Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
I listened intently, picturing the scene in my mind.
The cave was vast and dark, its walls glistened with moisture and the faint sparkle of embedded gems.
Stalactites hung like ancient chandeliers from the ceiling, and the air was cool and heavy with the scent of earth and stone.
But in the heart of this space, I saw the dragon lying all majestic and fearsome with blue scales like the ones on the railing.
And there he was, sprawled atop a massive hoard of treasure—gold coins, glittering jewels, and priceless artifacts all piled high around him and casting a warm, golden glow.
I could even see the little girl tiptoeing closer. Her tiny footsteps echoing softly in the vast space and mingling with the quiet, rhythmic breathing of the dragon.
Lei continued, “The dragon’s eyes were closed, and his massive chest rose and fell with each deep, contented breath. He looked almost serene, but the little girl knew for sure that he was very dangerous.”
“Why didn’t she run away?”
“Too young and curious for her own good.”
I smiled.
“But still she summoned her courage, and the girl edged even closer as her gaze fixed on the dragon’s ancient face.”
I placed my view onto the dragon head on top of the railing.
“She could see the lines of age and power etched into his features, and despite his fearsome appearance, there was a gentleness in his slumber that reassured her that. . .perhaps she would be safe. . .so. . .”
“What?”
“She decided to touch him.”
I blinked, imagining the little girl now at arm’s length from the dragon’s massive snout.
There, she reached out her hand.
My heart pounded loudly in my ears as if it were me there in the cave, reaching out towards a deadly creature.
Lei spoke, “She cautiously approached, taking great care not to tread too heavily on the glittering treasure beneath her feet and listening intently to the soft snores of the dragon. Relief washed over her when she noticed no change came with the snoring rhythm.”
Girl, you better leave that dragon alone.
“And then. . .”
I put my view on Lei.
“The dragon opened its eyes.”
“Oh shit.”
Lei grinned. “The dragon stared at the little girl with those ageless eyes that twinkled like stars in the night sky, and the silence felt like an eternity to her. Even more, it was hard to tell who was more startled.”
“Okay. Lei. . .this dragon better not kill the little girl.”
“Well. . .instead of being met with a fiery breath or an angry roar as one would expect, something incredible happened,” Lei said softly. “The dragon let out a slow breath that sent a gust of warm air across its treasure and through the little girl’s hair. Then, he cocked his head slightly to one side and regarded her with a curious expression.”
I imagined the little girl feeling the rush of warm air, her hair fluttering around her face. Her wide eyes reflecting both fear and fascination, as the dragon’s gaze bore into her with magical intensity.
I smiled. “He was a nice dragon after all?”
“No, but I would say he was more. . .curious.”
“Did he speak to her?”
“He did. His rumbling voice echoed through the cave. ‘Who are you, little one, and what brings you to my lair?’”
I parted my lips.
“Trembling but determined, the girl replied, ‘I am lost and wish to go home. Can you help me?’”
“What did he say?”
“At first the dragon laughed. It boomed like the sound of a hundred thunderstorms colliding. One would think that she would have rushed away from that terrifying noise, but she remained right there, scared, yet courageous.”
In my mind, I saw the dragon’s laughter causing ripples in the air, the treasure beneath him clinking and shifting with the vibrations.
Yet, the little girl stood firm, her heart pounding but her spirit unbroken.
Perhaps, the dragon was now fully awake and captivated by her bravery.
Lei placed his attention on the dragon railing in front of us. “Once he was done laughing, he roared, ‘I should eat you!’”
“Dragons eat humans?”
“Dragons eat whatever they want.”
“Alrighty then.”
“But what was interesting is that she simply said, ‘I don’t taste good at all.’ And that brought more laughter from the dragon.”
I grinned at her response.
“Then, the dragon said, ‘I should kill you.’ The little girl shook her head. ‘You don’t want to get your treasure dirty. I am messy when I die.’”
I was so damn captivated with this story. “Alright. Go ahead.”
“That went on for a while, the dragon made some odd threat, and the little girl countered with logical statements that made him either rethink his threat or simply laugh.”
My smile widened. “I think the girl is going to make it to the end.”
“You’re right. Eventually, the dragon gave up and said, ‘You are a brave soul, little one. For your courage, I will do more than take you home, I shall grant you three wishes. Speak them wisely.’”