“Why don't we both make the porridge and then both sleep? Surely, this abandoned cottage is safe for us.”

“Maybe,” Gabriel commented. He paused, listening, and then hurried out the door.

A pack of wolves slowly moved towards the cottage. Gabriel inched towards the llama and released the rope which kept him tied to the cottage. With his other hand, he grabbed the pitchfork.

The freed llama leaped into action. He ran straight towards the wolves and kicked with his mighty legs. Gabriel shouted and held out the pitchfork menacingly towards the hungry wolves. The llama kicked again and sent the lead wolf flying. Quickly, the llama lumbered over to the fallen wolf and fell upon it with his massive chest. The wolf yelped in pain and then grew silent. The other wolves stared at their fallen leader and then quickly ran back into the forest yelping and howling in fear.

Gabriel walked over to the llama and rubbed his neck fondly. “Thank you, FireLight,” he said. The llama turned and resumed eating the hay, content in the knowledge that his master and Peczold were yet alive.

After their supper of porridge and a small piece of bread, generously allowed by Gabriel, they took to their beds. Gabriel felt safe knowing that the llama stood as sentry outside their door. Sleep overtook the two men in seconds.

“Good night, Margarete Katharina,” Lucie whispered to the doll princess who lay between her and Anna in their small bed.

“Good night, your majesty – and good night, Lucie,” Annie said sleepily.

Just then the door cracked open and Lucie quickly pushed the dolls under the covers.

“No more talking, girls!” their mama scolded. “It is bedtime and you have your chores early in the morning!”

“Yes, Mama,” the girls replied and closed their eyes. Once the door closed again, both girls opened their eyes and smiled at each other as they pulled the doll princess out from under the covers. Lucie reached over and kissed the doll, and then she kissed Anna on the cheek.