This story was written for a writing contest I did this summer where the word limit was 500 words. Aka, this is a little choppy. I had to cut a lot of this out to make it fit the word limit, so it might also make only a little sense.
That being said, it’s also based off a Scottish legend (well, I think it was Scottish, anyway), so you could look that up!
Enjoy!
Prompt
Write a story with a mystical creature (seriously, that was the prompt XD)
Story
Everyone knows dragons breathe fire. Everyone knows dragons devour mutton and maidens. Everyone knows dragons are vain creatures who treasure a compliment like gold.
No one knew more about dragons than Cael, an orphaned eleven-year-old smaller than a reed. His only friend was Solace, his pet lamb.
East of Cael’s poor hamlet squatted a cluster of round mountains. Beneath these dwelt Caimog the Ferocious, a dragon whose fierce and deadly reputation spread like bad breath.
Caimog demanded ten sheep a month from the surrounding villages as tribute. The villages took turns supplying the creatures – staking them to a nearby hill and cowering until the feared dragon’s flames had vanished from the sky.
When the time came for Cael’s village to provide the sheep, they discovered that there were only eight in the entire village, Solace included. Distraught, Cael cried to the Almighty One for aid. That night he dreamt of a plan that would save both Solace and the village.
After the village leaders had staked the sheep on a nearby hill, Cael snuck up and sat with Solace. The satchel he carried was heavy with the plan he had scrambled to complete.
Suddenly the sheep panicked, yanking at their tethers and bleating their terror. Cael looked up. His wee heart stopped with fear.
Caimog had come.
Swooping in like a comet with fire glowing in his belly, the great dragon landed with a thud. His blazing eyes glared at the boy in disdain; his scales flashed in the moonlight.
“I count eight sheep,” Caimog growled. “Do they think a scrawny boy will account for the others?”
Cael squeaked, “No, lord! I’ve been sent with a gift for you. You know how we adore you. We admire your strength and beauty, and the tales of your prowess are widespread.”
Caimog’s eyes relished the praise.
Shaking, Cael reached into his satchel and produced a sugary cake. “As a way to honor your magnificence,” he began, putting the cake down and retreating, “we have baked thirty delicious cakes for your enjoyment. Care to try one?”
For a moment he thought Caimog was going to decline. But the dragon snatched it up, swallowing it whole. A pleased sound vibrated from his throat. Elation grew in Cael’s stomach as Caimog devoured cake after cake.
“I shall rest, before I eat the sheep,” Caimog slurred when he finished. He flopped down and was snoring instantaneously.
Cael watched the dragon’s belly move with each snore. Presently he put a hand over his mouth to hold back a giggle. It was working!
For you see, Cael had hidden several eggshells of uncooked rice in each cake. The dragon’s fiery belly was baking the rice, causing it to swell and fill Caimog’s stomach twice as much as before.
By the time Caimog snorted awake, Cael could barely contain his glee. Staggering to his feet, Caimog glanced at Cael. “I shall skip the sheep tonight,” he mumbled, and flew away.
After all, everyone knows dragons have a sweet tooth.
Wrap Up
Hope you enjoyed that! Let me know what you think, and remember: take courage, pursue God, and smile while you still have sweet teeth!
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