A warrior's heart

Part - 8

The day came to an end , the castle's shadows grew long, Mahi grew restless.

He hadn't seen Hardik all day, and he could sense the turmoil in his rider's heart. The dragon knew something was wrong, and he couldn't bear to see his human in pain.

He had to do something, had to help in some way. So, with a heavy heart, he took to the skies, flying low over the castle's battlements.

As fate would have it, he spotted Prince Rahul in his study, the light from the candles spilling out onto the cobblestone courtyard below.

With a fierce determination, Mahi swooped down, his wings casting shadows that danced across the pages of the prince's open book.

Startled, Rahul looked up, his eyes widening when he saw the dragon outside his window. "Mahi," he called out, his voice filled with surprise. "What's the matter?"

Mahi hovered there, his eyes beseeching. It was unlike the stoic creature to be so persistent, and Rahul could feel the urgency in his presence.

He set down his quill and stood, walking to the window to get a closer look. "What is it, Mahi?" he asked, his voice gentle.

The dragon's eyes darted to the garden, and without a word, he turned and flew away, his wings beckoning Rahul to follow. Confused but intrigued, the prince stepped out onto the balcony and jumped onto Mahi's back.

They soared through the twilight sky, the wind whipping through their hair as they descended into the secluded garden.

Mahi landed gracefully on the soft grass, and Rahul looked around, his eyes searching the familiar landscape. "What is it, Mahi?" he asked again, his voice filled with curiosity.

The dragon nudged him gently towards a spot hidden by an overgrown bush. "Here," Mahi seemed to say, his deep, rumbling   resonating in Rahul's mind. "Look here."

Rahul knelt down and pushed aside the foliage, revealing a small, ornate box. It was covered in dust and cobwebs, but something about it seemed... significant. Mahi's eyes remained fixed on the box, urging him to pick it up.

With trembling hands, Rahul lifted the box and brushed off the debris. It was heavier than it looked, and as he opened it, a series of letters fluttered out, each one yellowed with age.

The first one caught his eye, the childish scrawl unmistakable.

Dear Prince,

Today I saw you from afar. You were so brave and handsome. I wish I could be like you. I will protect you and our kingdom with all my might. I will train hard so that one day, I can ride by your side.

Your pretty boy,
Hardik  💖

Rahul's heart clenched as he read the words, the innocence of youth laid bare before him. He looked up at Mahi, who was watching him with an unreadable expression. "This is... this is from Hardik," he murmured, his voice filled with wonder.

Mahi nodded, his eyes gleaming with an unspoken understanding.

The next letter was from a few years later, the handwriting more refined but the sentiment just as earnest.

My Prince,

Today, I heard the news that you are leaving for your studies. My heart is heavy with the thought of you being so far away. But I know you will become a great king, and I will be here, waiting for your return. I will train Mahi to be the best dragon he can be, so that when you come back, we can protect the kingdom together.