The Golden Dragon


by Cecilia Poblete Ibaceta

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I am very happy because my grandfather invited me to spend a couple of days in his house in the woods. I am looking forward going into the forest, and seeing some caves that are near the house; we will even go fishing!

My grandfather was waiting for me at the bus stop. He gave me a big hug and the next moment I was flying in the air. Always he caught me before I touched the ground. He was very happy to see me.

Suddenly, I felt all over my face the big, wet tongue of “Rusty”, my grandfather’s German Shepherd. He was also very happy. We got into the truck and went to his house.

The next morning I woke up early to find that breakfast of eggs and bacon and fresh juice was ready and waiting for me,. Then I jumped on the old bicycle and faced my first adventure in the woods. “Rusty” was near by, smelling and checking out all the stones and bushes around.

Then I saw it ! First I thought it was a funny looking stone, but as I came closer I saw it was an egg, a big gray egg with brown spots. I had never seen an egg like this. A quick look around showed no animal which might claim the egg, so I put it in my sweater and went back home.

“What kind of bird could be this egg from? Can I keep it? I am going to take care of it! Please! Please!” and so my grandfather gave his permission. I could keep it only if we didn’t find the mother.

Three days later I woke up early in the morning and went to check my egg. It was beginning to crack. I called my grandfather and waited to see what kind of bird came out of this strange egg. First a small beak emerged, then a couple of wings, then out came the rest of it ….. and it looked ME straight in my eyes, recognizing me as its mother …. It was a small DRAGON!

I came closer and held it in my arms. Its body was covered with fine golden, scale. Its wide open eyes looked constantly into mine.

Although my grandfather was at first speechless, he soon started to think what we should do.

First, this dragon was going to grow very fast, and couldn’t be kept it in the house, so we decided to move it to a cavern near by. We carried straw over there, plus the same clothes that were used to keep the egg warm and a clock, so the dragon would think that the tick tock was his mother’s heartbeat.

I started to feed him with small pieces of fruits and vegetables and water, we let him stay alone, so he would become used to seeing us for only a certain number of hours each day.

The first days were exciting because he was growing very fast. His golden scales were getting harder and bigger, his nails were becoming powerful claws and we learned quickly to watch out for his big tail. The dragon did not had full control of this strong part of his body and could suddenly hit anything, or anybody in the vicinity.

Every morning we went to the cave to spend some time with the dragon. This intelligent creature understood that in our family my grandfather and me were in command, then there was “Rusty” and the dragon was at the bottom of the ladder.

Sometimes we went to the river to swim and “Gold” soon showed that he was a very capable swimmer. “Gold” and “Rusty” started to play with each other, but they were sometimes very rough, so I stepped to one side and watched them play. Once I heard “Gold” blow his nose and a cloud came out with a strong smell of smoke. So I started a new training program to teach “Gold” that he could not blow his nose in the woods, only in the cavern. We didn’t want a fire near the house!

I remembered when I was younger that I used to ride on “Rusty”, so maybe I could ride on “Gold” since he was now bigger than the dog. I tried it out and the dragon thought it was a new game and started to walk around with me on his back. The feeling was incredible! I could feel the strong muscles moving as if I didn’t weighed! The dragon was becoming a very powerful beast and a gentle friend to us.

Soon I discovered that the dragon had begun to find his own food. He had learned how to catch fish from the river, and pick fruit and leaves from the trees.

One of my favorite games was to throw a stick to “Rusty”. He would run, catch it in the air and bring it back to me. One day the stick flew high in the air and suddenly “Gold” was flying to get the stick. He caught the stick in his mouth and flew back to where I was. I was astonished!

This new development represented a new problem. Obviously the dragon was going to fly. In the air our neighbors would be able to see him, and then nobody could stop them from hunting our friend.

So we decided to move the dragon to another cavern high in the mountains. My grandfather knew the right place with caves and a river.

Next morning we jumped in the truck and took all the things that were in the dragon’s cavern. After five hours we got as far as the truck could take us, and continued the rest of the journey on foot. A couple of hours later we arrived at a place that had 5 different caves and a river. “Gold” started to walk around the caves and after a few moments he chose one and walked inside. We started to place all his stuff in the new cave and soon he had moved in.

The sun was going down, so we decided to spend the night near the cave. We made a fire and shared supper of sausages and potatoes. After a while the dog felt asleep outside our tent and “Gold” flew into his new home.

Next morning we spent most of the day with “Gold” exploring the new neighborhood. I felt the need to give the dragon a last hug when I found myself riding him, and suddenly he began to fly, and I was still on his back!

It was the most incredible feeling! The sensation of freedom, peace and power which I felt was beyond any description. The ride was over in a couple of minutes, and I realized that “Gold” was going to be fine and that we will be always friends.

A couple of days later I was on my way home. School was going to start next week and I should be home by now. But I am looking forward to the next vacation and I know who is going to be waiting for me to give me another incredible ride and spend many more exciting days together.

This story was written originally in Spanish by my wife Cecilia and I translated it to English. I think it is beatifull!!

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