Chapter 1: the sleeping village
The Sle
The setting sun bathed the thatched roofs of the village of Aethel, nestled in the hollow of a verdant valley, in its fiery glow. Smoke rose from the chimneys, peaceful and fragrant. Children, laughing and playing, ran through the narrow streets, while the adults went about their business, oblivious to the threat that hung over their tranquility.
- Mother, tell me the story of the dragon again! begged little Anya, her blue eyes sparkling with anticipation.
- Hush, my dear, her mother replied in a soft voice. That's a story for stormy nights, not for a sunny day like today.
- But I want to hear it! insisted Anya. Tell me how he burned the village and devoured all the inhabitants!
- It's not a story for children, her mother retorted, a shiver running down her spine. The dragon is a terrible creature, and his story is nothing but pain and sorrow.
- But I want to know! exclaimed Anya, stamping her foot. Please, Mother, tell me!
Her mother sighed, defeated by her daughter's stubbornness.
- Once upon a time, she began with a trembling voice, there was a huge and ferocious dragon that lived in the mountains to the north. He breathed fire and his claws were as long as swords. One day, he descended from his mountain and attacked the village of Aethel. He burned the houses, killed the men and women, and devoured the children.
- And then what? asked Anya, breathless.
- Then, a courageous knight arrived and fought the dragon. He fought for hours, and finally, he managed to kill it.
- Hurray! cried Anya, clapping her hands. Was the knight a hero?
- Yes, a great hero, replied her mother. And thanks to him, the village of Aethel was saved.
- And the dragon?
- His body was burned and his ashes scattered to the wind. They say his spirit still wanders the mountains, waiting to get revenge.
Anya shivered, despite the warmth of the sun. The story of the dragon had frightened her, but it had also fascinated her. She felt drawn to this terrible creature, as if an invisible force bound her to its destiny.
- Mother, she asked with a trembling voice, is the dragon really dead?
Her mother looked at her long, her eyes filled with infinite sadness.
- I don't know, my dear, she replied. I don't know if the dragon is really dead. But I know that we must always be vigilant, because danger can strike at any time.
- I don't want to be afraid, whispered Anya.
- Don't be afraid, my dear, reassured her mother, hugging her tightly. As long as we are united, we have nothing to fear.
Anya snuggled up to her mother, feeling protected and loved. But deep down, she knew that the threat of the dragon was still present, and that one day, she might have to face her destiny.
