Gren's Story

The sun shined brightly in the azure sky above. The trees swayed in the slight wind that brushed ever so gently through the forest. The birds sang and the woodland creatures scurried. All in all the day was luminescent in its lazy tranquility. Perhaps that's why the cave was so utterly imposing. Its dark mouth looked all the darker with the sun's rays beating down with cheer. It's hollow, soundless core was at odds with the chatter of the forest. The girl noticed these things and began to rethink her decision.

The girl stepped into the cave wondering what treasures lie within. Surely such a wonderous place would hold adventure?

But, how could she? She musn't go back on her word. She'd made a vow on the graves of her parents, a vow that could never be broken.

She hopped rock to rock on a still pond and ducked into a cavern. The first thing she noticed was the beautiful stalagtites hanging from the ceiling like nature's homemade chandeliers... Then she noticed the huge green dragon glaring at her with thinly veiled distaste. Why didn't she notice the dragon first?

The girl took a deep breath. This should be fine right? She obviously had the skills to do this job since the old dragon picked her. But... What if the other dragons didn't feel the same?

At first the dragon was angry at the girl. He demanded things of her. Her name. Her purpose. Blah, blah, blah. The girl stood her ground admirably and apologized for her intrusion. The dragon began to respect her for this. Then they began to talk.

The girl sat down on the lush grass and tried to pull herself together. She could do this. She could do this. She could... Easily die at the hand of vicious taloned dragons... Shoot...

They talked for quite some time and then the old, scarred dragon seemed to grow weary which troubled the girl. "Hey, Sir Dragon. You haven't told me your name." She hoped to re-energize the dragon. She enjoyed making friends.

The dragon smiled at her in the way dragons do and said "I am called Gren, small one..."

"Don't you wish to know my name too?"

Gren seemed thoughtful for a moment and then looked at the girl with an unsettling scrutiny that made the girl feel as if he were looking at her, through her, and around her all at the same time.

The girl began to walk through the forest, hoping to absorb the positive vibe of nature. Surely she could find inspiration.

Gren began to tell the girl a horribly depressing story about the Great War. She knew of the legend, but never had it been described so vividly.
Gren then went on to tell her about his life and experiences. His hopes and dreams. His dreads and worries. Then he told her what he needed of her. Once he finished... The girl could scarcely believe what he'd said.

The girl looked to her arm and saw the ornate mark from which she'd recieved from Gren. "The Cayretaker Emblem" he'd called it. Just because she had the emblem didn't mean she deserved the title...

Gren asked a great duty of the girl. It was an odd thing to do especially after he'd met he that very same day. But the old dragon was quickly approaching his Dying Time and needed someone to fill his position. He'd convinced the girl to take this role and she'd sworn. Upon her parents' graves that she would fulfill her promise. Then he bathed her in ceremonial flames that passed his burden onto her. After he had done this, Gren sank to the ground in exhaustion.

The girl put her head between her knees. She couldn't do this. She was human for goodness sake. What did she know about caring for dragons? She'd never even recieved any training. She only made the promise yesterday!

"Tell me young one, for it is my wish to know. Tell me your name."

"It's Kaspartha."

Gren has said that he saw someting within her. But what could it have been? She didn't know of anything terribly important about herself. Then she suddenly realized how weak she was being. This wasn't about her! It was about Gren and her promise to him!

Kaspartha jumped off the ground and ran to the mouth of the cave. She stared it down and made her first step to the cave that held not only her destiny, but the destiny of thousands of other souls who have entered and exited its walls.