One day, in an elven kingdom near the border between the human realm and the elven realm, a pair of dragons ridden by the king and queen of the realm gave birth to a small little boy dragon. At that moment, the king and queen knew that in a year they would have a baby boy. When they found this out, they were very happy. But at that moment, they also knew that it was time for the dragon to be put into training. Then the parents of the baby dragon took the baby dragon and started to
educate it in the behavior of a dragon, as well as combat tactics, and knowledge on poisonous fruits and mushrooms, and which you can eat. They also educated the dragon on how to use it's powers.
At the exact same time, in a human kingdom, on the border as well, a pair of dragons ridden by the king and queen of that realm also had a baby boy dragon. They knew that they would have a baby boy in the next year, just like the dragons did. They also knew the dragon would would be trained in everything it needed, but would forget when the baby was born, and would remember once the human boy had found the mystical rabbit that posses spiritual powers, showing the true color of a human or elves soul.
As they predicted, both kingdom's kings and queens had a baby boy exactly 1 year later, and both pairs of kings and queens were very happy. One year later, something bad happened to the elven kingdom. After all the villagers had put all their dragons into their sheds, and all the shops were closing their windows, except for the fire department, as a fire could happen at any time. All the fire department workers had white dragons, as they would be able to get rid of the fire very quickly, as well as a dark blue dragon, to get rid of it at still a high rate dispelling fire.
The cook was making a cake in the castle's kitchen, as it was Barthun's first birthday, and needed a drink of water. After the drink of water, he forgot what he had been doing, and left the cake on the range. As he forgot to watch the cake, it burned, and set on fire. Luckily, one of the guards made it into the kings quarters and rushed him outside before the fire and smoke could get to him. Unfortunately, the guard had forgotten about the queen and prince until he had gotten outside.
“Oh no, I have to get the queen and prince!” the guard said.
“Captain, what is the meaning of this?!” the king shouted.
“I'm sorry sir, but there was a fire in the castle.” the captain of the guard said.
“Where are my wife and son?!” The king asked, scared for his wife and child.
“I don't know, sir.” The captain said, hiding the fear from his voice.
“Someone, get in there and find my wife and son!” the king exclaimed.
One of the guards ran inside, determined to save the queen. The guard ran inside, trying to find the queens quarters, but was blocked by the fire. The guard went back to the king and told him what had happened.
“Sir, I'm sorry, but the fire is out of control! I can't get to the queen.” The guard said.
“Captain, send a guard to get the fire department, right now!” the king yelled.
“I'm on it, sir!” The captain said.
He instantly sent out one of his lower ranked soldiers on his dragon out to the fire department, on the other side of the city. Luckily, the dragon this guard had was a bronze, meaning it could make it to the other side of the city in only 5 minutes, whereas a normal dragon would have flown to the other side in 20 minutes. This was a very good thing, as no one knew when the fire was going to burn down the castle. Also, no one knew if the queen had somehow escaped or not.
At that moment, the queen had escaped, and was riding far from the castle. She thought that an anarchist had set the castle on fire, to try to make themselves king or queen. She knew where every village was on the elven side of the world. She knew that it would take her some time to go to the smallest elven village far from the border. Luckily, her soul color had changed to bronze when she was younger, meaning she could make it to the small village in an hour. Unfortunately, she had been burned, which, while a burn is not serious for us, if it's only a first degree burn, any burn is serious for an elf. She could literally feel herself dieing as she flew to the village.
Right as she got to the small village, she collapsed, but not fully dead. The elder of the village, Dall, heard her land and went out to see what had happened. Right as he went out, she was almost dead. She had enough strength left to say this to Dall. She said, “Please, keep him safe. His name is Barthun. He is the prince of the kingdom. Please, for the sake of all the elves, keep him safe.”
With those words, her soul departed from this world. Dall mulled it over. “Well, this could be the truth, but I don't know for sure.” He did, however, know that the elven royal family rode purple dragons. As he turned to look at the color of the dragon, he saw a small bundle with two things moving inside of it. As he opened it, he saw it was a little elven boy and dragon. He checked the color of the Queens dragon, and, sure enough, it was purple.
As Barthun grew up, he had a few traumatic events happen in either a god or bad way, changing the color of his dragon for a while. Finally, when he turned 21, the elder, Dall, came up to him and asked him a question. “Would you like to discover the true color of your soul, Barthun?” Dall asked. Barthun was actually unsure. He had seen many color dragons, and yet, was a little scared. He had seen all these dragons, and yet didn't know which dragon would be the best possible imaginable.
Dall, however,knew in his heart that Barthun would accept. And he knew, that if Barthun were to accept, he would have to learn his true story. When Barthun was old enough to talk in full sentences, he asked Dall this. “Dall, where are my parents?” When Dall heard that, he hadn't known what to say. He wasn't sure when to tell him what had happened. He had known completely evil people, that he unfortunately had seen struck down by great heroes, all because that person's parents had died while they were a baby, and were told it when they first learned to talk. He had to lie to little Barthun, for his safety. “Your parents have moved away, but only for a short time. They live in a larger village now, but don't worry, you are still in their hearts.” However, as soon as Barthun's true soul color was determined, Dall would tell him the truth.
While Dall was thinking to himself, Barthun had decided. “Yes, I would like to learn the true color of my soul, as, no matter what color my dragon is, I will still accept it as the true color of my soul. I feel that if I learn my true soul color, I might be able to find my mother.” When Dall heard this, he was relieved. He hadn't wanted to keep up this facade for too long, as keeping information from a man like Barthun could be hard. Barthun was very strong, as well as tall for his age, even taller than the royal family that he was from.
As Dall heard this, he was glad. Then, he revealed the information as to the whereabouts of the spiritual rabbit. The animal you seek is very elusive,” said Dall. “It can turn invisible for short periods of time, but once you get close enough, you will be able to feel where it is. It is in the forest, in the shadiest area because of the trees. As soon as you touch it, you will learn the true color of your soul, and possibly, whom your parents were.”
Barthun was interested now. “So, about how long will it take to get there?” He asked.
Dall answered, “well, I would say maybe a day or two, so I'll pack you some provisions.”
The next day,Barthun was ready for his journey. But Dall had a little surprise for him. “Happy birthday, Barthun.” Barthun was excited. He had never gotten a birthday present before. “Oh, boy, what is it?”
“Open it up and see.” Dall answered. Inside, there was a bow and quiver, full of course, with 50 arrows, as well as a sword and shield. “What are these for, Dall?” Barthun asked. “I asked our town blacksmith forge these for you, for protection, as bandits have been known to hide in these woods.” Dall answered. What Dall didn't tell him was that the tips of the arrows and the sword, as well as the shield, were forged from dragon scales. The interesting thing about dragon scales, is that the way you get them determines the effect of how they are forged. If you ask a dragon politely for his scales, the weapon cannot kill, unless a person is purposefully trying to kill. However, Dall was also a master enchanter, so the arrows and sword could not harm nor kill, and, if it might kill someone, it instead erases the evil from their soul. When it is made into a shield and chain mail, it becomes very strong, almost impervious. This way, Dall knew that Barthun would be safe, as well as not harming people who had killed someone by accident, or had their dragon killed.
And with that, Barthun was on his way to learn his true identity. As he traveled though the woods, he made sure to keep his bow strung at all times. As he was traveling though the woods 2 days later, he heard a noise in the bushes. He was instantly scared, as he thought it might have been some bandits who might kill him and steal his weapons. But it was only a deer. He breathed a sigh of relief, but then heard another noise, and was ready this time. This time, it was a bandit, which Barthun knew it would be by the smell. He shot an arrow into the bush and heard a scream. At that moment, Barthun was scared again, as he thought that he had accidentally killed the bandit. He leaped off Kennan, and checked to see if he had killed the bandit. But the bandit wasn't dead. It might have been a heart shot, but, amazingly to Barthun, he wasn't dead.
“A-are you okay?” Barthun asked. “Y-yes, I think so.” The bandit said. “I'm sorry if I scared you. I didn't mean to, or at least, I hadn't.”
“W-what do you mean?” Barthun asked. “May I please see that arrow?” the once evil bandit asked. “Uh, sure.” Barthun answered.
As Barthun pulled the arrow out of the bandit, he was amazed. The bandit wasn't wearing armor, yet there was no wound. Not even a little blood on the arrow. Barthun was very curious, as he thought the bandit would at least have been bleeding. “Here you go. Um, may I ask, what is your name?” Barthun asked. The bandit answered, “Why, my name is,..., um, I can't remember. However, I was once a blacksmith, though I can tell you what this is made of, and why, amazingly to you, I'm not dead.” “R-really? I think that maybe, for now, until your memory is restored, I'll call you Nelson” Barthun said, amazed that he had done a heart shot, and yet not killed this bandit. “you know, that sounds about right. I actually think that is my name.” Nelson said.
As Nelson was examining the arrow, Barthun was thinking. “Dall must have done this. He knew I wouldn't want to kill anyone, which is what this arrow should have done. If that is true, why isn't this bandit dead, or even wounded?” As Barthun was asking himself these questions, Nelson had finished examining the arrow. “I think I see why I'm not dead. This arrow tip, it seems to be forged from dragon scales, freely given. If a weapon is made from dragon scales, it cannot kill unless the owner specifically is thinking of killing the person. However, if a dragon scale forged weapon is enchanted, it cannot kill anything, but instead, erases the evil from one's soul. This, this is the work of a master enchanter. Do you know anyone who knows magic?”
“Um, only Dall, the elder of my village.” Barthun answered. “He taught me a little bit of magic, but only healing magic.” “Did you say Dall? Dall, the master enchanter, capable of enchanting anything, master of healing magic?” Nelson asked, aghast with wonder. “I can't believe it, I thought he was dead!” “Y-you know him?” Barthun asked, not understanding at all. The Dall he knew was wise, and good at healing magic, sure, but he didn't know that Dall was famous. Barthun could hardly believe it. “What other things has Dall been hiding from me?” Barthun asked himself.
“W-well, I suppose I should go try to find my family again, and possibly my dragon.” Nelson said. “Well, okay then. But don't you think that maybe you should see Dall, see if maybe he can restore your memory?” Barthun asked, questionable about what Nelson had said, and wondering if these weapons were different than other, ordinary weapons. “Well, I guess I'll go find the true color of my soul, then.” Barthun said. “By the way, my village is just south of here,” he said, pointing over his shoulder.
So with those parting words, Barthun continued his quest for the spiritual rabbit, while Nelson headed to the village, feeling confident that Dall would be able to restore his memory. The next day, as Barthun was walking alongside Kennan, Barthun smelled something he had never smelled before. He could actually smell the rabbit. However, it was faint, as though it had traveled through the area. “Kennan, can you smell the rabbit?” Barthun asked. “Yes, I think so. It seemed to have traveled north from here.” Kennan answered.
After learning this, Barthun sneaked north, trying to find the rabbit. As he got closer, he could see the rabbit. Then, making sure he was downwind and away from the rabbits line of sight, he leaped and almost touched the furry tail of the rabbit. But, the rabbit had heard Barthun leap, and dodged out of the way. “You know, this has been getting really old, you know that? Every time an elf turns 21, it's the same story. 'I want to learn the true color of my soul,' they say. They chase me, every year, I've got at least a hundred grab me, just being so innocent. Well you know what? This is old. If people knew I could talk, they'd just ask politely. But they don't” The rabbit said. Barthun was amazed. He didn't know an animal that could talk, except for dragons. He started to wonder what other animals could talk.
“I-I'm sorry, I didn't know you could talk. Nor do I think anyone else knows. How long have you been able to talk?” Barthun asked. “Heh, I've been able to talk forever, but people always think it's someone else on the quest. If you want to pet me in order to learn the true color of your soul, fine, just make sure to tell everyone you see to ask politely to pet me, okay? 'Cause I'm annoyed everyone keeps trying to grab me, and they always hurt me by accident.” The rabbit said, annoyed that another person sneaked up on him, but was slightly less annoyed that Barthun had noticed that it was him talking, not someone else. “Well, okay then.” Barthun said. Right as he stared to pet the rabbit, he felt a power, almost like an adrenaline rush within him, as well as a feeling of completeness. When he opened his eyes, he saw that Kennan was now purple. “Whoa, what happened to you, Kennan?” Barthun asked. “I think that this means the true color of your soul is purple.” Kennan said, looking around at himself. “Wow, did you just talk to me telepathically, Kennan?” Barthun asked, amazed at the powers his dragon now had. “I hadn't meant to, Barthun, it just happened.” Kennan said, talking for real this time. “We-he-he-ll, I'm amazed, kid. I've only seen 2 other purple dragons before.” the rabbit said, trying to remember. “Really, you mean it?” Barthun asked, wondering what this meant. “Yeah, but I can't remember what's so significant about a purple dragon, though. Anyways, you keep your part of the bargain, okay?” the rabbit called out as it hopped away.
As Barthun rode Kennan back through the forest, he was amazed at how fat Kennan was flying. “Hey, Kennan?” Barthun asked telepathically. “Yes, Barthun?” Kennan answered telepathically, expecting the question that Barthun was going to ask. “Have you become a bronze dragon before, when something really good or bad happened?” Barthun asked. “Yes I have, which is the ability of us purple dragons. We increase the strength of our rider, as well as gaining the ability of any color we've become.” Kennan answered. Barthun was amazed. “Wow,” He thought to himself, “this is going to be really cool, because Kennan has changed into quite a few colors.”
As Kennan had become a bronze dragon, he flew at a much higher speed and had enhanced stamina, so he could fly twice as fast as he normally could, as well as being able to fly for 2 days without food, water or rest. Therefore, they reached the village the next day.
As they entered, they were greeted by Dall and the others. Strangely to Barthun, they were bowing to him, except for Dall. “Wha- what's going on, is the king behind me?” Barthun asked, bewildered about this. “No, Barthun. It is you we are bowing to.” Dall answered, understanding why Barthun was surprised. “Why are they bowing to me, I haven't done anything special?” Barthun asked, wondering why everyone was bowing to him. “I think, that I am the reason they are bowing, Barthun. I am a purple dragon, the color of the royal family.” “I-is this true? Is my purple soul the royal family color?” Barthun asked, wondering how many times the king had walked through the village, and started crying when he saw him.
“Dall, y-you don't mean...” Barthun started saying, but then he paused, because he knew what Dall was going to say. “Come with me, Barthun. I have some things to tell you.” Dall said while walking back to his hut. “Well, okay.” Barthun said, wondering what Dall was going to tell him.
When Barthun and Kennan got to Dall's hut, they found Dall making an herbal tea, as well as a small platter of fruits and vegetables laid out on the table for them. “What is it you wanted to tell me Dall?” Barthun asked, with a questionable, yet expectant look in his eyes. “As you may have noticed, when you first saw the king, he almost started crying, correct?” Dall asked, know that had happened, back when Barthun was only 3 years old. “I did seem to notice that, yes. But what does that mean, Dall?” Barthun asked. “I'm sure you might have assumed it, and yes, it is true. You are the prince of the Royal family, and the king is your Father.” Dall said, with a somber look on his face.
“Do you mean it? Am I really the King's son? Thats amazing! But, where is the queen, my mother?”Barthun asked, amazed that this was true, yet puzzled as to why he had never seen the queen. Dall and his dragon, Merl, could see that Barthun was thinking about what had happened. “Unfortunately, Barthun, she died. Your mother died escaping with you in her arms while the castle was burning. She was severely burned, and was able to make it here before her spirit departed from this world.”
This was a critical moment for both Barthun and Dall. If Barthun thought that Dall was lying, and was someone else in disguise, Barthun might kill Dall, which would make him completely evil. He would become a monster bent on a killing spree and an insatiable lust for blood. While Dall thought that the weapons he made for Barthun prevented him from killing, he had just remembered a vital fact. They could harm a pure-hearted person. If he became evil, the weapons would kill just by touching somebody. Barthun would make everyone his slaves, and rule the whole Elven half or the world.
Fortunately, Barthun's memories had returned, and he believed Dall. “I remember Dall. My mother did take me out of the castle, and she carried me to here, when me and Kennan were so small, we fit in a small little blanket she held in her arms. She crossed the miles in minutes. The first face I remember seeing when I woke up was yours. I had been uninjured, but my mother had been burned. And then I was awake in your house, with little Kennan by my side. But there is something that I just realized. The cook was making a cake for me, as it was my first birthday. It's been 20 years since then. How did you lose your hair in that short time? You were only maybe 30 when you took me in, so your like, 50, right? You shouldn't have lost your hair that young.” Barthun said, wondering how that had happened.
Dall laughed. He had been so tense, wondering what was going to happen, and then Barthun stays good, and asks him an unimportant question like that. “Well, I suppose you hadn't heard. When you were maybe 5 years old, I was making a hair restoring potion. It's not actually a restoration, its a hair accelerator potion. Unfortunately, I stirred in the wrong direction. That made the potion have the opposite effect. Instead of giving me more hair, it killed my hair follicles, so my hair fell out and I will stay bald. And no, I was only 21, about your age. Everyone else was fairly young, which is why they started calling me elder. So, now you know.”
“Wow, I never would have imagined you were so young. What do you think I should do next though, Dall?” Barthun asked, truly wondering what he should do next. “I thought I should go see my father, see if anybody was trying to steal the throne, and learn the knowledge I will need if I am to inherit the throne.”
Dall saw the wisdom behind what Barthun was saying. “That is a wise decision Barthun. It will give you knowledge that you will need as a prince, as well as allowing you to further understand the bond between a dragon and it's rider. It would probably be for the best if you went to see your father. But do not get lazy, or in any way less diligent, as if you do, something terrible might happen. It will take you a few hours to get there, with the enhanced flight of Kennan. I will send you letters every day, updating you on what happens here.” Merl said.
Right as Barthun was about to leave the hut, he realized something. “Oh, yes. Where is Nelson? I was wondering what had happened to him.” Dall understood what was going through Barthun's mind. He knew that Barthun was worried about his new friend. “Nelson is currently at the healers house. It might be a little difficult to hear what happened to him,though. I was able to restore his memories, so he knows what happens. But, it is a scary thing to hear.” “Thank you, Dall.” Barthun said. At that moment, he realized something. “Oh yes, the spiritual rabbit has a message for everyone. It wanted me to tell everyone that it can actually talk, so they shouldn't sneak up on it, just go up to it and ask politely.” Dall laughed. He had never thought the rabbit could talk.
With that, Barthun went to the healer's house. When he got there, he saw Nelson. Nelson, however, hardly responded to Barthun entering. “Nelson? Are you okay?” Barthun asked, wondering if he had gone into a coma. Nelson head jerked up. Barthun could see that Nelson had been crying. “What happened, Nelson? Is anything wrong?” Barthun asked, wondering what could have made Nelson so sad.
“No, I-I'm fine, Barthun. Its just my memories are very painful.” Nelson said. Barthun didn't understand. What could be so scary about your memories? “Nelson, how about you tell me about it. That should cheer you up, or at least make it not hurt as much.” Barthun said. “Well, okay,” Nelson said, “but be warned. It's is actually very scary. What happened was, many years ago, I was a blacksmith. I had a beautiful red dragon. I cannot remember his name at the moment, though. I was mining so I could make some tools. But then, this huge mountain lion leaped out of the trees. I was scared. The mountain lion leaped towards me, aimed to rip out my throat, when suddenly, my dragon flew right in front of me. Unfortunately, the mountain lion got my dragon's neck. I took my pickax and whacked it in the side with the wooden part, possibly breaking a few of it's ribs.. I ran back to see how my dragon was doing, but I was too late. When I got to my dragon, I told him everything was going to be okay. But in my heart I knew that wasn't true. Then, my dragon said this. 'Goodbye, Nelson. You were the best rider a dragon could have.' His voice was so raspy. After saying that, he died. I felt this anger surging within me, and then, I blacked out. The next thing I knew, you had shot me with that dragon scale arrow. So, now you know. Now, you understand how I became evil. Please, don't leave me alone. I need a friend.” Nelson said, sounding very scared.
Barthun was curious. “So, Kennan, judging from what Nelson said, it is not killing someone that makes you evil, you become evil when your dragon dies. Then, why did Dall forge me these weapons?” Barthun transmitted telepathically to Kennan. “That might be true, or maybe both things are true. Maybe if you kill someone, or your dragon dies, you become evil. That seems quite interesting. I wonder what else could make you evil, and if there are any other ways of removing the evil from one's soul without these weapons?” Kennan transmitted telepathically to Barthun.
“I'm sorry to hear that Nelson, and don't worry. Even now that I know your past, I will still be your friend.” Barthun said, trying to cheer up Nelson. Nelson sniffed, as he was crying. “Thank you, Barthun. You're the best friend an elf could have.” Nelson said. “I am sorry that your dragon died. Is there anyway someone could get a new dragon if theirs dies, Dall?” Barthun said, as he heard Dall step into the room. “Unfortunately, no, there isn't. However, Nelson might be able to find a dragon out in the wild. Not all dragons are partnered to an elf or human, you know.” Dall said, letting Nelson know there was still hope for him becoming a blacksmith again. Barthun had an idea. “Hey, Dall? Would it be possible for me to take Nelson with me to see my father? Maybe as we're traveling, we might find a new red dragon for him.” Dall thought it over. “That is a good idea Barthun. However, I do not know how to replace a dragon connected to you with a wild dragon. Dragon's are not vicious, but might lash out if frightened. There is a risk that Nelson might not be able to get a new dragon, but it's highly possible that he will do it.” Dall said.
No comments:
Post a Comment