Thru the Heart of a Dragon

A Secret is Unfolded

Lucretia has been waiting for her mother.  She has never been allowed to go with her to the castle. She will celebrate her 15th birthday soon and  hopes her mother takes her there then.  She knows nothing about the outside world. Her entire life has been in this cave. Her mother assured her there is too much trouble outside of it.  She, herself, has witnessed the men fighting amongst themselves. She wanted no part of that and has been happy to stay put here in the cave. 

She loves to roam in the forest with her mother.  Her mother collects herbs while she picks flowers.  There are flowers everywhere in the cave.  She has been keeping a secret from her mother.  A large silver dragon has been watching over her.  She has seen dragons flying over the mountain tops but none as pretty as this one.  Her wings are edged in black and green. 

She has never been afraid of dragons.  She was with her mother once when a dragon swooped down beside her.   She got to touch the big creature, who lowered his head and peered at her with his big green eyes.  He snorted at her abruptly causing her to scream.He circled around her, snatching his big tail into submission.  He sniffed her from her feet to her head.  She reached out to touch the dragon's face.  "I'm Lucretia," she had giggled.  She could not believe it when the dragon replied, "and I'm called Elwood."  Her  mother told her animals only spoke to people they wanted to.  If an animal spoke to you it meant you had earned their respect but would never speak when others were around.

There is a waterfall that runs down the mountain across the back of the cave.  They use the water to bathe in and catch water to cook with.  It's better than venturing out to the stream.  The first time she saw the silver dragon, she was singing and dancing near the edge of the waterfall. Her mind was racing with the most happiest of thoughts. She heard a strange swooshing in the wind. She nervously peered out. It was a dragon. The dragon settled onto a huge ledge.  She wasn't frightened.  The dragon turned to look at her. The eyes of the dragon were dark and held Lucretia captive.  Just as quick as the dragon arrived, she flew off.

She always had a sense that the dragon remained nearby but unseen.  She had felt safe with those thoughts. Lucretia searched the mountain side and was startled when the dragon appeared.  It was as if her thoughts had summoned the dragon. The dragon stepped into the large cave opening.

"Don't be afraid, I'm called Ergina."

"How do you know my name?" Lucretia demanded.

Ergina sensed strength in the girl.  She's in danger but is making demands of me.  Ergina laughed.  "I'm a special dragon, Lucretia.  Merlin, the Wizard, kept me from harm and charged me with your care.  You are coming into your age of knowledge and so I thought it time we met.  I have been listening to your thoughts ever since you were born." explained Ergina.

"You are a very special girl, Lucretia.  Your mother has much to tell you.  I know that she has been detained in the castle.  You must be brave as it will be much longer before she can come to you. I will keep you company till she arrives."  She watched as Lucretia neared her.

"Can I touch you, Ergina?" she asked.

"Of course you can, don't be afraid." Ergina rustled her wings causing Lucretia to step back.

"Here, you can climb on my wing.  I know you like to explore, I've watched how you climb around the mountain." she tensed her wing to allow the weight of the girl.

"You're so....so......big, Ergina."  she said in awe of the dragon's size.

"Yes, I'm the very biggest, Lucretia. There are other dragons.  My mate hates that I am bigger than he. His name is Elwood. We have been bonded for many years." Her thoughts of Elwood made her black eyes sparkle and Lucretia took notice.

"Your eyes changed Ergina.  Is that because you are happy?" Lucretia asked as she was watching for other changes in the dragon. "I have met your mate, Ergina, did you know that?"

"Oh yes, he and your mother told me long ago. I am happy Lucretia. I can battle with the best of the dragons but I was raised with a loving hand and so I'm filled with love and my aim is to help and love all as long as I can." Ergina knew that wasn't possible for all but it sure sounded good and comforting to the girl.

"What, what just happened!" exclaimed Lucretia. 

"What child, what has bothered you?" asked Ergina.

"I heard the cry of a dragon. Someone is hurting him." Lucretia screamed. 

Ergina perked her ears up. "I can't hear anything."

"He's calling my name only he says Cretia not Lucretia.  He's telling me he is a great dragon.  He says he is my father!"  Lucretia looks at Ergina and collapses.

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