DRAGON LONGZE STRANDED PRO TEM AT THE KINGDOM OF AVARKAN (BY BOST, 2026) PART 2

Davos’s implications was clear; hence, inconsolable fear and dread took hold of everyone’s chests; and they quaked right to their toes—in unison they then asked, "Tell us, we want to know; what is to be done, what is the key (vital) solution?"

01- DAVOS (12)JP

Now that he had them in his palm, Davos said: "Tomorrow is the dragon's birthday. He is demanding to have a present on his birthday. If he gets a nice present, he will be in a hurry to take it away and show it to his friends, and he will fly off and never come back."

Now how did he know it was the dragon’s birthday? But frightened minds are rarely logical.

The crowd had instead readily accepted Devos’s claim and cheered wildly—even the naïve, pure hearted Princess, participating from her balcony, excitedly clapped her hands.

"The present the dragon expects," said Devos, when the clamor died down a little, cheerfully, "is rather an expensive one. But, when we give, it should not be in a grudging spirit, especially to visitors. What every dragon ever wants is a Princess. We have only one Princess, it is true: but far be it for us to display a miserly temper at such a moment. And the gift is worthless that costs the giver nothing. Your readiness to give up your Princess will only show how generous you are."

A shocked silence now permeated in the air. Many stood frozen with gaping mouths, considering the alternative. Some of the crowd began to shed silent tears, for they loved their Princess, though they quite knew that their first duty was to their nation; unfortunately, this required them to be bighearted (charitable, unstinting) and give the dreadful dragon what it wanted. No one considered asking the Dragon, if that was true… Then again, they could not communicate with him, not really, so how could they?

The Princess was devastated as everyone else but desisted shedding tears, for she was brave; she had a terrible foreboding that she might be scorched then eaten, still, she was willing to sacrifice self to save the kingdom. If only there was a way to avert this catastrophe.

Stevor, meanwhile, had stood perfectly still, then sullenly (broodingly) looked away; after a time, he quickly pushed aside all worrisome thoughts and his ire checked (contained), being a pragmatist even at that young age, he next wracked his brains for an apt solution. He could not believe the Dragon was that evil; moreover, his senses pricked (jabbed), as if alerting him to an impending malevolent ploy. He was still too young to discern (comprehend) the ambitious, cunning workings of (Devos’s) an adult mind. Eventually, he went home to ponder more on the plausible solution. He was idly standing by at the back yard when the wolf cup came up to him; Stevor in a gush relayed to him his deep concern. 

02- WOLF CUB TANSAN (5)

Tansan lowered his head, dourly (resolutely) thought for a while, then questioningly looking up and growled: “Are you certain this was the dragon’s wish?”

Stevor understood his meaning, especially when Tansan, gripped his sleeve and tugged at it (pulled): making it clear he wanted to go see the dragon along with Stevor and get some explanation or truth of this matter.

Though humans, save for magicians like Devos, could not really communicate with a dragon, perhaps a wolf might, Stevor thought.

 True enough, Tansan breached the gap of vernacular difficulty and then successfully communicated with the dragon.  It was then that he learned of the dragon’s name being Longze, and his true dragon age. Longze in turn, learned how Tansan once had lived within a dense forest of a far off continent; though unfortunately, where hunting was a desired sport. One day Tansan was carefree and happy living with his parents and two other siblings, and the next moment, all had been destroyed. He’d witnessed the traumatic, harrowing death of his parents and his siblings; his life was spared, because of the aristocratic little boy who’d accompanied his father on this hunt, wanted the white wolf-cub as his pet. The little boy wasn’t entirely cruel, but Tansan detested being held captive; then one day, he’d made good his escape, and later still, after much suffering, he’d snuck into the luggage of a passenger boarding a ship, bound for far away lands and so came to be on this island. At the end of his narration, Tansan was surprised to note the dragon Longze’s eyes tearing up and understood that this dragon was a sensitive sentient being.

 Tansan and Longze spent many more hours communicating, sharing their likes and dislikes and in the course of it, becoming fast friends.  Stevor had waited patiently at first, then, not wishing to intrude, waved a hand and returned home. No pressure: he’d done this to allow them privacy of this rare bonding, knowing Tansan would appraise him of the facts later. Stevor was a thoughtful, kind and tolerant friend that way.

At the end of their long, intense exchange, when all that needed to be heard was communicated, Tansan nodded his head with understanding and promised that he would somehow find a way to relay (impart) all this to Stevor and in doing so, clear Longze from all false accusations.

Longze was elated to long at last be able to convey true facts; for being brilliant, he had grasped the persecution that had lately, permeated the air along with the false belief that had deemed him a monster to the apprehensive, trusting (gullible) people. He had been puzzled by the sudden change in those once affectionate pupils directed at him, which lately bore such fretful disdain (contempt); furthermore, the innocent children had lost that wonder glint (sparkle) in their eyes and instead, glared at him with chariness (suspicion) and scorn. This had made Longze so very unhappy; now however, he had hope, that the misunderstanding might soon be cleared up.

03- LONGZE MALIGNED

It took some doing, in fact, it took the entire night, but clever as Tansan was eventually successful and so Stevor was appraised of the true facts. That Longze had no wish to harm anyone, least of all the princess Juyin. He’d rather hoped to befriend everyone and take his leave of the island, which he intended to do pretty soon, now that his injury was almost healed (mended), carrying in his heart and mind fond memories.  More importantly, his birthday was still many months away.

Subsequent morning, Stevor rising at dawn, he went straight to the palace and then he gathered white roses and threw them at the Princess's window till she woke up and looked out.

“What brings you out this early?”  The princes peering down, from her balcony, asked; “It must be important; all right, come up and tell me, “She said.

Stevor was an athletic boy, and so, he nimbly climbed up the pink rosebush; once seated in her room, he then quietly relayed to her all the pertinent data that he’d acquired from Tansan. Then leaning forward, he kissed the Princess on the cheek and said: "Before I forget: Many happy returns of the day."

Juyin’s eyes teared; “I wish it was a happy day!” She heaved a sigh; suspecting her uncle Davos would not be persuaded to change his mind that easily, if he was set on sacrificing her. 

"Don’t be sad," said Stevor. "Why, Juyin, my precious Princess—things aren’t as hopeless as you might think. Tansan is a clever little wolf cub, together we have devised a plausible plan, the Dragon, innocent as he is, is also a willing participant. After he’d carefully imparted all the relevant details he said: “All is arranged now.  You just pretend to go along; and leave the rest to us. We got your back. I promise you, no harm will come to you, or anyone innocent. “

For good reason Stevor did not disclose to Juyin, what he’d additionally suspected about her uncle, Sovereign Davos. Why should he unnecessarily worry her.

04- DAVOS (13)JP

That afternoon, Davos exited his palatial quarters, decked out in his official regalia, wearing a special crown, his brocade garments embroidered with the golden symbolic images on it, and arriving in posh carriage, he called on the Princess. His intent was to first deliver the princess to her doom, then going to court, before the assembled officials, summoned there already, announce his rightful claim to the throne.

"Come, little birthday present," he said acerbically (sarcastically). "You look so lovely, my dear; the dragon will be so pleased to have you. And I'm glad to see you're not crying. You know, my child, we cannot begin too young to learn to think of the happiness of others rather than our own. Nation’s welfare always supersedes personal one. I should not like my dear little niece to be selfish, or to wish to deny a trivial pleasure to that, albeit unreasonable dragon, desperate to return to where he belongs, his home and friends."

Princess Juyin acquiescently nodded, her face exhibited no fear and sorrow; she stockily and obediently climbed into his carriage, and soon they were on their way to meet the dragon.

 

Subsequently, the state carriage stopped at acceptable distance from the pillar, and there was the white dragon, poised to take custody of the princess and, in his pseudo anticipation of devouring a delectable morsal, his massive mouth already a gap (half open).

Davos approached him cautiously and said: "Good morning, sir. We have brought you a small present for your birthday. We do not like to let such an anniversary go by without some suitable testimonial, especially to one who is a stranger in our midst. Our means are small, but our hearts are large. We have but one Princess, but we give her freely—do we not, my child?"

The Princess said she supposed so, and the dragon came a little nearer.

05-- HEROIC STEVOR TO THE RESCUE

Suddenly a concealed figure emerging from behind the thick bushes, a voice cried: "Run!" and there was Stevor. 

Princess at once took to her heels, to reach Stevor and Tansan. Tansan taking up defensive position up front, bearing his fangs and growling at Devos.

Davos was furious. "What do you mean, by this?" he cried, "Such impudence; by your rude intrusion on a state matter with your brazen attitude and your antagonistic wolf-cub, are you not afraid of dire punishment?" His meaning was clear, he threatened Stevor with certain death.

But while he was speaking all her precious pets, including the fox, had emerged from concealment (behind cluster of trees), to encircle Davos, so that he was buried way over his head in their thick animal fur that almost choked his lungs.

The Princess, meantime, had run to the other side of the pillar and was peeping around it to see what was going on. It goes without saying, a curious crowd had followed the carriage out of the town; now having reached the scene of the "State Function"—in unison, they all cried out: "Fair play—play fair! Princess has a right to choice, to defend herself.

But some of Devos’s supporters also voiced their discontent: “We can't go back on our word like this. Shame, shame! To give a thing and take a thing? Why, it's never been done. Let the poor dragon have his birthday present." And they also tried to get at Stevor who fended them off with a stick he was holding; meanwhile, the wolf bearing his fangs, growling fiercely stood defensively, ready to launch, to sink those fangs at the first one that would be brazen enough to sneak-attack, from the flanks (sides).

While this was going on, Juyin looked around the big pillar and called to the dragon: "Here’s your chance to clear your name; defend the innocent and punish the culprit!” Strangely enough the dragon understood the princess’s vernacular. As it were, dragons in fairy tales, had always wanted the sacrifice of princesses for friendship’s sake, someone to talk to, not to consume (eat) them.

The Sovereign-wizard Davos, however, could not be restrained (fenced) for long; getting clear of the furballs, he invoked a powerful incantation that forced the dragon to act contrary and to attack the princess.  But the princess was fast on her feet and she fled. She ran and ran, with dragon Longze in hot pursuit, without him not understanding why he was behaving antagonistically; for it was not in his nature to be so belligerent, so violent!

Stevor noting this change in plan, let Tanzan to deal with Davos’s hostile gang (horde), and looped the loose end of  the rope that was attached to the pole, on the dragon’s tale, at the very point the dragon had spread his wings to create greater momentum for speed as he run after Juyin. Stevor’s action was to impede dragon’s run; instead, this pulled Longze’s tail, and pulled it very hard, so hard that as he pulled, the pillar had to come around with the tail, and the island had to come around with the pillar, and in another minute the tail was loose, and the island was spinning around the top, exactly like that toy children often play. It spun so fast that everyone on the island fell flat on their faces and held on tight to themselves, because they felt something was going to happen.

All but the magician Davos, who was seriously engaged and choking between the brave Belgian hares that had pressed forward and strategically positioned themselves to contain or stop Davos’s next aggressive aim.

06- LONGZE FLIES HOME

The dragon Longze, meanwhile, had sent the island, with the established kingdom of Avarkan, spinning the way it ought to have gone at the beginning of the creation of the world and the incidental (chance) materialization (manifestation) of this magic island.  

As the island spun around, all the animals on it began to change sizes. And the men and women and all the children would have changed sizes too, if they had not had the sense to hold on to themselves, very tight indeed, with both hands, which, of course, the animals could not be expected to know how to do.

Princess Juyin, Stevor and Tansan had all huddled together, arms fastening on each other to form one uninterrupted circle, so they were spared also.  Davos had been thrown on the ground, and with his focus spinning, seeing stars in his eyes, he’d forgotten to hold onto himself; therefore, he did change, his height shrunk to two inches.

The spell the wizard had spun (cast) on the dragon Longze, meanwhile, was broken also, and the dragon felt his old self again. Longze was instantly consumed with seething rage for being prior maligned and, for being manipulated presently in this way, forcing him to act contrary to his will. His eyes, hence, searched till he pinpointed the whereabouts of the wizard Davos, who’d done his best to hide behind a small bush.

Longze, however, was far too young to have a fiery breath, only a steam and puff of cloud would come out of his mouth.  He was only three years old in dragon years, remember. But he was still fuming and he desired apt retribution (vengeance) on the very culprit; so, he simply approached Daves, slow and deliberate, then lifted one of his feet and let it come down plump over Devos, to squash him like a pancake. And so, permanently rid Avarkan of this conniving, heartless evil.

He then shook his head; let out a shrilling cry and then opened his wings wide and next instant took to the skies. He’d recovered well enough, so that he could now return home, and when he got home, he would have a tale to tell, to whoever listened.

07 - STEVOR AND JUYIN GET MARRIED

So now the dragon gone, and all the animals were normal sizes—and at first it seemed very strange to everyone to have great lumbering elephants and a tiny little dormouse, but in time they got used to it and thought no more of this change. 

After the culprit Davos was no more, conscientious, loyal officials and brave generals ensured that law and order, as well as the lasting peace was restored to the kingdom of Avarkan. Princess Juyin received the best counsel, best education, by loyal ministers, tutors and such, preparing her well for the time she would be crowned their ruling Queen. Some time passed, in that lasting peace, all the young children grew up normal and contented.

Several years ago, there was an announcement on the Avarkan Times, an account of the wedding of the Princess Juyin with Lord Stevor, who was then the newly appointed Prime Minister. Naturally, she could not have married anyone but Stevor, so I suppose they made him a Lord on purpose for the wedding; even though he’d grown up to be a most competent prime minister, well respected and loved by all.

The union of Princess Juyin and Stever had met no opposition from any official or the powerful nobility (aristocracy) and besides, all the citizens (inhabitants) of Avarkan Kingdom, including the animals, both adored and loved them. From thence, the abundant blessing was constantly showered on the loving couple. Avarkan had already thrived under Stevor’s brilliantly implemented policies and all the nobles, officials, military and common citizens alike, lived in eternal bliss. 

Tansan (to ripe old age) was a constant companion to Lord Stevor; even though, soon as Stevor had secured his position of Prime Minister, he’d arranged to have a ship transport willing several wolf packs to comfortably settle on the island. Tansan, as their newly proclaimed alfa king of all the packs, ruled justly and wisely. And eventually, happily married to his chosen, destined alfa mate, and thereon, sired many alfas, his lineage secured.

08- TANSAN'S FAMILY

Few years later, Juyin was crowned the rightful Queen of Avarkan, and she ruled the kingdom wisely, with her trusted adviser, her devoted husband, always by her side, still holding onto his post as the Prime Minister of Avarkan. They had three lovely children born to them, two princes and a lovely princess.

All was well in the island and within Avarkan kingdom and everyone, men or beast, lived happily ever after.

Few times there was a sighting of dragons, charting a course in the sky, towards the North. Longze wanted very much to visit his old friend Tansan, but he was never given the permission to do so; moreover, he was discouraged from having any contact with the moral world, while his movements were severely and rigorously restricted by then more obdurate (inflexible, hard-hearted, stony) guardians.

Citizens of Avarkan, nevertheless, constantly cast their eyes to the sky, in search of dragons; and few times, some claimed sightings of one white dragon in particular, one that looked exactly like the one depicted in beloved folk-tale, which was constantly read to children at bedtime, but unfortunately, no dragon had ever set foot on the island ever again.

Fin.