Chapter CHAPTER IX: RED SMOKE (4)

The sunset already invaded the Kingdom of Argônæth. Garnelio, a good friend and advisor of this, was a blacksmith before, but he had acquired skills and teachings of the thin bark of the sword and became the right hand of the king. He was admired for having erected the town to a kingdom, and having defended it against mortal enemies. But he was disturbed by the idea of mystical beings, specifically, of the protective creatures of the world.

He was petrified by the idea of how vulnerable the land race was. Although, he always knew that it was only a hidden fear, and when he asked the King, he would clarify him. These creatures were made to take care of them.

But Garnelio never had the courage to ask. Although, on this afternoon, Garnelio had decided to do so. They were all sitting at the famous communal dinner scheduled by the King and Queen with all their friends and main subjects.

“I’m distracted lately,” Argôn exclaimed. “Tell us something Garnelio!”

“How convenient that is, sir!” said the man. “I do have something I would like to tell you. A few days ago, I had a question which I knew I could clarify with you.”

“Share it, man!” said the king.

“You see sir, we were discussing in the marshes of the river, which kingdom of protective creatures is the strongest of all.” Said Garnelio “Well! You can see that fishing was interesting today,” Argôn said sarcastically while the others laughed in the room. “But well, let’s try to answer your question. We have Four Kingdoms, the Sacred Realms of the Eagles, the Nakluech or Kingdom of Wolves, the Great Dome of the Sirens and–”

“The Kingdom of Dragons” Garnelio answered anxiously, “Yes sir. You see, we believe that the dragon kingdom is the strongest of them all, and it’s by far, the most powerful one. In fact, they are the most powerful ancestral creatures of the entire generation of creatures created by Elgoneth.”

“It is true!” said one of the millers outside. “They are so powerful that if they wanted, they could crush the elves with a wind!”

“Hahaha!” the King laughed highly.

“They are so powerful that, if they appeared to the chimeric magicians of Solari, they would cover their Báptubmas out of fear!” said a merchant.

“Hahaha! Please, stop!” said the King, unable to contain his laughter.

“It is sir, so much power so that we began to question ourselves” said Garnelio, “what would happen if the Dragons decided to attack the humans?”

The audience then stopped laughing and began a spooky silence, which ran like a whispery breath of terror among the individuals who were at dinner.

“No, wait” said the king. “Garnelio, Illen, Cardum, listen to me. Dragons will never mess with humans, boys.”

“Dragons have no interest in terrestrial ones” he repeated calmly. “They are actually concerned about having the slightest interaction with them. They protect humans indirectly or directly, for this is their duty by nature. Furthermore, it is forbidden for them to attack any terrestrial being.”

“But they don´t have any interest in you” said the king. “In any of your problems, or your stories, or your injustices”

“This is why I transformed” he continued. “And I revealed myself to my nature, for the love of humans; because I saw this people so humble and so generous that I would not allow such beautiful creatures to be destroyed by insignificant barbarians. Why? Because nobody cared? I did. Aren´t dragons supposed to be protective divine creatures? Because you were terrestrial does not make you less deserving of our empathy, our love, and our protection. That’s why I promised to guard you until the end of days. I committed to this great family to grow and to improve, forever. I promised to love you, to become one of you. I know and feel your sorrows, your agonies; I carry your pains, I carry your weight, and I´ve always walk with you. And look where we are now; in five years we have become one of the most important kingdoms in the region, raising an honorable fortress, a dignified army and a united strong culture.”

“Here is what we have built, gentlemen. Here is my reason for being. And just as I committed myself with you in raising this empire that we have today, I pledge now in front of all of you to protect you with my life. There will be no creature nor kingdom that dares to destroy this home without first having shed all the sweat and blood of this King, for not even death can separate me from my people. I am not afraid of it, not anymore; now, I see life in it. Now, I see rebirth in it. We shall rise, and we shall live! It will face the everyday, every opportunity that knocks upon our door, and should do the same. That’s why I tell you, embrace your fears! Don’t let it control you! Let’s face it together! They don’t need me up there like you need me here, and my heart will never stop beating fire as long as I feel the glorious impetus of my people. Heads up Anaís!”

“Heads up, Argônæth!” exclaimed the whole town.