The Giggle Behind the Gate — The stone steps clicked under Pip’s boots as he carried the breakfast bell up to Highcrag Castle. He had polished it until it smelled like pennies and lemon peel. Read the full story →
The stone steps clicked under Pip’s boots as he carried the breakfast bell up to Highcrag Castle. He had polished it until it smelled like pennies and lemon peel. At the great wooden gate, he lifted the iron knocker for his first official knock. Clang! The sound bounced off the snowy peaks, and every little flag gave a shiver.
From the rocky ledge beside the wall came a snort, then a wheezy giggle. A green dragon blinked at Pip and whispered, “Wrong door.” Pip’s knees wobbled, but only a little. He knocked again—this time on the dragon’s curled tail, which had been resting across a hidden bell rope. Bong-bong-bong! Windows opened, cooks cheered, and the castle woke laughing. Next time you spot that curly tail by the gate, you’ll know where the morning giggle began.
