Myridia, ancient and wise, slept. Four ages had passed, while she lay dreaming within her crystal cave. Men had long forgotten the power and influence the dragon once wielded.

So, it came as a surprise, when a knight, dressed in shining armor, entered the cave to claim Myridia’s head.

Slowly, so as not to rouse the Dream Dragon, he made his way deeper into the shimmering, blue crystal cavern. Diamonds, opals, gold and silver lay strewn upon the ground and he had to tread lightly. His breath formed little, white clouds. Shivers ran down his spine, for his armor grew cold and began to draw out the warmth that coursed through his blood.

Mayhap warmth will return once I shed this armor, the knight thought, as he tugged on his leather straps with stiff hands, trying to rid himself of the frozen plate mail. With a clank and a clunk, the cuirass fell to the ground, followed by gauntlets, boots and greaves. The knight, left with only his pantaloons and tunic, felt as if freed from a great burden.

His gaze fell unto the dragon, which had not moved. Awe made him kneel and love stayed his hand. He shed tears of sorrow, which turned into tiny crystals and fell to the ground with soft tinks.

Why dost thou cry? A gentle voice probed his mind and the knight looked up.

Myridia opened her emerald eyes; her head still rested upon her massive front claws. Her body, covered in shimmering, white scales, filled most of the chamber.

The knight wondered why his mind did not go mad with dragon-fear, while he considered the creature’s question.

“I cry for the loss of our dreams, for we forget how to seek out the wonders of this world. War is upon us and we do not know how to prevent it. We have even forgotten how to love each other.” The knight sighed and looked at his sword.

Myridia's voice filled the mind of the knight again. Thou came to slay the mighty dragon, knight? What good will it do? Will it prevent war or return the dreams?

“No, no longer will I do such a vile thing,” the knight called out and dropped his sword. “I will take back the wonder into the world and mayhap prevent a war and return the dreams,” he said resolutely and stood.

Myridia smiled and pulled a scale from her front leg. Take this, brave knight, may it aid you in your quest, the dragon said and handed the frosty scale to the knight.

The knight bowed and received the scale, which was as big as a kite shield. “I will spread the word of the wondrous dragon,” he promised and left the crystal cave.

He returned to the castle and took up a lute. Once knight, now bard, he traveled the land, singing of wondrous encounters with dragons of old. Soon, his crystal clear voice lifted the darkness that covered the land like a shroud.

Kingdoms united in friendship, and celebrated the bard.

Myridia smiled and closed her emerald eyes once more, waiting for the next knight in need.