This story is by John N King and was part of our 2023 Fall Writing Contest. You can find all the writing contest stories here.
Bedtime stories usually helped Wing sleep. They were one of the few times she was able to have her adopted father all to herself, and it was always wonderful to hear stories of heroes and monsters lull her into dreams of glory and adventure.
Unfortunately, tonight was not a night for those stories. Her father had caught Wing trying to sneak out. And instead of grounding her, he sat her down before him, and brought out a large black and silver book.
“Legend tells of a giant black wolf,” her father read, his eyes glancing over the book at Wing, “Who’s hatred of humans was matched only by her appetite for destruction. She traveled the land, leaving chaos and destruction in her wake.”
Wing narrowed her eyes. She thought she remembered this story: the giant black wolf was also known as Myst, if she recalled correctly. But what did that have to do with Wing or with sneaking out?
She would soon find out, as her father continued his tale: “Over the years, many myths and legends have been made of those who have tried to defeat this dangerous dog.”
Wing perked up. “Is this story about the ones who succeeded?”
Her father didn’t answer, returning his eyes to the book.
“In a village trapped in the path of the evil wolf, three brothers believed themselves capable of defeating the beast. They each wagered their lives that they could find a way to protect their village from the monster.”
Wing leaned forward, her eyes wide and in awe.
“The first brother was a hunter by trade,” her father explained. “He believed that the wolf could be nothing but another animal for him to hunt. Using his experience and piles of straw, he tried to use fire to spook the wolf back.” Her father shook his head. “Unfortunately, the wolf was not cowed by flames, and cooked the hunter with his own fiery straw. The first brother had failed.”
Wing’s stomach gave a lurch at the idea of eating a human.
“The second brother set out, eager for both glory and vengeance. He brought with him several of the best hunting hounds he could find, hopeful that their superior senses would match the evil wolf’s.” Her father again shook his head. “But the wolf was cunning, and turned the hounds on their master. Together, they devoured the second brother, with him joining his first brother in failure.”
A shivering sensation spread through Wing’s arms. She hugged herself, trying to quell her beating heart.
“The third and final brother,” her father read. “Did not immediately charge out to face the killer of his brothers. Instead, he traveled far up into the mountains. For it was said that a dragon – the greatest warrior of their time – lived up in those mountains.”
A grin formed on Wing’s face.
“The third brother found this dragon,” her father said. “He challenged the dragon, telling him that he was going to help him save his village. The dragon was amused, and told the third brother that if he could defeat the dragon in combat, he would willingly help him.”
“And the big bad wolf?” Wing asked.
“Drew ever closer to the village,” her father replied. “Time was running out, and the third brother could not let his siblings die in vain. He accepted the dragon’s challenge, but was crafty. Using bricks made of the toughest clay, sand and lime, he crafted a shield that could withstand the dragon’s flames. Rendering the dragon’s fire useless, the brother baited the dragon into charging at him. He redirected the warrior over a cliff, and when the dragon spread his great wings to avoid a nasty fall, the brother leaped onto his back, riding him like a flying horse back to his home, which had just come under attack from the wolf.”
Wing gasped in delight. “And he saved the town?”
Her father’s gaze was dark. “This isn’t one of those stories, my dear,” he said. “The dragon was already infuriated at how he had been tricked. To be ridden like a common work horse was the final insult. He drew in a great breath, and unleashed a storm of fire and lightning. The black wolf was driven back, but the dragon was not satisfied. The dragon proceeded to burn down the entire village, punishing the brother for his insolence and pride.”
Wing’s grin melted like chocolate in the sun.
“The brother attempted to control the dragon,” her father said sadly. “But the beast had never been a tool to be exploited. It flung the brother from its back, sending him screaming into the fiery pit that had replaced his beloved village.”
Wing gaped at her father with wide, horrified eyes. “That… that’s a horrible story.”
“Not a story, my girl,” her father replied, closing the book. “A legend, and one that came with a valuable lesson. One that the survivors of the village brought to the people who founded our home, and one that they’ve imparted on all that live here. Except, obviously, for you.”
Wing winced and looked down at her body. At the black and white scales. Bat-like wings tucked over her shoulder like a cloak, and a reptilian tail similarly swished between her legs.
Her father’s glare faltered as he beheld her despair. He patted her head gently.
“I’m truly sorry, Wing,” he said. “I wish it could be different.” He held the book up. “But thanks to this legend… people will always be wary of those who are not human. For while great power does come with great responsibility, many are not capable of handling that responsibility. They let power corrupt them; they let themselves believe they are above consequence.” He tapped the book. “Just like the dragon. He was insulted by the brother’s attempt to use him as a tool, so he made sure that the man and his people paid for their pride.”
“But all they wanted was to defend their village,” Wing whispered. “I’d have happily helped them if I could’ve.”
Her father smiled sadly at Wing. “I bet you would. But they don’t know that.” He indicated outside. “Our neighbors will look at you, and only see either the wolf that killed so many… or the dragon who was willing to burn those that tried to control it.” He touched her cheek. “That is why you can’t go out there, Wing. That is why you must stay here. Secret… but safe.” His eyes grew watery. “I don’t want to lose you.”
Wing hugged her dad, careful not to crush him with her strength. Yet, as he tucked her in, she couldn’t help but gaze up, looking past the ceiling and to the sky above.
“One day,” she thought. “I’ll change that. I’ll make a legend greater than that prideful dragon. I’ll show the world that I am different.”
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