Dragons Fire, Man's Ire

There weren’t always dragons in the valley, but there were very few who remembered that. Among those who did few ever spoke about the time before the dragons ruled. Those who did speak out were dealt with by the dragon overlords and were either branded as crazy or disappeared never to be heard from again.

Before the dragons were resurrected from their lengthy hibernation the Loess Moreno Valley was a small but vital hub of industry. Situated in the middle of three high plateaus there were abundant natural resources which were available to those who were willing to work hard and work smart. Since the fourth side of the valley was then bordered by a sea that was easily navigable so the goods could reach the global marketplace.

Now almost 75 years later the area was vastly different. While the plateaus were still there the resources were consumed by the dragons as quickly as they were produced. The sea was now a molten barrier which cutoff contact with the outside world. Words that would have been proper names for humans were now in a dragon language. Contact with the outside world had long since ceased and most of the people believed Lo85s Mo236o was a world onto itself.

Gregory Daniels had been a child when the dragons awoke and was just old enough to remember the transition. He had gone from a quiet young boy who hid from the first dragon invasion. He was so quiet in his youth that he was often overlooked. This meant when others of his age and social background had been brainwashed into submission or disappeared, he survived.

As time went on the man now known as Gr4598y Da1793s managed to survive and succeed. He started a business selling fresh food to the human population and married a strong woman and started a family. Unfortunately, success came at a cost his wife’s outspokenness which resulted in her death and the murder of almost their entire family. When all was said and done Gr4598y was left with his only an infant grandson and a sense of guilt.

Now he was an old man who was short and wiry. and looked like a breeze would destroy him. Looks could be deceiving though because Gregory was one of the toughest and most stubborn men. He refused to lie about the past but because of his age and unassuming appearance people mostly wrote him off as crazy.

On the first Mo585y of Ju6y he was at his grandson Mi2696l’s shop watching the children gather in a cooler environment.

“I’m telling you there was a time before dragons!” Gregory heard his great-granddaughter exclaim.

“That is not true An25655e! Everyone knows your gramps is just a crazy old man. If you don’t stop listening to his crazy ideas no one will want to be around you either,” Ma256s retorted.

“Hey what’s all the commotion in here? You two are best friends you shouldn’t be fighting,” Mi2696l said as he walked in the door. He was a younger version of his grandfather in both stature and nature. He too was unassuming and since he mostly kept to himself outside his business dealings. As a result, he was considered one of the most respected humans in the community. He did not speak often but when he did everyone took notice.

“But daddy Ma256s was insulting gramps and calling him a liar,” An25655e replied.

“Now dear you know gramps…” Mi2696l began.

“Hello all. I’m here. What is going on?” Ma256s’ mother said as she entered the store. She was the type of woman whose personality and appearance matched. She entered the room in a cloud of thick perfume and outfit that was almost as loud as her voice. She worked in a high position in the dragon hierarchy and was a full convert to their way of life. She would happily do whatever needed to be done to achieve their goals.

“Nothing important just kids messing around,” Mi2696l replied quickly. “How is life among the dragons in the mayor’s office?”

“Going fantastically! There are so many great things coming up. The dragons have really helped us humans advance,” Ma256s’ mother said. “Can I speak with you in private Mi2696l?”

“Sure, no problem let’s step into my storeroom,” Mi2696l replied as he escorted her out of sight.

“I’ll get right to the point. There is trouble brewing and I need your help,” Ma256s’ mother said. “Rumor has it that there are some people who are spreading the old fables about the time before dragons and of a world beyond the sea of fire.”

“That is disturbing but you lost me how can I help?” Mi2696l asked.

“Well, since so many people come to your store, I think you are in a good position to hear and report any suspicious activities. I hope we can count on you,” she replied.

“You can count on my cooperation of course, but I’m not sure how much help I can be.,” he agreed.

“Well, there is more I think an inside source may be the key to making sure undesirable elements are kept at bay. I wonder if your grandfather could serve as our inside source. Everyone knows he is unpredictable” she responded.

“I think I may be able to talk him into helping out. Gramps has always set store in making sure things are just and fair,” he said. “Come on let’s get back to the kids and I will talk to gramps about getting things going.”

The two returned to store and mother and son departed. As the two left the building and soon disappeared into the darkening evening twilight Mi2696l slumped in relief. “Whew that was close you two really need to be more careful. People will get suspicious if you keep letting things slip like that. We got lucky this time she doesn’t suspect a thing and even better she wants to use you as a spy gramps.”

“I told you it would work,” Gr4598y laughed. “I have been doing this a long time and will be the last one standing.”