Page 48 - The Tree of Happiness

The Queen thanked them again and told them to return to their homes. Then she mounted her horse and returned to the castle. Once she was back at the castle, she took off her armor and dressed in her best gown. She then hurried into the forest in search of the TREE OF HAPPINESS.
She found the Elf sitting next to the tree dozing. “Hurry,” she said, “Give me the key to the TREE OF HAPPINESS!” Slowly the Elf opened one eye and asked, “Why should I?” The Queen, with much excitement in her voice said, “I have completed all of the tasks and trials.” “Oh? Tell me about them and then I will decide if I should give you the key,” replied the Elf. “All right,” said the Queen, “If I must.” “You must,” smiled the Elf.
And the Queen then began to tell the Elf of all the things she had done to accomplish the ‘’Tasks.”
She told of how she had not listened to her advisors and had built the Road. She told of how the grateful workers had allowed her to lay the last stone. She told of how they had trained workers and how they completed the Monument. She told of the fear she had felt when going all over the world to find the Best Books. She explained the loneliness of being so far from home.
Finally, she told of raising the army of peasants and the dread she felt when she faced the dragon. The Queen also related how the Dragon had run away.
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