Heroes and Dragons

13

Life's unpredictability never ceases to amaze.

When I had nothing, the ability to see the hero's aura vanished, leaving me unable to discern the strength of my foes, stumbling through life's mire, battered and bruised. Yet, as I grew stronger and no longer needed to avoid anyone, that very ability returned, revealing a hero's aura around my own head.

Sitting alone on a desolate hill, under the vast starry sky, I poured myself a full jug of wine, reflecting on the twists and turns of the years, on the promises made, and I laughed heartily, only to find myself suddenly crying.

Why?

I don't really know.

The latest challenger was a formidable hero, perhaps the strongest I had faced, and I nearly met my defeat.

But in the end, I prevailed.

Watching his dejected figure retreat with his broken sword, I sighed in relief. That's when I noticed a gold coin falling from his pocket, rolling to my feet.

The coin bore the image of a majestic, fire-breathing dragon, full of might and grandeur.

I was stunned.

It took a long while before I bent down to pick it up, instinctively wiping it over and over with my sleeve.

I had never formally qualified as a hero, never had that gold badge pinned to my chest.

But this time, I hung the coin there.

I couldn't remember the last time I visited this mountain.

It must have been many, many years ago.

I hadn't realized how difficult the climb had become. Complaining inwardly, I set down the heavy chest, wiped the sweat from my face, and caught my breath, realizing I wasn't as young as I once was.

The dragon's lair remained unchanged, the corridor as clean as ever.

But the wall graffiti and slogans had faded, showing their age.

The door at the end of the corridor was ajar, but just before pushing it open, I hesitated.

Or perhaps felt a sense of fear.

So, I chose to knock instead.

"Leave the package outside in the cabinet, please," a muffled voice came from inside, accompanied by the sound of splashing water, "Thank you."

I smiled and pushed the door open.