The Fourth Trial

Whether by instinct or magical sensitivity, the dragon was roused from his slumber and was alerted to our presence. We rushed back and hid behind some rocks to avoid being seen. A long moment crossed a tightrope of suspense. When it was done, the dragon had yet to make any move. I peeked over the ledge to get a look at the dragon and he lay still on his pile of gold, one eye open. I crept back to Luna and Marisa.

“He’s aware of us but hasn’t left his spot. Probably waiting for us to make the first move.”

“He is a wary beast and unsure of what beings have crossed into his realm.”

“What do you propose we do?” asked Luna.

“Have either of you two met a dragon before?” They both shook their heads. “All right. He’s quite a bit larger than the tatzelwurm, I don’t think we could defeat him in a fight. We could try talking to him.”

“Do you mean to say that we should bargain with that beast? Fool! I had thought you gained some wit about you but it seems I was mistaken.”

“I’m sorry, do you have better idea, Marisa?”

Luna let out a heavy sigh. “And here I thought you two had gotten closer during the last trial.”

We both looked away, embarrassed by Luna’s candid remark. I wasn’t even sure if the dragon guarded the divine object. Mordrau said the dragon was in the cave and nothing else; but then again, none of the lords of the realms had any idea what the trials entailed.

“Look, we don’t know what relation the dragon has to the divine object. We can try talking to him from the ledge. If he turns hostile, we run, and think of a new plan. How does that sound?”

“I’m fine with that. And you, my Lady?”

“Mmh. Fine! I yield. Let us speak with the dragon.”

We crept back to the ledge and peered over it to get a look at the dragon down below. He sensed the three of us looking at him and lifted his head to gaze up at us.

“Well, what is it that you want?” boomed the dragon.

I flinched at his sudden words. This was a good sign though.

“Mr. Dragon, we are searching for a divine object that is said to be housed here in this very cave. Do you know where we can find it?” I asked.

“I do! But come closer, shouting strains my throat.”

“We should not go closer,” said Marisa.

“We need to all go or he’ll think we’re planning to attack him. Let’s hear him out.”

I decided not to wait and listen to more of Marisa’s protests and left, walking down the stone steps to the lower level. Luna followed closely behind. Not wanting to be the only one left, Marisa acquiesced and ran after us.

A sea of gold greeted us at the ground level. There was so much gold that it made it difficult to traverse and approach the dragon.

“Is this close enough?”

“Hmm. Yes, that is fine. So, you are looking for the divine object? Unfortunately, I don’t have it,” he said. His deep voice could be felt all the way in the bones.

“Do you know where we could find it then?”

“Hmm. I might. I might not. This gold rots my memory. I scarcely remember who I was before coming here.”

“Why don’t you leave then?”

“Hmm, and go where, boy? The world is not kind to dragons and I am a danger to those around me. No, it is better I remain in my den with my treasure hoard.”

“I could talk to King Eulerich and I’m sure we could find you a home.”

Just what was I saying? When did I become so compassionate for a dragon I had only just met? Yet, it was hard to not take pity on him.

“Hmm, King Eulerich? I don’t know who that is. Kings come and go. One may grant me land, and the next day the new king will revoke it. These appointed governors do not last. I am not a being made for the world of spirits and elementals, boy. My world is here, gilded and grand. It may be isolated, but I am the master of my own destiny and answer to no higher authority.”

The dragon spoke assuredly of himself but there was a loneliness to his words.

“But aren’t there other dragons you could live with?” I turned to Marisa and asked, “Are there other dragons in this world?”

“None that I know of. Only lesser drakes and wurms roam the borderlands, maddened and frenzied by the wickedness that is evil,” Marisa said.

“Hmm, it is as your compatriot says: there are no other dragons in this world. Where do they even come from? I don’t know. Yet what interest do you have in helping me? Are you not here for a divine object?”

“We are, but when you spoke of living here alone I felt pity for you.”

“Ha! I am a beast that neither deserves nor needs pity. These golden trinkets cloud my mind. If you truly feel pity, then step into my mind and see the memories of this old fool. But I warn you, my memories will be as real to you as they are to me. Are you prepared for such an ordeal?”

“I am.”

“And your compatriots?”

I turned to look at Luna and Marisa and held out my hand. Luna climbed aboard my back and sat on my shoulder. Marisa didn’t say anything. She looked at my hand, at the dragon, and back to me. She closed her eyes, stepped forward, and grabbed my hand.

“Hmm, it seems you are ready. Good. Come closer and lay your hand upon my head.”

The dragon lowered his head as if in deference, prostrating before us. We walked forward and I held out my hand to touch his forehead. A white light enveloped us, whisking us away to a time and space from long ago when the world was still young.