Thirty-Nine:
Once the Cyclops began hurling all manner of stones and boulders, fully engaged in the destruction of the tower, Brian and Spot and Prince Jack and Princess Ariadne decided to leave. As they walked to the castle, Ariadne talked excitedly of becoming a real princess.
"And when Jack returns to the castle with his new crown," said Ariadne, "I can have a real tiara not made of plastic, and we can get a real crown for you, and we can all live happily ever after."
"I will live in zee castle?" said Spot. "With zee King and Queen of zee World?" To the little dog, it sounded like life caged outside of the big top again.
"I'm sorry," said Brian, "but Spot has to return home with me. My parents depend on him to keep them safe. We need him to hold the monsters at bay."
"It... is true," said Spot. "I cannot deny zee responsibility to Mademoiselle and Monsieur le Parents."
"I suppose being a prince and princess wouldn't mean all that much if we had to leave another family vulnerable," said Ariadne, broken-hearted. Mimbleshaw greeted the Prince and Princess. Jack told Mimbleshaw to extend their hospitality to Spot and Brian.
"Sebastion, you were wrong," said Brian. "Spot and I are still alive. The Minotaur didn't kill us."
"I wasn't wrong, Human," said Mimbleshaw. "I said no king ever returns from the maze. You've returned without a crown, as it has always been. Your business here is finished. Is there any place you would like to visit before you return home? Paris, perhaps?"
"Paris?" said Spot.
"You know," said Brian. "The French capital? 'We'll always have Paris?'"
"French?" said Spot.
"You don't know what French means?" said Brian.
"No," said Spot. "Tell me about zee French."
The End
Having survived their ordeals, the dog and the boy were free to return to their neglected parents, where they were needed and tolerated. With our story finished, Gentle Reader, you and I for now must part. As the intervening time goes by, remember the fundamental wisdom against which cruelty falls like rain and anvils if you share it too casually. Validating someone's story is the basic measure of the respect we need to make life the least bit comfortable. Love is always personal. If we make ourselves the same, one heartbreak will devastate us all. So much more vulnerable are we within maze and castle walls.
Keep the truth safe, my darling. Keep it safe for the coming century, when the truth will no longer be taboo. Keep it safe for when we can only imagine ever needing jesters to let us know what is. And, as always, pray God in Heaven protects His Children from what they dream.