Draconis

"There weren't always dragons in the valley."

"Really momma? How could that be?" Amelia asked. As far as she knew, dragons were always around. She looked at her hand in horror, recalling the warmth emanating from it's scales and imagining never feeling such a sensation.

Beatrix sat by Amelia's bedside. "Because dragons weren't always so nice, dear. You remember the story? Draconus?" Beatrix admired the moonlight that kissed her daughter's face, displaying her baffled-curiosity. "I suppose you're old enough to be told of the real story."

"There's more to the story that I know?" Amelia, pulled the fluffy blankets over her. The somber note in her mother's voice and her mind wondering what was possibly edited for her too-young ears.

"Yes. Many, many years ago as you know, man lived alongside dragons. Man gave many many tribute to the dragons, revering in their majestic and powerful presence. In return, the dragons would be known for is many blessings."

"That's... how dragons are now. The dragon in the water purifies the lake. The dragon in the sky create comforting winds. Why weren't they always around?"

Beatrix adjusted herself on her bedside, bringing a knee up and leaning closer towards her daughter. "Because the dragons were not always kind. There is another story called 'Draconis'."

Amelia lips parted for a slight gasp. "I thought that was just a, literally, bloody myth... Dad-"

"Always thought you were too young to understand, and I agreed. But you are a growing young lady... The hero of this story was actually a middle-aged woman."

"So... It's true? Man seemingly overnight just gained a predator?"

"And the story of Draconis tells of this dark time. It happened several years after Draconus. They were meant to be twin stories, but many found it inappropriate to be taught. I suppose they didn't want children knowing of it and fearing the dragons."

Amelia sat speechless. Her mind recalling the dragon she met earlier, the moss that decorated it's giant head and then she shuddered imagine such a creature being hostile. It would have little problem snapping her in two in a lazy manner.

Beatrix's tone lowered, giving respect to telling such a dark tale. "Overtime, the dragons began to be greedy. That demanded much from Man. At first praise. Then it was food. And then the dragons wanted stones to be adorned with. They became obsessed with their status and how many followers they had. Which followers soon turned to more slaves. Man began to hate what the worship. They began to plot against the dragons."

Amelia's heart skipped at beat. She had a hard time believing her mother. The story of Draconus was her favorite. "Draconus was the one who warned the dragons of evil..."

"Draconis tells the story of their success. A secret order of Dragoons was born in this dark hour. They studied the dragons and the hold they had on Man. Each one's weakspot. And they did it for justice. But justice takes time. Dragons pillaged entire villages, caring not for children or women. Militias formed, but pitchforks and arrows meant for hunting deer were nothing compared to the mighty dragons. Army's began to form, the King's offering high rewards for slaying a dragon. Many King's wept in their chambers, knowing they sent many a fine men to their death. Kingdoms began to feel the strain. Smaller kingdoms were leveled to the ground by retaliating dragons."

"Oh my God..." Amelia whispered. Her knees drew up to her chest as she hugged them close. She suddenly felt like a little child again. She understood why they didn't tell children this version now.

"Man was suddenly facing extinction from its one and only ferocious predator. Few havens existed, having no choice but to huddle together and defend what last they have."

"How did we ever win? Why aren't they hunting us now?"

"Well, that's where Draconis came to be. The words actually meant for 'Dragoness'. You see, where the two stories meet was the battle that the dragons also came to Man's aid. The princess of the Dragon King forged a bond with a young Maiden that saved Humanity and brought balance to the world. I will tell you of this story."