‘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.

#165: Death, Part 1: Surprise!

Dragon Father appeared on the deck of Bonny’s Revenge while Dragon Little was asleep. The universe above him and around him came to life. Wind was once more in the air, and stars twinkled in the sky. 

He looked around, and suddenly smiled. 

He walked to Dragon Little’s cabin. She was almost three years old at the time, and it has been only a few months since her nanny, Mary, died in a battle

Dragon Father walked over to her and caressed her cheek. “Joy!” Dragon Father whispered. 

“Jo-o-o-o-o-y! Wake u-u-u-u-up!”

Dragon Little stirred. She had gone to sleep late, helming Bonny’s Revenge, their flying pirate ship, through space until she was exhausted. 

“Mmmmmm,” she turned around and tried to go back to sleep. 

“Joy, Joy, I have a surrrrr-prii-i-i-i-i-se for yo-o-o-o-o-u!”

Dragon Little kicked Dragon Father in the legs without even looking at him. 

“Owww. A bit more to the side and that would have really hurt me. Joy, seriously wake up.” 

He bent over her and caressed her forehead. “Joy… can you hear me?” 

Kilometers above them, in my hideaway, my sharp dragon eyes could see through the window to Dragon Little’s cabin: She opened her eyes to the size of a small slit. 

“I have a surprise,” he said happily. “Ready?” 

“Mmmmmm,” she said, but did not turn around. 

“Mary…” Dragon Father said excitedly. “Is alive!” 

Dragon Little sat up straight in her bed, immediately fully awake. “What?!”

“She’s alive! Come here! Come and see!” 

Dragon Little jumped out of bed. 

Oh, this ist a tough story to tell. My past has made me weak and I need to rest before I tell you the rest. Bear with me and I will tell you what happened tomorrow. 

—Told by The Red Dragon

#166: Death, Part 2: Back from the Dead?

#164: Ah-Choo!