Shralgon's Arc

Chapter 1 of 3

Shralgon pressed their claws against the cool stone floor of the den. The blue dragon had dreamed of the ancient bridge for weeks now. A lonely giant guarded it, watching travelers pass without speaking. Shralgon wanted to change that. They wanted to earn the giant's trust, to become the first friend the guardian had known in centuries. Today was the day to leave. The den felt too small now, too quiet. Shralgon stepped toward the entrance and took one last look back. Nothing here mattered anymore. Only the bridge mattered. Only the giant. The path through the forest ended at a river. Shralgon's breath caught. The Mystic Troll Bridge stretched across the water, its cobblestones covered in thick blue moss. Purple flowers bloomed between the stones, glowing softly. Tiny firefly wisps danced above the bridge, casting light on the massive figure at its center. The giant stood perfectly still, tall as three trees stacked together. His eyes stared forward at nothing. Shralgon's heart pounded. This was real. The bridge was real. The giant was real. The small dragon took a step onto the moss-covered stones. The journey had begun. The giant's shadow fell across Shralgon as they moved closer. The dragon's legs trembled but kept moving. Near the far side of the bridge sat a large pink daisy with a light center. Its petals spread wide, big enough to hold a small dragon. Shralgon climbed onto the flower and settled down. From here, they could watch the giant without blocking the path. The guardian didn't look down. He didn't move at all. Shralgon curled their tail around their feet. This would be home now. Day after day, they would sit here. Day after day, they would wait. Trust took time. Shralgon had come prepared to give it. Morning light broke through the wisps. Shralgon spotted something at the bridge's edge. A cabinet made of dark wood stood partly open. Inside sat tools, wands, and bottles of colored liquid. The giant's things, Shralgon realized. The guardian kept them here but never touched them. Dust covered the handles. Shralgon hopped down from the daisy and walked to the cabinet. They pulled out a long blade, dull and chipped. The dragon began to sharpen it against the stone, slow and careful. The scraping sound filled the quiet air. The giant's head turned. Just slightly. Just enough. Shralgon kept working, claws steady. This was how it would start.