All The Riches Of The World And There is None Like You.

Saya feels the warmth of a steady breeze vibrating through the cave walls as if the cave itself were alive with lungs of its own. Curiosity and excitement fills her heart as her imagination ignites in wonder. She presses her cheek against the smooth edges of the stone with a soft full smile and her eyes closed tight and she hears it; A faint heartbeat echoing within the stone. She holds out her little arms and embraces the wall with a childish love wanting to know who is alone in the dark and maybe they could use a friend.

The thought itself calls her to action with a naive, but pure heart felt courage as she leaps down into the cave. With a skip she wanders further in. Life has thrown a mysterious adventure in her path and fearlessly she allows it to draw her in with hope and amazement. The tunnel she ventures is earthy. Moss grows on the boulders at her tiny feet, the dirt is soft with moisture, but dry enough to remain settled. The air she breathes is cool and crisp, but then that warm breeze flows in intervals like breath signaling a rhythm of life that tickles her senses. She can feel it in her soul a gentle, noble, presence awaits her at the end of the cave. She notices light at the end of the tunnel reflecting star like shapes that dance like firelies along the cave walls as she draws closer to her destination.

Her smile never leaves her childish face. Saya's eyes are wide with wonder as she plays with the twinkling lights on the cave wall. A low snore erupts behind her and she flinches for a moment only to turn her gaze into the massive circular room where life flourishes. The sound of water flows into it with grassy ferns and tree stumps but in the center she sees a green dragon sleeping on a mound of treasure reflecting the sunlight from above the cracked earth to where she stands. The dragon's long slender face is a scaley dark greyish green but along it's snout all the way down his back and tail is a moss colored fur covering its scales. She wispers, "Dragon." Her little voice echoes throughout the cave. The dragon's eyes open with a piercing orange gaze and Saya shrieks and ducks behind a boulder.

The Dragon yawns wide bearing his large ferocious teeth as he shakes himself awake scanning the room around him. "Who goes there?" says the Dragon. His voice is low and calm. Even though he speaks tiredly his voice booms like an ochestra of string bass instruments that stirs the soul. The orange embers in his eyes blink sleepily as he awaits a response. Saya holds her hands to her mouth eyes wide with panic. Her childish body is quivering in fear. The dragon sniffs around and grins, then adds, "A child. A little girl nonetheless." Saya remains silent but peers through a small opening to look upon this dragon. Within his eyes she only sees kindness and a small smirk of amusement on his scaley face.

"Come now child, there's no need to fear me. I can feel your heart and curious intentions. The only one that needs to fear me are those with greed, and power poisnoning their hearts. You mean me no harm so I offer the same kindness," reassures the dragon as he stretches himself upright. Saya fights the fear holding her back and notices a small gold crown near her feet. She picks it up and places it on her head boldy. She takes a deep breath then steps out to present her best to the noble dragon.

She stands firm placing her hands on her waist and announces, "Hello Dragon, I am Saya princess of the woods!" The dragon chuckles and Saya can feel his smile through his eyes as they soften looking upon her. "What are you laughing at Dragon?" she questions feebly. Her posture retreats self conscious to her bold declaration. The dragon sees and feels her waning courage then adds, "Princess Saya is it? I've never met such a brave princess of the woods before. May I ask of what honor do I deserve to receive such a guest? For as you can see a cave is no place for royalty. I fear I'm a bit unprepared." The dragon bows his head low to acknowledge her.

She gasps feeling his humbleness and approaches closer to comfort the dragon. "Actually," she pauses to remove the crown, "I'm no princess. It's just Saya. I'm only a village girl," She looks down at her feet reluctantly toeing at the tree trunk beneath her. The dragon rests his head on the soft grassy ground before her. Her heart skips because she has never seen such a powerful creature upclose and yet with all his strength the dragon is gentle. "On the contrary Saya, princess of the woods, it doesn't take a gold crown, wealth, or title to display royalty." She looks up into the Dragon's eyes confused and asks, "Then what makes a princess? I thought a princess can boss people around."

The Dragon smiles and answers, "Royalty is authority, yes. But Kings and Queens have forgotten that Royalty by it's very nature is a leadership established by trust, love, and respect between them and others. A leader is only as good as their will to selflessly serve in the best interest of their people. What use is there for royalty if their heart isn't to act for the sake of their kingdom and the people they love? For you, princess of the woods, what do you do to help your village and the people you love?"

Saya's eyes wander to the heavens as she thinks. The answer strikes her passionately as she responds, "I'm always looking after my sister Lana. She's so shy and quiet and the boys like to pick on her so I protect her, but they're not always mean. I play games with them and we go on adventures together. Though Billy is always mean. I don't think he likes when I boss him around, but always I try to be his friend just like everyone." The dragon is amused by Saya's spirit and asks further, "And what about your parents and village? How do you help them?" "Well, Papa is always out fishing so I help mother with the chores at home and when he gets home we always have dinner waiting for him. My sister and I swore we would always be there to hug him when he returns. For the village I sometimes run errands but most of the time I just like talking to everyone." The dragon takes in every word and says, "Sometimes the best service you can provide is that of being there for people. Saya you are a princess by the very nature of your heart to act with compassion despite your differences. It is also why you are the only princess I will ever bow to in trust, love, and respect."

Saya's little eyes beam with a light none like the Dragon has ever seen. Her smile is a feeble flood gate trying to hold back all the light and hope that stirs within her soul. She rushes foward and hugs his cheek and asks, "Dragon why do you remain here all alone with nothing but treasure by your side? Do you not miss the open air? Do you not have family or friends?" Saya's embrace grows tighter as she notices the scars along his face and caresses them gently as he answers, "I am a dragon. I am a powerful force that strikes fear into those who hold authority over these lands. Have you ever been picked on because you were different Saya?" Her eyes grow wide with enthusiasm as she answers, "All the time!" She then continues with a whisper, "I think the whole village thinks I'm crazy, but it's okay because I have fun being myself." The dragon responds, "I know the feeling but even still if I fly into the sky there are people who would chase me down. I have no friends and family because people are afraid of dragons. When dragons decided to hide, people no longer fought us, but instead turned on each other for Gold and land. I took these treasures in hopes that no person would be corrupted by greed, and entitlement. The fear part I'm working on but I'm glad that you were so brave. That's why I'm so grateful to have you as my guest, little princess."

Saya looks at the crown in her hand and tosses it angrily to the ground and says, "Not me dragon. I will never let fear rule me nor let gold taint me. And you are not alone anymore dragon. I will be your friend!"

The dragon heart is moved and he responds, "Saya, never lose that heart of yours. I've met Kings, Queens, and knights but never anyone who posseses a heart like yours. I've seen all the riches this world has to offer but there is none that could ever amount to you. Be safe Saya and continue being the Princess of the Woods, for your family and your village making it a brighter place." Saya's cheeks turn red with her smile and she asks, "Dragon do you not have a name?"

The dragon replies, "I have none, but what does the young princess wish to call me?" She grips her chin raising her brow in thought then says, "How about Aabel?" The dragon responds, "You would name me after man why?" Saya laughs and says, "Aabel, means breath. I wish to call you this because I heard you sleeping from outside the cave."

Suddenly Saya realizes the setting sun and rushes off saying, "I have to go Aabel, Mother and Lana are probrably worried. I'll come visit you again! Have a good night!" Without any hesitation she darts off through the tunnel glancing over her shoulder with a smile that changes Aabel's broken heart.

Saya makes her way back to her village. Smoke is rising from her families shack with the salty spice aroma of her mother's soup filling the night air. Her stomach growls as she makes her way through the door. Her mother gasps, "Saya! Look at you!" Saya stands in the doorway with twigs in her hair and dirt smudges all over her round face and dress. "What am I going to do with you!" shouts her mother as she rushes over to Saya, cloth in hand wiping away the dirt from her face.

Saya hugs her mother and she pauses astonished at her daughters embrace as Saya apologizes, "I'm sorry Mother, I know I have not behaved like a princess lately but I promise to do better. A princess is strong and needs to be there for those she loves and help with the chores." Saya rushes off and kisses her sister, Lana, on the back of head then makes her way to their room to change. "What in God's name has gotten into her?" asks her mother. Lana looks up from her book to her mother and replies, "This is it. The moment when my dear young sister has completely lost her mind. I knew it was only a matter of time." Her mother throws the dirty rag at Lana then returns to the boiling pot to stir the soup.

Saya returns in her night gown and rushes over to the kitchen to help her mother. "Saya here take these bowls and spoons to table." Saya nods with authority and sees it done with enthusiasm. The wooden utensils knock against the table as she sets them and says, "All finished. Do you need me to do something else mother?" Her mother rolls her eyes with a smile and asks, "Why so eager to help me all of a sudden?" Lana chimes in, "She's just trying to suck up so she doesn't get into trouble." Saya folds her arms and glares at her sister, "Not true! I just learned a great princess is to be there for those she loves so that's what I'm going to do." Saya pouts and her mother smiles but before anyone can add anything else the door opens and their father steps in.

The girls drop everything and rush to embrace their father. He extends his arms in laughter and holds them close as he gazes at his wife with loving eyes as she fixes her hair. Saya and Lana release their father and he walks in to kiss his wife. "So, what's this about being a great princess Saya?" asks her father. She can barely contain her excitement as she speaks through her smile with enthusiasm, "Well today I became Saya princess of the woods, and made a new friend. His name is Aabel. He told me what it means to be royalty." Her father chuckles and they all take their seats at the table. He then asks further, "Okay then what does it mean to be of royalty?" Their mother pours their dinner into their bowls as Saya explains, "Royalty isn't just authority. It is having trust, love and respect between you and the people around you and taking action to better those around you that is your kingdom," She pauses to slurp down her soup then adds behind her wooden bowl in a muffled voice, "More or less father Aabel said it better. He is my new friend."

"And who is this Aabel?" questions Her father, He then adds, "He sounds like a wise friend I wish we had more rulers like that in the world?"

Saya deflects her father but then asks, "Father have you ever met a dragon?" Silence fills the room and their father looks over to his wife and then says, "Long ago before you and your sister were born. I served as knight to these lands and fought against the dragons. It is said that dragons bring about destruction and misfortune wherever they go. So the king ordered his knights to hunt them down. Though the Dragons never attacked unprovoked. It was as if they wanted to remain hidden until one fateful day a large green dragon attacked the castle and siezed all the gold in the keep. It is rumored another party had slain one of its kind and the dragon took out its wrath on us. I was the only one to survive the attack. I was wounded and lay there helpless to the destruction he caused. He was inches away from me and could have gobbled me up but instead he showed me mercy and flew off. If dragons were merciless creatures I wonder to this day why he spared me."

Saya adds, "Maybe because he knew you would be a good Papa one day." Her father smiles and says, "Whatever his reason was the kingdom dissovled into nothing and I no longer choose to serve the King in his foolish endeavors. It was his hunger for Glory that led to the ruin of the kingdom. Everyday I am grateful to have such a wonderful family, with food and shelter. But now we live in small villages with bandits ruling these parts. It is rumored still the dragon is in hidding with the king's treasure. Bandits all along the road are searching for it. But I know they will only meet unfortunate things following the greed in their hearts. On that note it's time for bed you two."

Saya remains silent worried by her father's tale. Her father scoops her up takes her to bed with her sister following. He kisses them both on the forehead and says, "Goodnight you two. One day Saya you'll have to invite your friend over." Months pass by and Saya continues to practice good deeds around her village and her home. She visits Aabel and their friendships blossom in little games of hide and seek within his cave and stories of good deeds and bravery. Saya grows into a strong member of the village loved by all for her compassion. She even takes her sister and friends to visit Aabel in a reluctant voyage but then through every encounter the children in the village begins acting of royal nature and they all prefrom great deeds to the village. They became their own club helping the elderly and running tasks between the villages as if it was some noble duty of theirs.

Until one day Saya is followed by a bandit lurking in the woods. He spies over the cliff looking down into the cave and see's the treasure and Saya conversing with the dragon.

Along the way home she is kidnapped. All that remains is a ransom note left behind on the door step of her families house, stating,

"If you wish to see your daughter unharmed you will venture inside the cave to north of your village."

Her father is enraged and worried he unburries an empty chest from his past. "Art you cannot go alone!" shouts his beloved, "It's a trap!"

"I must do something Miriam! If not these vultures will hurt our little girl!" He pries open the wooden crate and draws his sword and chainmail. Lana is hugging the doorframe in tears and she adds, "Father Aabel lives in that cave maybe he can help you." He turns to his daughter with a piercing gaze and raises his voice, "Lana are you sure!" Lana shouts frantically, "Yes father she always ventures there to visit him, but father Aabel is not what you think."

"What do you mean girl? Speak!" shouts her father. Lana cries, "Father Aabel is a dragon! But he is kind and gentle and loves Saya!" "How do you know this?" questions her father. "Saya brought all of us children to the cave to visit Aabel one day. At first we were scared but he is a noble creature and remains in hiding because he knows that fear would cause panic and war! You mustn't harm him father!" Her father makes his way out the door and says, "I make no promises. If he is behind this treachory to Saya's dissappearance there will be blood."

Art rushes off to the cave with haste until he reaches the entrance. He sneaks inside and unsheathes his sword. The only sounds he hears is his angry heart, filled with murderous intent.

A voice echoes in the distance surrounding him, "You are not Saya."

Art ducks behind a boulder panting angrily then he shouts, "Aabel! Where is she!"

"She is not here, has something happen to her?" Aabel's voice pauses to catch scent of the intruder then Aabel says menacingly, "A man, no a knight sworn to slay my kin wanders into my lair. I can smell the blood on your blades. I know you knight.There is no greed on your heart only a murderous rage foolishly wandering into my lair. Come forth and let me look upon my assailant and I will decide whether you remain alive or a pile of ash."

Art peers from around the boulder and he wittnesses two hellish orbs glowing in the darkness. He steps forward his sword gripped with two hands as he shouts back, "I received a ransom telling me to venture this cave in hopes to find my daughter Saya! Where is she Aabel?!"

Aabel doesn't respond. Art makes his way into the center of the cave only to be met with the dragons piercing gaze.

Aabel speaks, "I would never cause Saya any harm for she has a pure loving heart worth more than your pitiful world of glory and riches."

"Liar!" Shouts Art as he raises his sword preparing the charge.

"Silence!" shouts Aabel. The force of the dragon's voice makes Art stumble. "We are not alone!" Aabel continues.

Then suddenly archers appear over the cliff of the cave. Arrows fly from overhead striking Aabel scales. He growls in pain and whips his tail striking down the archers along with the cave ceiling.

"Bandits!" shouts Art as he takes cover. Aabel shields the knight from the falling debris and commands him, "Climb onto my back Knight. If any harm has befallen Saya there will be hell to pay! Will you set aside our differences for the greater good?"

Aabel holds out his scaley arm and Art leaps onto him and climbs onto his back. Like a roaring storm Aabel takes flight into the night and drowns out his attackers with scorching flame around the cave. Art clutches the green fur on the dragon's back as they scan the valley below. In the distance not far from the cave is the bandits encapment a large bonfire reveals their location. Aabel uses his senses and picks up on Saya crying voice within a cage.

He shouts to Art, "Saya is alive but I cannot risk breathing fire into the encapment. We must take them by force alone."

Art nods and shouts, "Lead the way dragon I will do what I must for my family and my village. We must destroy their encapment to rid ourselves of their treachory. From this night forth, no more."

Aabel plunges into the bandit encapment thrashing about wildly at the carriages and tents crushing all in his path. Art is able to slip off the dragon and charges toward his daughter sword in hand. Three bandits charge forward armed with short swords and bucklers. The knight parry's the first attacker's assault and counters with a forceful strike the ends his foe.

The other two charge together with their small shields knocking the knight to floor. Art rolls away from their thrusting swords and slashes wildly cutting one of his attackers. They stagger backwards and Art plunges his sword into one of the bandits. The other takes a stance before charging foward and Art raises his sword preparing the final blow. In an instant their bout is over and the bandit lies died on the floor. It is over as Art breathes the battle from his lungs he hears Saya in the distance. "Papa! Look out!" A shadow blindsides Art wounding his arm, but not fatally.

"So this was suppose to be our decoy while my archers slay the dragon. Useless is what I call you. I was hoping that dragon would have torn you to pieces while my men caught it off guard," The bandit speaks holding his blade to the knight his tattooed face grins menacingly.

"Bandit there is no glory behind riches, nor honor in taking captive a child. Would you see your soul condemned all for a pile of gold?"asks Art.

"I would see villages plundered and destroyed if it meant my men never grow hungry so that we may live free," replies the bandit leader.

Art shakes his head and says, "Then the wrath of the dragon suits your men for you all are ravenous animals. Like vultures preying on the weak, but wishing harm upon my village and my family you must endure a fate worse than the dragon's. You will endure me."

The bandit leader lunges forward slashing about wildly as the knight blocks every attack and counters with forceful kick to the chest that floors the bandit leader. Art strikes with an over head blow but the bandit leader dodges it and finds his footing and strikes again. The combatants lock swords and the bandit leader strikes the knights wound and causes him to stumble losing his sword. The bandit then charges foward ready to impale the knight. Art pulls a small blade from his boot, dodges the sword and plunges the dagger into the bandit leaders chest. The bandit leader falls to his back and scurrys away unknowingly into the dragon's path. He looks up into the dragon's eyes and the last thing he sees is the Dragons opened jaws as a fiery breath consumes him.

Art frees Saya from the cage and she holds him tight. Aabel keeps his distance, mindful, as he allows a father and his daughter a moment to embrace. Saya sees Aabel and he bows saying, "My princess the kingdom is no kingdom without your light." Tears swell in her eyes as she rushes foward to embrace him. Art smiles and says, "So your my daughters friend who has been teaching the children the art of royal traits. Even Lana wished no harm come to you. I never thought you'd be a dragon, yet I know you Aabel."

Aabel looks into the knights eyes and says, "It was I who spared you at the King's castle long ago."

Art questions, "Don't mistake my questions for ungratefulness but why did you grant me mercy?"

Aabel responds, "In the heat of that battle I felt a knights heart only wishing for peace, not glory, nor greed. I saw a man with remorse for waging war whose only wish was to live a noble life. It was that moment that I decided to exile myself from war and go into hiding, because just like you I was done with being part of the suffering this world has been living in and I too wanted to live with noble intentions and Saya showed me that this world can be one of light worth more than all the wealth, and greed that corrupts the soul."

Art holds his daughter tightly and says to her, "Of all the riches this world has to offer, there is none like you. You are Saya princess of the woods! Friend of dragons, a loving sister, and devoted daughter."

The little village gains a dragon as a protector and the village embraces Aabel as family. Art raises up young men as knights to establish a kingdom and fortify their defenses from the bandits or any foreign threat. A community flourishes with the lost treasure. Saya continues to inspire her loved ones with her light and a kingdom is born forged by trust, love and respect.