The Cry of the Dragon
At the eastern edge of Kingdom Zokurian, a great mountain stood, overlooking the vast fields and forests below. This wasn't any ordinary mountain but one that housed a beast, a dragon named Valaquenta, who was known and feared by all in the kingdom. Unknown to many, Valaquenta wasn't born a beast but was turned into one due to a curse. His heartbreaking tale was only known to a few wise men.
The tale begins several millennia ago, in a time consumed by the wails of wars. Valaquenta was a king, a merciful and brave ruler of his kingdom. But one fateful day, he refused to wage war on a neighboring kingdom, wanting to protect his people from the pain that war brought upon. Weary of this, his treacherous younger brother devised a plan to dethrone Valaquenta. He sought the help of an ancient witch, who lurked in the deep corners of the kingdom. The witch, harboring a grudge against the king for his progressive views, did not need much convincing. She turned Valaquenta into a dragon, ensuring his own people feared him.
Driven by fear, Valaquenta exiled himself to the mountains, where his cries echoed, turning into roars over time, reaching the kingdom beneath. His heart burdened with sadness, his eyes filled with anger, Valaquenta breathed fire that often set the night alight. But deep within, he was filled with kindness, pining for the day he could reunite with his people.
Years turned into decades, and decades into centuries. Kings came and went, yet, Valaquenta remained, immortalized in his affliction. Then came the era of King Eldarion, a wise and brave king, who sought to connect with Valaquenta after hearing of the beast's tale from an old sage. Eldarion was determined to make things right, to break the curse, and restore Valaquenta's honor.
Courageously, Eldarion led a small group of knights and the sage up the mountain. On nearing Valaquenta's cave, they heard a thunderous roar and saw a gust of flames lighting up the sky. But Eldarion stood his ground.
'Dear beast,' he said, 'I mean you no harm. I stand here not as a king commanding, but as a man pleading. I implore you to let us in.' To everyone's surprise, the roars ceased and the red dragon revealed himself, with eyes filled with sorrow.
The sage, using his knowledge and wisdom, conducted a ritual that slowly started to revert the curse. Valaquenta did not resist; he too yearned for his freedom. Day turned into night, and as the first light peeked over the horizon, the flames around Valaquenta began to diminish. His form started to change; he shrank and the scales disappeared. Finally, in place of the gargantuan beast, a man stood.
Seeing his true form again Valaquenta cried tears of joy. He turned to Eldarion, fell on his knees, and pledged his loyalty. Eldarion graciously accepted, welcoming Valaquenta back into his kingdom. And thus, harmony was restored. King Eldarion and Valaquenta ruled together, bringing prosperity and peace.
The tale of Valaquenta the Dragon became one of the greatest tales told in the kingdom of Zokurian, a tale of compassion, courage, and redemption, inspiring the generations yet to come.