The Will to Kill a Dragon

Chapter 1D - A Boy that would do Great Things

The sound of a thunderous roar awoke the two young druids. Both of them awoke, blurry-eyed, with something huge, bulky and alive at the trunk entrance. The two shivered in terror. 

It breathed with a steamy vapour from its green nostrils, and it's green and yellow reptilian body pulsated with life. Yet it was the wings that were most glorious about the creature; gleaming an invigorating amber that felt like rays of the sun. There's was no mistaking it - it was a real dragon. 

"Oh thank goodness," exclaimed the dragon politely "I was sure that the two of you weren't moving, so I did try to wake you calmly, but you didn't seem to do anything so I..." 

It was interesting to hear the dragon speak, because as well as speak in a heightened and pronounced way, the dragon was clearly female.

"A dragon!" Rosemary exclaimed in response, "a real-life dragon!"

The dragon lurched itself down to the human's level and raised what appeared to be an eyebrow at Rosemary. 

"Quite!" declared the dragon, "And here are two humans who have just stumbled into my home, unannounced!"

"Yes, well, we're terribly sorry" Antonio apologized, "You see we didn't know a dragon lived here, and we needed to take shelter from the weather outside."

"I see..." the dragon responded, "And where are you from? Nautica? Philanthro?"

"No, we're..." Antonio began, and the two druids exchanged bewildered glances. "We're from a place called Dartchester."

"Dartchester?" the dragon chucked. She did not chuckle as if mocking the area but instead laughed in disbelief. "Dartchester, now that is funny! You don't mean to say you were able to pass the inner circle?"

Both Antonio and Rosemary continued to be confused. 

"Don't you know? Legend has it only those blessed with divine judgement can pass in and out of Dartchester" the dragon explained. "Both man and dragon alike have only dreamt of passing through the magical barriers between Dartchester and its outskirts." 

"Yes, well..." Antonio began, "If it's all the same, we'd just like to go home." 

"Speak for yourself!" Rosemary remarked, "I want to go anywhere but home! Here we are in front of a real-life dragon, and before we even get to know its name, you want to turn tail and go home!"

"My name," the dragon announced, "is Ambrosia..." 

"Well, that's all well and good!" Antonio started, "But what about the rest of the druids? What about your parents? We can't just leave without letting them know you're going..."

"If I might interrupt" Ambrosia intervened, "I am not able to pass through the barriers of Dartchester. But I can take you just outside of the one entrance to Dartchester. Why don't you both return to your village, say your goodbyes, and explore the world to your heart's content together? I shall personally ride you as close as I can to the barrier."

The druids looked at each other. Neither of them thought Ambrosia was dishonest or mischievous; she seemed genuinely concerned and well conceited. And it wasn't like they'd be able to find their way back through all of Dragon's Land's fog, mist and snow. 

"Alright" Rosemary and Antonio agreed. 

And so Ambrosia took the two of them on her back and returned them to the corridor. Antonio and Rosemary told the dragon of their story, and Rosemary's ambitions and their idea to build a home together. Ambrosia, in turn, promised that she would wait for them both and fly them to Nautica. It was a selfless act, and the least Ambrosia could do for these two. 

The two druids made their way back through the canyon, meeting with crowds of villagers that celebrated their return. But it was Antonio who cut the cheering short. 

"I have promised this girl" announced Antonio, "that I would take her beyond Dragon's Land to meet a prince, and that we'd build a house together. I shall not go against my word."

The druids went quiet. Rosemary's parents said nothing. It was Ibrahim that spoke first. 

"That, my grandson," Ibrahim declared "is most considerate of you. Of course, we are all happy, and can only wish you the best of luck."

The druids applauded the couple, but a few had to hide tears knowing this would be the last they'd see of them. Antonio and Rosemary prepared supplies. This time Antonio made sure to wear warm clothing, and some friends contributed their crop harvest for good luck. The couple would be sorely missed, but would also be able to pursue their dreams.

However, after all the goodbyes were said, and the druids were face to face with Ambrosia, a magical barrier prevented their escape. The barrier of divine judgement; this time, it was blocking their way. But why? Antonio and Rosemary returned to the druids for help, but there was nothing any of them said they could do. The couple cried, the dragon howled in commemoration, and Ambrosia flew away never to be seen again by the couple. 

The next day, one day before the wedding, Antonio surprised Rosemary by working all night to build the two of them a house. It was a tiny, rushed shelter, but it had been built with love. Antonio took the girl inside, and in there was Ibrahim dressed in posh lilac, wearing a crown made of twigs. Rosemary cried, and she hugged Antonio for all of his consideration. 

The next day they were married. 

Years after the marriage, the small hut had expanded a little for the inclusion of another family member. His name was Ambrose. His name derived from his mother, and the dragon that had saved the couple from the bitter cold. As was the custom for the boy's first birthday, Ibrahim performed the ritual of foresight on the young boy. It had been one of the most promising and exciting prophecies so far.

"With father's love and mother's tenacity, this boy will raise the ashes of his family's dreams, and shall do great many a thing."

**TO BE CONTINUED**

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Authors Notes

It took me a whole chapter to give birth to the main character. I promise I have a minuscule of talent somewhere amongst my hopes and dreams...