Dragon Scales
In a place where the economy rests on the sloughings of a fire-breathing reptile, little children are sent right to its jaws to keep the world turning.
Each evening, after sunset, the children were sent to the lake to collect dragon scales.
Grown-ups would be incinerated on the spot. None knew - yet - why the little ones could approach and make the precious harvest.
Night thickened. The children went home. But one little girl, enthralled by a honeyed song in her brain, stepped closer to the Lair, finally sinking into blissful sleep curled around a huge pearlescent egg.
She woke to a world cramped, sticky and dark. She tapped. The world cracked. Her snout flooded with the scent of fresh meat, conveniently draped across the shell-fragments.
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Thank you for reading 😁 Please do leave a comment so I can reciprocate. I welcome feedback. If something pulled you out of the story - a typo, too much purple prose - I want to know!
If you are interested in the story behind the story: I'm not sharing my inspiration for this one, but feel free to guess!
This is my 11th entry in the Microfiction Magic challenge. You can read more about Vocal challenges here.
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Comments (9)
Oh that was awesome! Totally did not expect that ending!! Always wondered how baby dragons happened, since they're usually such solitary creatures. I guess now we know :)
Oh, this is great. The ending gave me a chill. Well done.
Splendid!!!💖💖💕
Great fantasy take on the challenge
L.C........ is that dragon going to eat the little girl?... I need to know. Actually don't tell me... But also I need to know... 😳 Also, this story was amazing, thrilling and curious. I love the seamless change in perspective and narrator! Very well done!
Great story. You have mastered the micro fiction! 😃
'(E)nthralled by a honeyed song in her brain'- simply gorgeous!
Great concept, leaves me wanting to read more!
This is a good one! Fantastic job! I am intrigued by the inspiration, lol