Dragon Study

“Dragons can be anywhere.” The professor stated so matter of factly that a few of the students began to look around, searching. “They could be watching you right now.”

“Not all dragons are dangerous and not all dragons are large.” He paused for effect, “Remember that as you go out and try your luck at living as an adult.”

A bell rang through the halls, signaling the end of the class and the end of this semester.

“OH, wait a second before you get up and leave.” The professor spoke in a loud tone, trying to drown out the sudden burst of talking. “I expect that each of you find at least one dragon before next semester and get to know him or her.” He smiled, “Unless it is a rare, evil black dragon, of course.” He chuckled as everyone quieted down.”Dismissed!” He yelled as he turned his back on the crowd.

Each student knew what this assignment was, as they had been talking about it the entire time they had been studying dragons and their history. The professor had already given them the instructions they were to follow and had even brought in a few smaller drakes, or smaller dragons, to let the students get to know and understand how to talk with a dragon.

As the word, “Dismissed!” was being said, the students left in a chaotic scramble to start their break. The professor smiled to himself, thinking about the stories he would hear when they came back. He thought about the elusive dragons that dotted the landscape and wondered who the lucky students would be to get to befriend one of those. Who would be brave enough to address the largest dragon in the area and who would befriend the smallest. Oh, the stories he would hear.

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Jerry couldn’t believe it! Finally, he could get some time out in the forest and justify it, as this was his assignment for the break. He could climb and run and swim to his heart's content. His professor didn’t say they actually had to meet a dragon, just try to meet one. At least, that’s what he thought the professor had yelled right before they left.

He couldn’t wait to tell his parents the assignment. It would get him out of so much work, so much boredom. He would start in the forest, right behind his house. He had never seen a dragon there, but he loved the lake and the trees. Yes, he thought, what a great place to start. Maybe he could invite Taylor and Don over. They always had fun.

He rushed even faster, turning the corner to his road and sprinting down it with all the speed he could muster, completely oblivious to the bronze dragon flying overhead, watching him.

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Don felt the anxiety rise. The last day of classes for two weeks. He was going to be home with his dad more than he wanted to be. He knew his dad wasn’t going to care about his assignment, he just wanted to get as much work out of him as he could. The academy had become his refuge where he would spend extra time in the library, sometimes doing his schoolwork, sometimes catching up on sleep.

Find a dragon, he thought. Like that is going to happen.

His dad had told him over and over how worthless he was, how he had killed his mother and how he was the reason his dad couldn’t hold down a job for long. He knew he was stupid, just like his dad said. His good grades were just luck and stupid teachers asking stupid questions.

On the nights his dad drank heavily, he would hide from everyone in class, so they didn’t see the bruises. He figured the only good thing about the break was that he wouldn’t have to figure out how to hide the cuts and bruises from anyone. No one ever came to visit their little farm.

He wondered about finding a Dragon again. Maybe he could steal away one day, with friends Jerry and Taylor. He would only get a day, he figured, if his dad drank really heavily. They knew what went on at his house, so he didn’t have to hide. They usually helped him hide his bruises before class, so they would be safe to be around.

As he began to head down the path to the little farm, he slowed his walk, to take in what remaining peace he might be able to get before he entered the house. His anxiety went higher still as he slowly marched his way toward that rusty old metal door.

He never saw the large golden dragon that was hovering over the trees, watching him.

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Taylor half ran, half walked home. He was enjoying the sun, the warm air and the quiet of his lane. He knew his parents weren’t home yet, so he took his time.

He couldn’t wait to tell them about his day and this latest assignment. They always ate together at the table and listened to each other talk about their day. They would support each other on bad days or laugh with each other over silly things.

He thought about his friends, first, Jerry.

I’ll bet he just wants to go play in the woods. He chuckled to himself, thinking of all the games they would play, the fishing they would do and the forts they would build. He probably doesn’t even care if he finds a dragon.

As he got closer, his thoughts turned to Don. A dark cloud crept into his mind as he thought of the harsh life Don had to endure. He had promised never to tell anyone, but it was getting worse and he wasn’t sure how much longer he would stay quiet.

Someone needs to step in and protect him, he thought. If his dad touches him again, I am telling my parents, they’ll know what to do.

He trudged on, then shook his head clear of the thoughts and finished his trip home with a run. He opened the door and jumped in, letting the door slam shut behind him.

He never noticed the large silver dragon in the clouds, looking down at him.

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As the sun began to melt behind the forest, three dragons gathered to talk with each other in a hidden valley. They came in and curled up, one by one, each facing the others.

The large golden dragon spoke first.

“It is time, friends.” He spoke with authority, “They smell of a new man and the professor has finally given the assignment.”

“Yes,” said the smaller bronze dragon. “I noticed the change but a few weeks ago. Mine is ready, though he knows it not.”

“I smell more than the change in mine,” states the Silver dragon, “He smells of compassion as well. He smells of love.”

The three nodded in agreement and laid their heads down, readying themselves for a nap.

Morning would come and they would prepare for the meeting, where they would befriend the one whose scent had been placed in their heart from the time they had been born. This is the merging, where man and dragon become bound to each other, forever.

“We must thank the professor soon”, says the Silver, “For without him, we may never have found our riders.” And with that, they were fast asleep.

None of them had seen or sensed the large, midnight black dragon at the edge of the forest, hovering just above the trees, listening in.