A Story to be told

It is in a crowded tavern, where a frail old man warns everyone, but no one listens. Crazy old man they think, but there is something true behind the words, while spoken yet not heard:

"I tell you it is still out there. Dont feel safe. Dont be lazy. Dont let peace lure you. What times do we live in, where our strongest warriors fight for the amusement of the crowd. Slaying each other, while the great danger not seen since long ago, is still out there. The beast was not defeated, let me tell you it just got bored by the absence of an threat for its life. And now we have the greatest warriors in out town to compete. *Some of the young ones were making fun of the old man* FOOLS, dont you see the many crows flying over our heads. I tell you those birds are friend with the great terror and rumors will find their way. Today will be the third day of the competitions, if it doesnt know yet, it will soon. Believe me, the Dragon will rise from his hidden lair and out World will burn once again."

Two men carrying a third half dead one enter the tavern and everyone looks at them. Quite fills the room and with his last breaths the wounded says: "A monstrosity I've never seen. It killed 20 men and only spared me so I can tell you: "I'm coming!" ."

Indeed! The World will burn once again.

While being right, that the old dragon will come, the old man was wrong about the reason. The Dragon doesnt care about fighting anymore. However, being feared is important for them, not only because dragons are proud creatures, but they also want their lair left alone. Dragons gather huge treasures by forcing men to sacrifice themselves and carry their gold to the lair. One might ask: "Why?" Dragons let the men buy the lives of the survivor and go back home.

So, earlier that day, the old dragon heard news from a crow:

"My lord. I have news for you."

The dragon just nodded its head.

"I heard about a dragon, who lives many days in the east. The humans sieged his lair for days, but were defeated in a huge battle."

"YOU ARE WASTING MY TIME."

"NO, my lord. Only a fool would insult such a almighty dragon like you."

The crow waited a moment, ready to fly away.

"A small strike force attacked again and were able to wound your "brother". They were hiding, so he couldnt find them, but the Dragon knew where the men lived and flew there to kill them all. Unfortunately, he did not attack this town in time, it became a stronghold to powerful. It was a power not seen anywhere before. Before retreating to the his lair, the Dragon got wounded even more. And there it happened. The remaining forces of the first battle returned after they heard of the small force wounding him. One hundred men set a trap and were waiting in the Dragon's lair. He did not stand a chance my Lord."

The old dragon nodded again and said:

"Make sure all my of brothers hear about this injustice."

Dragons are odd creatures. They have big rivalries between each other, but one of their kind being killed can unite them. However, let me tell you it is a fragile alliance. Hearing one wrong word, they can feel insulted and turn on each other.

Now, you know the real reason for the rising of the dragon. In the end the old man was right to warn his people, but if it was to late. The world will burn once again.

However, that is a story for another time.