The tranquility of the evening was shattered by a deafening roar that echoed through the air, sending chills down Arden's spine. 

It was a sound he knew all too well, a primal roar that reverberated through his bones, filling him with a sense of dread. Racing towards the dragon enclosure, his heart pounded in his chest, his mind racing with fear and anticipation. Every step felt like an eternity as he approached the source of the sound, his senses on high alert, ready for whatever awaited him within the shadows of the enclosure.

As he reached the scene, a wave of shock washed over him at the sight that greeted his eyes. Tane, his trusted farmhand, lay lifeless on the ground. The once vibrant enclosure now seemed cloaked in shadows, with an ominous silence that sent shivers down Arden's spine. Clenching his fists in frustration, he knew that the tranquility of their haven had been shattered, and the repercussions would be felt for days to come.

Another farmhand Symund stood nearby, his expression frozen in shock, his hands trembling as he attempted to process the horrifying sight before him. The air was thick with tension, and the unmistakable scent of blood hung heavy in the air. Drakar, the once majestic dragon, loomed ominously nearby, his scales gleaming in the dim light, a silent witness to the tragedy that had unfolded.

  Arden's voice trembled with urgency as he demanded answers. "Symund, what happened here?" His eyes searching for any sign of explanation in the man's troubled expression. Symunds gaze shifted uneasily, his hands fidgeting with the hem of his shirt as he struggled to find the words to explain the tragedy that had unfolded before them. With a heavy sigh, he finally spoke, his voice strained with emotion.

"We were conducting the routine feeding," Symund began, his voice faltering slightly. "Tane was in the enclosure, tending to Drakar, when... when something went wrong." His words trailed off, the weight of the moment hanging heavily in the air.

Arden's brow furrowed in concern as he pressed for more details. "What do you mean, 'something went wrong'?" he asked, his tone edged with urgency. Symund hesitated, casting a wary glance towards the dragon enclosure before reluctantly continuing.

"It's difficult to say," Symund replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "Drakar... he attacked Tane. I've never seen anything like it. It was as if he just snapped."

Arden's heart sank at Symund's words, but he knew he had to act swiftly. With a determined nod, he stepped forward towards the dragon enclosure, keeping a wary eye on Drakar. The dragon's behavior was unsettlingly aggressive, a stark contrast to his usual calm demeanor. Arden's instincts screamed at him to flee, but he held his ground, refusing to let fear dictate his actions. 

As Arden approached Tane's lifeless body, a shiver ran down his spine. He knew that retrieving the farmhand's remains would be a dangerous task, with Drakar's volatile state adding an extra layer of risk. But it was a risk he had to take, for the sake of honoring Tane's memory and ensuring the safety of the farm. With a heavy heart, Arden carefully lifted Tane's body, all the while keeping a wary eye on Drakar, who continued to pace restlessly within the enclosure.

Arden's movements were deliberate and measured as he navigated the treacherous terrain of the dragon enclosure. Every step was calculated, every movement cautious, as he approached Tane's lifeless form. The dragon's eyes followed his every move, gleaming with an intensity that sent a shiver down Arden's spine.

Drakar stood tall and majestic, his scales shimmering in the dim light of the enclosure. His muscular form was imposing, every inch of him exuding a primal power that seemed to fill the air around him. His eyes, a piercing golden hue, held a keen intelligence that belied his ferocious appearance. 

With a heavy heart, Arden gently lifted Tane's body, his muscles tensing at the slightest sound or movement from Drakar. The dragon's aggression was palpable, a tangible force that seemed to fill the air around them.

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But despite the danger, Arden refused to let fear dictate his actions. With steely resolve, he carried Tane's body out of the enclosure, his eyes never leaving Drakar's form. It was a harrowing experience, one that would stay with him long after the night had passed.

As he emerged from the dragon enclosure, Arden was greeted by the concerned face of Symund. His eyes were filled with a mixture of fear and uncertainty, mirroring his own emotions in the wake of the tragedy that had unfolded.

“Did Tane…?” Symund couldn’t bring himself to finish the sentence, the fear of what Arden’s answer might be almost too much to bear.

Arden shook his head solemnly. “He didn’t make it,” he said quietly. “I’m sorry, Symund.”

Arden's heart sank at the sight of Symund's anguished expression, his features contorted with grief and disbelief. Symund and Tane had been more than just colleagues; they had been mentor and apprentice, bound together by a shared passion for the dragons they cared for.

A sense of dread settling over Arden like a heavy blanket. He had always prided himself on the safety measures in place at the dragon farm, but this incident was a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in working with such powerful creatures.

But amidst the sorrow, there was also a growing sense of unease. If Drakar was capable of such violence, what other dangers lurked within the dragon enclosure? And more importantly, what could be done to ensure the safety of the farm and its inhabitants in the wake of this tragedy?

Arden’s brow furrowed in disbelief as he surveyed the scene before him. Drakar, the dragon he had raised from a hatchling, stood nearby, his eyes reflecting the flickering light with an unsettling intensity. Despite the accusations that hung in the air, Arden found it hard to believe that Drakar could be responsible for Tane’s death. The bond he had forged with the dragon over the years was one of trust and mutual respect, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to this tragedy than met the eye.

As Arden pondered these questions, he knew that they would need to act swiftly to address the situation. But for now, all he could do was mourn the loss of a dear friend.

“That dragon is too dangerous to be kept alive. We have to find a way to deal with it before it harms anyone else.” Symund’s eyes darted nervously between Arden and the dragon. Arden could see the determination in Symund’s eyes, the fierce resolve to honor Tane’s memory and ensure that his death was not in vain.

Arden clenched his jaw, feeling the weight of Symund’s words like a heavy stone in his chest. His hands curled into fists at his sides, the tendons in his arms taut with tension. He could sense the fear emanating from Symund, but Arden couldn't bring himself to agree with such a drastic course of action. The dragon, though powerful and potentially dangerous, was still a living creature deserving of compassion and understanding.

“We can’t just kill it,” Elena replied, her voice firm and unwavering as she approached the scene. As another trusted farmhand, she stood her ground, her gaze meeting Arden’s with conviction. "It's not Drakar's fault that he's here. We brought him into captivity, and it's our responsibility to keep him safe."

Elena’s words resonated with Arden, stirring a sense of guilt and responsibility within him. He knew she was right; Drakar was a creature of their own making, a majestic being whose fate now hung in the balance.

Symund shook his head, his expression hardened with fear. "I understand your sentiment, Elena, but we can't afford to ignore the risks any longer. Drakar may not be at fault, but that doesn't change the fact that he's a danger to us all. Tane is dead! We've seen what he's capable of, and I won't stand by and wait for another tragedy to occur."

His words hung heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the division that had formed among the farmhands. While Elena advocated for compassion and understanding, Symund remained steadfast in his belief that the dragon posed a threat that could not be ignored. The tension between them was palpable, casting a shadow over the once-united front they had presented in their efforts to protect the farm and its inhabitants.

As Arden gazed upon the dragon, he couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt wash over him. Drakar was not just any dragon; he was like a child to Arden, nurtured and cared for since he was just a hatchling. The thought of harming him was unbearable, and Arden knew that he would do whatever it took to protect his beloved dragon, even if it meant risking everything.

 “Elena is right,” he said softly. “We can’t let fear dictate our actions. We have to find another way to protect the dragon and the people around it.”

Arden's voice was calm but resolute as he spoke, his eyes flickering with determination. He knew that giving in to fear would only lead to more tragedy, and he was determined to find a solution that didn't involve violence.

Symund, initially hesitant, began to voice his disagreement, citing the potential dangers of keeping Drakar alive. However, as Arden continued to assert his stance, Symund’s expression softened, and a sense of understanding seemed to dawn upon him. In the end, he nodded in reluctant agreement, acknowledging Arden’s leadership and the importance of finding a peaceful resolution.

"Thank you," Arden said, his voice resolute and determined. His gaze swept over his companions, a steely resolve burning in his eyes. "We'll find a way to keep everyone safe without resorting to violence. I won't let fear cloud our judgment." His words echoed with conviction, a pledge to uphold the principles of compassion and understanding even in the darkest of times.

With that, Arden turned away from the dragon enclosure, his mind already racing with plans to ensure the safety of his farm and all who dwelled within its walls. The weight of responsibility pressed heavily on his shoulders, but he carried it with resolve, knowing that the lives of both humans and dragons depended on his decisions.

As he strode through the farmyard, Arden's thoughts churned with possibilities. He considered reinforcing the enclosure, implementing additional security measures, and perhaps even seeking the aid of a skilled mage to help ward off any potential threats. Each option had its merits and drawbacks, but one thing was certain: he would do whatever it took to honor his vow and keep his beloved Dragon Farm safe.