Matthew and the Prince of Dragons

By Laura Rockswold

The tale told to dragonkind for centuries is ready to be discovered again. In a distant human kingdom, Prince Matthew will soon be old enough to take his father's place as king. This exciting stage in the prince's life becomes a nightmare when his eyes change appearance, he grows claws, he loses his hair, and who knows what else. When the conditions worsen, Matthew travels across expansive plains and forbidden mountains in hopes of restoring himself. Unless Matthew can break the spell, the kingdom will fail.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jul 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780359792917

Book preview

Matthew and the Prince of Dragons

Matthew and the Prince of Dragons

by

Laura Rockswold

© 2019 Lulu.com self-publishing. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without prior written permission from the author.

ISBN: 978-0-359-79291-7

With thanks to Barbara, for helping with editing.

Special regards to my family, for supporting my creativity.

And to my Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, thank you for showing me the value of truth, perseverance, and reconciliation.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chapter 1: Dreams

Chapter 2: A Quick History Lesson

Chapter 3: The Hunt

Chapter 4: From Bad to Worse

Chapter 5: What is This?

Chapter 6: Imprisoned

Chapter 7: Back to the Market

Chapter 8: A Flicker of Light

Chapter 9: The Tournament

Chapter 10: A Dinner Well Done

Chapter 11: Outcast

Chapter 12: Awakening the Heart

Chapter 13: Way of the Dragon

Chapter 14: Forbidden Lands

Chapter 15: Into the Fire

Chapter 16: Deeper Waters

Chapter 17: Heart of a Child

Chapter 18: Learning and Confessing

Chapter 19: The Treaty

Chapter 20: Song of the Morning

Chapter 21: Promises

Chapter 22: Conflicts Rising

Chapter 23: Confrontation

Chapter 24: Hendrik’s Explanation

Chapter 25: Justice or Mercy?

Chapter 26: Rebuilding the Kingdom

Chapter 27: The Time has Come

Afterword

Introduction

Zarc walked down one of the kingdom’s hallways. He passed a few dragons that greeted him and bowed their heads in reverence. He suspected they would, for it was normal to greet their king in such ways. Zarc also noticed some humans who waved or said hello. He smiled back at them his fanged, dragon smile. He knew they would not be afraid, for an elder dragon of his height could not be frightening if he tried.

When he came to the Hall of History, he saw the preserved head scales of Rayhan, the previous dragon king. Zarc rested his forehead upon the walking staff he carried and spoke. Mighty Rayhan, my king and friend. Your reign has brought blessings upon both dragon and humankind. May your courage and selflessness never be forgotten. He lifted his head and continued on his way.

After a short walk, Zarc came to a window with a view of the land. As he looked through it, he sighed and shook his tattered wings. Jyn-Toko is a fine world for dragons and humans alike. Peace is upon us indeed. Zarc then made his way to the archives. He enjoyed the archives because it was a good place to relax and think.

When Zarc made it there, he saw a group of hatchlings waiting.

Hello, King Zarc, said the oldest of the group.

Hello, Narrin, Zarc replied. What are you children doing here? Wouldn’t you rather be playing in the fields?

We want to hear a story, said Narrin.

Zarc smiled. Ah yes, stories are the gateway to knowledge and understanding. My duties are done for today, so I can tell you a story. Would you like to hear the tale of Patho-Amphi and the princess?

We already heard that story, said one of the hatchlings.

How about a story of Tiamat’s bravery?

You told us about Tiamat a few days ago.

Let’s see, Zarc muttered. Oh, I know. This is a long story, and you may have to come back for a few days to hear it all.

That’s all right. Tell us, Narrin said with a little jump of enthusiasm.

Very well, sit down everyone, Zarc told them. When they were all seated, Zarc began. Now, have you ever heard the story of Prince Matthew?

The hatchlings shook their heads.

Zarc continued,

"This is the story of a prince,

Put under a spell,

And what happened to him?

Only time will tell."

Chapter 1: Dreams

Many years ago, in a land similar to ours, there was a kingdom. It was a small kingdom only inhabited by humans and their livestock. The prince of this kingdom was a young man named Matthew.

As the sun was rising one morning, Matthew woke up to find himself in his room. Good, he said to himself. It was only a dream, but how strange. He got out of bed, put his clothes on, and headed downstairs for breakfast. When he arrived, he saw his father, King Hendrik, instructing a few of the servants. The king wore a jeweled crown upon his dark-haired head, so Matthew was quick to spot him among the others.

Good morning, my son, said Hendrik as he turned his attention to Matthew.

Good morning, Matthew replied and sat down across from his father.

King Hendrik raised his fair-skinned hand, and a servant brought a platter of biscuits. Are you all right? Hendrik asked his son. You look bothered by something.

Oh, I was just pondering a dream I had last night, said Matthew.

Can you remember it?

A little. I was out in a field; it was dark. Some sort of beast was roaring. I think it was… a dragon. He paused before he considered the dream further. And unless I’m mistaken, it’s not the first night I’ve had that dream.

The king glared. I don’t want any talk of dragons in here. They are a foolish fairytale the people of old invented to convince their children to behave. And even if dragons did exist in the past, they’d be long extinct by now.

I’m sorry, Father. I know you despise the idea of dragons existing, but it was only a dream, said Matthew. I suppose we have more important matters to discuss.

Indeed, Hendrik said with a sigh. You are almost of age and will rule the land in my place. That day is getting nearer, and there are many skills you must learn to prepare.

That reminds me, said Matthew, my sword broke. With your permission, I would like to go to the market to get it repaired.

Ah, for the coming tournament to celebrate your 20th birthday. Of course, Matthew. I suppose you won’t have any guards accompany you to the market?

As usual, said Matthew, smiling.

Hendrik laughed. All right, but be careful. You are too valuable both to the kingdom, and to me, to be harmed.

I will, said Matthew. He finished his breakfast and went upstairs to prepare for his trip.

Once upstairs, Matthew gathered a hooded cloak, a dagger, his broken sword, and a pouch of coins. He said goodbye to the king and servants, pulled on his hooded cloak, and left the castle.

Although Matthew had a horse, he chose to walk to the market. It was not far. Besides, only royalty used horses, and riding one would give away the fact that he was the prince. He sauntered down a dirt path across the dry, barren plains that led to the market.

When Matthew entered the market, he was glad nobody seemed to notice him. Any who did were only trying to sell him something and did not realize he was the prince. Matthew was not ashamed of being a prince. In many ways, he enjoyed it.

But he thought back to times he came to the market without disguising. The villagers behaved so differently then. They stood in his presence and tried to please him. It was as if they were hiding something they did wrong. Matthew learned to expect that kind of behavior from commoners, since he was royalty, but that did not mean he approved. Yes, I’m a prince, but I’m also a person. And I wish they would treat me like one, thought Matthew.

Matthew took in the familiar sights of the market. People wandered here and there, farmers sold their crops, carpenters and sculptors worked on items to sell, children touched merchandise for sale before their parents told them to stop, and a few bards played music in hopes of getting money. Then, Matthew heard the clanging noise of the blacksmith’s shop. He saw the blacksmith finish pounding something made of bronze and dip it into water.

Hello, Brenton, said Matthew.

Brenton looked up from his work. Welcome! What can I do for you?

Matthew drew his broken sword and held a finger to his lips.

Brenton nodded and took the sword. As you wish, my prince. Hmm, the blade’s bent. I’ll have that straightened for you soon enough.

Good old Brenton, Matthew thought as he watched the blacksmith pound the sword back into shape. Matthew knew his sword would give away his identity, but Brenton still treated Matthew like any other customer.

While the blacksmith worked, Matthew wandered to the nearest food kiosks. He looked at the withering vegetables in one of the crates.

That’s all there is today, I’m afraid, said the farmer selling the produce.

Matthew was startled by the farmer’s sudden approach but soon calmed and refrained from drawing his dagger. That’s all? Matthew repeated.

The farmer nodded. Rough season.

Matthew felt his stomach growl as he observed those around the market a second time. He addressed the farmer again. One sack of potatoes for… that family over there, please. Matthew pointed to an impoverished family and gave the farmer the required coins. And keep the change, he added as he walked back to Brenton’s shop.

Brenton wiped his hands and gave Matthew the repaired sword. "There you are, sir. May it serve you well