Runner-up: Pam Trader
Dragon Tales
The task ahead is arduous, but I am determined to prevail. Messengers have arrived with news that not one, not two, but a veritable pride of dragons have been spotted in the wild. My King is intrigued by the mighty powers of the Dragon.
"Go forth," he commanded the room at large, "And get for me a Dragon!"
None of his subjects moved from their reclining poses. It was as if they had not heard, those lazy dogs!
But our King is mighty and the one who returned with a Dragon would be in his favor. After disguising myself, I set off with my trusty companions, Packard and Hewlitt, to the lands where the Dragons dwelled. We trekked over hill and dale. Around bend and curve, up and down the superhighway and through the webs of the valleys, but nary a glimpse of the Dragon did we see.
One night we stopped at the village of AbsoluteVista, where the people buzzworded with excitement. We went to the local coffeehouse, where many had congregated, busily blogging their news and quaffing strong spirits.
"Aye, we've heard of the dragons!" I watched with amazement; their sloshing cups never spilled a drop on their keyboards. Eyes glazed over, the villagers described the animal's sleek black coat and etched scales, long silver neck, and the ultimate slayer's tools – sixty-four strong and powerful teeth. Blue rays shot for thirty paces from the Dragon's eyes, one man swore, gulping down more coffee.
"The Dragon's roar is well amplified and powerful," another named Altec claimed. "It can be heard for miles and miles."
"I saw the Dragon, too," nodded Wuxga, the window maker. "I saw him as clear and sharp as can be! Every scale, every corded line of him was magnificently displayed in high definition for me!" Wuxga shoved a yellowed piece of paper in my face. The twenty-inch high resolution drawing of the Dragon entranced me and I lusted for closer contact with one.
"Hew, Pac," I called my friends to me. "We must see this Dragon for ourselves!"
Before we could leave the tavern, a man in the corner beckoned to me. From his robes, I saw he was one of the Congress, a man who knew well of the Dragon's ways. It was whispered they held the leash of the Dragon in their hands and only with their permission would a Dragon be awarded to guard a kingdom.
I bowed. "Help me, Obeto-John. I seek the Dragon."
Wise eyes stared deep into my soul, laying bare all I had. "Aye," Obeto-John nodded. "I see you do. But the Dragon is a precious commodity and not free for the taking. He must be protected and cherished. Will you so swear?"
"Yes, Obeto-John," I replied. "A Dragon in our kingdom would be well and truly cherished, treated like a pet, and live a long and fruitful life."
"If that be so, you must answer three questions. If you answer true, a Dragon may reveal itself to you."
My excitement mounted. Surely only three questions would be easy to answer. I listened closely as Obeto-John asked his first question.
"How will you entertain the Dragon to keep him from eating the people?"
I gulped. A Dragon needs be entertained? Hew piped up, saving me from having to answer. "My King is a wise man, and seeks the knowledge of flight. The Dragon can teach him the ways of the skies. As well, my Queen," he slid a sideways glance at me, "is a collector of stories and all know of the Dragon's great story-telling ability. She would capture the Dragon's tales and share them with all the children in the land, including the Princess iPod and our heir, Prince Zune."
Obeto-John nodded, revealing nothing. He asked the second question. "How will he be employed to do good amongst the people?"
"The Dragon has great war skills," Pac drawled. "My King wishes the guidance of the Dragon's stratagems to keep our kingdom safe from those who would take it from us. Heard tell the thing's good with numbers and can help with our taxes and inventory. I'd be appreciative of his help with that. And that story-telling thing would come in handy on movie night. I'm thinking the Dragon would be kept might busy around the Kingdom, so he couldn't get into much trouble."
"I see." The Keeper's face still gave nothing away, his expression inscrutable. "And how will the people embrace the Dragon and all that he can do?"
Hew and Pack looked to me to answer this one. I shrugged off my disguise and a gasp rose throughout the room. Whispers of my identity waved across the room. I made a deep curtsey to Obeto-John.
"As the Queen of my Kingdom, Obeto-John, I seek to make my King's live enjoyable and fulfilling. I love my husband very much, and wish to gift him the Dragon for his own. He asks not for much from me or mine and this small favor I would grant to give him enjoyment. Is what I ask too much? Will you gift us a Dragon of our own, to be honored and cherished?"
The coffeehouse grew silent as all strained to hear Obeto-John's response. As one, they leaned towards us.
Was our petition strong enough? Did we dare hope?
TO BE CONTINUED….