The Will to Kill a Dragon

Chapter 1B - A Boy that would do Great Things

"Is there not anywhere else she could have gone off to?" Antonio asked concernedly. 

"The dogs have followed her scent, and here we are," Ibrahim responded, "she may still be within Dartchester, but if she has entered Dragon's Land there is little hope to retrieve her." 

Antonio stared at Ibrahim, his grandfather, who seemed to have no hope left for Rosemary. The lady's parents continued to cry, but a shrill fear had tainted each of their tears. The waters rolled down each of their cheeks and lost themselves to the cold ground below.

None of the druids could focus their eyes on the lethal opening between the mountains. Dartchester, though a quaint little village, was surrounded by hills and mountains, and so the people were quite isolated from the rest of the world. The only way in and out of Dartchester was via Dragon's Land through this corridor structure. 

But just because the place was called Dragon's Land that didn't mean dragons literally lived there, did it? I mean, the writer thought, it would be so like walking down Bournemouth Pier and bumping into a dragon on the way to the fish and chip shop. But I suppose Dragon's Land could mean there are dragons. Maybe there are legends of dragons in this area. Maybe someone pretended they saw a dragon there once upon a time. 

The druids shuddered away from the narrow passage. There was something perilous, haunting even, about the restricted path. The area had a width that would only fit about four or five people. There were slopes and uneven terrain which looked ready to collapse. Yes, there was something very cursed about this corridor, and that was before even reaching the plain that was Dragon's Land itself.

"I shall go, regardless of these fairytale 'dragons'" Antonio announced. Indeed, the reader could not help but expect this random teenager to save the girl. "It is the right thing to do. She is a very proud girl, and none of us could live with ourselves if we did not attempt to save her from certain peril." 

Antonio's feet froze as everyone gazed at him expectantly. He shyly looked down as if he had said something wrong, for he certainly felt as if no one would step up to do something. Ibrahim placed his hand on his grandson's shoulder, and Antonio jerked, slightly embarrassed he had spoken up at all. 

"I admire your goodwill, Antonio," Ibrahim began "but know that beyond the corridor the world is a cruel and heartless place. Nature here grows alongside our families, but out there cruel snow kills all vegetation. Animals are ferocious and barbaric, and that is not including any of these fabled dragons.  If you go, Antonio, there may be no coming back." 

Antonio stared at the corridor once more, as still did many others in the crowds. The opening almost seemed like a mouth full of teeth, and anyone that walked through would surely be eaten alive. 

"It is the right thing to do," Antonio repeated. 

Ibrahim nodded his head, realising that his grandson had full faith in Rosemary's prophecy of 'certain happiness'. The elder then looked over his shoulder and gestured for another druid to bring him something over. 

"I was expecting you to say that," Ibrahim smirked "Please, take this to protect you then, my boy. It is a ceremonial sword, also known as a katana. As you know, we are a peaceful race, but long ago our people feared invasion. These are one of the few swords left at our disposal. If you must fend for yourself, then fend. After all, you'll need it to survive out there."

Antonio hesitated but took the sword. A weapon of war; the young man had never held anything like it in his life. As he unsheathed the ancient blade, he saw the metal was wholly corroded and rusted over. It had indeed been years since this land had spilt any blood. Antonio then took a belt from another druid, wore it, and placed the now sheathed katana on his person. 

"Good luck" Rosemary's mother added, as Antonio made his way towards unknown danger. 

Walking through the corridor, it looked as if it would take about an hour till Antonio was officially in Dragon's Land. But, as the path proceeded, the druid found that he had to climb many boulders and rocks. He navigated ridiculously steep slopes and leapt over several uneven mounds. Yet Antonio sped on, remembering those same words he had uttered to his grandfather:

"It is the right thing to do. It is the right thing to do." Antonio kept saying this to himself. 

The corridor began to blow a cold draft. At first, the ground had contained faint traces of moss and grass sprinkled across the canyon. Now however the field was grey, and there was no Dartchester soil nor plant to be enjoyed. The mist of the other side began to seep into Antonio's eyes. And as Antonio continued to walk, the corridor started to open.

**TO BE CONTINUED**

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Authors Notes

I'm very sleepy right now, and its only half three. I'm saying this now, because when I read these notes later, hopefully, I'll be much more awake.