Before the Eclipse

There weren't always dragons in the Valley. Not technically, anyways. The Elders would describe the ancient creatures from which they came as small, furry beasts with perked ears and long whiskers. The dragons one would see in our Valley now are much different - most of them sharp tooth and clawed creatures with tails that whip viciously. Not at all the same.

If one were to walk along the streets of our old town, they would see the evolution story of dragons along the walls, sometimes even on the pavement. In Soul’s Keep, our town square, you can follow the years of stories in the tiles on which you walk. My family are the direct descendants of those who raised the first dragon, and saw it come to be. We thus now carry the name with us, and my Nana is revered as the wise, the teller of our stories to our young.

“Now let Nana tell you a story…” she starts, her crackled voice echoing through the square, “it’s the story of Magatha, of whom our town is named after…” I couldn’t help but smile. I was lucky to have grown up with this wonderful woman in my home. I feel nudges and hear tiny footsteps rush past me to join the circle of children sitting around her. This was one of the bigger festivals for us, where those seeking information and their own understanding of the myths were given the opportunity to seize their own adventure.

At least, that’s how they advertised it.

And here I was, buying into it.

Finally the line started to move and I moved forward a few paces, Nana’s voice stretching a little farther. I glanced at my pack, mentally checking my inventory for the next few weeks; sleep materials, sustainable food, clothing-

“I said NEXT!”

I jumped but hurried over to the stand, dragging my belongings behind me. My handwriting still hadn’t improved much, I noticed as I filled out the sign in sheet. I was only scanning, really, but the rules of this trip were some I knew like those of my own household. I’d know, that’s kinda where they came from. I had barely finished signing the date when the paper was dragged out from under my hand. The notary on the other side of the table heaved a heavy sigh before looking up at me from behind her monocle.

“Miss Calico,” she started firmly, “are you sure you want to leave for this season? The elders are predicting the weather to be rough, and not even many of the other adolescents are heading out for the trip. Besides, Riza is so old. Don’t you think you should wait awhile?” In an attempt to distract her, I flipped my hair down to tie it back up with a beam. “I think the route I’m going to take is going to be along the inside of the mountain this time, usually I follow the river.”

Eimear rolled her eyes and stamped down onto the form without looking away from me before sliding it back over.

“Bring this to her, have her bless you, and be on your way. 21 days, Rowan. Don’t miss the full moon.” I shot her a wink as I made my way back into the sun with a twirl. I dropped my pack off for inspection and looked around, the number of children had doubled since last I’d looked, though Nana Riza was getting to the end of the origin story now. Tracing the tiles were other graduates around my age, absentmindedly drifting while listening to the age old tale.

“If there’s one thing you learn this year, it’s that what’s in the people’s heart and mind gives power. When small, docile creatures can be worshiped and transformed into those who form the world we live in, the takeaway is that the collective unconscious is what gives power, my dears. We tell the story of the dragon, yes. More importantly, we tell the story to reinforce the power of just that, stories, and the myths that tangle with truth to make them.”

The ending we all know by heart was met by applause, from myself included. I couldn’t help it, she was just so good. As the children were led away by their respective guardians, I weaved through to kneel in front of the star of the festival.

“Nana, don’t overwork yourself. It’s warm out here.”

Nana Riza peeked out from under her veil and met my eyes with her own glistening pair. “This year too, is it?” She asked as I kissed her cheek and grabbed one of her hands. “I’ll be back by the eclipse, I promise. I signed the contract and everything!” I folded the paper into her hand and pushed it toward her. As she read it quietly to herself I remarked several townies walking by, as well as several from other cities in the Valley. People traveled far to be a part of our culture, more so during the eclipse than any other time of year. My parents would be working the bakery into the early hours of the morning at this rate. My nana cleared her throat and began to laugh as I looked back at her.

“Don’t be daydreaming like that on your journey this time, mo grá. I’m sure the notary already told you, but this eclipse brings challenges and weather… Bad energy is littering the Valley. We’ve already had several young ones retract their commitments.” She paused to blow rose flour and sage onto the form, whispering words of protection as it dampened and set in. “I won’t try to stop you, I’m your Nana above everyone else’s, although,” she leaned in close with a mischievous grin and said softly, “you mustn’t let the rest of Magatha hear me say that. They’d take away all of the family’s stature!” With a wink and a squeeze of my hand, she crumpled the paper and pushed it into my jacket pocket. I touched my forehead to hers.

“Discover a myth of your own, my darling. The dragons have grown restless, it’s time for there to be a new power in the Valley.”