Legends of Belariath
Laria Swifclaw
The Tale of Sir Dawaine
Once long ago when darkness spread far and wide across the land their was a knight. Dawaine was his name.
I believe Dawaine truly believed in his God and the way of Justice. Dawaine came from a long standing line of Knights and his family was known to be Just and Good. Many hailed his father as a hero for his actions in fighting for the common people. Now it was Dawaine’s turn to defend the family honor. The monsters had grown bold on there attacks against the villagers and Dawaine decided it was time to do his duty for God and for honor. I truly believe that boy wanted to do what he thought was right. What was Just and good.
But, often young men's hearts are turned to evil when lust is involved. Sir Dawaine packed his things and came looking for me of course. I was the Dragon he wanted to beat. I was the very monster terrorizing his home. Sir Dawaine came to his first challenge in the place I call Fang’s edge. Fangs edge is a mountain known for its goblins and ogres. As Dawaine made his climb I sent out a goblin patrol to harass him. The knight managed to surprisingly kill the goblins yet, showed them proper burial. Why I wondered was he honoring sniveling slime like goblins. I was perplexed. I decided to send out my Ogres to fight him this knight would not defeat me. 6 Ogres went out and although wounded still this knight gave thanks to his God and I wondered why a man had such faith his sword had broke in the fight and all he had was his shield.
I awaited the knight with respect. He had faith in his God and in Justice. It's interesting what humans will do under the cause of their beliefs. Dawaine approached my cave demanding that I challenge him. I was surprised at this and even offered him a sword from my hoard. Dawaine faced me with a broken sword bravely and without regard to his life. He fought me in the faith that his God might save him. 3 times I offered this amazing man mercy. He asked me if I would surrender to him. I agreed not to terrorize the village and he left. On his way back a woman lay dying in the road I watched amazed as the Dawaine glowed and healed her with but, a touch. The two hit it off after that.
They were inseparable. I watched them curiously. Dawaine taken by his lust for this girl broke his Knightly vows and slept with her. After he grew bored of her he had her murdered and took another lover and then another. I wondered what could have changed him so quickly. What could have changed his heart. Dawaine began to use his fame to establish a kingdom and he ruled it with an iron hand. I was evil but, this man went far beyond my acts. He burned down anyone in the name of his God. Slaughtering and murdering those that opposed him.
I realized finally what had happened. The thought of a evil dragon being good or reasonable snapped his mind. He lost his faith and now he caused as much evil as those he would slay. I cried a tear for the knight who was once a brave lion of a fighter and who had mercy for those in despair. On this day 13 years ago I burnt his kingdom to the ground and killed that murderer. I felt my heart change and realize now that we had made a switch. I was good and he ill. I had a burial set for the knight that changed my life. I buried him in the ancient fashion with honor and Justice. I was his only mourner. Now as the years go by I visit his monument and give thanks to the God Dawaine worshiped for changing my life. For saving me from my own evil. You see I loved Dawaine. I know it sounds silly for a Female Dragon to love a mortal but, Dawaine to me emphasized all I once was and all I should have been. After he died I had a broken heart. I'll never recover from my loss. I sing everyday for his God and I give praise to his name. I only ask that others pass down his tale and that he be remembered not for his tyranny and failure but, for his ultimate sacrifice in saving me.