‘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.

#242: Good Job!

Yesterday I told you of the time just before Aragon the Mighty faced off with Dragon Father in a swashbuckling sword fight, while two and a half year old Dragon Little watched. 

Today I will tell you of what happened during the fight itself. 

Dragon Little watched from the side as Aragon and her father’s sword met several times, each one testing the other. 

Aragon the Mighty surprised with a fast move, but Dragon Father was even faster, ducked, and was able to slap Aragon with his sword. 

“Look at you! Good job!” Dragon Little commented from the side earnestly. It was a strange tone for a child. In fact, I had only heard adults use it on children. 

Dragon Father looked aside, confused. “What?” 

“Good job, Dad! Keep it up!” she continued to speak with the confidence and support an adult would give a child. 

“A-ha. Okay… Thank you, Joy.” 

Aragon and Dragon Father engaged once more, this time with somersaults and double somersaults in the air. 

“Good job, Dad! Good job!” she commended her father from the side. 

Dragon Father laughed for a split second, then held it in. “Thank you, Joy. Your support means a lot.” 

“Your support means a lot, too!” 

They fought again. After a few minutes, Dragon Father defeated Aragon the Mighty and arrested him. 

By this time, Dragon Little had climbed on a barrel of rum. When Dragon Father passed next to her, she slapped him on the shoulder. 

“Great job, Dad! You have a real future in this business!” 

He nodded, and with one hand swept her up and continued walking. 

“Joy, is that something that maybe I told you once?” 

“No,” she said with complete confidence. 

“Okay, then. Let’s put the bad guy in prison.” 

“Let’s!” 

—Told by The Red Dragon

#243: Not Today

#241: The Secret