The Fall of a Kingdom

Old Scars and Meddling In Human Affairs

Dreg had a cave not far from the ancient site so he headed in that direction as he contemplated how he had gotten himself in this mess. He had lived for centuries, saw the rise and fall of many kingdoms, and witnessed the destruction first hand that humans were capable of. He knew the greed that dwelled in the hearts of humans, and no matter how much one had, they always wanted more.

Looking down at the pale squishy child that had no scales or fur for protection he wondered how man had survived and conquered so many areas. Where once there were sprawling forests teeming with all manner of creatures there were now towns and castles. The other species that were not strong enough to stand up and fight perished and all of their knowledge with them. Even the fearsome dragons did not walk away unscathed, scattering around the world to dwell in isolation as he himself had done for almost 700 years.

His kind was believed to be extinct, as was the goal of the humans when they built their weapons that would knock them out of the sky.

“What shall I do with you little newt? You will need milk so you can grow to be a big and strong murderer.” Dreg spoke to the child his heart filled with painful memories. Why would he agree to take in this child, her kind has hunted his to almost extinction.

*Flashback*

Dreg was nearing maturity at almost 100 years old. Soon he would be able to join his family in the skies as they went to battle. His family were of royal bloodline among the dragons, their appearance made them stand out compared to their brethren due to the massive spikes that ran the length of their bodies and head. Though his spikes around his head were not as long as his brothers, father and mother they were still undeniable. His spikes would continue to grow until he reached his 5th century and would help him in battle. He saw no reason to help the humans for measly amounts of treasure, but he had no real power yet, one day he would, and he would lead his family away from the humans greed.

He had been laying in the cave waiting for his family to return when one of the smaller subspecies of dragon came flying in as if his tail was on fire.

Alarmed Dreg immediately stood to meet the smaller dragon partway, he recognized him as his fathers messenger Tatsu.

“Tatsu what news do you bring? Where are mother and father? Brother?” Dreg felt anxious as he looked at Tatsu because he could feel the fear rippling off his small frame and the waves were almost drowning him.

“Sir, they have been taken down by the humans, they created a new weapon and turned on us.. they told me to tell you to leave..”

*End Of Flashback*

Looking down at the child he could not stop the painful memories that surfaced. He knew it was not her that had done those horrible things, but in his heart,  he could not help questioning if she would when she got old enough.

“Don’t look at her like she is the root of all evil, she has a destiny that needs to unfold.” Dreg tensed up, he should have known that the boy did not find him by chance.

Turning to look at Aurora he sighed, “I am sure I have you to thank for this little surprise, are you not finished meddling in human affairs?”

While Aurora looked like a small helpless child, Dreg knew better as she was here before even him. If she was meddling, then things were never going to be easy. He kept walking, hoping that if he ignored her she would just leave, he needed to figure out how to care for the newt, and had no time for the Forest Sprites riddles and games.