Trigger on Myths/legends/fairy stories paintings: From a list I chose “Death of Arthur”

Tad’s Elf

“The end”, said Jonathon as he closed the book and looked over at his two young boys. “So King Arthur was dead and Camelot was no longer.”

“Was there really a Camelot Dad”, asked Tad, seven, the younger of the two.

“Well, it depends” Jonathon replied slowly, thinking how to answer. “There are certainly some places which legends say may have represented Camelot. And we cant know for sure as to whether it is true or not. Perhaps the idea of Camelot did exist in some form or fashion. And it’s not likely there were wizards or witches or faeries or elves.”

“Oh, I don’t believe in any of that stuff”said Will, now ten, and certain of all he knew. “It’s just like in Harry Potter, its just stories. There is no such thing as magic or potions or elves. That’s ridiculous.”

“Well think though” said Jonathon “Perhaps there is more than we can understand about the world. Why would there have been so many legends told such as about Arthur and Merlin and carried forward all these years?”

“Cause people didn’t understand stuff back then Dad. They didn’t have the internet to look things up so they just made up reasons. Or they blamed it on odd looking people or strangers or people not like them. That’s what Mr Sorenson our science teacher said.”

“Oh really, you discussed this at school?”

“Yeah, one of the kids asked Mr. Sorenson whether there could be potions and magic phrases like in Harry Potter and he said that it made for fun stories but that such things really don’t work. No one can make things appear and disappear like that or turn people into animals.”

“You are probably right about that” his Dad concurred, not wanting his boys to develop fears of strangers or believe in magical thinking.

Then Tad, somewhat timidly said, “I believe in elves though. I mean, how would we have all our Christmas toys if the elves did not help Santa. I know an elf.”

“That’s silly” Will laughed out. “You really believe that…”

“Enough” Jonathon said cutting off Will. He loved that Tad still had faith in the Santa myth and wanted to protect him as long as he could. It made the holiday for more fun for Jonathon. “There are some things we really don’t know, even with the internet. So ok, off to bed with you Tad. “

“Night Dad” said Tad as he walked down the hall into his room and closed the door.

“Dad, why didn’t you agree with me about Santa and the elves. I know that its you and Mom who buy the gifts.”

“But believing in things can be fun. And there are enough things to learn about in the world as you get older, that having some magical thinking makes the future possible. There is always enough time to learn. And speaking of which, have you finished your homework. I don’t think you can tell Mr Sorenson tomorrow that an elf stole your science workbook.” And he patted Will on the head as he sent him to his room and desk to study.

Tad had put on his pajamas, pulled back the covers of his bed and climbed in. The small light over his head was left on.

“I told you not to tell anyone about me” said the figure sitting at the foot of the bed. “I’m really just here to help you. If the others find out, I’ll have to disappear for good.”

Tad sat up and looked down at the wizened little man, smaller than him who stared back. His tiny features were smooth and unthreatening, a smile was fixed to his face. He had no hair on his head which was covered by a small brown cap, sort of like a mushroom in shape. His clothes were a jumble of colors.

“Honest Mr Minton, I didn’t really tell them about you. Will thinks he knows everything with his computer and internet and I wanted him to know that he does not know everything. He’s always trying to tell me I don’t know anything. And Dad really didn’t hear me either. I don’t want you to go.”

“You know Tad, some day, I will have to move on. It will be time for you to be on your own. There are lots of little kids who do believe in me and that I can help. But don’t worry, we have lots of time left. Now, where do you want to go tonight? Santa’s North Pole toy shop again?”

“Was there a Camelot like in the story dad was reading. Could we go there?”

“Why not” said Mr Minton and with a snap of his fingers the two of them were standing on a hillside, looking down at a castle with 5 towers, 4 at the corners with a high wall connecting them and a larger tower standing above the building inside the courtyard. Flags whipped in the wind from poles on top of the towers. There was a large stream flowing around the castle and a huge wooden draw bridge was extended across the bank. People were coming and going through the large portcullis.

Just then a group of men on large horses made their way slowly through the crowd and out across the bridge. The men were all wearing chain mail and had on the same doublets with a large dragon embroidered on the cloth. The same dragon was emblazoned on the shields strapped to the side of the horses.

Without haste, the troop made their way from the castle out across the small valley on the dirt track of a road and began heading up the hill, directly toward where Tad and Mr Minton were standing.

“Should we hide?” asked Tad getting concerned.

“I think not replied,” replied the elf. “These are the good guys. You’ll see. Be brave, you know I will be here to protect you.”

After a bit, the men arrived in the little glade where Tad had been looking at the castle.

“And where be you from little lad?” asked the man on the horse in the lead as he slowed his mount to a halt. Mr Minton was not to be seen.

“I’m not from here” said Tad coached in his answers to strangers by Mr. Minton. “I have just arrived. Where is this?”

“Why Camelot of course. Why are you here?”

“Oh I have come to see the knights of the round table, especially Lancelot. He is my favorite.”

“Really” replied the man from his horse. “And how do you know about Lancelot?”

“Oh, he is a legend where I’m from. But most people do not think he is real.”

“Well” said the man as he dismounted lightly despite the heavy chain mail. “I don’t know about him being a legend, but he is real. He is me. I’m Lancelot.” he said as he took off his gauntlet and extended his hand to shake Tad’s.

“Oh sir, is it really you? Where are you going today?”

“Well, we are off to rid the countryside of some foul varlets who are stealing food from our area. Merlin has sent me a dream showing me exactly who and where they are. They will get a piece of my sword soon, I’ll bet you. And how about you, are you here to take our food too?

“Oh no sir. I’m just here to find out if Camelot exists and now I know. I’ll be going back home now.”

“Well then good day to you young lad and safe travels. Here is a bit of a memento of your visit to Camelot” said Lancelot as he climbed back on his horse and tossed down a small silver coin as he rode off with his mates.

“Thank you Mr Lancelot,” yelled Tad as he picked up the piece of shiny metal. “Oh Mr Minton look” he said, as the elf was once more apparent. “It has King Arthur’s dragon picture on it.”

“Lucky you,” he said. “Well we must go,” and with a snap of his fingers they were back in Tad’s bed.

The following morning, Tad came down to the breakfast table where his dad was drinking coffee and reading the newspaper while Will had his face buried in his computer.

“You know dad” said Tad. “There really was a Camelot and King Arthur.”

“Not that again,” groaned Will.

“No really” said Tad as he opened his hand exposing the shiny round object. “Lancelot gave me one of their coins.”