Dragons of Draegonia

by Michael Libra

  Dragon Green, was about to make a name for himself.

  *The most famous legend of Saint George is of him slaying a dragon. In the Middle Ages the dragon was commonly used to represent the Devil. The slaying of the dragon by St George was first credited to him in the twelfth century, long after his death. It is therefore likely that the many stories connected with St George’s name are fictitious. There are many versions of story of St George slaying the dragon, but most agree on the following:

  1. A town was terrorised by a dragon.

  2. A young princess was offered to the dragon

  3. When George heard about this he rode into the village

  4. George slew the dragon and rescued the princess

  CHAPTER 8

  Green with Envy and Black with Spots

  It had been quite a trek for the four shipwrecked children. Grace was still charging ahead closely followed by the three boys as they made their way deeper inland towards the centre of the island. “Come on we need to get there before night fall.”

  “Get where?” George asked. “There silly” Grace declared as she pointed her hand towards the smouldering volcano. Joel kicked a smooth round stone as all four stopped and stared. The stone rolled a few feet before gaining speed as it disappeared down the rough but very steep ground.

  They had been walking for hours and the terrain was becoming increasingly difficult to cover. They had now left the shade of the tall trees well behind them with the lush green grass and shrubbery having been replaced with short stubby clumps of dark green leafed bushes interspersed with patches of tall course brownish thin stems of wild grass. Moving even further inland, both sides of the track were punctuated every so often by larger rocks and boulders endorsing what was becoming an inhospitable scrubland, supporting numerous taller dense brown bushes with protruding prickly stems. As they climbed higher still and closer to the lair of Draegonia’s Dragons, they paused nearby to some tall jagged rocks; the lengthening shadows making it feel much cooler, as the four passed beneath them.

  “I need a rest” Joel wheezed. He was out of breath. He had been carrying the large bag from the life raft that had been repacked and now contained ropes, first aid pack, water (what little was left), matches, several tea bags, a packet of dried milk, VHF Radio and the gun with the remaining unused cartridges that earlier had saved them from what appeared to be an attacking white dragon.

  “O.K, let’s make camp here while we still have sufficient light to see what we’re doing” George said sympathetically, seeing that his pal Joel was completely exhausted. “Where will we camp?” shouted Zach who had been lagging behind. “Over there” Grace pointed towards three very large rocks. Two of them formed a V shape; the third rock was flatter and overhung the tops of the other two, providing a natural safe shelter, with views of the darkening sea reflecting the brilliant orange and pinks of the early evening sky.

  The sun, shaped like a large fire ball casting long narrow shadows of all who stood within its dying rays, was moving closer and closer towards the horizon, sinking slowly into the sea. The gentle breeze that had kept them cool during the heat of the day had suddenly become quite cold.

  George shouted as he ran towards some small thinning green and brown shrubs close to the large inverted rocks spotted by Grace. “I’ll collect some wood for a fire if you prepare some food for us Grace, come on Zach, give me a hand.”

  The two boys searched for firewood as Grace and Joel prepared a makeshift camp for the night, using the boulders as protective walls and the overhanging rock as shelter. Although there were numerous bushes and shrubs around, their pencil-thin stems were only useful to start a fire. To keep a fire burning required thicker wood and after some time of searching George and Zach returned with an assorted mix of twigs and thicker gnarled dead wood ideal for a small fire just sufficient to boil some water to make a welcomed hot drink.

  “Is that all you managed to find?” moaned Joel, who was tired, cold, very hungry and becoming quite irritable. Grace opened up one of the individual survival packages containing some food that obviously by the state of its faded and torn packaging, had been in the life raft for some time. “UGH,” she had bitten into the hard biscuit and taken a piece into her mouth. “This is horrible” she exclaimed indignantly. “If you think I am going to eat this you have another think coming.” “I’ll eat it” Joel cried out grabbing the round disk like object. He bit hard into the biscuit and swallowed. “Typical” Grace exclaimed, “you’ll eat anything.” The four children sat round the fire eating, drinking the freshly made tea and discussing how they were going to get off the island and of course how they were going to hide from any more dragons.

  Whilst they chatted, the deep red ball of the sun finally sank majestically into the rich rippling blackness of the sea. As it did so, shadows produced by the ebbing fire danced around the rocks and with the crackling of the last of the flames the fire dwindled into no more than hot ashes. “Is there any more fuel for the fire?” Grace quietly asked. “No afraid not and anyway it is getting quite late” George replied, “the best thing we can do right now, is rest and sleep; nothing to do until morning and it would be dangerous to try to walk in the dark.”

  Joel and Zach had already opened up the blankets taken from the backpack and were placing them neatly on the ground inside the safety of the sheltered rocks. “I am still hungry,” Joel moaned. Zach put his hand into his pocket and pulled out a very small bar of chocolate he had found in the bottom of the survival bag. “Here take this” he whispered, but don’t tell the others.” Zach, although the youngest of the group, believed he was tougher than his elder brother Joel and that he had to protect him. “Thanks Zach” Joel said, taking the chocolate bar and downing it in one go, “you’re a real pal.” Zach just gave a cheeky grin, for he knew it was true.

  With the beds laid round the dying fire all four snuggled against each other for warmth and one by one drifted into the land of dreams.

  The cold breeze of the night air swirled round the sleeping children. The now, not so hot ashes, blown by the cool evening breeze sparkled, creating a mass of little red and yellow glows. Some were lifted high into the blackness of the night sky, their flashes of tiny lights like hundreds of small flaming torches, mixing with the silver pin pricks of light, from a million stars.

  Dragon Green had reached one of the viewing platforms and was surveying the southern part of the island. He had been contemplating what he was going to do. He wanted to be liked, he wanted to be respected, and in fact he wanted to be like Dragons Blue and Gold whom he envied because of their power and seniority. He craved respect and authority. He thought how great he would be as the Mayor of Draegonia. All these thoughts took time to pass across his mind. Some might say it was because his head was so large it took time for any thought to travel across it.

  Green knew it would be almost impossible to have Blue or Gold’s position but now was working out a devious if not dangerous plan.

  Green had decided that he was going to make Dragon Brown’s task of catching the trespassers difficult. He was also going to feed Dragon Brown with misinformation to make him look foolish. Green chatted to himself (no one else would normally listen to him) working out a way for him to be seen as a major player in the defending of Draegonia. Green had visions of dragons patting him on the back and thanking him for being so brave that they would promote him to Brown’s role of Commander in Chief and that everyone would be bowing in his presence.

  Green stared into the night sky, smiling as he had visions of being made a hero. What was that? Dragon Green had caught sight of hundreds of small lights moving around. He strained his eyes peering into the blackness of the southern sky. “Obviously the invading army,” he mumbled under his breath. “There are so many invaders that Dragons Brown, Blue, Red and the two sisters White and Cream will never be able to deal with them, at least not without my help.” He continued to talk to himself. What Green did not realise of course, was that these flick
ering pin pricks of light were not from the torches of an approaching army of dragon beating warriors, but just the last sparkling embers of four youngsters’ fire, being wafted by the breeze into the cool night sky.

  Green rushed off to find Dragon Brown who, outside the Dragon Police Station, was in conference with Dragons Red, Blue, Grey and the two Sisters, White and Cream.

  Dragon White had been released from Draegonia Hospital as they could do no more for her. She was still coughing and spluttering with black droplets continually being sprayed over everyone as she sneezed and sneezed repeatedly. Dragon Blue was unhappy, explaining that he too was now unable to spit any flame from his mouth. “Me too” said Dragon Red. “What?” exclaimed Brown? “Yes Sir,” said Dragon Red, “my flame has also gone out, what is happening?” The dragons were so engrossed in conversation that they did not see Dragon Green approaching. “Hey” Green shouted as he scampered up. “They’re coming and by the number of lights I saw there must be a whole army of them.” He hurriedly continued: “the invaders are heading this way from the south and will be here very soon unless you do something fast.”

  Dragon Brown spun round to see Green standing right in front of him. “How do you know?” Brown demanded, “I thought as Dragon White was unwell that I would patrol the southern side of the island,” Green continued with his exaggerations, lies and false claims. “I could see the lights of their camp in the distance, there must be hundreds of them, and I expect them to be warriors’ intent on taking over Draegonia.”

  Dragon White took a long deep breath, she was just about to explain that earlier all she had seen were three very small two legged creatures and a funny looking orangey container that may have had another hiding inside, all washed up on the beach, when she started to violently sneeze again. She sneezed and she sneezed - in fact she couldn’t stop sneezing and with each loud explosive sneeze, torrents of black droplets flew in all directions.

  On hearing the commotion dragon heads appeared from all the surrounding cave entrances and windows, each quickly pulling back as they were splattered with numerous black sticky droplets. “For goodness sake use a ‘Dragon Hanky’ or put your foot up to your mouth,” cried Dragon Cream, who now looked more like a ‘Dalmatian Dragon Dog’. Green wiped his chest looking at the black bits on his pointed claws. “Well, what are you going to do about all this, Dragon Brown?” Green demanded.

  Dragon Brown was of course very concerned, not just at being informed that Draegonia was in the process of being invaded by a much larger army than had been previously thought, but that other dragons were also losing their ability to spit flame. Was there a connection? Was this a secret weapon they had? What WAS he going to do?

  Brown thought for a brief moment before he addressed his so-called troops who had not fully realised they were now conscripted into Draegonia’s Armed Forces. “I think we had better set up dragon defences around the base of the volcano to protect the city. Dragon Cream you should go with Dragon Green to where he has located the invaders’ camp in order that we may have precise figures as to how many there are. In the meantime Dragon Red and Dragon Blue you both need to have a medical check up to see what’s causing your Flame Outs.” Brown continued giving commands: “Let me have the station keys Dragon Blue, Dragon White you notify the Mayor to issue a ‘Dragon State of Emergency’, we must get everyone to the Great Hall where I shall inform them of the battle plans.”

  Dragon Green smiled. He knew that Brown was going to make a big fool of himself as surely he would not be able to deal with what Green thought was such a large invading army. “I think you need all the help you can get Dragon Brown, so why don’t I check out the invaders’ camp site and bring back the information to you? Let Dragon Cream patrol the northern part of the island, just in case the invaders decide to attack from there as well.” Dragon Brown thought for a moment, and then said “Good idea Green. Dragon Cream, off you go and both of you” Brown paused looked at his dragon pocket watch then bellowed, “and report back to me any relevant information!” Green and Cream saluted (it seemed the right thing to do) and trotted off in opposite directions. Dragons Red and Blue with Dragon Grey leading scampered off to the hospital for their examination, leaving Dragon White, still coughing, to run off to alert the Mayor and everyone else that they would all be required to attend the Great Hall.

  Dragon Brown was left on his own. It was getting late and the moon was casting its eerie glow over what was now a deserted and much quieter street. He opened up the police station cave door marched across the cavernous room and pressed the Red and White button causing for the second time that day the alarm bell to clang and once more illuminate the flashing blue light. Brown closed the door, locking it after him and with thumping strides marched briskly off to the Great Hall.

  Dragon Green had trotted well out of sight of the police station realising that he had volunteered to put his own life at risk by spying on the invaders. He crouched down on the hard ground and thought for a moment. Thinking aloud he said, “I know, I will pretend to have spied on the invaders’ camp site. There must be at least a hundred of them and obviously as some of us are losing the ability to spit fire, the invaders must have a weapon that we do not know about. I’ll pretend to have seen it.” Green had confidently decided, that whatever the strength of the invading army, they would be no match for Dragon Black.

  Green finalised his story and rehearsed it to himself a few times as he headed for the Great Hall. At last he would be respected and considered brave and important. His reported observations of the threat would prepare everyone, they would win the battle and he would be a hero. He gave a wry smile as he thought of the medals he might receive for his bravery.

  Inside the Great Hall Dragon Brown was discussing the feared imminent attack with Dragon Black as scores of other dragons flooded into the chamber to join those who were members of the Dragon Council. Some had their night caps still on as they had been rudely awakened by a coughing dragon. Some were comparing notes about their ‘Flame Outs’ while others just arrived with worried and frightened looks.

  The meeting was roared to order by Dragon Black. He growled “We believe that there is an invasion of our island, Dragon Brown has reported that he has been advised that hundreds of troops have been sighted and are going to attack us and that at least three of our dragons have already lost their flames and that this may well be connected.”

  The congregation of dragons burst into grunts and groans as the importance of the meeting made its impact. Some were roaring at the top of their voices, their failing flames spitting in all directions. There were other dragons who were displaying the tell tale black spots of a sneezing dragon. Their flames also appeared to be getting smaller and smaller.

  Before Dragon Black could raise another growl, Dragon Green rushed in. He had a bandage around his head with stains of what looked like blood. In fact it was ‘Tomato Dragon Sauce’ that he had applied for effect a few minutes earlier. The Council of Dragons rushed to his assistance. “It was horrible” Green panted, “they jumped me but after a struggle I managed to get away!” All eyes were on Green as he explained that he had gone to spy on the invaders’ camp but before he could see how many there were several had seen and attacked him. Dragon Brown put an arm round Green, telling him that he was a brave dragon and asked him if his injuries were severe. “How did they cause the head injury Dragon Green?” asked Brown. Green slightly taken by surprise and not having thought about how he might have got the injury responded in a fraught voice: “They clubbed me, hit me over the head.” Gasps were heard from the dragons listening intently to Green’s encounter with the enemy. “Four or five maybe more I couldn’t tell, it was so dark, they just pounced on me” Green hastily continued, “they hit me with large club-like things.”

  “Describe these warriors?” Black barked. “Yes,” interrupted Brown, “how tall were they? What did they look like? How did you escape them and did they follow you here?” Dragon Green fought for words but clearl
y he was not prepared for all these questions, instead he decided to keel over and pretended to feint from his pretend injuries. Thump, his body hit the floor. Dragons rushed from all directions to his aid. Some brought water and one was heard to offer to give him the ‘Dragon Kiss of Life’.

  Dragon Green, on hearing this, quickly opened his eyes and staggered to his feet assisted by several very supportive dragons. “He is a hero.” “Jolly good show.” “He should be given a medal.” Dragon Green felt a sense of pride, he was being recognised as a hero, his plan was indeed, working.

  “What are those black spots?” Dragon Black asked Dragon Brown, pointing to Green and to all the other dragons who carried the dreaded black sticky spots that Dragon White had coughed, spluttered and sneezed all over them.

  At that precise moment Dragon White, exhausted from her messenger duties appeared. Rushing into the hall she blasted out yet again, an enormous sneeze, this time splattering and fully covering Dragon Black with the same droplets that marked every dragon on the Island of Draegonia, which is every dragon, bar one.