The Priest and the Dragon

By Bruce Black

The idea for my novel was sown several years ago when I grew tired of books and movies that continued to show the same old story of a trained fighter who relied on flashy violence and force to prove his point. The world is ready for a new type of hero I thought, one that relies on God for direction and fights only as a last resort. Therefore, my book, “The Priest and the Dragon” was formulated in my mind, and after much prayer and hard work, is now completed.

“The image of a powerful man who uses his strength to nurture, teach and heal is irresistible.”
David Carradine, Spirit of Shaolin.

The Priest and the Dragon is an inspirational novel about how love and faith in God can overcome the hate and anger of men. The main character is Scott Mason. Chapter one pulls the reader into the action immediately as Scott is attacked as a teen attempting to help some strangers. We then learn how Scott turns to martial arts training as a way of vengeance, and then he learns to let go of his anger and embrace forgiveness to reach his full potential as a warrior.
He happens upon a small southern town that has a dark secret; a white supremacist gang headed by the local sheriff is trying to weed out the “undesirables”. Scott is only in town for a short time when he becomes involved by helping an elderly gentleman the gang is terrorizing. He diffuses the situation in a unique way, and this is the first act that starts the downfall of the gang.
Scott also pulls the town together to help rebuild what the gang has destroyed and risks his own life defending others property. Scott is a skilled martial artist and when there is no other way, he promptly defeats those that attack him or attempt to harm others.
He also meets Sarah Nimori a local rancher who has a little boy named Casey. Scott spends a lot of time explaining things to Casey; here you will understand how I came up with the title of the book. The reader grows as they read Scott’s simple and effective philosophies and examples as he teaches how a true warrior and man of God lives.
The story is fictitious, but it tries to capture the reality of the problems of racism, hate and narrow mindedness. It has adventure, action, mystery and a love story rolled into one, but above all it is a testimony to faith in God. The dominant theme is how the relationship between God and man should be. An example of how one man with God is a majority and can make a difference.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bruce Black
• Release date: Apr 15, 2011
• ISBN: 9781458079107

Bruce Black

Bruce Black has studied the martial arts and its spiritual path for the past 30 years. He has Black Belts in Tae-Kwon-Do and Ninjitsu. He has written three books and numerous short stories that teach simple spiritual truths through how the characters interact with life and others. Bruce also has a degree in Natural Health and practices Qi Gong daily while living in Utah with his three daughters.

Book preview

The Priest and the Dragon

Once in a lifetime, out of the shadows

of anonymity, steps a different kind of hero.

By

Bruce Black

Copyright 2011 Bruce Black

Smashwords Edition

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Contents

Chapter 1: History

Chapter 2: The Town

Chapter 3: The Dragons

Chapter 4: The Lair

Chapter 5: Sarah

Chapter 6: First Strike

Chapter 7: Randy

Chapter 8: Retribution

Chapter 9: The Stand

Chapter 10: Change

Chapter 11: Challenge

Chapter 12: Faith

Chapter 13: New Beginning

History

The smell of pepperoni pizza filled their nostrils as they entered the dimly lit pizzeria.

This looks like a good spot.

Ya, next to the juke box, I’m going to get some change. Tom headed to the cash register and Scott sat down in the booth closest to the jukebox. This was his favorite pizza place and local high schools hang out. Even though he and Tom had graduated a couple of years ago he didn’t recognize anyone as he scanned the interior.

It was Saturday night and Tom had suggested they go to a movie but they were both hungry and decided to get something to eat first. Tom was busily shoving quarters into the jukebox when Scott noticed a gang of about six guys gathering in front of a booth across the room. Through the scattering of people he could see two younger boys seated in the booth, they both looked scared and out of place. There was some poking and laughing going on and it seemed like kids just goofing off, but the panicked look on one of the younger boys faces made Scott uneasy. As Tom sat down Scott nodded in the direction of the gathering. Can you hear what’s going on over there? he asked Tom.

Not from here, why what’s up? Tom was now curious as he strained to see what was happening. Scott remained watchful, and as Tom gave the server their order, the voices from across the room began to rise.

We saw you staring and laughing at us! one of the troublemakers was screaming at the fearful boys.

Think you have what it takes to mess with us? another one yelled. It was clear to Scott that the two seated boys did not intend to start anything. The leader of the gang must have sensed this too so he started it. All of the sudden he was kicking the boy seated closest to him. Scott couldn’t believe his eyes and reacted before he could think; he stood and pushed passed the waitress. He had been taught all his life to stand up for what was right and this definitely wasn’t. Six against two and the two weren’t even fighting back.

As Scott approached, his view of the attack was obscured but he could see blood on the table. He flew into the kicker and grabbed him, pulling him away from his victim. He then pushed him hard against the wall, his anger amplifying his strength. All he wanted to do was to stop this violent unprovoked attack. The kicker had a look of shock on his face as he slammed into the wall with a thud.

What the hell are you doing? Scott was furious. The kicker didn’t answer he just looked over Scott’s shoulder as an evil grin spread across his face. His look made Scott curious as to what was approaching from behind. He loosened his grip and turned to see three more guys enter the restaurant, the one in front looked young enough to still be in high school but was extremely large. Tom was behind Scott, Lets just all calm down, we don’t want any trouble, we just wanted to break up the fight. He grabbed Scott’s arm who reluctantly let go, and they started to make their way back to their table. At this point, they were wishing they hadn’t acted so hastily. They only got halfway across the room when nine wrathful young men surrounded them. Scott feared it was too late to get out of this but part of him hoped they would get some respect since they were a few years older.

He peered through the hostile crowd at the manager behind the counter it looked like he was calling someone, hopefully the police. Scott tried to diffuse the situation until help could arrive. He started to say something but the largest guy was now in his face.

What’s the matter, aint so tough now? The goliath mocked him. Fear and adrenaline surged through Scott and he could feel his heart pounding in his chest. He and Tom were silent, what could they say that would change anything now. The crowd started to shove them, and Scott tried to work his way back to their table, because somehow it seemed like a safe haven. The mob pulled him back Scott raised a fist to strike when someone punched him from behind. He turned to face his attacker when he was viciously hit again from the right. He was then drug to the ground the weight of the mob more than he could resist.

He felt a stabbing pain in his lower back as someone kicked him, another one in the head. Time started to blur, his senses were on overload as his body jerked from one blow after another. Instinctively he curled into the fetal position with his arms wrapped around his head.

The attack continued, but for how long he didn’t know. It seemed like an eternity but then as quickly as it had begun it was over. He laid there on the ground as he saw the last of the gang run out the door. Through his blurred vision, he could see that Tom had suffered a similar fate and was struggling to get off the floor. He felt a stinging in his eyes and realized it was blood. He felt around his forehead for the gash from which the warm red liquid was making its escape.

One of the waitresses brought him a wet towel and helped him up. He looked around the restaurant and saw that the boys they had sought to defend were also long gone. He limped pathetically to the table he had tried so desperately to get to only a few moments ago and sat down.

*****

The cry of a hawk snapped Scott back into the present. It was flying parallel as if they were in a race. The hawk let the wind move his body up and down, gliding peacefully. The sun was just coming over the mountain as he rounded the corner and entered the valley. The air was cool and the first rays of the morning sun offered their welcomed warmth. He had the top off the Jeep and had been driving for about an hour now.

The narrow road opened its full view of the valley as he shifted to fourth gear and accelerated down the highway. The wind whipped through the cab carrying with it the familiar scents of early morning in the country. Flowers in bloom, wet grass, and fresh air were the sweet smells he loved as a child. It was the kind of day that brought back memories of simpler times. He had been remembering the events of his past, the events that had brought him here traveling the countryside with no particular place to go.

The old Jeep whined as he whisked around another corner. Taking in the fresh scenery he let himself drift back, back to the day after the attack he had just relived. This was the turning point that started him on this life long journey.

*****

He had never felt so much pain at once before. His body ached from head to foot, not to mention all the emotions that were surging within him. He felt anger at the assailants and even at the boys that he tried to protect that fled, and shock, that this could even happen; he had been in fights before but never like this. He was also fearful, that it could happen again. It all summed up to an overflowing hate that was bottled up inside with no outlet, and it intensified every time he remembered one of his attackers faces. What could he have been thinking? Why did he get involved? Of course, he had no idea how bad they would be outnumbered. There were many feelings, but the most predominant feeling was one of helplessness, of being the victim. He had never felt this way and didn't know how to handle it.

He was sitting there, simmering in a pot of negative emotions, and thinking about revenge when the phone rang, it was his Uncle Bill. Uncle Bill had been trying to get Scott to take Karate classes with him but up until now, Scott was a peace lover. He never considered learning to harm another. He hated conflict.

I heard what happened yesterday, Bill said. Are you all right?

Ya, said Scott, I've been better.

Well I know a guy that wants to teach us to kick some serious butt, are you willing now? asked Bill.

Suddenly Scott felt different about the whole martial arts thing. Maybe this was the way to vent some anger and get some revenge. When do we start? he asked.

That's what I wanted to hear, Bill replied.

*****

Again, Scott snapped back into the present. He had almost forgotten how this one event had changed the entire course of his life, even though he started out with anger and wanting revenge, he spent years in training to learn the true meaning of the martial arts and spiritual development. He silently thanked God for the hard times in his life that had molded him. The sun was rising higher as the new day began, and he reached for his sunglasses that they might shield his eyes from the suns glare and the winds fury. He took a deep breath, smiled at the beauty of the blue sky and the snow capped mountains he was passing, and thought back to that first Karate class.

*****

It had been about a week since the incident at the pizza place. The anger and hate were bottled up tightly inside of him and he looked forward to its release. Bill had arranged to go to classes Monday and Wednesday nights, and Monday finally rolled around. It was a simple little Dojo, formerly a garage, now walled in and used for the studio.

Tae Kwon Do, the instructor said, is one of the deadliest of the martial arts, the kicks are high and powerful and every strike is designed to break bones.

Great, thought Scott, this is just what I need, but he was entirely too aggressive for his first lesson. He tried to move too fast for a beginner and accidentally injured some training partners. He didn't feel bad when it happened, in a way it felt good. The peace lover in him was slowly dying.

As time went on, he continued to use anger to fuel his learning. The weeks of training turned into months, and he progressed rapidly. He was a natural with God given quickness and lightning reflexes. Whenever he left the dojo, he would be ready, hoping he would bump into someone that would say the wrong thing. He was itching to prove to himself and the world that he would never be a victim again.

Three years went by and he had attained his brown belt, the final level before black belt. Although he was proficient, he noticed something strange. He was strong, and faster than the other students were but sometimes he would have a hard time connecting and concentrating when he was sparring. Lower ranking belts were beginning to get the best of him more and more. This would cause him to get even angrier and then he would totally lose focus.

One day his instructor asked him to stay after class. Master Li was a tiny man of oriental decent, small yet extremely flexible and powerful he never had any trouble tossing students larger and younger than he. He had a zest for life and Scott admired him greatly from the first day they met. Scott took his time gathering up his equipment after class waiting for the other students to file out. When the dojo was empty, he approached Master Li.

Scott, I've noticed you're having trouble lately, said Master Li he looked at Scott compassionately with his warm dark eyes.

I don't know what the trouble is, Scott replied angrily, I practice all the time but I seem to be moving backward instead of forward.

I have watched you carefully from the beginning, your natural ability and quickness give you the capability of being an outstanding martial artist, but you look to the wrong source for your power. said Master Li softly.

What do you mean, source of power? asked Scott still visibly irritated at himself.

Master Li motioned for Scott to sit down. I know why you started on your path, and anger served you well in the beginning to motivate you, but hate and anger cannot take you far, Master Li paused. Physically, you are ready for your black belt. However, to truly master the art you need a perfect balance between your mind, spirit, and body. If your mind is full of anger it will always be out of balance with your body and spirit, and therefore, you cannot tap into your inner power, your Ki.

I guess you’re right, said Scott calming down, I used to feel at peace, I never had any desire to fight. I really let that mess at the pizza place get to me, but how do I let go of the anger? It’s been a long time and it’s still there.

That is why I asked to talk to you today, to help you straighten out your path. You must give up your anger today.

How can I do that? asked Scott.

One simple word, replied Master Li, Forgiveness. Scott stared at him blankly. Think about it, continued Master Li as he sat next to Scott, Do you feel you have benefited from training in the martial arts?

Yes, replied Scott, I'm stronger, faster, more disciplined, healthier, and if it weren't for this hate inside of me I would be a completely different person.

Yes, Master Li said, the hate. Do you feel you would have ever started your training if it weren't for the fight at the pizza place?

I guess not, replied Scott thoughtfully.

Then, do you not in fact owe your attackers a debt of gratitude?

I never looked at it that way, said Scott.

You must see the good in this situation, for it will help you to forgive, Master Li paused to allow Scott time to think about what he was saying. Do you think the hate and anger you have been carrying around has affected the boys that attacked you in any way? Do you think they even remember you? You know it has affected you in a negative way, and if you do not let it go, then they are still beating you. They were full of anger and that is why they attacked those other boys and then you. Why do you wish to hold onto this? It is robbing you of reaching your greatest potential, which is your ability to love.

What does love have to do with it? asked Scott.

Everything, said master Li, remember the perfect balance of body, mind and spirit I mentioned earlier, it is impossible to achieve it without a love for all creation and a great respect for life.

Am I supposed to love those guys? asked Scott.

Put yourself in their shoes. If you had lived the life they had, you might act in the same way they did. You should feel pity for them, that is a beginning.

You have given me a lot to think about, Scott said as he stood to leave. Thanks for helping me to see this in a different light. It looks like I have a lot of thinking to do.

The time for me to be your teacher is coming to an end, soon you will receive your black belt. I will take you to wisdom's door, but you must enter on your own. I have shown you the how, you must figure out the why.

*****

It was about noon, and the air was hot and dry. The morning spent driving was now gone, and his right leg was getting stiff from driving the lively old jeep for so long. He was suddenly aware that he hadn't eaten breakfast. He decided he would stop at the next town and get something to eat at the first café he could find. He had seen signs on the road behind indicating a small town not far ahead. Within a few miles, he came upon the town. He spotted a little, friendly looking diner and pulled into the parking lot, turned off the jeep, and hopped out. It felt good to stretch after the long morning ride. He wasn't quite sure how long he had been driving but his stomach was definitely telling him it was time to eat.

He walked inside and looked around. The inviting smell of bacon, eggs and hotcakes was thick in the air, and made him even hungrier. He smiled politely at the waitress who motioned for him to seat himself. He took a seat on the corner of the bar that allowed him full view of the diner and its occupants. The waitress approached him from behind the bar, poured him a glass of water, and gave him a menu.

How are you darlin? asked the waitress. She was a pretty for her 50 some years, she personified the type of waitress you would expect in a small town, the kind that still took pride in being friendly.

Hungry! exclaimed Scott.

Well, you've come to the right place. We have the best omelet cook in four counties! I recommend the Denver with cheese.