment.

“I’m losing my ability to blow fire,” sighed the dragon. “I might as well retire now as a dragon.”

“So you can’t blow a huge flame of fire,” reasoned Sierra. “What’s the big deal?”

“It is a big deal. It’s so embarrassing!” explained the dragon. “What kind of dragon can shoot only enough fire to cook a meatball?”

Sierra had problems of her own. She was on her way to visit the king. She was hoping to become the court jester, a servant, or anything. Sierra needed to focus on what she would say and do to impress the king, and King Rupert was a difficult person to impress.

“Do you know what happens to me if I’m not useful any more?” asked the dragon. “That’s right. The knights aren’t afraid of me anymore. I lose credibility with everyone!” The dragon slumped to the ground and started to cry again.

Sierra tried to ignore the dragon, but he just kept talking. Blah, blah, blah. . . .

Just then, Sierra had a brilliant idea! “Dragon, get up! I have it!” she called.

The dragon slowly raised his head, “Have what?”

Sierra grabbed the dragon’s neck and jumped onboard. “Let’s go. We have a job to apply for!” Sierra and the dragon rode into the palace gates.