The Dragon Who Found His Way

Chp1:

Deep within a mysterious forest, a group of explorers hired by an anonymous benefactor set off on a perilous adventure through its unexplored depths. Confused at the purpose of such a dangerous voyage, the explorers debated the identity of their anonymous benefactor for some time.

For weeks they traveled until reaching the provided coordinates. Arriving at the bottom of a lonely mountain they stood at the opening of a passageway between two massive shards of obsidian leaning together as if something large had crashed into them. “Unbelievable,” the geologist noted, as the team entered the refracting passageway.

Unable to believe their eyes, the adventure had led them to a massive marble entryway that appeared much taller and wider than necessary. The path beyond the entryway contained centuries of overgrowth blocking the way. It took the team a single day to clear one tree due to its massive size.

For an entire year they worked, revealing a perfectly preserved, yet bizarrely engineered temple. One explorer in particular worked as if knowing where to go, quickly earning the nickname “Wayfinder” and chosen by the explorers as the group's unofficial leader.

Passing through the staggered pillars of the temple's entrance the team was surprised to find the interior completely clean, as if it had been recently tended to. As they scanned every inch of the temple with their instruments, the explorers were in disbelief. The temple itself was a grand entryway opening up to a series of intricate caverns carved into the interior of the mountain. Each cavern was so large they contained plenty of pace for something very large to move about.

The temple seemed to go on forever. “Be careful! Just past the statue it drops off for miles into the mountain.” the tech operator warned, looking at the video feedback from the micro drones mapping the temple's structure.

The geologist scanning the walls said, “Do you see how the exterior looks as if it was molded? Stone doesn't work this way, I mean there are no seams in the structure anywhere, as if this entire temple was carved from a single stone.”

Ignoring the others, the archaeologist stepped through the group, hypnotized by a sculpture at the temple's center. Just past the entryway to this grand temple was an extremely detailed statue of a child riding a dragon. Everyone was excited to be at the forefront of such a great discovery, but the explorers were left puzzled by its meaning.

“Was there really a group of people capable of traveling all the way out here to build such a temple? And what's with the statue of the dragon rider? None of this makes sense,” the archaeologist thought.

While the other explorers spun in circles trying to explain their discoveries, the wayfinder would strike again climbing up the outside face of the temple. Reaching the top, the wayfinder took a moment to appreciate the view of the surroundings. Then, while beginning to clear the remaining overgrowth, a struggle ensued upon reaching a curtain of thick vines.

Staring at the entangled mess, the wayfinder felt drawn to one vine in particular that seemed to stand out from the rest. Noticing the vine appeared to reach higher than the others, the wayfinder couldn't help but give it a tug. In doing so the curtain of vines began to twist and turn. Yanking even harder, it all began to give way, causing the wayfinder to fall to the floor as untangled vines fell from above.

Once the others figured out how to ascend the temple face, they quickly unburied their unofficial leader, while marveling at the newest discovery. Behind the curtain of vines was a vast entryway to the peak of the mountain which had been hollowed to its core. At the center of the antechamber was the core of the mountain imbued with diamonds and veins of gold.

The outer walls were lined with intricate engravings and at the back was a sealed colossal stone door with two identical golden egg statues standing guard on either side. It took a great deal of time and effort to get the equipment to the top, but answers were needed. “It's the same as below, there is just no way this is human… No seams, no corrosion?” the geologist cried.

“Calm down… I'm sure there is a perfectly good explanation for how this antechamber was made.” the archaeologist said, lacking conviction. Everyone explored the room, waiting anxiously for the tech operator’s computer to finish translating the engravings on the walls.

“According to the data, the temple has no official age, carbon dating doesn't work. The wall on the left describes a time when dragons roamed every continent on the globe. A time when humans and dragons lived in harmony equally sharing in the flow of magic. It ends with the fighting getting out of hand and the dragons choosing to retreat behind a magical gate, safeguarding the flow of magic, but separating their two worlds forever. The wall on the right is filled with random dragon facts like; They remain their birth size until they evolve from a Draken to a Dragon. They all play equal parts in the flow of magic and something about a right of passage. Oh, the large golden eggs by the door represent magic and life as one,” the tech operator reported.

“If magic is life and it's being safeguarded by dragons behind a magic gate, then how has humanity survived?” the frustrated archaeologist questioned.

“It says the magic gates that separate our worlds also serve as a connection, allowing magic to pour into our world from theirs”, the tech operator replied.

Unable to take anymore, the archaeologist shouted, “That's enough!! There are more important things to do than stand around and talk about nonsense”. Feeling the tension, everyone pretended to be occupied as the archaeologist began to storm out of the antechamber.

Drawn to the back of the room, the wayfinder stood directly in front of the sealed stone door, too large to be moved by any known ancient methods. Noticing a smaller egg carved into the exact center of the sealed door, the wayfinder stepped forward to investigate. Reaching out to touch the electric surface of the small egg, a booming sound shook the entire mountain. Even worse, the wayfinder’s hand was now somehow stuck to the egg.

The egg cracked when trying to pry free and the wayfinder’s hand was pulled into the egg’s black gooey center. A moment later the wayfinder’s entire body had been sucked through the egg into total darkness. A single light then appeared leading toward a clearing.

Looking ahead the wayfinder immediately noticed the same two massive shards of obsidian that guarded the entrance to the temple were no longer leaning together. Walking between them to the other side the wayfinder was confused, “Where is the entrance to the temple?”

Before even reacting the wayfinder noticed something just to the left of where the entryway to the temple was supposed to be. Getting closer the wayfinder could see a small light green draken laying in a hammock made of vines and branches. It became clear that touching the egg pulled the wayfinder into a journey with this little draken in a time before…but why?

Chp2:

Little Woodrick was just an ordinary draken. A fragile late bloomer with horns as thin as twigs and wings so weak they’ve yet to taste flight. Preferring the forest and every creature within, the little draken spent every second tending to the bugs, leaves and flowers; sadly saving none for making friends.

When the dragon's great migration began, little Woodrick was forced to leave the lonely mountain and journey alone to dragon lands beyond the magic gates. Leaving the safety of the mysterious forest, little Woodrick moved as silently as possible because the further away from home the scarier it became.

On the journey little Woodrick passed a magnificent human kingdom with several estates surrounding its borders. Mesmerized by its size and beauty, little Woodrick continued, staying close to the most familiar path dragons took to reach the magic gates. Although most dragons wouldn't really hurt other dragons like humans would, they were still a threat. For self preservation little Woodrick avoided both.

Reaching the gates and crossing with ease, little Woodrick ventured into the land of dragons. Enjoying a moment to rest, the tired little draken took a nap next to a quiet pond, only to be awoken by a thunderous earthquake. Just then a scary red dragon with protruding sharp bones, twisted horns and large wings stepped into sight. “I thought I smelled something and would you look at that! It's a lizard I think.” the red dragon bellowed.

Another blue dragon with multiple fins and spines along its back slithered around behind poor little Woodrick. “What's something as small as you doing out here all alone?... You know there are still humans this side of the gate.” the blue dragon hissed.

A third dragon came stomping out of the woods covered in moss and dirt. Largest of the three, this brown dragon had thick skin and two jagged broken horns. “What if they found you instead of us, little lizard?” the large brown dragon grumbled.

Although these three dragons provided warnings, little Woodrick couldn't help but feel threatened. “Thanks... I didn't know there were s-s-still h-h-humans this side of the gate.” little Woodrick stammered, backing away.

The trio of bullies picked little Woodrick up like a toy, throwing the draken back and forth. The entire time they hurled insults, shaming little Woodrick for being their age and yet still a draken. The second the chance to escape was possible, little Woodrick took off into the forest shouting, “Thanks for the advice.” while the bullies just chuckled.

Running for days little Woodrick was too small to stand up to one of them, let alone all three. Exhausted, the draken created a small shelter to finally get some rest. Even knowing those were the type of dragons that gave their kind a bad name, little Woodrick couldn’t help but feel jealous of their size, strength and magical prowess.

Waking the next morning to what sounded like a flock of birds being attacked some distance away, little Woodrick was filled with dread. Exiting the shelter, suspicions were confirmed by the sight of black smoke filling the air just beyond the trees. Approaching the smoky remains little Woodrick discovered that the group of bully dragons had laid waste to a human caravan making their way to the human realm on the other side of the gates.

The remaining debris was either flooded or burning; everything else had been crushed by giant stone obelisks. The aftermath of the bully dragon's actions was almost unbearable leaving little Woodrick shaking with fear. Looking left, the draken froze, realizing the evil dragons were sleeping amidst their plunder.

Tip-toeing by the three sleeping giants little Woodrick passed safely into the forest on the other side. Crossing the sanctuary of the tree line the draken noticed a smoldering wooden cart. Normally running to hide at the first sight of danger, little Woodrick couldn't overcome curiosity. Tossing burnt trinkets and human junk aside, little Woodrick almost screamed when a cloth in the corner of the cart moved.

“A… ghost”, little Woodrick thought, frozen again with fear. A peculiar feeling arose but instead of running away, the draken gathered the courage to remove the cover. Face to face with a human child barely old enough to walk who, the second it noticed little Woodrick, began to wail. Afraid the child's crying would alert the evil dragons, little Woodrick quickly covered its mouth. As they waited in silence for any sign of danger, the child took a big bite out of little Woodrick's hand.

Shouting in pain, Woodrick bobbled the child through the air while escaping into the forest. The draken wrestled with the child while running away until the sun faded from the sky. Needing rest Woodrick created a shelter for the night, truly getting close to the child for the first time. “What do I do with you?” Woodrick sighed, looking the child over before going to sleep. The next morning Woodricks eyes snapped open as the ground began to shake once again.

“Oh little lizard…where are you?” the large brown dragon grumbled playfully.

Woodrick covered the child as the roof of the shelter was torn off.

“What ya got there?,” the large brown dragon grumbled.

“Oh nothing”, Woodrick replied, keeping the child out of sight.

“What's that I smell...sniff sniff…is that a human? Are you hiding a tasty human from us little lizard?” the red dragon bellowed.

Pretending not to know what a human child was, Woodrick was able to confuse the evil dragons into arguing with themselves. Taking advantage, the draken took off running into the forest using magic to thicken and strengthen the surrounding foliage so only smaller creatures could pass. Entangled by the spell, the three evil dragons vowed to get revenge as Woodrick and the child escaped to safety.

Traveling deeper and deeper into the depths of the unknown forest, Woodrick became lost and was only getting more so. Even with the ability to command nature, the draken began to fall under an enchantment lingering within the deep wood. Just as darkness began to consume all, a piercing light appeared, guiding Woodrick and the child. Walking through the light Woodrick could feel the source of the enchantment, it was the presence of a magnificent being.

Breaking through a barrier Woodrick entered a bizarre land removed from space and time. Approaching a grove of floating trees, Woodrick and the child were amazed at their surroundings. At the center of the grove was a clearing where a giant statue of a golden egg came into sight. Woodrick got closer and closer until the vision of the golden egg transformed into a gray haired elder dragon who smelled of ancient magic. Woodrick had heard of the mystics who guarded dragons and tended to the flow of magic and was able to approach without fear.

“Hello young one”, the elder dragon announced. Beholding the sight, Woodricks jaw dropped, bonking the child on the head.

“Where am I?” Woodrick asked, continuing to shield the child from the bright light.

“This is a realm between realms where I am able to guide the flow of magic for all” the elder dragon replied.

“You are one of the mystics.. I've heard of you”, the draken said, taking in the sight of the realm between realms. “So why am I here?” Woodrick asked.

“I came to bestow wisdom in your time of need.” the elder dragon professed. “Sad times we are in with the separation of our two kinds…It wasn't long ago that humans adored dragons, wanting nothing more than to see us flying across the horizon.” the mystic added with disappointment.

“Hello there little one, I haven't forgotten about you” the elder dragon said calming the child with a single touch before continuing on.

“The connection between humans and dragons is truly unbreakable, even now as we retreat behind magic gates we are still connected. For one cannot exist without the other. When a dragon truly bonds with a human there is no predicting the outcome as it rarely occurs.” the elder dragon stated.

Staring at the child in disbelief Woodrick confessed “Please…I don’t know what to do”.

“Young Woodrick, I charge you with the safe keeping of this child. You must return it to its kind before the magic gates close, separating the child from its kind forever. Be warned, for if you do not return in time, the level of magic accessible will not sustain you, causing you to regress to a lesser form.” The elder dragon warned.

The light began to flicker and the darkness of the forest they left behind began to seep back in. “Wait, wait… I have so many questions…what am I supposed to do about the evil dragons chasing me? I can't outrun them forever?” Woodrick pleaded.

“The journey you are on is the same path that will lead you to your destiny. Go young Woodrick and take hold of everything you have ever dreamed of.” The Elder Dragon prophesied as the light of the realm between realms faded away.

Chp3:

Returning to the darkness of the unknown forest, Woodrick sat, face in one hand and child in the other, as the weight of the situation was realized. “Am I really going to journey all the way back?” Woodrick thought as the child attempted to climb up the draken’s long slender neck. Standing, the draken's knees were shaky, but after taking the first step the second was soon to follow. Before long Woodrick was out of the deep forest, reaching the aftermath of the evil dragon's attack on the caravan.

Woodrick could not stand the sight, but the little child became seemingly possessed, attempting to lead the draken towards the cart where it was first rescued. Surprisingly leaping from Woodrick’s arms into the half-burnt cart, the child began frantically searching through the rubble. Climbing back out the child brought with it a half burnt blanket, with intricate designs on what remained.

“Humans have such a way with things.” Woodrick thought admiring the craftsmanship. Continuing towards the magic gates, Woodrick and the child's scents took to the wind, no longer masked by the scent of the decimated caravan. Although they had a head start, the evil dragons wouldn't take long to follow.

The relationship between Woodrick and the child blossomed as days passed, each beginning to enjoy each other's company. The longer they traveled the more Woodricks' confidence grew and the more the little draken believed in the quest. Their bond strengthened further as Woodrick showed the child the true beauty of the forest. After a day well spent they came to rest in a large cave curled up like the best of friends.

Waking the next morning, Woodrick sat up, smashing into the ceiling. The child woke from all the commotion and began to laugh at the drakens discomfort. Glancing at the giggling child Woodrick panicked, noticing it had doubled in size. Trying not to freak out, Woodrick exited the cave. Leaning on a nearby tree to take a breath, it began to uproot and fall. “There’s no way that should have happened.” Woodrick cried in disbelief.

Looking down Woodrick realized the child was not the only one who had doubled in size. “What is happening?” Woodrick thought, immediately reminded of the elder dragon's words about how little dragons understand about the effects of bonding with humans.

All the commotion caused by discovering their growth gave away their position. Moments later Woodrick heard the approaching sound of cracking timber and thunderous footsteps. The evil dragons had found them and were moving in fast. As quickly as possible Woodrick grabbed the child and took to the forest.

Reaching the top of a hill, Woodrick checked their surroundings. Looking forward the magical gates were in sight, but looking back Woodrick saw the blue dragon slither its way into the tree line below. Panic set in at the sight of the other two dragons making their way around each side, as if knowing where their prey was headed.

“Do I give up the child and escape, or do I keep the promise I made to be the dragon I know I am?!?!” Woodrick contemplated.

The evil dragons and their attacks had finally caught up to them. Spinning in circles, Woodrick was lost until locking eyes with the child. With one little smile it was clear, Woodrick ran down the hill avoiding water, fire and stone.

Dodging through the forest, Woodrick avoided attack after attack as if untouchable. Taking a moment to rest, Woodrick could hear the evil dragons chanting ”Lizard.. Lizard.. Lizard”, as they relentlessly approached.

Woodrick grew the forest so thick that it trapped the evil dragons momentarily. “This is it, this is my chance”, Woodrick thought, exploding with blistering speed towards the magical gates. Woodrick ran faster than ever before, still carrying the child.

The large brown dragon hurled conjured stone obelisks once again, avoiding them, Woodrick and the child had at last made it to the magic gates. Walking through the long tunnel that separated both sides Woodrick took several sighs of relief as the child rubbed its face against the draken sharing in the excitement.

Reaching the other side Woodrick knew there was at least a full day to get back across the magic gates before they closed forever. To freshen up before the child delivery and the triumphant end to their adventure, Woodrick decided to stop at a nearby creek.

Glancing up from a sip of water, Woodrick realized the evil dragons had followed them as the blue dragon slither into the stream from the other side. To the right the red dragon blocked the path to the forest and with two thunderous stomps, the largest of the evil dragons arrived.

Looking back toward the creek, the blue dragon began slithering in a hypnotizing rhythm, summoning several water clones from the creek to block any retreat . The red dragon began spewing flames into the forest, preventing any escape while the largest brown dragon summoned a barrage of massive stone obelisks.

“Where are you gonna go now, little lizard? '' The largest brown dragon grumbled, hurling obelisks through the air. One by one the stones pierced the ground, separating Woodrick from the child. Every attempt to reach the child failed as Woodrick was beaten back by the three evil dragons and their superior abilities. Woodrick created a shield, taking a moment to create a plan.

Unable to get to Woodrick through the shield, the three evil dragons turned their eyes towards the child. The red and blue dragons laughed as the large brown dragon launched another barrage. Without hesitation Woodrick leapt from cover, shielding the child as the stone obelisks came crashing down.

Waiting for the smoke to clear the three evil dragons continued chuckling at their dastardly deeds. “Hey.. what's that?”, the red dragon bellowed. The largest brown dragon and the blue dragon stopped laughing to take a closer look. The aftermath of the attack left a pile of obelisks and at its core a bright pulsing green light.

“What is that?” The blue dragon hissed.

Just as the evil dragons stepped in for a closer look, the green light erupted, sending sections of obelisk flying through the air. Getting up, the evil dragons were stifled at the surrounding silence. The fires were extinguished and every obelisk was gone. At the epicenter of it all was Woodrick, sparking with green and white energy. Woodrick’s selfless sacrifice was recognized by the greater powers who granted an unrivaled level of magical authority.

Now equal to the size of the brown dragon, Woodrick’s scales turned fluorescent green and black, providing the ability to blend into any background. The spikes along Woodricks back as well as the claws on each hand and foot turned pearl white and protected from any harm. A mane of gold and silver hair spilled from Woodricks head and neck as the dragon's new horns began to grow, fusing at the center into a majestic wooden crown.

Woodrick had finally evolved into a mighty green dragon, a guardian of the forests with mastery over energy and nature. With the granting of new powers the dragon was also granted a new name, Woodrick the Protector. Threatened by Woodrick’s presence the evil dragons spread out to prepare for another attack. “All grown up, are we little lizard?” The blue dragon hissed while slithering back into the water.

“Why is it so shiny?… That's no real dragon.” The red dragon bellowed, reigniting the surrounding fires.

Angry, the brown dragon grumbled, “Large, small… It doesn't matter, let's end this.”

All three evil dragons launched their attacks simultaneously, each element binding together to create an even stronger attack. Woodrick grew angry that they'd use such force around the child and the surrounding forests. Conjuring a giant twisted spear of branches and vines coursing with energy, Woodrick met the evil dragons' attack head on. Hitting the exact center while simultaneously splintering the vines and branches separated the three elements sending them flying into the sky.

Woodrick’s calmness caught the evil dragons by surprise after beginning to display a new found mastery of magic. Gathering the expended force from the burning trees as well as the raw energy of the forest, Woodrick was able to summon an ent dragon. Woodrick sent the ent dragon, made of vines, trees and bushes after the blue dragon first. At the sight of such a powerful spell the blue dragon coiled back with fear.

In a brilliant maneuver Woodrick commanded the ent dragon to splinter into individual pieces, winding their way around every part of the blue dragon's body. Trapped, the blue dragon was now completely under Woodrick’s control.

Mimicking the rhythmic movements of the blue dragon, Woodrick summoned the water clones and sent them flying along with their master in the direction of the red dragon and the burning forest. As the burning forest extinguished, the red and blue dragons collided as the brown dragon prepared to charge. Using momentum, timing and magic the brown dragon’s attempt to overpower Woodrick failed. With vines and branches the brown dragon was easily tied down.

The blue and red dragon came to their leader’s aid, forcing Woodrick to maneuver. Inevitably facing an onslaught of fire, water clones and giant obelisks raining from the three evil dragons, the protector stood and fought the evil dragons for as long as possible. Using superior knowledge of the forest Woodrick taught them a lesson more than once. Their glorious battle would go on for much longer than any expected and before they knew, it was already too late, the magic gates had shut.

The full flow of magic dwindled and the blue dragon's fins began shaking in the air as water fell all around. One by one each limb began to shrink as the blue dragon regressed to the lesser form of a giant Blue Water Monitor lizard. The red dragon was in the middle of creating a fire storm above its head when the gates closed. The half conjured fire storm came crashing down as the red dragon regressed into the lesser form of a giant Red Tegu lizard. At the sight of the fate of the other two dragons, the brown dragon accepted defeat, falling to a knee before regressing to the lesser form of a giant Gila Monster lizard.

Crawling to the child, Woodrick thought these were their last moments. “Sorry little one, you are on your own from here”, Woodrick said, using magic one last time to clear a path through the forest to the magnificent human city. Laying next to the child, Woodrick couldn't help but ponder what lesser form awaited.

Instead the elder dragon's words mysteriously repeated out loud. Woodrick looked down at the child who was as happy as can be. Woodrick now knew the bond between them was the remaining magic needed to maintain the dragon's true form.

Enjoying the moment Woodrick laid down, processing everything that had just happened. The child spontaneously climbed up to the dragon's back exploring Woodrick’s new mighty wings. Woodrick looked back at the child and could only think of one thing. Creating a special saddle from vines securing the child, Woodrick leapt into the air.

Ecstatic, Woodrick flew with the child all the way home to the lonely mountain. Still learning to fly, Woodrick crashed into the top of two massive shards of obsidian during their first ever landing attempt. With the passing years their bond grew and so did the child. Woodrick realized the child needed to be raised by its own kind but also knew their bond was necessary to remain a dragon.

Using magic and the rare elements of the mysterious forest, Woodrick built a temple capable of resonating with the bond frequency of the child. Using the massive obsidian shards to hide the entrance, the temple became home, forever serving as a beacon so no matter how long it took the child could one day return.

Dropping the child off at one of the large estates just outside the magnificent human kingdom, Woodrick knew this isn't goodbye forever. Too large and powerful to coexist with humans Woodrick kept to the lonely mountain at the heart of the mysterious forest. Taking slumber in the temple waiting until the child could one day return and help re-introduce dragons to the world.

Abruptly pulled from the dream, the wayfinder collapsed to a knee as consciousness returned. The story of Woodrick the Protector was overwhelming, especially when it was apparent that no time had passed and no one on the team noticed what had occurred. Standing up, the wayfinder returned to the egg on the sealed stone wall, rotating it counterclockwise. Everyone looked in shock as the large stone door began to open.

“WHAT’S HAPPENING?” the archaeologist yelled.

The wayfinder said nothing while backing up to the others as the large stone door fully opened. Within the darkness they could see something begin to stir. Coiled around nuggets of silver and gold was Woodrick the Protector. With a low trilling growl, the mighty dragon stepped out of the tomb. Flaring both wings, Woodrick looked down at the humans, sniffing the air.

Following a familiar scent with howling breaths, Woodrick hovered over the archaeologists as they cowered, eventually coming to rest just above the wayfinder. The room froze in fear as their chosen leader faced the dragon. The second their eyes met, they both smiled simultaneously. The wayfinder pressed against Woodricks nose greeting a long lost friend.

“Who are you?” the archaeologist whispered.

“You know me as the wayfinder, I'm also the mysterious benefactor… But Woodrick knows me as the child…as the Dragon Rider”.

The End.