Myrgoth

There weren't always dragons in the Valley. No one alive now remembers when the great blue one took up residence in the lake near the mountains. People were afraid, Myrgoth is a dragon, but they didn't know how to make him leave.

I see the lake ahead and smile as I hear owls and other nocturnal creatures calling across Pine Nook Valley. I walk past the sign that warns the villagers that the lake is not safe. I laugh, the lake is safe enough, nothing is going to disturb the water or the valley around it.

I stop for a moment and look up at the stars as a cool wind causes me to fasten my coat then continue on. Not much further to the dock and I wonder if anyone bothers to try to fish in the lake anymore. Men used to take boats out, but that stopped before my great-grandmother was born. Maybe boats don't go out anymore, but maybe brave souls fish from the dock or the shores. I shake my head, I doubt that the superstitious people I share the village with even come this far out except for the day before they plant their fields. Dragon Day they call it, a day when they put gifts on the dock in hopes of a bountiful harvest.

The wood creaks as I reach the end of the dock and look down at the water. The water that's so blue during the day is black now with the overhead stars reflected on the surface. The water is calm with only a few ripples from the faint breeze coming down the mountains. I wonder again if the villagers know I come out here and what they'd think about it if they did. I lit the lantern that hangs on one of the posts and wait.

I see the disturbance in the water, something is moving toward me, something big, and set my shoulder bag down at my feet. I wait for silver eyes to break the surface, the top of the dragon's head is usually all I ever see. I don't know if Myrgoth is afraid of us or if he just doesn't think we're worth his time. I guess he's curious though, at least about me coming out here, I always see him, talk to him, but it's a one-sided conversation.

I see the horns first, curved up then back then the top of the head and finally see the silver eyes watching me. The eyes blink as they glance around then stop where they usually do about the length of the dock away. I pull my shoes off and sit on the edge of the dock, my feet barely above the water.

"Hello again, Myrgoth."

I'm answered with silence, but that's not unusual. I'm not sure if he looks forward to my visits, but he always stays and listens until I go. Wonder if he watches me leave then goes back to wherever he hides in the lake.

"Dragon Day is coming again soon."

The silver eyes blink, but there's no other movement.

"Does it bother you that my village brings you gifts?"

Again there's no answer, but I didn't expect one.

"You know, they think bringing you gifts means the harvest will be good."

I lean my back against the post and look up at the sky. I don't get discouraged by the lack of response, I come out here to talk, but I don't mind much if I don't get an answer. I guess if Myrgoth had spoken to me or anyone before then suddenly stopped, it would be different.

I hear a roar in the distance, loud, terrifying and look to the sky.

"What was that?"

I hear water moving and see the great blue Myrgoth raise his head high above the water. Again the roar, louder, closer now and I see Myrgoth turn his head in the direction of the sound as his wings break the water's surface. The great leathery blue wings stretch then the dragon's head turns to me, the silver eyes shining down in the dark.

"Adelisa, you must go."