A Dragon Redeemed, Part 1
Apologies in advance for the less than perfect grammar, pronunciation, and other errors. I'm still looking for a Beta proof reader, but didn't want to wait any longer to see if this story would be well received. It is the first in a related series I'm working on called the "The Dragon Knight". I hope you enjoy it. Many thanks to Starallon who has been most encouraging to this goofy Mule.
The Dragon Knight,
A Dragon Redeemed, Part 1
By
William W. Kelso
I was patrolling my domain, such as it was, and hunting at the same time as I do almost every day. There really wasn't much else to do. I was hungry, I was always hungry, but since I lost the ability to fly it is much harder for me to hunt. We Dragons are not swift on the ground. If I was lucky I would find an older deer, or perhaps some fresh carrion. My stomach rumbled as I quietly moved through the dense woods, at least as quietly as I can. I had been hunting for hours, with no luck yet.
My name is Dajor, which in English the closest translation is "Swift Kill". Like my name my whole life has been a joke. I was orphaned when I was only ten human years old, my mother died defending myself and my siblings, but I was the only survivor. At the end she used her last fire flux to try and give her chicks a chance to escape, but I was the only one. A ten year old Dragon on its own is a pretty helpless thing, and I'm lucky I managed to survive, if you can call it that. I've lived as a scavenger, eating rotten carrion and stealing chickens and other small animals from humans, and later larger livestock as I grew larger. I did survive to reach adult hood, but was stunted and smaller than normal, even for a Green. I finally found a lair, if you can call it that, in an old mine in a miserable patch of forest in a small valley that no other Dragon wanted. It is cramped and not very comfortable, but it is MINE and like all my kind I will defend it to the death. I have never mated because of my size, but I have always dreamed about what it must be like. I was fairly lucky as in my wandering I found several abandoned tombs and cairns full of treasure, but I keep the size of my hoard secret as otherwise a great many Dragons, and human adventurers like those who massacred my family, would seek to take it. I am not a coward, but I know I am no match for a larger healthy Dragon. If you cannot already guess why, I hate humans with a true passion, and any who stray into my domain I kill without hesitation. As a result they avoid my patch of the woods, which is fine with me. And as long as I do not trouble them greatly they do not send Knights or others to harass me. The only humans in the valley are as miserable as I am, they live in a rundown town that was once prosperous when the mines were open, but is now little more than a big dump. I avoid the place as it stinks, and there is no treasure to be had. I was a bitter, cynical creature who was always unhappy and in a foul mood. I was not good company, not that I ever had any visitors, at least any who lived for very long. I did not even like myself and hated the world in general.
I had just about reached the edge of my territory near bog land by the springs, when suddenly I heard a high pitched scream. It was a cry I had not heard before, but it was clearly an animal in pain or distress, so perhaps I would eat this day after all! With a grunt I turned and headed towards were the sound had come from. I heard it again, a high pitched wail of sheer terror that made even me cringe at the sheer level of that terror. I promised myself that whatever the beast was I would end that horrible terror as quickly as I could, for all my faults I am not one who torments for the pleasure of it. Any Dragon who does that would be more of an outcast than me. I emerged from the edge of the woods, where the firm ground gave way to the treacherous shifting sands of the great bog. And again a scream, and now that I was closer I realized it was the sound of a human, a child! And then I saw her, or what there was to see of her. It was a small female child, and she had plunged into one of the numerous quicksand bogs, and it had already sucked her down to her armpits. I turned to leave as like I have said before I have no love of humans, while I will not kill a child I did not feel any real need to help one either. Let nature take its course! Then she screamed again "MOOOOOMMEEEEEEE!, I'M SCARED, MOOOMEEEE!!" and I realized she was calling for her mother, and I remembered another scared child that had called for its mother so long ago. Her mother was not here, but I was! I still don't understand what made me turn back that day, but I knew I could not let an innocent child, human or otherwise, die in such a horrible manner.
I gave a loud snort to attract her attention, and when she saw me I said as softly as I could "Child, do not struggle, it will only make you sink faster!" Unlike most Greens, I had learned to speak the human tongue as a survival necessity when I was younger, and I still remembered how. There were hiss's and other Dragon sounds mixed in, but she understood me. She looked at me with huge wide eyes, and held her arms out to me. I started to look for a way to reach her, but she was far out in the bog. With my own massive weight, even though small for a Dragon I far outweigh any human, I had never dared to venture out into the bog. However, as with all Dragons I have a natural instinct for judging the terrain, and I saw I could probably approach her fairly closely, but the last few feet would be very hard. Carefully I ventured out onto the unsteady ground, and could feel it almost undulate in slow waves from my weight. I watched the ground with every step I took, and more than once had to back up and try another way as my foot or hand would start to sink. Damn this foul place! But slowly I managed to get fairly close to the small child. Since she had stopped struggling she had stopped sinking as fast, but she was still sinking. I looked up and gave a hiiisss of frustration, only her head and one arm was now visible above the sucking muck. It was taking me too long! I tried to speed up my approach, but almost became mired myself, so I had to slow down again. I was concentrating so hard I didn't realize she was going under until I heard a final horrible gurgling scream as the filthy muck filled her mouth as she was pulled under! And looking up I saw only her little hand desperately grabbing at nothing!
NOOOO! I screeched in horror!! And with a great flap of my wings I took flight for the first time in many years, and it was sheer agony as I felt my old wound tear open and start to bleed again. But I did manage to fly out over the bog, and dipping my hind legs into the muck I felt desperately for the child's body, and there! I had her! With mighty flaps of my wings I managed to pull her, and myself, free from the grip of the bog. And just before I collapsed from the pain and effort we reached the edge of the solid ground next to the woods. I dropped her rather roughly, and crashed into the ground as my injured wing finally gave out. And I passed out from the excruciating agony.
When I woke up my wing hurt so badly I almost passed out again. With a long drawn out moan I managed to partially fold that wing, which made it hurt less as it took most of the weight and pressure off of it. Then I realized I wasn't alone, and remembered the child! She was lying in the grass next to me, her small arms wrapped around my ankle, sound asleep. I remained motionless, and looked down at the small creature. Curiously I sniffed her, and under the foul smell of the bog I could scent her, and she smelled like fresh clover or mountain flowers. She was so bedraggled and filthy, and she wore only rags for her covering, that I just didn't have the heart to wake her. A short time later she woke up, and looked up at me, and with a smile she hugged me tightly and let out a happy sigh. "What are you doing child?" I asked. I had no real idea as no one had ever touched me like this, and though it made me uneasy to have another animal so close to me, I still didn't try to pull away. She said something, but it was muffled as she had her face pressed next to my scales. "What did you say, child?" I asked. She looked up at me again, and said in a small quavering voice "Thank you for saving me big Lizard, you're my hero", and shyly ducked her head again.
Big Lizard indeed! I thought, but not in anger. I hated humans, but I could neither sense nor feel any evil in this small one, and I could not hate her no matter how hard I tried. She was the first human child that I had ever met, not that I'd ever really been on friendly terms with ANY human before. Are all their young this innocent? And she had called me "hero", which was most amazing! I was anything but that! A hero! Me? The idea was silly.
"Child, I said, I am no hero! I am the Dragon of the Forest! Are you not scared of me? I kill any humans who visit my domain!" And she looked at me again, with a completely trusting smile on her face.
"They must have been bad humans then", she said seriously. And it occurred to me she was right as the only humans who had entered my woods had been intent on stealing my hoard, and killing me in the process if they could. "You won't kill me, will you?" she asked.
"No child, of course not! I do not kill my, my friends!" And I suddenly realized that she was the only person I had ever called a friend! And I put my good wing over her protectively as it was starting to rain.
"Good! she said, I really didn't want to be killed! What's your name? Where do you live? Do you have any lizard friends?
With a snort of amusement I answered her, "My name is Dajor, I live in my lair, and I have no friends."
"No friends!, she said, but you're so nice! You should have lots of friends!", and then she asked me shyly, turning her head away so I could hardly hear her. "Do you want to be MY friend? Please?"
"Child, I said, I am NOT a nice beast. I am a Dragon, and most humans hate my kind. But yes, I would very much like to be your friend, if you will have me as one." And I found to my surprise that I meant it! "Now, child, what were you doing in a horrible dangerous place like this! No beast, or human, should ever come here, it is an evil place of death!", and I realized, and was mad at myself, that I had raised my voice!
She looked up at me and hung her head, and said "I'm, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to be bad! I was looking for plants and fungi for my mother, she needs them to make her medicines. I didn't mean to be bad!" and she started to cry, a pitiful wailing sound.
"Please, please! Child, stop that!" I didn't know what to do! I had never been involved with a child of any kind! "Please, I said in as gentle a voice as I could, I am sorry, I did not mean to scare you! You are a good girl to try and help your mother! I was so mean, please! Don't cry!" But she kept wailing, and for the first time I felt like a complete and utter bully, a total cad! "Child! I said, watch this! And I ignited my fire flux, and blew some smoke rings! There, aren't those pretty!" And she looked up, still sniffing, and watched as I blew some more. In my spare time, and I have plenty of it, I had taken to blowing smoke rings as a distraction, and had gotten quite good at it. I blew progressively larger rings until they formed a kind of funnel, then blew a large straight puff of smoke through the middle, then using my fingers I made the whole mess swirl like a small tornado. And the little girl cried out in delight, and clapped her hands! More! she said! And so I spent several minutes blowing different shapes and types of puffs, even mixed in a little fire which caused her to cry out in surprised glee! And I realized that for the first time in longer then I could remember I was having fun, and I was actually happy for the first time since couldn't remember when! At least that's what I thought it was! And I also realized the totally ridiculous picture we must have made, a huge vicious predator trying to comfort a small crying human child! Ridiculous, but I didn't care!
And I was having so much fun, that wonderful new feeling, that I forgot about my wing, until I made a sudden move and tried to spread my wings, and I screamed in horrible agony as searing hot pain lanced through my shoulder! With a sob I collapsed, my breath coming in gasping heaves as I tried to keep from passing out again. Oh, by the Great Drake, it hurt so much! And I was aware the little girl was shrieking again, only in fear and concern, for me! For me, I thought I wonder. She had thrown her arms around my massive neck and was screaming,
"Ohhh, Nooo! What's wrong, what's wrong! Please don't hurt, please don't cry! " she wailed as she hugged me, and I could feel her tears against my scales, tears for me! I had never had anyone care for me one way or another, and I was embarrassed, yet strangely pleased at the same time. Tears, for me?
"It's an old wound, little one, there is nothing I can do about it. It always troubles me some, but today more than usual. The pain will pass and I will soon be fine again." I did not tell her why it was giving me such pain, I did not tell her it had been almost ten years since I last flew. I did not want to upset her any more, and I was used to my handicap, though I did look up at the beautiful clear sky with an aching longing in my heart only another Dragon could understand.
Sniveling, she looked up at me again with her pretty green eyes, green like mine I realized, and said "Really, you'll be OK? I can stay and take care of you if you want. I know how to make some good medicines, my mother taught me."
I reached down and gently stroked her filthy hair with one of my talons, "Thank you Child, you don't how much your offer means to me, but I will be fine. Now, it is getting dark and the woods are not a safe place for even a beast like me, so we must get you home! Your mother will be worried." And so I escorted my new found friend, such a wonderful word, to the edge of the forest and within sight of the so-called town of Darkmoor. She waved to me as she left, and I watched until she reached the safety of the gate, and I could hear glad relieved cry's of welcome. And I turned and trudged back into the safety of my wood, favoring my aching wing, and felt lonelier then I could ever remember feeling. But I had a friend I thought, and that was something! Me! A friend!
For five days I rested in my lair, on top of my mound of treasure, and by the second day I was almost delirious from the pain. I could just barely reach my old wound to lick at it, but even that hurt too much so I had stopped. And I could smell the wound putrefying, could feel the infection spreading throughout my body. It was from a wound I had received many years ago when a lucky adventurer had driven his spear into my shoulder before I had killed him. The point had broken off inside, and I had never been able to get it loose. With the point lodged where it was I could no longer fly except with extreme pain, and after awhile I stopped altogether. The wound had healed, but was always sore, and my effort to save the little girl had torn in open again. But I did not for one second regret what I had done. Dragons are very tough, but we can die. And I accepted my coming death as I was so tired of living, so worn out, so old before my time. Though it would have been nice to see my little friend again, I had never had one before. But she has probably already forgotten about me by now, in the way of human children. But if she thought kindly of me from time to time, and remembered her big Lizard friend that was more then I deserved.
Then dimly, through the glaze of pain, I heard a voice calling me. "Dragon, come forth, I would treat with thee! I offer no threat, and come unarmed in peace! Dragon! Come forth and hear me!"
"GO AWAY !" I screeched! "Leave me in peace! You may have my treasure when I am dead, and you do not have to wait long! "LEAVE ME BE HUMAN!, I WILL kill you if you enter my lair!" And then I collapsed again in delirium, mumbling and rambling in my agony, thrashing weakly. I was no longer aware of anything.
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I hesitated, I had heard the bellow of the great Dragon, and my first instinct was to run. But I had also heard the pain in those bellows. And now all I could hear coming from the lair were the ramblings and sounds of a creature oblivious to the world. My granddaughter had told me a story of a Dragon who had rescued her, but at first I did not believe her. That Dragon only killed, and it had terrorized the area for many years, killing any who ventured into its forest. But when my granddaughter had insisted, had cried and told him her "big Lizard" friend was hurt, I had finally let her lead him back to the site of her near brush with a horrible death. And I had read the signs, seen the Dragon tracks and spoor, and I had realized her amazing story was true, and I had also seen the blood. So I knew she had also told the truth that the Dragon was injured. And Dragon or not, it had saved my only living granddaughter from a truly horrible death, and I had a debt to repay. Taking a deep breath,( are you insane!), I entered the lair passing the bones of men and animals who littered the entrance, and plunged into the darkness.
My name is Marcus Aureilanus, and I am a retired Imperial groom and farrier. For thirty years I served in the Imperial Legions as a master groomsman to the Equestrian Knights, the elite heavy cavalry that make the Legions feared. After retiring I had returned to my home of Duarkmoor, hoping to help rebuild and revitalize the old Imperial outpost. But it had been a losing battle as since the mines had played out almost a century ago the place was almost abandoned, and no new people came there. During my service I had also learned to be a good veterinarian out of need and practice, and had taken care of many other animals then just horses. But a Dragon? But if it can bleed, then I can help it. Or so I hoped.
Before I even reached the chamber the Dragon was in I could smell the sweet stench of a badly infected wound, there is no other smell like it. By the Mother I thought, I pray I am not too late! I had no idea of how badly the beast might be wounded, so I had thankfully brought along my whole veterinary and farrier kits. To my surprise the chamber, which was small and damp for such a large beast, was well enough lit by clean burning flames in some braziers, though the Dragon had knocked one over in his mindless thrashing. I looked at the great fearsome beast, and it just lay there and made pitiful sounds of pain, and seemed to be calling out for someone. And I also looked at the incredible treasure the beast rested upon, I had always been told this Dragon was poor by others, but even I could tell this was a truly fabulous hoard! And may the Mother forgive me, to my shame I almost left him to suffer and die, knowing I could return for the treasure later. But he had saved MY most precious treasure, and if I did not at least try to save him I would forever be condemned in my own mind to the pits of the Dark Lady. Well, I finally said to myself, this will hurt you more than me my scaly friend!
I was appalled when I saw the horrible wound, it was an old one that had never quite healed, and he had torn it open again somehow. It was putrid and stank, with pus and other fluids seeping from it. I cleaned it as best I could, and thank the Mother he did not stir. I applied as much painkiller as I could to numb the horrible gash, and gently probed it as I knew there was something inside that was causing the wound to putrefy. The great beast let out a wail of pain, but still thankfully did not stir other than to weakly flail his legs. And there, I had it! Carefully I removed an old spear point, an old Imperial lance point. And I couldn't help thinking that if the Dragon had messed with Imperial Lancers, then he got what he deserved! With a grunt of disgust I threw the bent and rusty spear point away, and now came the truly hard part. I examined the wound very carefully, and was glad to see that the damage appeared to be limited to soft tissues and skin, that no major arteries or muscles had been cut or damaged. Good, I thought, there is a chance! I poured all of the various anti-infection medicines I had into the wound, then carefully stitched it closed. It was not so bad that I would have had to cauterize it, which would have been almost impossible to do. Any pain like that and the Dragon would most likely have killed us both in its throes of agony. Next I applied a large poultice to the wound, then carefully but securely bound it in a great swatch of bandages going completely around the base of the wing. I would have liked to run the bandage under the beasts chest for better tightness, but there was no way I could budge the great beast. There, I thought, I have done all that I can, it is up to you and the Mother now. And as I turned to leave the Dragon suddenly reached out and grasped my leg in its power claw, and my heart almost stopped. I froze, and slowly turned to look at the Dragon, and realized it was still unconscious and it was only a reflex. Then the Dragon mumbled in his now more restful sleep, "Friend, my little Friend?", and let me go. Now what was all that about? I thought, but I was strangely touched. I would return in a few days to see if my efforts had been successful, or for naught. And even though I had mixed feelings about trying to save a beast that might return to terrorizing the woods, I would still pray to the Mother that he recover.
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I woke with a moan, and my shoulder and wing hurt, but not nearly as bad as they had before. I lay there for a few minutes, trying to collect my thoughts and get my wits together. The braziers had burned out and I was in total darkness, which didn't bother me at all as I can see perfectly well in the dark. But Dragons do prefer the comfort and warmth that flames bring, so I spit some fire flux into the braziers. And as the flames licked up I realized something was very different. I smelled it first, there was still the smell of rotting flesh, but it was old now. No, here was a new smell, a fragrant medicinal smell! And with rage I suddenly realized someone had been in my lair! With a guttural snarl I scanned the room, but the scent of the intruder was several days old now, and even more amazingly none of my treasure was missing! It is amazing, but even with a huge hoard a Dragon can tell if even one coin, one gem, is missing. And I could tell nothing had been disturbed, so I calmed down some. What kind of human would enter a Dragons lair, and NOT take the treasure I wondered in confusion? And then I finally noticed my old wound and my wing, and it hurt but I could tell it was healing. I was amazed to find a very skillfully applied bandage wrapped around my wing joint and shoulder, and that was where the medicinal smell was coming from! There was puddle of reeking blood and pus on the floor, and nearby was the a rusty bent spear point, and I realized in total disbelief that someone had removed the point from my old wound, and then cleaned and closed the open gash! Evidently very skillfully with much effort, and so gently I had never felt the pain! And that of all things scared me more than anything else ever had. Who? Who would even bother to waste their time on a wretched thing like me? Who?? But for now that question had to wait, I was terribly hungry, but I was even more tired, so I fell back asleep again and dreamed of a little girl and the smell of flowers.
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I returned to the old mine the great beast had made its lair, but was very careful and as quiet as I could be. As I neared I could not smell any decay, so I thought that possibly my attentions had not been wasted after all. But I was still very leery, just because I helped the beast I did not know if that would make any difference or not, plus how was it to know I was the one? I had a heavy load of six great smoked hams as I knew the beast would be ravenous, and that it would need food if it was to heal. To heal it, then let it die of hunger, was not something I would allow to happen. There was no way it could hunt for now, and it had been so thin and gaunt. Carefully I placed the hams near the mine entrance, then left and faded into the woods. I would return with more meat on a regular basis until I was sure the beast had recovered enough to hunt and feed himself, then I would consider my obligation fulfilled, and would not trespass in his territory again.
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I woke with another start, and realized I had slept for a great period time. I was weak and still tired, but most of all I was hungry. And what had woken me was the mouth watering scent of fresh pork! With a grunt I dragged myself to the entrance of the mine, and to my shock found four huge juicy hams lying on the ground nearby! I did not question where they came from, and as I could smell no poison in them I eagerly devoured them, bone and all, in several big gulps! They were delicious, smoked and cured just right! Most Dragons prefer raw meat, but in my scavenging I had developed a taste for cooked meats and it had been years since I'd had any, and the hams had been superb! They were really more of a large snack, then a real meal, but my stomach was fairly full for the first time since I could remember. Then again I found myself wondering, Who? Who cared so for me! Surely not my friend the little girl, there was no way she could have done these things? I knew it was a human male as I could smell his scent, but why did he care if I lived or died, and why did he continue to care for me? It was a mystery I could not explain, and was beyond my understanding.
And then two days later I awoke to find a full side of fresh raw beef at the entrance to the mine. And again I feasted, devouring the entire side of beef in record time. I even broke up and swallowed most of the larger bones I was so hungry. And for the first time I finally felt strong again, and my wing and shoulder were healing nicely. Dragons heal fast, and the care and good food had only increased the rate. Had I not received them though I knew I would have died, knew that I had been dying. But now just a few days later the wound that had plagued me for so long, and had finally been killing me, was almost healed. Carefully I removed the now filthy bandages and poultice, and found the flesh underneath to be healthy and pink, with new scales slowly forming to cover the new flesh. And it was so wonderful! It still hurt if I tried to flex my wing, but the burning pain was gone! So wonderful not to hurt anymore! And I threw back my head and let out a bellow of pure joy!
And for another week my unseen caretaker would leave me gifts of meat every two days, and he was so quiet and skilled I never even realized he had been there until I found the meat. And the fourth time these gifts were left I realized I was being horribly selfish, and though it was the hardest thing I had ever done I took a bag of gold coins from my hoard, and left my own gift where the meat gifts had been left. And most amazingly the next time I found a gift of meat, the bag of coins was untouched! WHO is this human, I thought! That would take care of a dying Dragon, and enemy of his kind, and then not take an offered reward? I just could not comprehend such generosity! And slowly I found I was revising my feelings about humans, first the little girl had shown me kindness and affection, and now this unknown man? It had never occurred to me that humans could be so, well, generous and kind.
And then there finally came the day I had been hoping for, and dreading at the same time. As my wing had healed I had slowly come to realize that my muscles, though weak, no longer hurt when I flexed my wing. And slowly I dared to hope, my soul longing so desperately, that I might fly again one day! I had been exercising my crippled wing carefully, flexing and folding, flexing and folding, carefully stretching it out to its full length, and slowly the pain and soreness diminished and I could flap it, slowly at first but then faster! And today was the day! I moved the center of a nearby clearing, and looking up at the sky in hope I raised my wings and gave a mighty stroke, and another, and another, and I was airborne again! For the first time in over ten years I was FLYING!! My wing was still weak and a little stiff, but there was no soreness or pain! And I shrieked and bellowing in ecstasy, swooping and gliding, diving and looping, and unnoticed tears ran from my eyes. Any fancy maneuvers would have to wait until I had built up my strength again, but I COULD FLY!!! OH, thanks be to the Great Drake, I was no longer an earth bound Lizard, I was a DRAGON again! Hear me, ROOOOOAAAARRRRR!!!!
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I was on the way to the beast lair to deliver some more meat, when I suddenly heard a great bellow and shrieks coming from high above me. I looked up in shock to see a Dragon diving and flying through the air, and I knew it must be the Green Dragon I had been nursing. I had been told he could not fly, but there he was soaring effortlessly and making all sorts of happy sounds. And I realized how truly beautiful a Dragon was in flight, that he was where he belonged. And I felt envy and jealousy, Oh to be able to fly like that, the freedom must be incredible! And another scream of pure joy came from above, and I knew the Dragon no longer needed my help, so I turned around and headed home. I knew a family in the town who could use the meat.
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I landed back in the clearing with regret, but knew I did not want to tax my newly healed wing by overdoing my first flight. But I would be making many more soon, each longer then the last! And I would be able to hunt again, as a Dragon was meant to hunt! No more dragging my belly through mud and other filth, trying to catch a rat or dog for my meal! No more groveling in the mud as other Dragons passed overhead! And I owed it all to the incredible kindest of an unknown human.
And as I rested on my treasure I realized I had a debt I could never repay, a debt to the unseen human whom had for whatever reason healed and cared for me, a foul beast who had only tormented his kind. And who had also given me the greatest possible gift I could think of, the gift of flight! Whomever this man was he had earned my undying gratitude, whether he desired it or not! If he desired me to be his servant, then so be it, if he desired my entire hoard, then so be it! I had an obligation to pay, and we Dragons take honor and obligation most seriously! Even a poor excuse for a Dragon like myself! I never once, for even a second, considered not repaying that debt.
Early the next morning I took the largest chest in my hoard, and filled it to overflowing with some of the choicest items in my hoard. I did not hesitate, and was only sorry the chest was not bigger. Then I tucked the check under my arm and left the mine. With a great bound and crack of wings I leaped into the air, and quickly gaining altitude I oriented myself, and flew towards the human town in the middle of the valley. And I could FLY! It still felt so good after so long! But before I reached the town I noticed a small figure walking along the road towards the bog, and using my binocular vision I zoomed in, and to my delight it was my little friend! With a graceful turn I started to slowly spiral down toward her, and called out a greeting, which to her just sounded like loud bellow. And as I neared I could see she was jumping up and down and clapping her hands, squealing! She was glad to see me! As I landed in a great puff of dust, she ran through it, choking , and grabbed me around my front leg.
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"Lizard!, she shrieked in delight. Where have you been, I keep going to the bog but you're never there!"
*************************************************************************************Lowering my head I looked her in the eyes, pretty green eyes like mine!, and told her in a severe voice, "Child, you must promise me to NEVER go to that horrible place again!" And when she started to snivel I added "I will come to you from now on." Promise? She asked, and I said "Of course!"
************************************************************************************"Lizard, she said, Where have you been! I was so worried! I couldn't find you anywhere! And you are so pretty now! Before you were nasty and all stinky! And, oh! Your wing is better too!"
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And I couldn't help but laugh, giving great chuffs of amusement! "You were all stinky too!" I said, Was not! She said, "Were too!" I replied. Was not! Were too! So we shot back and forth at one another for awhile. "Well, at least we're both nice and clean now!" She finally said. A great Dragon and a little girl trading jibes in the middle of a road to nowhere, the sheer lunacy of it was breathtaking! Then after the laughter faded and we calmed down, I said "Child, I was very sick for a long time almost died." At that she gave a sad little squeal, and hugged me again. "A good man from your town came and cared for me and saved my life, and even more he gave me the gift of flight, and I am going there now to repay his generosity." And she hugged me again, and again it amazed me that such a fragile little creature could care for something like me.
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"Oh, she said, that was just Grandpa. He takes care of all the animals, he saved my sick bunny Buster once after a mean dog bit him. But he won't let you pay him! He never does! He says to take payment for healing is against the teaching of the Lady of Healing. And I'm NOT a child, I'm almost ten and a half! I'm a big girl!"
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Her grandfather! And now I began to understand what had happened, why the man had cared for me so well. Could it be that humans also were honorable, would also try to repay obligations? It would explain so much! "Of course you are a big girl, I am sorry, but I must know your name, otherwise what should I call you? Maybe I should call you Stinky!"
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"EEEWWW! Gross, no! she squealed, that's a stupid name! My name is Delia! Oh, and what's your name, or is Lizard OK?"
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"Yuck, I said, I hate that name! My name is Dajor, and I'm pleased to meet you Delia, I think that is a very pretty name!"
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"Of course it is!", then she did a little curtsey, and said "Pleased to meet you too, Dajor. I think it is a good name for a big Lizard!" And I threw back my head in a shriek of laughter! And she laughed too.
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"Delia I said, gently putting one of my claws under her chin, who is your grandfather, what is his name?" Where can I find him?"
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"I dunno, she said, he's just Grandpa! But everyone else calls him Marcus, or sir I think. He's probably at the blacksmith working. Can I see your horns, they're so pretty!"
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So I lowered my head and she gently ran her small hands up and down the length of my neck shield horns, owing and awing. Pretty! I thought, ridiculous! But I couldn't help but feel complimented. And now I knew to whom I owed my obligation! "Child, I said, would you like to ride on my back while we go to the town?" And her eyes lit up, and she said "OH Yes, please!" I crouched down and let her climb up one of my wings until she reached my back, then she sat down with her legs as far around the base of my neck as they would go, and said "Giddy-up!" And with a horrible attempt at a neigh, I started trotting down the road towards the town. And she was so happy, shrieking and squealing in delight, and it made my own hearts happy and light! And so we moved down the road towards town, me prancing and snorting like a horse, while she continued to scream in pleasure and delight, and I wouldn't have traded it for any hoard in the world. And along the way farmers dropped their tools and fled into the woods in terror, or just stared with their mouths open.
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The guard manning the gatehouse looked in horror at the huge monster approaching the gate, and to his credit he managed to close and bolt the gate even though it would do little good against such a beast, it would probably just step over the wall! And yelling at the other guard, he told him to fetch Marcus! He might know what to do, if anyone did! And with a shaking hand he drew an arrow from his quiver, and fixed it to his bow.
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I was busy in the smithy trying to repair an old plow when the guardsman came running into the place in a panic, and tried to talk. "Urk, gak!" was all he managed at first. Calm down son, I said, and have some well water. After a good long drink of the sweet cool water, he was finally able to make sense. "Marcus, he gasped out , a great monster, a Dragon I think, approaches the main gate! What can we do! And I thought with despair, probably not much! But instead of letting him see my worry, I instead barked out as many orders as I could think of. "Give the Call to Arms for the militia! Get as many men with bows on the wall as possible! Assembly the pike men to try and hold the gate! Tell the women and children to get off the streets and into the old keeps basements! NOW, hurry!" And I could see my decisive responses had given the young soldier hope, and also helped diminish fear. Now that he had a purpose he would be fine. He gave me the Imperial salute, which I gravely returned. Then he turned and ran from the Smithy, yelling in a clear loud voice, TO ARMS, TO ARMS! And a short time later I was pleased to hear a trumpet blow assembly as some more clear headed individual took actions of his own. And as I donned my old Imperial armor I could hear the sounds of other armored men running down the street, there was no mistaking that sound of jingling mail and clattering weapons! Whatever came to pass we would give a good account of ourselves.
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As we neared the town I could hear the sounds of panic, and finally the sound of an Imperial trumpet blowing , and as I watched more and more soldiers appeared on the wall. And then in horror I watched as a small flight of arrows was launched at me, at us! The girl I thought, and with a roar I turned and raised my wing to shield her. It exposed my more vulnerable side, but at this range I doubted any of the arrows could harm me, but for her it would be different! She let out shout of fright and hung tightly to my neck.
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"Cease fire you idiots!" I roared, I come in Peace and mean no harm, I swear so by the Great Drake! Cease fire, I have a human child with me!" And the rain of arrows suddenly stopped. What do you want beast!, came a shout from the wall. "I wish to treat with the one called Marcus! I will in no way harm or otherwise cause him pain, I swear on my honor!" Wait there! came the reply.
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Marcus ran up to the wall, breathing heavily. I am so out shape, I thought, I should have made that run without even breaking a sweat! Quickly I climbed the steps, and finding the senior soldier, the baker in civilian life, I said "Guardsman, report!" I knew that keeping everything formal would help to boost morale. "Centurion, he said with a snappy salute, a great Dragon has approached the gate, but he claims he comes in peace, and means no harm. He asked specifically to speak to you. Oh, and he says he has a child with him, the horrible creature!" A child I thought with a suddenly sick feeling, Delia! I had not seen her since early morning, and I realized she'd snuck away again to try and find her "big Lizard" friend, and it would appear she had. But what this development meant I had no idea. I climbed up on the edge of the wall, and standing on top of it I yelled at the Dragon. "What do you want, why do have one of our children! If you harm her Dragon, know this, I will not rest until I have hunted every last member of your race down! I swear this by the Mother! Release the girl or face my sword!
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I listened to the one named Marcus speak, as Delia waved to her friends on the wall. And I believed every word he said, such a warrior did not make threats, he made promises. But I was glad I would not have to face his sword. "IF you are the one called Marcus you have nothing to fear from me! As to the child she is with me by her own free will, which I know sounds hard to believe. And know this, I mean her no harm, now or ever, as she is the only friend I have in the world! I wish to meet with the one called Marcus as I have an obligation and debt I must pay, or face disgrace!" And I turned to Delia and said "Go to your Grandfather for now, we can play some more later. But first I have a gift for you and also one for your mother." She climbed down from my back via my wing, and looked on curiously as I rummaged through the chest. Finally I found what I was looking for. I gently placed a pearl studded tiara in her hair as he giggled in delight, and then placed a large heavy gold necklace inlaid with emeralds around her neck. I also gave her another necklace, this one with rubies. "The tiara and necklace with the pretty stones the same color as your eyes are for you my little Princess, the other necklace is for your mother, do you promise to give it to her?" Ohhhhhh, yes!! Thank you Dajor, oh thank you! Then she turned and ran towards the gate. For the first time in my life I had given instead of taken, and I found it was a most rewarding feeling. "Here is the child! I called, I have given her gifts for herself and her mother, let it be know if ANY try to take or steal their gifts, they will answer to me!" And I watched as a man wearing outdated Imperial armor scooped the little girl into his arms in a tight hug, his face covered in relief. Then he shooed the little girl through the postern gate, which closed behind him. And dropping his sword to the ground he approached me with his hands held wide to show he was unarmed and came in peace.
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Marcus listened as the Dragon bellowed back at him, and was surprised but hopeful from what he heard. It would seem the great beast really did come in peace, and when he let Delia go he knew he had no choice but to honor his agreement and face the Dragon in person. He climbed down from the wall, and gave orders the gate was to be closed as soon as Delia was inside. He stooped down to greet and hug his little granddaughter, and was surprised to see the riches she was wearing. "Where did you get those! You didn't, Mother forbid, steal them from the Dragon did you? But that didn't make sense he realized even as he said it, the Dragon would have torn her apart! Of course not!, She replied, Dajor gave them to me, and one for mommy too! He said I was his little Princess! Well, I thought in growing amazement. A Dragon who gives away part of his hoard to a child! This is new! He hustled her through the gate, and heard the bar slam home. I had seldom felt more totally alone in my life, but putting down my sword I walked towards the great Dragon with my arms spread in the universal gesture of peace. And I'm not ashamed to admit I took my time!
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I watched as the man approached, small wisps of smoke drifting from my nostrils. I had instinctively ignited my fire flux when the idiots on the wall shot arrows at me, and it would take time to extinguish itself once it had been lit. I could tell he was worried by that sign of a Dragon ready for combat, but he had no reason to fear me. And he was brave, approaching me with no weapons even though a sword would have done him no good. I could not discard my own weapons as are were built in, but I did stay on all fours with my feet firmly planted, and made no sudden or threatening moves, my mouth closed and head politely lowered to his level. I could sense his uneasiness, but there was no fear, and he kept approaching me at a steady pace. Yes, I thought , this is a brave man. And as he walked up to me I think I surprised him by bowing my head and exposing my throat to him, my most vulnerable spot. Normally this is only done when yielding to another Dragon, but it was the most appropriate thing I could think of to honor the one who had save my life. It was my way of letting him know he had my trust and had nothing to fear from me.
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I slowly approached the great Dragon, and it waited patiently, smoke leaking from its nostrils. I could tell it was being polite and honoring the terms of a peaceful meeting, but I was still wary. I had never heard of a Dragon breaking a pact of peace, but you never knew, and this brute had terrorized the valley for longer than I had been alive. But he had let Delia go without making any demands, so I was bound by the pact as well. As I got closer I recognized him for sure, it was definitely the injured Dragon who had saved my granddaughter from such a horrible death, and in return I had healed his wound, so as far as I was concerned we were even. So why was he here? And as I walked up to him he slowly bowed his head to me and presented his throat, which I know was the way one Dragon surrendered and submitted to another Dragon when it had been beaten in battle. I was taken totally by surprise, and stood there speechless as I had no idea what to say.
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After a few minutes I looked up to find the human staring at me with a funny look on his face. "Do you mind if I rise?, I asked, this position is most uncomfortable!" He made a gesture which I took to be an assent, and so I raised my head. "Thank you, Lord Marcus", I said. Then I reached behind me and picked up the large chest of treasure, and laid it at his feet. "This is for you and yours, my Lord. It is my way of rewarding you for your kindness to myself, and for your gift of flight. Please accept it in the spirit in which it is offered." And I bowed my head again.
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I watched the Dragon for awhile, not knowing what to do or say. Finally it raised its head a little and looked at me, and asked me if it could raise its head. To which request I could only nod yes, still at a total loss for words. Then the Dragon did some things even more amazing, it called me a Lord, and placed a huge chest of unbelievable treasure at my feet, and told me it was a gift! It was an incredibly generous gesture, and I felt truly touched. A Dragon who showed gratitude, it was amazing, especially for this one! The Mother help me but I was sorely tempted, but even then I knew I would have to refuse the incredible gift as my vow as a healer forbad accepting gifts for healing the sick or injured. It was one of the hardest things I'd ever done, but I reached out and shut the lid to the chest, and said "Sir Dragon, I can accept no reward or gift for my aid, it is against my vows as a healer. Should you wish to donate to the one of the temples of the Order of the Lady of Healing, that would be more appropriate.
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I was shocked, and somewhat insulted, when the man refused my gift! But at the same time I just couldn't be mad. But most of all I was at a loss, how could I fulfill my obligation, pay my debt! "Man, I said, Do you realize that to refuse my offer could be considered an insult? You leave me no way to pay my debt!" and suddenly realizing I was raising my voice I lowered it again. "You are the only one who has ever shown me any kindness, the only one who has ever cared for me, and whatever your reason I have an obligation to repay that kindness! Yet you refuse to allow me to repay you! What am I to do!"
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Dragon, your offer is more than generous, amazingly so, but you paid any debt you ever owed to me when you saved my only granddaughter's life. I saw the horrible place you saved her from, and I know how much it must have hurt you to fly that day. I saw the blood, and if you hadn't opened your old wound by saving her you wouldn't have been so close to death when I found you. Your selfless act is all the payment I will ever expect, and you have my eternal gratitude. What I did for you was far less then I can ever do to fully repay you for that act . But, and please don't be insulted, why did you save her? From what I know of Dragons, and again no insult is intended, I would have thought you would have cared less. Your own reputation was that of a heartless monster, though I now know better. And as I looked the Dragon hung his head in what I think was shame.
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I looked down at the man in a great quandary. I had never met another like him, man or Dragon or any other intelligent creature. And I felt a great need to tell him something, but I wasn't sure what. And hearing how I was viewed by others hurt me for some reason. "Man, Marcus, I said. I saved your little girl because when she screamed, when I saw her sheer terror, it reminded me of myself when I was her same age, so many years ago. I had to watch as my mother and siblings were slaughtered by a group of human adventurers after my mother's treasure, but when I screamed there was no one left to come to my aid. She died so I could escape. I went back later, and they; and I had to shut my eyes tightly as I remembered the horror, they had cut off my mother's head and skinned my siblings. After that I was left alone and I knew only want and hunger and pain, but most of all I missed my mother. And I cried out for her for a very long time as I was still a child. At first I didn't understand, and hated her for leaving me, but I also knew she had given her life so I could live. And still I miss her, I long to hear her calling me again, to feel her gentle loving touch. When I heard the child, Delia, cry out for her mother I could not have refused to help even if I had died trying, I could not stand to see such terror in another child. By the standards of my kind I am a runt, and Dragons are not kind to those who they consider less than perfect as we are a very exacting race. I managed to survive by staying out of sight, and only taking what others did not want. And when I lost my ability to fly I became a truly miserable thing, hating everyone and everything but most of all hating myself. And even after I saved her I thought the child would just run in terror as everyone does, but, but: and at this point I let out a soft moan, but instead she, she hugged me and called me her friend! I have never had a friend before, never had anyone who cared about me! And, and; I couldn't help it and moaned softly again, then you came, and without even asking or saying why you saved my life for no reason I could understand, showed me a kindness I didn't deserve. And without even demanding my hoard or anything else in payment! But most of all you gave me back the gift of flight, and without that a Dragon is nothing! You gave me back my very soul! You and my only friend are the ONLY ones who have ever cared for me! And to my horrible embarrassment I started to cry! Great silent heaves, with tears streaming down my face! I found myself crying for all the times I hadn't cried when I was hungry and scared, in pain or so alone, but most of all for my mother, and for the first time in years I could see my mother's face again. And I wanted her so badly! And then I felt a gentle touch on my muzzle, and I didn't care anymore that I was crying, and unable to help myself I keened my anguish as the man gently rubbed and caressed my snout.
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I listened in amazement as the Dragon, that great fearsome beast, unburdened himself and told me his story, and I felt a great sadness for him. No one, man or Dragon, should have to suffer like that. I can only imagine what it must have been like for him to see his family murdered and then butchered in front of him. And I think I finally understood why he had saved my granddaughter. It had been his way of trying to save his mother, or repaying her in whatever way he could for her own sacrifice. And it had never even occurred to me that Dragons even had mothers they loved, at least not in the same way as humans. Yet here was one grieving for a mother who had been dead for many years. And I also realized that this huge terrible beast was still at heart a child himself, a lost sick scared lonely child! And the Dragon paused at times to make a soft truly sad sound, and at the end he suddenly began to cry! And I knew he was finally grieving for his lost family, and for all the pain he had suffered. And he had kept that horrible pain pinned up inside him over the years! No wonder he had been such a miserable creature, lashing out at any who came near! He had never known kindness before, had not known it even existed. And that he had made me his confidant touched me beyond words! He had never had anyone else with which he could share his anguish, and in spite of myself I felt a few tears course down my own cheeks as the poor beast grieved. I had not truly cared much for him when I had tended to his needs. But now that I knew him, knew his story, I was overjoyed that my attentions had saved him from the further terror of a lonely pain filled death. And before I realized what I was doing I reached up and started to gently stroke his hard scaly muzzle to try and comfort him. And as I stroked his muzzle he made that soft and sad, but truly beautiful keening sound. And I stood for as long as he allowed me, stroking and caressing that huge horrible head, trying to give what comfort I could. Finally with a soft snort he pulled away from me again.
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I couldn't believe what I had just done, but afterwards I felt strangely drained, but also better than I had in years. Telling this man my story had unburdened me in a way I couldn't understand, but it felt so good. I was still embarrassed though. I had never cried like that in front of anyone, let alone a human I hardly even knew! "Um, I said, I am sorry for that. I do not know why I burdened you with that long tale of self pity. It was very rude of me, and I know you must be offended. I guess I should go now, but know that you do have my undying gratitude, and should you or your family ever need me you have but to call,l and I will come." And I started to turn away.
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As the Dragon turned to leave I knew what I had to do, "Please! Wait! Don't leave yet, please stay! Please stay, my friend!" In surprise he turned back to me, and sat down again and looked at me expectantly. "I was not offended by your story at all! I am greatly honored, and touched, that you trusted me with it. I am a healer and know that for one to open his heart and feelings like that to another is a rare thing of great trust! You have been cruelly used by life, and had more reason then most to distrust and hate all others, especially my kind. Yet when you were tested your true self shone through all that horrible pain, and you saved the innocent life of a child at risk of your own life! There can be no greater sacrifice then that, and you are a true hero in every since of the word! You will always be a hero to me! No, my big, great friend, you are NO monster! And I will knock any who say so on their asses!"
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At first I couldn't believe what the human was saying, but as I realized he was truly speaking from the heart I felt true joy, a joy that I had been useful and done a good thing. That someone like him, who was so incredibly selfless, could actually consider ME a hero! It was amazing, but more importantly he had called me "friend"! He was only the second one who had ever done that, and I felt richer by the second. Two friends I thought, when I deserved none! And more than ever I was determined to pay my debt, to fulfill my obligation to the man who had not only cured my body, but my soul as well. Who had helped ease my sorrow and pain, who had comforted me in my anguish, but most of all had made me back into a true Dragon! "Marcus, my friend, I said. There must be some way I can repay you for your incredible kindness to this undeserving beast! Please, let me do something, let me give you something! Please! And also, please call me Dajor, my friend."
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I looked up at the great Dragon, and realized he was pleading with me for a chance to repay my kindness to him. He genuinely wanted to do something for me, no matter what. And I knew to refuse his offer would be a horrible insult, even though he would not hold it against me. And he had given me his name which was also a sign of trust. "Dajor, would you be willing to help others as well? Other humans who have done you no favors, but who have also done you no harm?" The Dragon looked at me for a short time, then slowly nodded his head in agreement. That must have been hard for him, I realized. "Then I have three requests. First, my friend, please stop raiding our livestock and scaring everyone half to death. If you are hungry let me know, and I can find a meal for you. Second, please allow the towns folk to forage in your forest for firewood, and nuts or other food. I promise they will not approach your lair or harass you in any way. And Third, Please come and visit us as often as you can, you have two friends here who will look forward to your visits. Plus it will keep Delia from going and looking for you all the time, and away from that horrible bog. Do we have an agreement?
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I looked at the man in amazement. That was all? Three simple requests! No demand for treasure! No demand that I perform a great feat for him! I gave a great hiss of consternation and confusion. Such simple, good, requests were all that he desired! I did not need to steal livestock anymore now that I could fly and hunt again, and I had no use for the nuts and roots in the forest, but surely he already knew this! And the third request was the simplest, and most totally unexpected! He actually wanted me to come and visit him and Delia! Wanted to have ME around! Was THAT what it meant to have a real friend? I had thought that I would return to my lair and never bother the humans again, but that I would also be alone again. Surely he understood these requests were more of a reward then anything! And how could I refuse! I did NOT want to refuse! I could NOT refuse! "Very well, I said, I know that your requests are just as much for me as for you, but I do not care and of course I cannot refuse them. I gladly give you my word of honor I shall do as you ask. But know this, as I have said before, if you or yours ever need me, anytime or anyplace, you have but to call and I will come as fast as my wings will carry me! And all of my might, all of my treasure, will be at your command. I make this vow on my honor and in the name of the Great Drake! Now, as to the visits, is twice a week not too often?", I asked hopefully. And the man threw back his head and laughed!
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"My dear great friend", I said! You are shrewder then you realize! Of course my requests are also to your benefit, that is what it means to have friends! We do not use one another! And your own amazing offer is of course accepted. How could I refuse! Having a Dragon at my beck and call could certainly prove useful in certain circumstances! And as to your visits, let us say three times a week? Otherwise Delia would never let me hear the end of it! And I could tell the Dragon was delighted. "Well, my friend, we must part for now before my brave militiamen attack to try and save me from your clutches! And the first few times you come to visit, please land outside the walls so all the old people won't die of fright? And snorting and chuffing in amusement the great beast turned away, and I had to remind him to take his treasure, the sneaky brute! And then I shielded my eyes as he took flight in a great thunderclap of sound. And before he left he made several low passes over the town, and he was a truly beautiful sight. To be able to fly! I thought, what must that be like! And I turned and walked back towards the gate to answer the millions of questions I knew would be waiting for me. And I felt strangely refreshed and happy . I had made a new, most unusual, and most special friend. And that is always a good thing.
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And I was happy as I turned to leave, but the man reminded me of the chest of treasure, and with great reluctance I took it with me. I leapt into the air, spreading my wings with a great clap, and after I gained some altitude I turned and made several passes over my new friend and his home. I saw people run in terror, which now bothered me more then I realized it would, so I finally turned and headed back to my lair in the forest. And after I arrived I lay on my hoard for a long time, but it did not bring me the same comfort it usually did. I looked down at the great pile of treasure, to me mere pretty trinkets that my kind loved to collect, more of a status symbol then anything. But other than that I had no real use for the treasure. I did not spend, or need to spend, the coins for any reason. I did not wear the jewelry. I had no needs that I could not provide myself. I wore no clothes, I hunted my own food, and I needed no house or castle in which to live. But no, there was one thing I did need, now more than ever. I needed friends!
End of Part 1
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