Saving the Last Dragon
,In a land far, far away, where nimble pixies flit about and brave knights reign supreme, there existed a solitary realm known as Sorrow Woods, feared and avoided by the rest of the kingdom. The thick clouds forever cloaked its skies and shrouded the whole forest in an eerie darkness. Sorrow Woods was home to the last dragon on earth, Draeko. A legendary beast standing seventy feet tall, powerful enough to level mountains and covered in gleaming emerald scales that could resist any arrow or sword.
However, Draeko bore a tarnished reputation. Tales of the dragon's fury had led to it being shunned and isolated. The root of the myth lay in its untold past, the result of a confrontation that turned tragic. Draeko was widely believed to be dangerous and untamed, a threat to the kingdom’s peace. Ironically, the beast was only a mere soul yearning for acceptance and friendship.
In the kingdom of Rithbane, lived a young, brave knight, named Sir Erik. A chivalrous man in his prime, he was known for his combat skills, wisdom, and gentle heart. Stories of the last dragon had piqued Sir Erik's curiosity, driving him towards the mysterious Sorrow Woods with an aim to unveil the truth about the legendary creature.
As he ventured beneath the Woods’ twisted boughs and gnarled roots, the ominous silence hung heavily. It was amidst this enigma that Sir Erik's path crossed with Draeko's. No sooner did he lay his eyes on the magnificent creature than he noticed a wound. It was deep and bleeding congealed magma. Draeko's once vibrant emerald scales now appeared dull and scared. It was evident that the beast was hurting and needed immediate help.
Erik put aside his preconceived notions and fears, and approached Draeko with a sincere hope of helping the creature. As he neared, the dragon opened its sharp, golden eyes, and for a moment, Erik thought he saw a shimmer of uncertainty, even fear. He knew then, that this noble beast needed his help to regain its strength, and perhaps, its lost dignity.
With utmost care, he tended to Draeko's wound, utilizing his well-honed medicinal skills. Days turned into weeks, a bond formed between the two unlikely friends, transcending the barriers of language and species. Draeko's physical injuries soon healed under Erik's careful attention, but its loneliness remained. With time, Sir Erik deciphered that Draeko was not the vengeful creature as the stories portrayed, but a gentle entity yearning for peace and acceptance.
Mustering his courage, Erik decided to rectify the false image of Draeko painted by years of unfounded accusations and fear. He rode straight to the kingdom, to let the world know about the misunderstood dragon. With the king's assembly before him, he shared what he had discovered, portraying a hitherto unseen side of the legendary being.
There was a hushed silence, a resistance brewing among the listeners. Suddenly, Miana, the blind seer of the kingdom, spoke, her voice echoing ominously in the room. She authorized Sir Erik’s claim, mentioning an ancient prophecy foreseeing the harmonious co-existence of humans and dragons, an alliance that could bring prosperity and harmony to the realm.
The truth was finally surfacing. Realization dawned upon the people of Rithbane, breaking the foundations of their age-long fear. Their perception was slowly changing. One day, an assembly of people set out, with Erik in the lead, tracing their way back to the forsaken Sorrow Woods.
As they arrived, they were greeted with the magnificent sight of Draeko, his formidable height and demonstrating a quiet grace. The crowd gasped in awe and swept to one knee, showing their respect. Draeko, wise and sentient, understood it was a gesture of peace. The dragon bent his knee, acknowledging their acceptance, marking the beginning of a harmonious era prophesized years ago.
Years passed since that day, and the kingdom thrived. The alliance between humans and Draeko proved to be fruitful and advantageous, Sorrow Woods became a sanctuary, a beacon of co-existence, and Draeko was not the last dragon anymore for he was not alone.
A tale once feared turned into an inspiring legend, educating generations on the importance of understanding, acceptance and the value of unjudged friendship. The story of how a brave knight named Erik saved the last dragon - not from any physical threat, but from the arduous grip of loneliness - resonated through the annals of Rithbane forever.