Troublesome Angus

 Troublesome Angus or Franny Helps A Friend Take His Medicine

One morning, Izba was out enjoying a walk in the woods. Suddenly, a tiny dragon rushed up to him and asked if Hedgewhich Franny was available. Izba directed the dragon to follow him as he headed that way.

The two arrived to find Franny sitting outside. Greeting the dragon with a smile, Franny inquired what he needed. Tristan introduced himself and informed the witch that the wise woman Ursula needed help getting a stubborn patient to take his medicine.

Franny, Izba, and Tristan decided that the best thing to do was meet with the patient to see if they could offer a solution.

As they neared, the hut screams came from inside the hut. "You daft woman, I'll not be taking any more of your poison. I know you're trying to kill me, aren't you?

Franny looked at Izba, and they both said, "Angus." After calming the miner, Ursula told Franny Angus's tonic contained bitter root. After the first spoonful, he refused to take anymore.

"I see you've brought the witch here to turn me into a wee toady," said Angus with a smile. "No, my grumpy old friend, that's my sister's job. I'll give you the hiccups for being so troublesome," replied Franny.

Franny asked Angus why he refused his tonic when he knew he couldn't return to work at the mine without it. He explained the bitterness was too much for him and hard to swallow.

"Why don't you add sugar to it, Ursula?" asked Izba. "I tried, but he doesn't like sugar; he says it hurts his teeth," replied Ursula.

"What about taking it with some apple cider," suggested Franny. "Aye, lass, that would be dandy, but this wicked woman doesn't have any," said Angus.

Franny told Angus if he helped her pick and press the apples, she would supply him with a jug of fresh apple cider. Ursula offered to help by making pumpkin butter and biscuits to enjoy with the cider. "I guess you're not that wicked," said Angus with a wink.

After picking apples, Angus and Franny cut and mashed the fruit in a cloth bag. Franny placed the fruit in the press, and Angus turned the press's handle until cider juice flowed into the jug. When they finished, they returned to Ursula's with their cider.

Meanwhile, Ursula cleaned, cut, and placed the pumpkin in a pan over low heat to simmer until soft. Next, she mashed the pumpkin, added black sugar and some spice, and then cooked it until thick.

When Franny arrived, she helped Ursula mix flour, salt, and baking powder in a bowl. Ursula put in butter and cut it using a fork until the mixture was crumbly. Finally, she added milk and honey and mixed them once again.

Franny rolled out the dough, cut round biscuits, and baked them until golden brown. Angus kept his word and took his tonic, then drank a large cup of cider followed by a biscuit and pumpkin butter.

"Taking your poison was worth it. The cider and biscuits are grand," said Angus, then smiled and waved goodbye.