My flame burns blue as it escapes from my mouth and nostrils. The heat is enough to melt the coins and chalices along with the jewellery taken from a rich king long, long ago. The diamonds and emeralds, rubies and pearls will now become trapped within the lake of gold. Some will shine and reflect the light of the sun as it breaks through the cracks in the stone, others will remain buried until such time as another, equally heated flame, melts the gold again, allowing these wonders of nature to be rediscovered.
Memories of ancient civilisations, cowering before the magnificence of my flames, rush to the forefront of my mind. Those were the days. Days when humans knew their place in the natural order of things. When communities sacrificed one of their own at the turn of every season, hoping to appease me. And I indulged them, knowing that they were too afraid to ever come near my cave and everything in it. Of course, there was always that one knight, hoping to impress someone or improve his station in life, who would challenge me.
Them, I also humoured. I allowed them to put on a show, for those brave enough to watch. Some I killed – mainly because I was bored, or tired, or just not in the mood. Others, I wounded, but allowed them to live a while longer, achieve their goals. Until one day, when I would come calling and claim my reward. Usually my reward was playing that part of fate, destiny who had come to collect on that extension of life, granted to them when they begged and made promises so long ago.
The absence of noise brings me back from yet another trip down memory-lane. My intruder does not seem to be shocked or scared by the intense heat or blue fire aimed at the pillar. I am astounded by this, but also intrigued. How is it that this human has no fear for my flame? How is it that the approaching river of gold and gem stones neither scare nor tempt this thief? Unable to keep my curiosity at bay, I lift my tail, and carefully sweep it in the direction of the pillar. Precision is needed. Patience is necessary. Preventing my tail from being trapped in the cooling pool of gold, is vital. I refuse to be the first dragon in living history to get himself trapped in his own loot, unable to roam the earth because he was careless enough to get trapped and burned by his own doing.
I am surprised when my tail passes behind the pillar to find nothing there. I was certain the human was there. How had I missed the miraculous escape? Unless
Unless I had been tricked earlier, maybe he was never there. Could that be? Had I been tricked by one more cunning than I? Closing my eyes, I allow my senses more freedom. Wherever this cunning thief is, I must discover him. My sense of small picks up the faintest whiff of fear. So, I did scare him after all! It does damage control to my bruised ego. But why is the smell so faint? Why can I not hear anything?
