The Brave Boy Who Set a Dragon Free
Once upon a time, in the old town of Quillshire, there was a young boy named Timmy. Timmy was unlike other children; he was special because he could talk to animals. Yes, dear little ones, Timmy had a magical gift of speaking with the furry, feathery, and scaly friends that shared his world.
One bright morning, Timmy wandered off into the grand forest that lay beyond his house, talking and laughing with all his animal friends. Birds fluttered around singing sweet songs, squirrels scurried up and down the trees, and the delicate creatures of the forest all turned a listening ear to Timmy's voice.
As the sun began to set, he stumbled upon a big golden egg hidden in the undergrowth. He could not believe his eyes! The egg was unlike anything he had ever seen before and filled him with wonder and awe. He picked up the big golden egg and said, Hello there, who might you be?
An echoing voice from inside the egg responded, I am, dear Timmy, an ancient dragon waiting to be born. My time in this egg has grown long and tedious. I need your help to finally see the light of day.
Timmy was surprised and a little scared. He had never heard of a child possible freeing a dragon from an egg, but regardless the young boy was brave. After a moment's pause, he asked the dragon, How can I help you?
The dragon replied, Three tasks there are to break the egg. First, find the rare blue rose that blooms only under the full moon. Second, bring the shed feather of a glow-bird from the tallest tree in the forest. The final task is to sing the ancient song that the wind sings on starry winter nights.
Even though the tasks seemed impossible at first, Timmy was determined. For many days, he journeyed through the vast forest, assisted by his animal friends. After a long search, he found a blue rose hidden in a moonlit glade. His tiny feathered companions helped him reach the top of the tallest tree to collect the glow-bird's feather. The last task, however, was the hardest. Timmy, with his animal friends' help, learned to mimic the howling winter wind and its haunting melody.
When the tasks were done, Timmy returned to the golden egg and sang the ancient song he'd learned. As the last note echoed in the still air, a blinding light filled the forest. The golden egg began to crack, and what emerged was a sight to behold. A beautiful dragon, its scales shimmering in a myriad of colors like a ruby fire in the moonlight, took its first breath in the open air.
Thank you, dear Timmy, the dragon said. Your courage and determination have freed me. In return for your kindness, I offer you a gift. Whenever you're in need, call my name, and I'll be there.
Timmy made a friend for life that day. He returned to Quillshire, filled with stories of his fantastic adventure. And though he continued to live his life as any normal boy, everyone, animals, and people alike, knew that, in times of great need, a dragon would be there to help, a dragon that Timmy bravely set free.
So, sweet listeners, it's bedtime now, and as we remember Timmy's courageous tale, let us always be reminded that courage, determination, and kindness can yield the most magical of friendships.
