The Dragon by Jasleen (Part 1)

We are so proud to publish the work of middle school students in Durham, NC. 

Follow along as we post the rest of The Dragon by Jasleen, one of our Student Leaders. 

The Dragon
by Jasleen

 

 Prologue: The Attack

The sun and breeze feels so good on my face. I thought. It reminds me of  a perfect summer day, Lilly playing and me relaxing. Suddenly the sky went dark and I looked up. Oh no, it’s back!

“Rose, go grab your sister before the dragon gets her,” Mom yelled.

I ran as fast as I could but when I was a few meters away the dragon swooped and grabbed her.

“No,” I screamed, “Lilly!”

She can’t be gone, this is all a dream! It’s got to be! But it wasn’t and I knew it.

I ran back to the house crying and saying, “She’s gone, the dragon took her!”

I couldn’t say anymore and I started crying even harder. I am going to get her back! I decided.

Chapter 2: The Truth

I decided to only tell one person about where I was going, my best friend Maya.

“Maya, I HAVE to tell you something,” I whispered, “ The dragon took my sister and I am going on a quest to get her back.”

“What,” she whispered.

“I am going to get her back but don’t worry I will be fine,” I told her. 

“Well I am coming as well,” she told me.

“No, you have to stay here and keep them from worrying about me. But don’t tell them where I went,” I replied, trying to stay calm.

“But I want to go with you,” she complained .

“Please,” I asked, hoping she’d understand.

“Fine,” she replied after what seemed like forever, “But be very very careful!”

“I will. Just remember not to tell ANYONE where I went,” I told her.

She understood!

“Bye," she said sadly, “I will miss you!”
“I will miss you too,” I said, “Bye!” 

 Chapter 3: The Trip

After dinner,  I waited until everyone was asleep. What if I can’t find Lilly? I wondered. Well, I have to try! But what if Mom and Dad wonder where I am? Then I decided I would leave them a note. I quickly scribbled down a note that read: going to find Lilly, be back soon.  Then I grabbed a backpack and threw in some clothes, a blanket, and a pillow. Next I scrambled down the stairs and grabbed some paper and pen for if I get bored, some scissors for if I need to protect myself, and some food and water. Then I dashed out the door and headed for the mountains.

Finally, the mountains! I wonder if Lilly is here 

“Lilly, Lilly, are you there,” I called, but no one answered.

Then a fox with some birds walked up to me. “What seems to be the matter,” the fox asked.

“Um… well a dragon took my sister and… and… I’m not sure that I can get her back,” I told the fox.

“You just have to believe you can do it,” she told me as some birds brought me some berries, “Here, take these for the trip.”

Then they scampered away. She’s right, I've got this! Maybe she is further up the mountain. I thought, breaking into a run. 

Chapter 4: The Song

What's that? 

“Anyone there,” I asked

Where is it coming from? I thought, following the voice. When I reached where it was loudest I couldn’t see anyone. Then suddenly, SLAM! A cage slammed on top of my head.

“Let me out,” I called as a bunch of fairies came into the clearing.

“No,” The biggest fairy called, “I am Moonstar, and you are our prisoner.”

I’ve got to get out, but how? Then Rainflower made an announcement to the fairies.

“Tomorrow we will have a big party in honor of us capturing someone,” she told them.

“Yay,” They all cheered.

That’s it! I will throw them a party! Later that night once everyone was asleep I started to cut up paper into a bunch of streamers, hung them up, and then started to use the metal bars to make music.

“What’s all that noise,” Rainflower asked, sounding very tired.

“I threw you a party,” I told her.

“How do I know I can trust you,” she snapped.

“Well you’ve already trapped me, what else can I do to you? And besides, it is a party,”I replied 

“Ok,” She replied, “I think it is safe.”

Then all the fairies started coming into the cage. Yes! This is my chance!  I thought, slipping out of the cage. Ok. this should be far enough from the fairies.  I thought, drifting off to sleep.

Chapter 5: The Alarm

When I woke up it was way past noon and immediately I grabbed my stuff and started back up the mountain.  A cave! Maybe Lilly is in there. But when I looked inside Lilly wasn’t there and neither was the dragon that took her but a different dragon was lying there sleeping. That clearly isn't the dragon that took Lilly so I will just leave it alone.

As I continued up the mountain I got increasingly tired because I had been up all night.  A quick nap won't hurt anyone. And I lay down.

Before I could fall asleep, something came out and snatched my bag. It was a goblin.

“Come back with my stuff," I yelled running after it.

First fairies, and now this?

The goblin turned around, and I hid behind a bush.

“The code is 12345678910,” he said out loud while typing it into the keypad.

As soon as he went in the gate closed and I quickly typed in the code. I jumped in a barrel as some goblins were rolling it into the castle. I’m in. My bag is right over there! As soon as the goblins left I jumped out of the barrel and grabbed my bag. I will sneak out at night. 

Stay tuned for the next installment of The Dragon!