The Moon’s Patient Prank — All evening, Tavian kept one claw on the highest tower stone and waited for the moon-bell to ring. Read the full story →
All evening, Tavian kept one claw on the highest tower stone and waited for the moon-bell to ring. The bell was tiny, silver, and stubborn; it only chimed when the crescent moon slid between two chimney clouds. Cold wind rubbed the battlements smooth, and the castle flags snapped flap-flap above the sleepy guards.
Tavian did not stomp. He did not huff fire. He counted bricks with the tip of his tail and let frost tickle his nose. At last, a squeak came from inside the bell. Out popped a moon-mouse wearing a thimble for a helmet, polishing the clapper with a crumb of star. “One more minute,” she said. “Good pranks need shine.”
When the crescent finally touched the cloud gap, the bell did not go ding. It went bloop! Every guard’s mustache curled upward like a question mark. Tavian laughed so softly the stars wobbled. If you visit the tower in the quiet part of night, count the bricks patiently; the next bloop may be waiting under his tail.
