‘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.

#228: Rolling Laughter, Part 2

The Flying Monkeys were once again the villains’ lackeys in the adventure Dragon Father’s subconscious had created for him and 3-year-old Dragon Little. This was the battle that came after the events I have told you of yesterday. 

In the middle of battle, a flying monkey came down and swooped up Dragon Little, taking her away to the palace. 

Dragon Father remained behind, on the deck of the ship, watching as his daughter was taken away. 

“I’ll save you, Joy!” he yelled after her, even as he battled the monkeys with a sword in each hand. “I’m coming for you!” 

He quickly defeated the Flying Monkeys, and took Bonny’s Revenge deep into the jungle. 

He snuck into the clearing which was the palace of the Flying Monkeys. 

In the middle of the clearing were two chairs. The Flying Monkey King stood in front of the chair. Behind him, on the chair, sat Dragon Little - imprisoned but not shackled. 

“Surrender now, Monkey King,” Dragon Father said through gritted teeth, “or I’ll make it very ugly for you.” 

Suddenly, monkey guards surrounded the entire clearing, surrounding Dragon Father. 

“Ah, Justin the Pirate,” the Monkey King said. “You have fallen into my trap!” 

“Have I?” Dragon father looked at Dragon Little and scratched his armpit. Dragon Little straightened up in the chair. “I think you’ve fallen into my trap!” He scratched his armpit again. 

Dragon Little nodded. 

She reached forward and tickled the Monkey King under the armpits. 

The Monkey King collapsed to the floor with laughter. 

Dragon Little jumped to the ground and continued to tickle him. The Monkey King laughed and Dragon Little began to laugh as well, her rolling laughter climbing up to my hiding place and filling my wounded heart with happiness. 

Dragon Father used the distraction to defeat the guards and save his daughter. 

It was a day like any other.

—Told by The Red Dragon

#229: The Quest, Part 1

#227: Rolling Laughter, Part 1