Heroes and Dragons

3

Why should I roam the world looking for heroes? Since every hero's ultimate mission is to challenge the dragon, why not just camp outside the dragon's lair and wait for them to come to me!

I was quite pleased with my own ingenuity, packed my bags, and headed to the nearest Dark Mountain. I'd been there many times before, familiar with the terrain. I knew of a small cave near the dragon's lair, cozy for any season and free from pests, perfect for setting up my modest abode.

As for the dragon living in the lair, honestly, I wasn't scared of it at all.

Despite its fearsome depiction in tales, breathing fire and devouring people, my frequent observations revealed the truth was quite different.

Though capable of breathing fire, the dragon only did so when challenged by heroes; it didn't have a violent streak outside its "duties."

I theorized that, despite our species differences, the principle remained the same: no one likes working overtime. Even the fiercest dragon wouldn't want to bother with fighting outside of its "job hours."

And my fears of being devoured were unfounded too. Analyzing the refuse outside the lair, it was clear the dragon was a vegetarian, preferring fresh fruits and vegetables over any meat.

Those terrifying tales were likely spread by those who failed their challenges, to save face.

After all, portraying the enemy as utterly monstrous makes one's defeat seem less embarrassing.

How do I know all this? Since setting up camp here, I've accidentally stumbled upon numerous defeated challengers huddled at the lair's entrance, whispering about keeping their stories straight, too ashamed to admit their failings.

Some defeated heroes even chose to disappear, never to return home, likely the source of tales about being devoured by the dragon.

But I could understand their predicament.

Who'd readily admit that after years of hard work, they were thwarted by something as trivial as not having a hero's aura?

Living at the lair's entrance, I encountered various heroes, heard fascinating tales from across the world, and occasionally enjoyed free shows of epic battles. Life here was far more interesting than in the small, isolated town I came from.

By embellishing these stories and selling them to gossip papers in town, I even made some money, enough for my daily needs.

I was quite satisfied with this life.

But eventually, my insatiable curiosity got the better of me again.

I wanted to meet the reclusive dragon, my neighbor, who always stayed deep within its lair.