The Village Dragon


If the dragon has a name, it's not one that fits human ears
Or human tongues.  

The people of the nearby village know him as 
"Our Dragon"
And they will gladly tell you 
How most of the tales told about him are wrong. 

Yes, he can breathe out fire,
And he used to ravage the countryside for miles around. 
But that was centuries ago, 
Before he and the people of the village made peace.  

Now he helps light the village's holiday bonfires.

And yes, he does keep a pile of gold and jewels in his cave.
But he isn't obsessive about it 
And he is generous to any villagers in need of aid.  

Those maidens he supposedly devours?  
He finds them more useful as servants and messengers and companions,
And pays them decent wages.  

Now and then a knight in shining armor will appear, 
Asking villagers for directions to the dragon's cave.  
Most depart in peace 
Once people assure them
That this dragon does not need to be slain.  

Only the occasional hothead with more bravery than brains
Ends up on the dinner menu.  

Knights are not his favorite food.  
He prefers the animals of the forest, 
Especially the wolves that now and then make their way to the meadow 
Where the shepherds keep their sheep.  

He also finds bandits and highwaymen to be rather tasty, 
Especially when weighted down with ill-gotten gold.  

But the adventurers he most enjoys 
Are the wandering bards and troubadours.  

No, he doesn't eat them.  

He listens to their songs and stories 
And gives them shelter in his cave, 
Safe from the elements and the perils of the night.  

He often sends his maidens 
To invite the people of the village 
To join the merriment.  
The cave rings with song and laughter, sometimes until dawn. 
Then all go their separate ways, bearing fond memories.  

Those memories are the dragon's real treasure, 
Far more precious than silver or gold.   


				-- Tom Digby
				First Draft 18:21 Fri April 4 2008
				Edited      22:11 Sun April 6 2008