«Twilight’s Whisper: Oliver’s Dance with Destiny»

© M. argvlaini, 2024

ISBN 978-5-0062-3300-3

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

In a time long forgotten, in a small village surrounded by dense woods and rolling hills, there lived a poor boy named Oliver. He was an orphan, alone in the world with no family or friends to speak of. However, Oliver harbored a secret – deep within the ancient forest, he had befriended a creature of legend: a majestic black dragon.

This dragon, whose scales shimmered like the night sky, was the only friend Oliver had. The villagers knew nothing of this magnificent beast, for the dragon revealed himself only to Oliver. To everyone else, the dragon was merely a figment of the boy’s imagination, a tale spun by a lonely heart seeking solace in a make-believe world.

Every evening, as the village settled into silence, Oliver would sneak into the heart of the forest to meet his friend. The dragon, wise and gentle, understood the boy’s solitude and offered him companionship like no other. In the dragon’s presence, Oliver felt a peace he had never known.

The dragon, whom Oliver named Alaric, was a creature of intelligence and magic. He listened to Oliver’s dreams and fears, comforting the boy with a deep, rumbling purr that echoed through the forest. Oliver, in turn, would tell Alaric stories of the village, of the people who never believed in the wonders that lay hidden in their world.

One starlit night, Oliver shared his deepest desire with Alaric. «I wish the villagers could see you, to believe in magic as I do,» he said softly. Alaric’s glowing eyes held a knowing look, as if he sensed that a change was on the horizon.

Their secret continued, a unique bond between a boy and a mythical dragon, kept away from the world’s disbelieving eyes. Yet, destiny had plans for Oliver and Alaric, plans that would unfold magic and mystery, revealing their hidden truth to the world.

As the first light of dawn kissed the horizon, a calamity befell the village. Marauders, like shadows cast by the fleeing night, descended upon the peaceful hamlet. Flames soared as thatched roofs caught fire, painting the sky with the colors of despair. Amidst this chaos, a young figure emerged – it was Oliver.

With courage swelling in his heart, Oliver confronted the invaders. His voice, clear and defiant, cut through the turmoil. «Beware, for I command a black dragon, mighty and fierce! Leave now, or face our wrath!» he declared, his words echoing with a mix of hope and desperation.

The raiders’ commander, a brute of a man with a sneer that spoke of many battles, stepped forward. Laughter rumbled from his throat, a sound as harsh as the clanging of swords. «Fairy tales won’t save you, boy,» he mocked, brandishing his sword with menacing ease.

Oliver dodged the lethal arc of the commander’s sword, nimble as a deer. In a swift motion, he drew a rusty knife, its blade a silent witness to many a lonely night in the forest. His heart pounded with a mix of fear and hope, silently calling for Alaric, his dragon friend.

But Alaric, bound by a secret curse, remained ensnared in the forest’s shadow. The daylight, a barrier as unyielding as iron, held him captive. Only under the cloak of night, blessed by the moon’s caress, could Alaric roam free.

The clash between Oliver and the raider commander was a dance of desperation. Despite his bravery, Oliver was no match for the seasoned warrior. With a swift, cruel thrust, the commander’s blade found its mark. Oliver staggered, pain flaring through his body like a star falling from the heavens.