Claynen opened his eyes and found himself in his room at the imperial palace. It was daytime and the sun's rays were streaming in through the window. He sat up in bed and rubbed his eyes. It had been just a dream. A wonderful dream.
He got up and dressed with the help of his personal servant, a young goblin named Lily. Lily was one of the few friends Claynen had in the palace. He was funny, loyal, and curious. He liked to read the same books as Claynen and learn new things.
"Good morning, Lily," Claynen replied. "How did you sleep?"
"Very well, Your Highness," said Lily. "I had a very nice dream. I dreamed that I was a knight and that I saved a princess from a dragon."
"Ah, I see," said Claynen with a smile. "And who was the princess?"
"I don't know, Your Highness," said Lily timidly. "She was very beautiful and very sweet. She had black hair and blue eyes."
Claynen realized that Lily was talking about his older sister, Princess Liana. Liana was the first daughter of the emperor and empress, and the heir to the throne. She was a beautiful and intelligent young woman who got along well with everyone. Claynen loved her very much, but he knew she had other plans for her future. Plans that didn't include a goblin like Lily.
"Well, I'm glad you had such a nice dream," said Claynen. "I also had a very nice dream. I dreamed that I was flying over Flienburg on a red dragon."
"Really, Your Highness?" said Lily in amazement. "What an incredible dream! And what else happened?"
Claynen told Lily about his dream. He told him what the dragon had said and showed him. He told him about his destiny and his dream.
Lily listened attentively and was impressed.
"Wow, Your Highness," said Lily. "That's a very special dream. Do you think it means anything?"
"I don't know, Lily," said Claynen. "Maybe it's just a dream. Or maybe it's something more."
"Would you like it to be something more?" asked Lily.
Claynen thought about the image of the future that the dragon had shown him. He thought about the peace and light it had brought to the world. He thought about the happiness of his people.
"Yes," said Claynen. "I would like that very much."
Lily smiled at him and said, "Well, I believe in you, Your Highness. I believe you can do it. I believe you can fulfill your dream."
Claynen returned the smile and said, "Thank you, Lily. You're a good friend."
The two hugged and left the room. They headed to the dining room, where the rest of the imperial family was waiting for them to have breakfast.
Claynen didn't know if his dream would ever come true. But he knew he wasn't alone. He knew he had someone who believed in him. And that gave him the strength to keep going.