Dragon War

 

            Karyn practically ran to get out of the stuffy castle after her lessons. After hours of working with her tutor, she was finally free. She never liked history or language arts, but today was particularly difficult, with the sun shining so invitingly.

            Karyn didn’t pause to say “hi” to anyone on her way out. She had a specific goal, and she wanted to hurry to get there. There was a beautiful meadow next to a picturesque pond. It was her favorite place to go and enjoy the outdoors. It was very secluded, and her father, the king, didn’t really approve. It was outside the castle walls, but Karyn still insisted on going there. It was the only place where she didn’t feel so confined by responsibilities and walls.

            As soon as she reached the pond, she took a deep breath of the clear, summer air. She felt herself relax as she took a leisurely stroll around the water to clear her head. She tilted her head upwards to feel the sun’s rays. She watched a bird fly across the sky and then turn toward her. It grew larger as it got nearer, and Karyn gasped when she realized it was actually a dragon.

            She quickly backed away to try to find a place to hide. She threw herself down into some tall grass and watched the dragon land near the water. Karyn relaxed a little when she realized that this dragon was a youngling. He wasn’t any bigger than a sheep, although his wings had made him seem much larger. He leaned down over the water and took a noisy drink. Karyn could see that the dragon was exhausted as he flopped down on the grass and took great, heaving breaths.

            Karyn was fascinated. Her father had officially outlawed dragons a few years ago, but they were mostly gone by then anyway. Any dragon found within the kingdom would be hunted until it was either driven out or slain. She hadn’t even seen a dragon before. She had always been told of their mean and savage nature. Karyn tried to reconcile this with the pitiful dragon she saw in front of her.

            First, the dragon was beautiful. His green scales shone like emeralds all along his body. He curled up like a cat, with his wings folded around him. As his eyes started to close, Karyn stirred. She had to get closer and get a better look. She moved slowly through the grass on her hands and knees. Then, a twig snapped underneath her, and she froze.

            The dragon immediately leapt up and spread his wings, ready for flight.

            Karyn had no idea what made her do it, but she stood up and shouted, “Wait! Don’t go! I won’t hurt you!”

            The dragon’s face turned toward her, wings still poised for take-off. She was close enough to see the fear in his eyes.

            Slowly, Karyn walked a little closer, saying softly, “I’m not going to hurt you.” She was surprised to see that he was even smaller than she had at first thought. This was a very young dragon. “Are you lost?”

            The dragon, terrified, said, “My family…left.”

            “Your family left you? Oh, you poor thing!” A well of compassion swelled up within Karyn. “Where did they go?”

            “I don’t know.” The dragon’s wings drooped a little at this. “I was alone when I hatched. As soon as I could fly, I set off to find them. I haven’t seen any other dragons, and I keep being chased by you humans.”

            “How did you survive?” Karyn asked softly.

            The dragon shrugged his shoulders. “The ancestors have been guiding me. They told me that I must find the other dragons.”

            “I’m Karyn. What’s your name?”

            “Talon.”

            “Well, Talon, I hate to be the bearer of more bad news for you, but my father has chased out all the dragons from our kingdom. I have heard rumors that they all headed way out west, but I’m not sure.”

            Talon looked relieved at this news. “I must go and find them. Thank you.” He spread out his wings in preparation for flight, when Karyn stopped him.

            “Wait! You can’t go yet! If anyone spots you this close to the castle, they’ll come after you, and kill you if they can.”

            “But I have to go. I can’t stay here.” Talon’s eyes were determined now.

            Karyn tried to reason with him. “At least wait until it’s dark. That way, you’ll be harder to see.”

            Talon looked at her curiously. “Why are you helping me?”

            “Well, you’re the first dragon that I’ve ever seen. Before the Dragon War, humans and dragons lived together. Then, humans decided that they were better than dragons and started treating them like cattle. Dragons were too noble to submit and fought back. They would have won if my father hadn’t discovered their weakness. Using his discovery, he killed so many dragons. The rest of them had to leave, or die.” She looked up at Talon. “At least, that’s what I’ve been taught.” She paused as she studied Talon curiously. “My father says that dragons don’t deserve to live here anymore. That, if they refuse to succumb to the superiority of men, they must be killed. But…I don’t believe that. If we lived together in peace for so long, we must have been friends once. I’ll make sure that you aren’t disturbed for the rest of today. As soon as it’s full dark, you should leave. Follow the setting sun, and find your family. Let them know that not all humans are out to get them.”

            There was silence for a minute. “Thank you,” Talon said softly.

            Karyn looked at Talon again, and wondered why her father hated dragons so much. They were truly noble creatures. She gave a little wave and said, “Good luck, Talon.” With that, Karyn turned away and left Talon alone.

            She needed to make sure no one came this way. The pond was generally a secluded, hidden place, but everyone knew that this is where the princess went when she left the castle. She heaved a sigh as she realized she would have to stay within the castle for the rest of the afternoon. She didn’t want anyone to come looking for her and find Talon.

            When she reached the castle, she made sure that everyone knew she was there. The afternoon and evening had never felt so long as she worried about Talon. She knew he was safe for now. If someone else had spotted the dragon, the entire kingdom would know about it.

            Karyn retired to her rooms early, but she didn’t go to bed. She watched the sun set from her window and looked toward her pond until she saw a shadow lift up from the trees and fly away. Karyn hoped that Talon reached the other dragons. Maybe she would see him again, someday. Maybe when she was queen, she could bring about some changes. This war against the dragons wasn’t right. Such magnificent creatures shouldn’t be slaughtered or outlawed. Yes, she would be the one to end the pointless Dragon War and see the dragons return to the kingdom.