The Dragon Tree

Legends

Legends

"They would swoop from skies and smash a tree if it was caught under their claws. They would take the place of the sun that keeps the sky light and replace it with darkness. Their claws could crush a man with a simple tap of the shoulder. Their eyes could freeze you in fear." Madam Lorraine spoke as if she had seen it. "Their wings covered the sky even more. Their shadows made the already dark night even darker. They would smash a house and take all livestock. They would kill anything in their way."

"What are they!" Joseph spoke more of an exclamation then a question. "Where they griffons!"

"Or giant hawks!" said little Cassidy.

"Neither" all the kids surrounding Madam Lorraine went wide-eyed. "They had large scales and some had spikes down their back and tail. Oh and their tail! Their tail can break a tree with a single swipe."

All the children looked amazed. They stared at her. Wanting to learn more. Their eyes full of light.

"They were dragons." Tonka paused as he walked by the fire where children gathered to hear stories. He held the grip of his sword, which rested nicely in his palm as it had indents to fit his fingers only. His black armor glinting in the light of the sun turning it a blood red. His ruby colored cape flowing lightly as the wind brushed by. "They were not monsters. They were not evil. They are not just legends also. They were real."

"Sure brother. If that keeps you pleased." Lorraine snickered.

"Sir Tonka, where are the dragons? If they aren't legends they are real. So where are they?" Cassidy spoke and curtsied.

"Yes brother. Where are they?" Lorraine stood and sneered.

"They are dead. The last one was killed first hand by Lord Linois. Over a century ago." Tonka kept walking and turned to shout back at the youngsters. "But keep telling your legends."

He walked up to a small hill on top of the hill that the town of Kia rested upon. He got to the top of the hill and looked down at the town. Nearly 20 houses. Small shops and huts along the edges and a fountain in the center.

He turned around as the sun died down behind the tree tops. He walked to the gates of the Castle. Tonka lifted his arm and pressed it back against his chest. The gates dropped and men lined up as he walked in.

The castle was lined with Ruby and Black colored flags. Along with a line of stables. Along the wall that protected the castle was archer holes and towers. The castle contained two massive doors in front that swung parallel to each other. Along with multiple windows with stain glass paintings.

He nodded to the men and headed into the castle. Inside the castle was a main room with two rooms on the left and right. And two master staircases on each side of the wall leading to the second floor. And behind the staircases was the meeting hall. Above was a chandelier with crystals and diamonds. And the walls were decorated with banners colored in Ruby and Black. Along with shields encased with gold and swords hanging on the wall.

He walked into the castle and headed upstairs. His armor clicking against each piece. He moved his cape to evade corners when he turned left after getting to the top.

The door opened in front of him. He walked in and closed it behind him.

"Lord Kosmin, The Rishka have been pushed back into their territory my majesty." Tonka bowed and placed his fist on his heart to salute the Kia flag and Lord Kosmin. Kosmin had brown eyes that had become lighter with age. He also had grey hair but you could hardly see it. His golden helmet was placed on his head ever so perfectly. His cape was laid over the side and his sword rested against his throne. Kosmin's hunting eagle was perched upon the throne. Golden and black. The throne was encased with gold gems. And his guards had white armor with golden capes.

"About time my brother enters his own land and learns his lesson. Thank you Tonka." The Lord coughed and spoke lightly.

"Sir, it is not my position to ask but are you sure you don't want to go into the Everstone Sleep early?" Tonka rose from his bow and salute.

"If I begin the Everstone Sleep early my brother will attack while my rule is in rest. You are dismissed Sir Tonka." The Lord dismissed Tonka with a wave of his hand.

"Yes sir." Tonka walked off and as he did Lady Vanessa barged through the door.

"Lord Kosmin!" The Ma'am caught Tonka's attention. Her brown hair full of curls. Her hair was a silky brown full of life. And her eyes were a pure purple. A rare color put perfect for her. Her lips were as red as fresh blood. Her face was clean no dirt, no dust, no imperfections. She was the fairest of them all. He did not think of her as a suitor but he knew she was the beautiful and if he did try approaching her about marriage his limbs would be cut off. But she always catches a single man's attention and even some committed men. He bowed to the Queen. And she dismissed him.

"What is it dear?" The Lord's eyes beamed up slightly.

"Their back. The winged beasts!"