Before anyone even has a chance to wonder if the show is over, a cackle fills the air, barely heard over the rumbling roar of the beast.  The witch flies out of the pit and holds on to the edge of the plank. The crowd exclaims and draws back in fear  as the beast rises…

Sir Ivan does not hesitate in setting out for the town square.  He finally has a solution for his witch problem. “You cannot do this!” The witch yells when Ivan announces her execution to all in town square. “It is done.  The constable is on his way,” Ivan responds. “On this day in front of…

Sir Ivan finds the queen standing next to her tactical map.  Rather than move right into mentioning the witch, he decides to butter her up a bit first.  “It seems that you are ready for a war strategy rematch,” Ivan says.  Queen Chalyela agrees to a game.  “Can you live through being humiliated yet again?”…

Feeling very discouraged after his loss to swordswoman Olga, Ivan seeks prayer from Sister Ermine. Sister Ermine greets him, “I witnessed your duel.  Are you feeling well?” “I assure you, your Grace, that it was not as bad as it appeared.  I seek you because I have a difficult challenge that I am facing.  I…

Ivan waits in the forest for what feels like ages; relieved to be alive. He peeks around a tree, making sure that he does not see any signs of the witch.  Only after he is absolutely sure that she’s gone, does he leave the safety of the trees.  He holds his stomach, doubled over in…

Now that Ivan has had the opportunity to actually see Bloodletter Gavin, he is optimistic about his chances of wooing the queen.  After all, he has youth, good looks and brute strength on his side. He does not allow his mind to dwell on that for long.  If he hopes to have any chance with…

With his momentum up from dueling with the queen, Sir Ivan decides to expend his remaining energy hunting for his dinner. The forest is strangely peaceful.  In the back of his mind, Ivan wonders what the evil witch is up to.  Right when he decides to try to locate her hut, he spots a deer. …

“Now compete with me in something I know I can win,” Sir Ivan says, pulling out his sword in preparation for a duel with the queen. “You better not dare say you took it easy on me after you find yourself on your back in defeat,” Chalyela says in confidence. The two of them stare…

Sir Ivan arrives right on time.  Queen Chalyela is in the process of holding court.  He stands to the side waiting for his opportunity to address her. Queen Chalyela sighs when she sees him.  “To what do I owe this visit?  Do you have any other fairy tales to entertain me with?”  She asks sarcastically….