‘The Squashbuckler Diaries’ are the daily tales of Joy Shelley’s Life in the Dream. The ‘Lost in Dreams’ books will tell the story of what happens to her at ages 6, 9, 12, 15, and so on. The diaries tell us what happens before, after, and between the books.

#200: While Joy Sleeps

Usually, I tell you of Dragon Little, the amazing human girl who lives in dreams. The amazing girl whose life will no doubt be cut short as soon as she leaves her father’s dream.

I apologize. Because I fear for her life and because I know what awaits her, I digress. 

I usually tell you about Dragon Little’s life or about Dragon Father’s life, when he returns to his dreams to raise Dragon Little and to fight villains. 

But today I will tell you what happened while Dragon Father was awake and while Dragon Little was asleep. 

The dream ist quiet when there ist no dreamer in it. Bonny’s Revenge, the pirate ship that serves as home for Dragon Father and Dragon Little, sailed silently and slowly on the waveless ocean. But in the belly of the ship, in the Infinite Corridor which serves as prison for the villains Dragon Little and Dragon Father capture, the villains who stay behind even when the dreamer who created them wakes up - those villains remain awake. Almost none of them sleep. 

They rarely talk among themselves, but this time they did. 

“Evil Fairy Forest King,” my sharp dragon’s ears heard a familiar voice grumble at another inmate. It was General Hawk, a vicious and dangerous villain who had befriended Dragon Little ever since Mary died. “I have heard your conversation with the Nestling.” 

“Have you, now?” the grating voice of the Evil Fairy Forest King answered. “That is surprising, considering we can hear anything that is said in this infernal corridor.” 

You attempted to sabotage the Nestling’s belief in herself. That is unacceptable.” 

“Your opinion is noted, you wingless bird.” 

“The Nestling is under my protection,” General Hawk’s voice did not seem to be bothered by the king’s comments. “Sabotage her and you will suffer.” 

“Oooh no! I am threatened by the general whose wings have been burned and who is as much a prisoner as me. I am scaaared!”

“You should be,” this time, General Hawk’s voice did break. I heard the anger rise, but also the helplessness. “I am the most savage, calculated killer you have encountered. You will endanger the Nestling at your own risk.” 

“Oh, yessssss?” hissed the King. “What will you do to me from way over there? I cannot even see you.” 

“I… I…” the powerlessness in his voice was overwhelming. “It is not wise to tell you.” 

The Evil Fairy Forest King laughed. “ ‘Not wise’! Ha ha ha ha ha!” he laughed. 

There were no more words from General Hawk. The two fell into silence and Bonny’s Revenge continued to slowly sail the endless ocean.

—Told by The Red Dragon

#201: A Villain Wins

#199: A Seed of Doubt