Once upon a time…
A dragon was circling above a field outside of town…
Beca collected the rest of the eggs from the chicken coop and made her way back to the house to begin preparing lunch. A cool breeze sent a chill down Beca’s back, the leaves had begun to fall and the days were becoming shorter as Autumn was upon them.
She stopped and gazed to the east where she could see that the dragon was out circling above the fields. The village people had known about the dragon that slumbered in the mountains, none of them were ready for its appearance about a month ago. The elders of the village foretold the dragons appearance.
“One day soon, when the moon is large and bright. The dragon will appear.” Since the appearance of the dragon all it had done was circle around the corn and wheat fields east of town. It would land in one of the fields and lay down for hours, before taking off and flying back to the mountains that surrounded the village to the east. Beca’s curiosity had peaked and she wanted to venture out and see the dragon up close. But she didn’t want to go alone, so on the following evening she made her way into town to find herself a companion.
Beca pushed open the wooden door to The Rusty Bell Pub not knowing what to expect on the other side. She was hit with warm, smoky air as she entered the dimly lit and slightly crowded pub. She ordered half a pint of the house brew and took a seat in the corner so that she could survey her options. She wanted to find someone that was trustworthy, able bodied and ready for an adventure. She eavesdropped on a few conversations to get a feeling for the current village gossip. A fair number were discussing the dragon and what should be done about its menacing presents.
Not hearing or seeing what she had hoped, Beca went up to the bar, caught the owner’s attention and whispered something to him as she slipped a coin into his hand. He gave her a sideways gaze and asked ‘are you sure?’ Beca gave him a nod and he made his way to the end of the bar and rang the large rusty bell that hung above.
The pub became silent as the owner made an announcement.
“Attention the little lady here would like to know if anyone here would like to accompany her out to see the dragon.” The crowd of villagers looked at Beca standing at the bar in her long worn peasant skirt and faded jacket. And erupted in laughter, with comments of ‘are you going to bring it a basket of muffins and a pot of tea?’ and ‘it’s going to eat you.’ Being tossed around. Beca let out a frustrated sigh and made her way to the door.
As she headed down the dirt road towards home a voice called out from behind her. “Hey, Miss. wait a moment.” Beca stopped, turned around to see a strapping young man waving at her. “Are you serious about wanting to venture out to see the dragon?” He asked. “Yes I am.” She answered. “Well can I join you on your adventure? I’m Ridder.” He said, extending his hand towards her. “Beca.” She said, taking his hand and giving it a polite shake. “Do you mind if I walk you home and we can discuss your plans?” Beca looked him up and down, gave him a slight grin and agreed.
At the break of dawn Beca left her little house and started out towards the field that laid outside of town. “Are you coming?” She asked as she walked past Rider who had been leaning against a giant oak tree just past Beca’s yard. “Yes, dear.” He answered, picking up his pack and following her. The journey would take a full day, Beca had found a map of the village and the surrounding area to help guide her out to where the dragon laid in the field.
They walked in silence for the better part of the morning, the leaves crunching beneath their feet. A cool breeze blew through the surrounding trees sending a shiver through Beca. She stopped taking her pack from her back and sat it upon the ground, opening it up she rummaged through for her scarf. She wrapped the dark blue knitted garment around her neck pulling it snug. Picked up her pack and resumed walking. “So where are you from?” She asked Rider as they continued on. “From here and there, dear.” He answered, giving her a slight grin. “So just passing through then?” “You could say that.”
As the sun began to set, Beca stopped, took out the map and declared that they should camp here for the night. “Yes, dear.” Rider said as he put down his pack and began collecting wood for a fire. Beca sat on the ground as Rider built a small fire. They sat in silence as the sun dropped below the horizon. “You’re not too talkative are you?” She asked him. He smiled, “I’ve learned that listening rather than talking gets you further in this life.” Beca nodded in agreement as she laid her head down upon her pack, her eyes closing as sleep took hold.
‘Crack.’
Beca was jolted awake, her eyes trying to adjust to the pitch blackness that surrounded her. She tried to speak, her voice caught in her throat, the fire had long gone out and she shivered from the cold. “Rider?” She spoke in a whisper. There was no answer. She got up, picked up her pack and strained her eyes trying to see in the darkness. She thought about walking around and trying to find where he had gone. But didn’t want to risk tripping over something or falling in the dark. So she sat back down and took a deep breath.
As she exhaled she could see her warm breath in the cold air, trying to keep herself calm. “Are you OK dear?” Rider’s voice filled her ears out of nowhere. She turned in the direction of the smooth calm voice. “Where were you?” She said slightly panicked. “I went to get more wood for the fire.” He answered as he knelt by the fire and relit it. He moved over to her and sat behind her, he put his arms around her, pulling her to him. She let out a deep sigh and leaned into his warmth.
“Beca, dear.” His voice was sweet in her ear. “Yes.” She said with her eyes still closed and his arms around her. “We need to go.” There was an underlying urgency in his voice. Beca opened her eyes and moved away from where they were sleeping. She stood up, stretched and gathered up her pack.
As they walked the trees thinned out and they left the forest behind. Before them laid a wide open field and beyond that the mountains. Beca stood at the edge of the field and looked as far as she could, the clear blue sky above them and the open golden field of wheat in front of them.
“Where do you think it is?” She asked. Rider shrugged his shoulders. “Couldn’t say, dear.” They walked cautiously into the field, Beca was focused looking to her right and then left wanting to see the dragon. She walked and walked the thigh high wheat swaying back and forth in the light breeze. A dark shadow fell upon her, she froze.
“Rider, do you see that?” There was no answer. She turned around and found that she was alone. The shadow covered her surrounding area and then it landed. Softly. Gracefully almost silently. Beca had never seen anything as large as the dragon that had just landed before her. It’s body was covered in scales that changed color depending on the sun shining on them, they appeared black on it’s chest and neck but looked emerald green across it’s shoulders, back and tail. All of a sudden there was a voice in her head.
‘It’s OK dear.’ Beca stared into its deep blue eyes. “Rider?” She whispered. ‘Yes, dear.’ the voice in her head answered. “You may need to explain a few things.” She said out loud. All of a sudden the dragon vanished and its place stood Rider. He approached Beca and embraced her. Whispering into her ear.
“There’s plenty of time for that.” He kissed her. They walked towards the mountains. “So what’s with the ‘dear’ thing?” She asked as they walked. Rider smiled and kissed her on the forehead. “All in due time dear.”
His eyes are the color of the wide open sea.
His deep yet sententious voice,
Has the power to captivate me,
His hair shines like gold beneath the warm midday sun.
Be it through the gates of heaven,
Or the red hot flames of hell,
It is him that I follow.
And without his love, compassion and friendship.
I would have been lost.
He holds me safe from the cold cruel world.
He fills my soul full of life,
And my heart full of love,
That it sends me soaring like a dove.
He is honest with me,
And I am true to him.
I shall be his and he shall be mine,
For now and for all time.
Once upon a time…You all knew I couldn’t just leave it there.
Beca made herself comfortable, or as comfortable as she could living in a cave at the base of the mountains that surrounded her village, with a dragon. It had been a fortnight since Beca’s introduction to the dragon that circled the fields outside of town.
The dragon that also took the form of a man named Rider. A man that was quiet and reserved in his manner, he provided shelter and food for Beca. Never having had a lover before Beca was enjoying the long nights of being caressed and kissed.
As the air became cold and light flurries of snow began to fall Rider held Beca’s naked body close to his. He whispered into her ear, sweet, flattering, words. Snuggling down into the makeshift bedding of animal hides Rider gently kissed Beca’s neck while caressing her breasts. He gently slid into her, sending shivers of ecstasy through her body as he made love to her.
Beca awoke the next morning feeling satisfied, fulfilled, content. She looked around to find that Rider was nowhere in the cave, but the fire was lit so she dressed and sat in front of the warm flames.
Upon Rider’s return many hours later he was accompanied by a tall slender lady dressed in a dark cloak. Beca abruptly stood up as they entered the cave. “Dear this is Morgana.” Rider said as the lady removed her hood to reveal a youthful pale face framed by dark locks. She smiled at Beca and motioned for her to sit as she took a seat next to her. Rider stoked the fire and took a seat on the other side of Beca.
He took her hand in his and looked into her emerald eyes, “Morgana is going to show you something special dear.” Beca turned towards Morgana, she took Beca’s hands. “Look into my eyes dear.”
As Beca stared into Morgana’s dark eyes images began to flash before her. Her standing with Rider with a full round belly. Her laying on her back screaming in pain. Rider holding her along with a baby. Then that baby being taken away from her.
These images made her pull away from Morgana’s grip, but Rider grabbed her shoulders and held her in her place. “Why are you showing me these things?” Beca cried out. Rider leaned into her and spoke softly. “You, dear, are the chosen one. The one that will bring my son into this world.” Rider placed his hand on Beca’s stomach. “Already he is growing and will be with us soon.” He kissed her cheek as he moved back to look at Morgana who was grinning. Morgana walked out of the cave and waited for Rider to follow. Rider kissed Beca passionately. “It will all be fine dear, I promise.” He walked out of the cave and strolled away with Morgana.
Beca stood and made her way over to the entrance of the cave as she looked out the dragon filled the sky before her and then disappeared into the horizon. Beca closed her eyes as the tears welled up in her eyes and slid down her cheeks. “What have I allowed to happen?” She said to herself.
* * * *
Many moons later Beca’s belly had expanded and she knew it was close to time. During this time Rider had been attentive and loving, providing food and comfort for her.
As they laid in eachothers arms in front of the blazing fire Beca asked Rider a question. “Rider, do you love me?” Rider being slightly taken aback by this answered. “Yes, dear I love you.”
Beca scoffed sitting up and facing him. “I don’t believe you. I think you’re only loyal to whatever Morgana has on you.” Rider sat up looking into her emerald eyes. Beca took his hand. “Tell me what it is.” She demanded. He looked lost, conflicted.
Wanting to follow his heart but having Morgana’s hold upon him. “I don’t think I can.” Beca got up and began walking around the fire. The cave became warmer and the air heavier as she passed around. “Why do you call me dear?” She asked. “I don’t know.” His answer sounded genuine.
She knelt down in front of him, taking his hands in hers. “Proclaim your love for me using my name and…” She suddenly stopped, her eyes grew big and the pain ripped through her body. She fell back onto her back as Morgana entered the cave.
Rider moved to Beca taking her hand in his, looking up at Morgana. “Wouldn’t want to miss the birth.” She said as she took a seat in front of the fire. “What have you done?” Rider spat at her in a growl. “You had better attend to the birth of your son.” Rider turned his attention to Beca, propping her head up and making her as comfortable as possible as the contractions pulsed through her body.
She pulled Rider down to her and said. “There is still time. All you have to do is say it.” He took a deep breath and said. “Beca I love you, with all my heart and soul. I love you.” Kissing her upon her lips. A bright light appeared at the entrance to the cave as Merlin appeared with his long white beard and ornate wooden staff. “I see I haven’t missed the birth.” He said, making his way into the cave, and taking a seat next to Morgana.
“You can’t be here.” Morgana screamed. “You don’t know who Beca is, her destiny and legacy will withstand you and your interference.” Merlin said lighting his pipe and taking a puff.
All of a sudden there was a cry, an innocent first breath of life that filled the cave. “If I am not mistaken, that is the sound of the princess announcing herself.” Merlin said with a grin. “Princess? No that can’t be. I…I…” Morgana got up and stormed out of the cave. Merlin got up making his way over to the couple and baby girl.
“All looks well.” He said. “It is now.” Beca said, cradling her daughter. “What about Rider?” She asked Merlin. “He’ll be fine now that Morgana’s curse is broken.
Back to being the King.” Rider smiled, giving Merlin a nod as he vanished. “Can we go home now?” Beca asked. Rider kissed her and answered. “Yes, my Queen we can.”
Now it’s THE END
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