The sun was setting by the time Marcus and Eldric emerged from the forest, moving swiftly along a trail that Marcus had never noticed before. He clutched the tiny dragon, now nestled inside his cloak, feeling its warm breath and steady heartbeat. Eldric led the way with practiced ease, his steps light and confident, even as the shadows grew longer.
They reached a small clearing where a worn but sturdy cottage stood, surrounded by wild herbs and flowers. Eldric pushed open the door and brought Marcus inside. The room was simple yet filled with strange artifacts,a carved staff hung above the fireplace, shelves filled with books and jars containing herbs, feathers, and stones.
"Sit," Eldric said, motioning to a wooden chair near the fireplace. "We have much to discuss."
Marcus took a seat, carefully adjusting his cloak so the dragon would remain hidden. Eldric sat across from him, his piercing gaze softened by the flickering light from the fire.
"I know you have many questions," Eldric began. "And I'll answer what I can. But first, I need to know what you understand about dragons."
Marcus thought back to the tales his mother had told him, stories filled with wonder and awe. "I've heard that they're powerful creatures—ancient, wise. My mother used to say they were guardians of the land, protectors of magic."
Eldric nodded. "Your mother was right. Dragons are not mere beasts; they are sentient beings, with knowledge and abilities far beyond ours. They once roamed freely, bound to humans through an alliance forged long ago. We called ourselves the Dragon Keepers, protectors of this bond."
Marcus leaned forward, his curiosity piqued. "What happened to them? Why are they only in stories now?"
A shadow crossed Eldric's face. "Greed. Fear. And betrayal. As kingdoms rose and power became concentrated in the hands of a few, dragons became symbols of untamed magic. The leaders feared their strength, and soon the alliance crumbled. Many dragons were hunted, their magic harnessed by those who sought to control it. Now, only a few remain, hidden from the world."
Marcus felt a pang of sorrow as he looked down at the tiny dragon in his arms. It stirred slightly, opening its bright, curious eyes before settling back to sleep. "So… why would a dragon bond with me?"
Eldric's gaze softened as he looked at Marcus, as if trying to read the depths of his soul. "Dragons only bond with those they sense are worthy—those who possess a certain strength of spirit, a heart that is open to magic and the mysteries of the world. This little one," he gestured toward the dragon, "chose you, Marcus. It felt something within you that others may not see."
The weight of Eldric's words settled over Marcus, filling him with both awe and uncertainty. "But… I'm just a farm boy from Talmor. I don't have any special powers or knowledge."
"Power is not always about knowledge or skill," Eldric replied, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Sometimes, it's about courage, about the willingness to do what others will not. The bond you've formed with this dragon is proof that you are destined for something greater."
Marcus swallowed, feeling the responsibility that came with Eldric's words. "So… what now? What am I supposed to do?"
Eldric leaned back, his expression thoughtful. "You have much to learn. Dragons are not easy to care for, and a bond with one is a lifelong commitment. If you truly wish to protect this creature—and yourself—you'll need to understand what it means to be a Dragon Keeper."
The words sent a thrill through Marcus, but there was also a nervousness gnawing at him. "You mean… like you?"
"Yes," Eldric said. "But it will take time and dedication. You must be prepared to leave behind the life you know, to step into a world where magic is real, and dangers are ever-present."
Marcus looked down at the dragon, which had opened one eye to watch him, its gaze filled with an intelligence that was both reassuring and unnerving. He knew, deep down, that his life in Talmor was already a thing of the past. This little creature had marked a turning point, a call to adventure that he couldn't ignore.
"I want to learn," Marcus said, his voice steady. "I want to understand what this bond means."
Eldric nodded approvingly. "Then let us begin."
---
Over the next few weeks, Marcus stayed with Eldric, diving into the ancient knowledge of the Dragon Keepers. Eldric taught him everything from the history of dragons to the basics of magic, a skill that had lain dormant within him but was now slowly awakening. They practiced in the forest, where Eldric would demonstrate spells and techniques for connecting with nature, sensing its rhythms, and using its energy.
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Eldric handed Marcus a staff made from oak, its surface smooth and carved with symbols Marcus didn't recognize.
"Magic requires a focus," Eldric explained. "For some, it's the dragon they bond with. For others, it's an object that resonates with their spirit. This staff is a tool, but it will also help you channel the power within you."
Marcus held the staff, feeling a subtle warmth radiating from it, as if it had been waiting for him. He closed his eyes, and, just as Eldric had taught him, he focused on his breath, allowing the energy around him to flow through the staff.
To his amazement, a faint glow emerged from the staff's tip, casting a soft light over the clearing. The little dragon, whom he had named Ember, chirped in delight, her scales glinting in the glow.
Eldric watched with satisfaction. "You're progressing faster than I expected. It seems the bond you share with Ember strengthens your abilities."
Marcus beamed, feeling a sense of accomplishment. Yet he also knew that his journey was far from over. As he grew stronger, so did his awareness of the dangers that awaited them.
One night, Marcus was jolted awake by a strange sound outside the cottage—a soft, rhythmic beating, like wings cutting through the air. He sat up, heart pounding, and looked to the window, catching a glimpse of something large and dark circling above the trees.
"Eldric!" he whispered, shaking the older man awake.
Eldric's eyes opened immediately, and he was on his feet in seconds, moving to the window. His face darkened as he peered into the night.
"It's a wyvern," Eldric murmured, his voice low. "They're drawn to dragon magic. It must have sensed Ember's presence."
Marcus felt a chill run down his spine. Wyverns were the twisted, corrupted cousins of dragons, creatures of darkness and malice. Stories told of their cruelty and their hunger for magic.
"What do we do?" Marcus asked, his voice barely audible.
Eldric turned to him, his expression grim. "We cannot fight it—not yet. Our only choice is to hide Ember's presence. Hold her close, and whatever happens, stay quiet."
Marcus gently cradled Ember, who seemed to sense the danger as she huddled close to his chest, her small body trembling. Eldric moved to the center of the room, raising his staff and murmuring an incantation under his breath. A soft, protective glow surrounded the cottage, dimming the light and masking their presence.
The beating of wings grew louder, followed by a low, guttural growl that sent a shiver through Marcus's body. He held his breath, feeling Ember's heartbeat quicken against his own. The wyvern circled the cottage, its claws scraping against the roof, and for a moment, Marcus was certain it would break through.
Then, just as suddenly as it had arrived, the creature took off, its shadow disappearing into the night.
Marcus released a shaky breath, relief flooding through him. Eldric lowered his staff, the glow fading as he turned to Marcus with a look of weary satisfaction.
"That was a close call," Eldric said, his voice heavy. "Wyverns are relentless in their pursuit of magic. We must be even more cautious from now on."
Marcus nodded, his resolve hardening. He had glimpsed, for the first time, the true dangers that awaited them. But he also felt a growing determination—a fierce desire to protect Ember, to embrace his role as a Dragon Keeper, and to stand against whatever threats might come their way.
As the night settled once more, Marcus knew that his journey had only just begun.