Step 1: Go to the well in the basement. It is deep and dark and dangerous. There is a dragon at the bottom, he has the key you need.

Step 2: Take the dragon’s key (he will offer it to you freely, but you must bring it back or he will find you and eat your left toe) to the deepest part of the nearest wood. There is a tree there with a lock-shaped knot. Insert the key.

Step 3: When the lock clicks over, a door will open. Go through it. It will be a tight fit, but do not leave your jacket behind, for it is no warmer inside.

Step 4: Keep your wits about you. The change will cause them to attempt the escape you’ve always feared. On a hook just inside the door, there is a tiny jar on a silver chain. It will secure your wits quite nicely until you are in need of them again.

Step 5: The path before you forks three times three. Take the third third and walk the first nine steps backwards.

Step 6: Note the murder of crows on the side of the path. There are two of them watching over the others from a branch. They are Thought and Memory. Call for them before you make your return.

Step 7: Meet with Brownie Bran and his wife at the end of the path (it is not as far as it looks.) and accept their offer of tea. Drink and eat all that is offered to you, but do not mention the key.

Step 8: Once your tea is done, a new path will appear. Beware the nixies, but entrust them with your wits. They will protect them well and the price is not too dear.

Step 9: Follow the path to the top of the mountain. It will be the hardest thing you have ever done.

Step 10: Meet with the dragon from the bottom of the well. He will take the key from you and, to thank you for couriering it, he will gift you with three scales from his back.

Step 11: Return the way you came. Give the nixies one of the scales and retrieve your wits. Give Brownie Bran another and he will say it is too much and offer you a bit of lunch. Do not accept it, but thank him kindly.

Step 12: When you get to the beginning of the path, you will not remember your name nor how to get home. Call for Thought and Memory then, they will guide you.

Step 13: Replace your wits and secure them well, for they have gotten a taste of freedom now.

Step 14: Walk back through the door, it will be wider now and you will pass through easily. Beware the branches on the other side, they will catch at your coat and try to tear it.

Step 15: Stride deosil around the tree three times, walk backward to the edge of the wood, and return home.

Final notes and instructions:

• The third dragon scale will look like stone, but keep it safe. The dragon may return one day and ask for it back.

• The well in the cellar is home to a frog now. He has secret knowledge. In the most dire of straits, you may ask him for help and guidance.

• Thought and Memory have followed you home. Always pay your respects when you see them, and they will speak well of you to all that they know.