Then you will depart
across the stormy seas to the King and Queen, who are your father and
mother who love you and miss you very much.'
***
The Little Old Man stops talking. He pulls his big red checkered
handkerchief out of his pocket and wipes away a tear.
'Well, boys and girls and mothers and fathers,' he says, 'you can imagine
what happens after that. The Princess shows the Elves how to prepare
the oven, and she has them bring flour and water and yeast and salt. She
shows them how to mix and knead the dough.
'After the dough has risen, the Princess shows the Elves how to roll it out
and shape it into loaves and rolls. Everyone is busy. The Elves place the
loaves and rolls on baking trays and pans. They lift the trays and pans
over their heads and form a line from where they made the dough to the
oven's door.
'The Princess stands beside the oven as the Elves follow her instructions
and slide the trays and pans inside. The oven is enormous, and there is
room for all the trays and pans.
'We sit in a half-circle in front of the oven, waiting. Soon, the cavern fills
with the aroma of baking bread.
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