A scene of my historical character Talionis, the young dragon-king (1819-1837) meeting two of his more noteworthy subjects for the first time. Namely, Abbot John of Greathearth, (the mouse, 1785-1857) and his friend and advisor Beatrice Fleet (the hare, 1793-1850).


The peacable and enlightened woodland creatures of Greathearth were largely treated with respect by King Nicodemus (1766-1835), but with the old king's passing, his sixteen-year-old son Talionis now sits the throne. And, having travelled to swear allegiance to their new sovereign, the Abbot and Sister Beatrice are somewhat dismayed to find that unlike his father, Talionis is, well, a big royal brat. His Majesty is highly amused by the idea that these silly little creatures think they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, and makes a point of showing them their place by forcing them to kneel indefinitely at his feet.