The Tale of Ralph: Dream Defender

By L.J. Lowery

This book is about a boy, a magician, and their dragon.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: May 1, 2016
• ISBN: 9781483567792

Book preview

Defender

Prologue:

But why can’t I have my body back?, asked the dragon with obvious impatience. His voice emanating from the child’s toy his essence now occupied.

For the same reasons I listed for you with your previous inquiry into this subject. Said the Magician in a tone which a parent would use with a child.

Your time has not yet been served, good Dragon. The Law requires of you one final test of your ability to exist in this realm without blatantly terrorizing its populace The Magician said while gazing down fondly at the child's toy tucked under his arm.

Wizard, the last time I went on one of your assignments, I was put into a thrift store box. Have you any idea how infuriating that is? For a dragon to be thrown away. Worse! To be put into a box full of items, which someone does not have the heart to throw away? To be sold fora pittance of what my magnificent self is worth?!

Well, at least you were not thrown into the rubbish bin, like so much refuse. That is a step up is it not? asked The Magician, with amusement plain in his voice.

It most certainly is not! cried the outraged dragon.

Oh come off it Eithne. I saved you from that awful place, did I not? asked The Magician.

Don’t call me that! That is not my name. said The Dragon in a way which suggested that he would be shaking his jowls if he had any.

What should I call you then? Mirrie? Rionnag? I can continue dancing around your name for as long as is needed. Since after our arrangement began, you have forbidden me to use your Magic given name.

It is this agreement which causes me such grief! Who ever thought that children could be so difficult to please? And those are Faery names, not of the Drakkon. Oh stars. How much longer am I to suffer such insult? he said in a tone as close to pouting as a dragon can get.

On the contrary good Dragon. It is your past which has caused your present predicament. And you cannot deny that you have been enjoying the challenge these children present. I believe you might even have begun to enjoy the company of the little devils.

Even in this miniscule form I am able to crush you as I would a rodent, Wizard!

I appreciate this example as to why your current circumstance is necessary for your personal growth and well being. And as for children, they are especially opinionated, and easily frightened. On both counts because they have not been alive for very long. They are tiny humans who are not yet adept at guile. So yes, they can be difficult at times. But, I’m sure you are aware of this already, Oh Wizened One. Said the Magician in a jovial tone.

So you will force me to dance with yet another tiny opponent then?, asked the dragon with preening delight in his tone. Fine. Said the dragon in a voice that sounded ominously amused. You are fortunate that I enjoy a challenge, Wizard. However, unfortunately for you, I also love mischief. When at last you have chosen my final test of suitability to exist in this world, you must seek me out. For I will be hiding amongst your many and varied containers, amid the even more varied objects and creatures which are in your possession. Good day!

At that, the dragon disappeared from under the Magician’s arm with a poof, and a whoosh. The Magician let out an amused sigh as he dusted his now empty hands, and sauntered down the sidewalk to