Tug Baker and the Lyman Lion (F)

Tug Baker looked out the kitchen window to see why Macy and Lacy were at the back door jumping up and down and barking wildly. Tug looked and then looked again.

Coming toward the open gate at the back of the yard was the Lyman Lion. Huge, strong, and on the move. Its head was gigantic, jaws massive, drool coming from its mouth.

Tug looped around to the sliding glass door and dashed to the edge of the patio. He pulled his magic sword from the sandbox and then reached for his shield that covered the twins’ barrel of toys.

On came the Lyman Lion at a slow pace. No hurry for that great beast.

“Go back!” Tug shouted. “Go back, or die here today!” Tug hit his shield with his sword.

Still the monster came on with hot breath and dark, dark eyes. When its mouth opened, huge teeth flashed in the morning sunlight.

“No more warnings!” Tug began to stride down the hill to meet his enemy.

Now the Lion stopped, its head tilting left then right. Its jaws opened wide. Was it thinking of eating Tug for breakfast?

Tug raised his sword straight over his head. He put his shield in front of his chest. “Come on, you terrible beast!”

The Lion trotted forward. They were only 20 feet apart. Tug braced himself for the attack.

On came the Lion, drooling and shaking its huge head. Tug bent his knees. Soon the Lion would be on him.

Bam! The Lion’s head crashed into Tug’s shield and Tug had to take a step back. He looked for a soft spot to use his sword on this monster.

Again, bam! The Lion’s front paws landed on Tug’s shoulders and knocked him to the ground. Tug covered his head with his shield. The Lion’s teeth were just inches from Tug’s face.

Tug tried to roll away but the weight of the Lyman Lion held him pinned to the ground. Tug tried to push his foe away. He tried again. No escape for Tug.

“Get back, you evil creature!”

The Lion head-butted Tug. Tug tried push himself away on his heels and elbows. Still, no escape.

“I will defeat you!” Tug brought his knees up and under the Lion. If he could just get the beast off of him.

“Tug! Tug Baker, stop playing with Betsy and feed the chickens!”

“But, Mom….”

“Now, Tug. And close the gate after you get Betsy home so the dogs can come out.”

“Yes, Mom.”

Tug rubbed Betsy behind her ears and got up to his feet. He led the St. Bernard back down the hill and out into her yard. “Good girl, Betsy. See you later, I guess.”

Tug closed the gate and walked back to his house.

Lyman 2021