CHAPTER 10
NEARING THE DRAGON
Though Michael and his companions knew the danger of their quest, the beauty of the mountains filled their thoughts. There were no mountains, or any other country more beautiful than the mountains of the northwest. The mountains were covered in trees of all kinds in different shades of green.
Above the timberline, where the trees ceased to grow, soft green grass led up to snow covered peaks changing from green to brown as it reached the pure white snow. The peaks themselves glistened in the sunlight. Each peak looked like a diamond and many of the peaks reached much higher than the clouds that were in the sky.
“Alexander,” Michael called as he surveyed the beauty of the mountains, “how do we reach the dragon?”
“The dragon is much closer than you may think,” Alexander replied. “Just over the next hill is a flat place with a path leading to the dragon. But you must beware of the guard. The guard is a giant who serves the dragon and is also a servant of Diabolos. He will not let anyone pass through the entrance and he will strike quickly, trying to kill all of us before we know he is near. I know this because I witnessed him slay fifteen of the king’s soldiers before any of them had a chance to draw a sword.”
Before Michael could respond to this news, Zachary with wide-eyed surprise said, “Is there any end to what will be added to this quest? First it was only a dragon, and then we spent who knows how long in Diabolos’ dungeon. After the dragon, we have to fight a war. Now we have to guard ourselves against a giant! I’m only glad I’m here to witness it all, because I wouldn’t believe it if someone told me.”
“At least we have the advantage of knowing he will be there,” Aaron said. “The giant should be no difficult adversary if we plan how to attack his position.”
“I agree,” said Michael with an adventurous smile and nod. “Let’s move close to the position. Once we’re able to see the place where we’re likely to meet the giant, we can make plans.”
The four men rode to a hilltop and looked into the area leading to the place of the dragon. It was a small area, round in shape, like a small sports arena, completely surrounded by walls of earth and rock, except for the narrow path, which led into it. There was no grass there, only dust, which seemed to indicate much activity, preventing any grass from growing.
From what they could see of the path it was winding up from a mountain trail. As they looked more closely, in the place where they expected to see a cave, they merely saw a flat stony wall.
The most shocking sight they witnessed was in the center of the area. For in the center was a young woman chained to a large wooden stake. She was dressed in a pure white gown as if it were her wedding day. As Michael gazed upon the young woman, she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. She had long blond hair reaching past her shoulders, and a very noble appearance.
“I don’t need to ask, but tell me why the young woman is there,” Michael said as he turned to Alexander.
“It is as you fear. She is the dragon’s bride, a sacrifice if you will,” Alexander replied.
“By her noble appearance, she appears to be a princess. The way she holds herself gives her away,” Aaron noted. “Most persons in her position would be begging and pleading for help, but she stands there resigned to her fate.”
“This shall not be her fate,” Michael said solemnly. “Today must be the day such things end in the land of El.”
“I agree, but where is the giant?” Zachary asked as he anxiously looked about the area.
“He is there, in the same place as the dragon,” Alexander answered.
“What do you mean?” Zachary asked with confused expression.
“As you can see, there is no cave as such. This is because the dragon is from another world or dimension, which opens and closes at the dragon’s will. It seems the giant is in the dragon’s world looking out a window into ours. When he sees something out of place in that small area, he steps out, suddenly appearing where he will.
“How do you know all this, Alexander?” Michael asked.
“This is Diabolos’ doing. He opened the door to the other world with his magic. I was not here when he did this, but I heard others speak of it, who were here to witness it,” Alexander answered.
“Do you think the giant knows we’re here?” Aaron asked.
“No, I don’t think so. The giant’s view of our world is limited to the area below. To my knowledge, he has never ventured beyond this place, though the dragon has gone out frequently. The people hope to keep the dragon away by such appeasement as you see before you,” Alexander continued.
“This is what we will do,” Michael said. “I will go in to rescue the young woman using the path. Each of you will stand on the sides of the place of the dragon, ready to jump down to my assistance when the giant appears. Perhaps we can surprise him.”
The plan seemed good to Michael’s companions, so they set off at once to carry it out.
Prince Michael and The Dragon Page 11