£1.59
Dondobee
Summary
The Adventures of a Leolian Elf is a simple tale of a faithful elf who is imprisoned for his ugliness. In a time long ago, a young urchin boy named Coal creates a musical instrument that charms the creatures of the wood, including two Leolian elves, Shreebee and Rodo. A pact is made between the boy and the elves: the elves will serve Coal until the end of his days if they are allowed to play the magical instrument. Coal agrees, and the elves create a magnificent castle for all to live in. Dondobee is born soon after and quickly learns to play the instrument, which is magical in his hands. He plays at every full moon, and as he plays, tiny beings of light go about doing Williamsgate Castle chores, cleaning and stocking the castle with supplies to keep for a month or until the next full moon.
Love and Farewell
Coal meets and marries Queen Maudrina. They all live happily ever after. One day, Coal doesn’t wake up. Shreebee and Rodo ceremonially send him up the chimney in a puff of smoke. With their pact with Coal finished, they too decide to go up the chimney. However, Dondobee chooses to stay behind to care for the aging Queen Maudrina. Then one day, the Queen asks Dondobee to grant her one final wish. The Queen has left the castle to her nephew Prince Paul and his princess Panella of Bethgate Castle. Dondobee agrees to stay and maintain it for them, on the condition that they can solve a riddle. The royal couple is informed of their inheritance, and they successfully solve the riddle with the help of the sensemaker. They take residence in Williamsgate Castle and live long and happily in the magical castle.
The Castle's Dark Turn
Until one bright full moon night, the sleepwalking Panella sees an ugly creature roaming the castle. She convinces Prince Paul to capture it. The prince devises a clever trap, and Dondobee is captured and thrown into the dungeon. Soon, the castle is no longer warm and full of bright light and happiness. No chores are being done, it grows cold and dark. The confused couple can’t understand what is wrong. They go to bed and fall asleep for fourteen and a half years. Yet, they do live happily ever after. For how they manage to do that, you will have to read the story of Dondobee and go along with him on his adventures.
