I am skilful and cunning. My experience stretches over a quarter of a millennium, and to date, nobody has ever stolen anything from me. Oh, they have tried, but none of them have succeeded. The scorch-marks all along the walls of my cavern can tell of countless ambitious lives lost in pursuit of riches. My, riches.
It's not that I blame them. I haven't ever blamed any of the myriad thieves who tried to break through my defences. How could I? Especially since the same greed that drives them, is also driving me. The only difference, of course, is that I am so much better than them at acquiring AND defending all of it.
The sound of coins being disturbed, reminds me of my newest quarry. This one is more cunning than the last few, so I guess I should show him the respect he deserves by not allowing my mind to drift. It is so hard though. For so many years I have been on my own, gathering what is now the sole focus of my intruder. I have never had time for a mate, so there is no egg waiting to hatch. To bring forth another of my kind. To keep me company.
YAWN.
I guess I should provide some entertainment - for my own amusement, if nothing else. This unwelcome guest seems to anticipate my obstacles and traps. If I'm not careful, this might become a real burglary. The first time in centuries that my wandering mind will cause me to lose anything.
There he is, skirting around a pillar. Clever. But not very good tactics; for my flame is strong and big enough to burn past both sides of the pillar simultaneously. I have not had need to use my flame for many years, but we dragons, can be dormant for years without our flames weakening. One deep breath should be more than enough to smoke him out.
Ha-ha. Smoke him out...
If this human is better than his predecessors, then he'll escape the flame and smoke. If not? Well, I'm not picky. I can eat scorched meat. The hotter the flame; the more brittle the bones. The more brittle the bones; the less likely that I will have to pick anything from between my teeth. Perhaps some lively entertainment is called for right, NOW!
