The Last Dragon of the East

Chapter 8

8

“Knowledge,” the stranger explains.

He has traveled far and wide, his homeland ravaged by widespread famine, plague, and treacherous creatures of the night. Having heard tales of the dragons’ generosity, the stranger set out in hopes of learning the secrets that might save his beloved people.

The stranger asks the red dragon, king of all that is above, if he might teach him how to control the rains to help the withering crops back home.

The red dragon shakes its mighty head. “The wind and rain and sun and snow cannot be tamed by any one man. No mortal shall possess the power to control the Heavens, lest he anger the Gods.”

The stranger next implores the green dragon, queen of all living things, if she might instruct him on how to tame the violent beasts lurking in the shadows.

The green dragon denies him as well. “Beasts shall do what beasts always have. No mortal shall possess the power to impede their free will.”

The stranger falls to his hands and knees before the blue dragon, prince of every refreshing river, mountain spring, and pond. The stranger beseeches the mighty beast for a way to ease the suffering of his dying people.

Believing his intentions to be noble and true, the young prince is moved by the stranger’s words. The blue dragon shifts, his form shrinking down to resemble that of a man. He has a striking face and even more mesmerizing blue eyes.

“I will teach you how to heal and bring ease to your people,” he says to the stranger.

For reasons he cannot explain, the young prince feels an unquestionable connection to the traveler before him. When he looks down at his hand, he understands why. He, just like all descendants of the ancient bloodline, can see the magic running between them.

They are connected by a red thread of fate.