The Great Adventures Of Grayson And George

Deep in the middle of the dark foreboding woods, far from the safety of the village. Grayson found himself surrounded by some of the stealthiest nocturnal creatures he had ever matched swords with.

A long black shadow fell across the ground, blocking any light from the moon. The path became invisible, seemingly disappearing in the darkness.

He couldn’t see his hands in front of his face, let alone the ominous danger, coming for him.

Ever hopeful, he was determined to find a way out of this looming peril. But, as he felt the cold steely blade press against his back, he knew this could be his last adventure.

Grayson lowered his sword and put his hands in the air, to show he meant no harm, and posed no threat whatsoever.

As the shadow faded and the light cut through the trees, Grayson could both see and smell the smoke that now swirled around him - like a dancer flowing and swaying to a wild beat.

Everything was still and quiet, even the crickets and frogs stopped their night songs as the imminent doom closed-in on Grayson.

Suddenly, the silence was broken by a tremendous gasp, followed by hysterical laughter. George had once again found Grayson, lost in the woods, abandoned by his sense of direction.

Graysons face turned red with fury as he turned to find his lifelong friend and the villagers greatest fear, George.

George was a 100 year old dragon that Grayson had saved in an ambush arranged from Graysons nemesis, Butheid.

Butheid was the son of the chief in Graysons village, commissioned by the neighboring villages to hunt and destroy the infamous dragon. Accused of desolating their fields with fire and eating the livestock from their farms.

Grayson knew, that it was in fact Butheid doing the damage to the villages. He caught him burning the fields and stealing the farmers flocks, keeping them for his own. He started the rumors about the dragon, stirring fear and anger hoping to acquire the job and favor of the beautiful princess.

Grayson refused to let such an atrocity occur. So he watched and waited.

Being the bravest, strongest and most cunning hunter in the land, he would warn the dragon, and foil the plan. After all, that’s what a hero does.

However, having been awake all night - filling his belly with cider and acorn pie. Grayson was sound asleep by the warm, roaring fire-as the mighty beast approached his camp.

Luckily for Grayson, the beast had a weakness for cider, acorn pie and warm roaring fires.

After some extraordinarily good conversation, Grayson explained what was about to happen. The dragon grinned, looking more handsome than should be allowed, and said, “grrrashhhington”. Meaning: thank you for letting me know, let’s rock this dude”.

Becoming fast and immediate friends, They pinky swore and vowed to be loyal and faithful friends forever. They toasted it with a cider cheer.

They snuck to the edge of the field and waited for Butheid to arrive. As he approached, George gave Grayson permission to climb on his back and together they ambushed the ambusher. George and Grayson flew across the land in celebration.

Defeated and exposed, the two heroes sent Butheid running with his skivvies on fire. Butheid vowed to get even, shaking his fists at them, as he disappeared into the woods.

The princess was moved by Grayson's compassion and remarkable abilities to make new friends. She pledged her friendship and helped them escape unscathed and unseen into the deep dark forest.

The two best friends laid under the stars laughing and planning new adventures.

Unaware of the danger waiting just beyond the fires glow, they were oblivious to what happened next.

Out of the shadows came a horrible beast, only spoken about by seasoned warriors. They shivered, now face to face with certain disaster.

Before they could make a move to defend themselves, the soulless beast swiftly grabbed George by his wings.

Effortlessly the beast threw George headfirst into the swirling water. George tossed and turned, thrashing to stay above the the rushing water. Grayson broke away from the beast, trying with all his might to save George from sinking into the abyss. The beast swept Grayson up and tucked him under its arm, pinning him so he couldn’t move.

He began to cry as he watched George disappear under the water.

The next thing that Grayson remembered, he was being tucked into his bed.

He cried mercy once more for George.

The beast smiled and drew closer to Grayson - pressing its forehead on his and began stroking his face, whispering. “Here’s George sweetie”. gently placing George on the pillow next to Grayson. “George was soft and warm and smelled like wildflowers. “He needed to have a bath too, Grayson. You were both filthy from the adventures you had playing in the woods.”

Suddenly the beast changed shape and Grayson recognized her as his mommy. “What an imagination you have,” she said chuckling.

“Sweet dreams my mighty warrior and you too, his faithful dragon “.

Grayson and George are fictional characters based on the very real 2 1/2 year old in my life - and his favorite sippy cup, George. Thank you for reading this tiny tale.