500 Words 2023: read a finalist's story from the 8 - 11 category

<500 Words< Finalists< 8-11

This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2023.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

The Dragon of the Deep by Jake T.

Darting after an energetic pike that swerves in and out of the reeds, the soft, spring sun reflects against the surface of my beloved lake. Left, right, up, down, I chase my prey through cloudy waters. I have lived in this underwater paradise ever since I was a wee bairn. I cherish the feeling of the crisp, countryside breeze as I come up for air. The fields of green that surround my home are quite the sight to behold. But my family did not originate from here. That is why I will tell you the tale of my ancestors.

Many sunsets ago, dragons ruled over England. We filled the sky as well; on land we feasted on wild boar and berries. The rolling forests were numerous dragons' habitats, with trees that reached the heavens, though others preferred the luscious meadows. Dragons came in various forms, some had pine needle coats that swayed in the breeze, some were covered head to toe in rocks and rare gems and some were maroon scaled beasts that blazed with crimson fire. Everyone was content. Until one fateful day…

One misty autumn morning, a foraging group of dragons heard a chorus of trumpets from the West. Instinctively, the creatures stood bolt upright, trying to locate the strange sound. Unexpectedly, ten men wearing bulky metal suits, rode in on horseback. Suddenly, they spotted the dragons and jerked on their horse's reigns, screeching to a halt only a few inches in front of them. The men sat on their horses, examining these impressive beasts. Slowly, one of the men reached out and yanked one of the glimmering scales off the dragon in front of him. The creature lashed out in fury, spitting a whirlwind of flames, singeing the side of the knight's helmet. Terrified, the men sped back into the distance screaming about the fearsome beasts.

Tension was building. Who were those men? Were they going to come back? The dragons were confused. All were on edge. Without warning, the men came back, armed and ready to battle. Scales, flames and spears launched through the air. Harmless dragons hid frightened among the trees. But then the trees started disappearing too. Conflict raged for centuries. Gradually, the population of dragons decreased. To hide from mankind, remaining dragons lived on mountain tops, sea caves and evergreen forests. A few dragons chose to escape to a vast lake in the North: my ancestors.

Subsequent generations of my family have adapted to our underwater life. Sometimes I wonder if humans and dragons could live in harmony. Crunch! Satisfyingly, the helpless pike flailed in my jaws. I come up for air after swallowing my catch. A high-pitched shriek makes me turn abruptly to face the shore. A wee lassie stares at me in disbelief.

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