Claude was born to a farmer’s family in the Kingdom of Frosthen. Due to extreme cold temperatures being commonplace in this land, his parents were unable to ensure that his upbringing was cozy. On the contrary, hardships constantly enveloped them, as the only crops that could be grown year-round were Black Lilies and Violet Drumsticks. While the yield was uneven, the demand kept declining over a period of time.

The Lilies and the Drumsticks both contained potent poisons, one of which was used to paralyze enemies and the other would end lives. Claude knew that the business was unsustainable, so he wanted to find a way to uplift the lives of those dear to him. Thus, he began creating concentrates, which were perfect for hunting heavy-set wild animals like silver deer, giant bison, and so on. This would enable them to put food on the table so that at least the three wouldn’t starve to death.

The ruler of Frosthen reflected the cruel nature of the landscape. Aloof to the concerns of the citizens in his country, King Harold would spend months being locked up in a gigantic castle entertaining attractive females that he handpicked from within the walls of his Empire. This led to a whole lot of discontent brewing amongst the people. So many ladies had disappeared behind the ornate blue doors, never to be seen again.

Trevor and Meka were proud of their son’s talent at developing different formulas of poisons. Meka was a slender and charismatic woman whose vitality is what kept Claude going despite evil constantly lurking all around them. When the child turned 14, the household had a small feast where veal was served. Due to the absence of stronger spices, mostly salt, and pepper was used to season their food. Yet the boy wanted more; he knew that the situation that affected the lives of thousands in Frosthen would only deteriorate as the years went by.

Snowfall was a daily occurrence. The winds would get particularly unbearable during the winter months, during which time people had to resort to surviving on food locked inside the cold storage sheds. On such a night, Claude was out hunting because the stock of meat had finished. Trevor was bedridden because of the flu which would render the victims overwhelmingly stiff. Even though Meka did not want the boy to head out and risk his life, the stubborn lad ventured out with his quiver and bow, determined to get a bison at the very least.

After walking for a few kilometers, he came across a herd of giant bison. These beings could weigh up to 2000 kilograms each with horns that could be used to shape the most resilient weapons imaginable. Thus, the creatures were best left alone. Claude climbed the thickest pine tree he could lay his eyes on and located a sturdy branch near the top. Pulling out 3 arrows from his quiver, he coated them all with a mixture of toxins extracted from the Black Lilies and the Violet Drumsticks. He had perfected the formula the same year after repeated experimentation. You could say that the kid lacked any sense of fear and risk, which is what set him apart from most of the others his age.

While children would mostly spend time making snowballs to play with others their age and on their education, Claude would sit alone in his makeshift laboratory next to the storage shed. He would make several batches of the combined toxins, which would contain different variations. The testing in the field was the hardest part; while the silver deers were non-confrontational and usually gave up despite their impressive size, the giant bison were a separate breed. Rowdy and thick-skinned, they would sometimes attack other farmers as well. It seemed as if the animals had a bone to pick with the humans dwelling in that region. Routine incidents involving these beasts were growing in number even though people mostly spent time indoors.

The invasive species had been breeding with little to no resistance from the people of Frosthen. King Harold never sent his soldiers to guard the civilians for one major reason; he simply never believed that inhabitants deserved anything but scorn. That day, Claude had steeled his will and knew that he would surely return home after gathering at least 20 kg of Giant Bison meat. When ample poison had been put on the arrowhead, the child carefully took aim at the fattest one in the entire herd.

It is Trevor who had taught him the basic principle of hunting. One must look at the target, and see nothing else. The mind’s eye must stop perceiving everything that is a potential distraction. Of course in Frosthen, the winds had to be taken into account. But the surroundings must not impede one’s focus. After taking a deep breath, Claude let go of three arrows simultaneously. In 2 seconds, the Giant Bison keeled over. The others in the herd started panicking, and the child began hooting. Pretty soon, over 20 humans had entered the area, armed with sharp weapons which led to the other animals scattering in different directions. The hunt was successful, now it was time to grab the prize. The child carefully descended and landed on the snowy ground when he was greeted by a beaming face.

Uncle Iorek: Oh Claude, I wish my son was half the man you are. You have done a phenomenal job in taking down this great abomination.

Claude: All in good time, Uncle. You will all help me with the carving process, I hope? My arms are not strong enough for the entire task.

All the men who had gathered at the junction of the hunt guffawed loudly and reassured the child.

Uncle Iorek: Since you are the killer, you shall be the one who gets the tenderloin. Congratulations kid.

Claude: Don’t forget to get the horns. I will need one to sculpt a sword.

Uncle Iorek: You let us worry about that.

With enough meat to feed his family for at least 5 days, the boy headed home. As he was approaching the house, he saw a fancy carriage run past him. The winds covered up the screams emanating from his mother’s mouth. Claude saw Trevor grievously wounded, bleeding from his head. He realized what had transpired while he was away. After helping his father into the house and depositing the tenderloin in the storage shed, the boy set out in the direction of the closest mountain near the village.

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Prime Dragons are the most ferocious brutes on Scalon. Some of their features change depending on the terrain they are used to and nurtured amongst. The one that weathers the most dangerous kind of storms is the White Prime Dragon. A solitary creature, it moves from one cold zone to the next but almost never attacks humans. Unless one is stupid enough to face it. Unlike the other Prime Dragons, this one cannot breathe fire. The Ice Blast that is generated from within its esophagus can freeze a lake that has a 15-mile radius for over a century.

When Claude reached the base of the mountain, a humongous cave stood before him. He could make out a pair of piercing eyes that was looking right at him.

Claude: I am sure you can hear me. For more than a decade, my parents have raised me with such tenderness even though the cold is unendurable. They are all I have. The leader of this cursed Kingdom has taken Mom away from me. I need your help. Whatever you ask for in return, I am willing to provide for your sake. My life would belong to you entirely, Great White Dragon.

A whisper came from within the cave that froze all of Claude’s hair on top of his head.

White Prime Dragon: A human child? I can swallow you in a single gulp. That will fill the tiniest portion of my stomach imaginable and I won’t be hungry for a single hour. Find a better carrot to dangle in front of me kid and I may reconsider. By the way, what is it you want me to do?

Claude: Free all the women the King has trapped in the dungeons underneath the Castle. I know they are alive because that pig will never give up an opportunity to torture women. How about this? I will help you hunt for as long as I breathe. I am good with poison. No matter how big the animal is, I can always bring it down.

White Prime Dragon: Even me?

Claude: I don’t think there is a single human out there that can even crack a scale on your body. Maybe mages and demons will do some damage but at the end of the day, you will swat them like flies hovering over a chunk of meat.

White Prime Dragon: State your name, boy.

“I am Claude, son of Meka and Trevor of Frosthen. And I shall serve you loyally if you grant me this one request and help rescue my mother.”

White Prime Dragon: Your terms have been accepted. Come inside little one. I shall reward you for your courage alone.

The boy stepped into the cave. The Dragon was the most regal and beautiful beast he had ever seen. He had skin glinting like precious gemstones and wings that would make Harold’s castle look puny.

“I am Sapphire. I must sleep after a while. Climb onto my back kid, and make it quick.”

Claude was no stranger to rough surfaces.

“All aboard?”. Sapphire took flight with the resolute boy clinging on tightly to a serrated edge of his external bone.

“Relax kid you are not going to fall unless I want you to. Have faith in me. If you doubt my competence I will leave this mountain and you will never see me again.”

Claude: Fair enough. I trust you.

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Scene Shift- At the Gates of Harold’s Castle

The two guards were drinking mead and trying their level best to keep themselves warm when the Prime Dragon dropped out of the sky and landed inches away from them.

A human voice spoke, “I know you both are only abiding by your duties. But the injustice has gone on for far too long. The King has taken my mother and countless other women. So many families have been torn apart by a vindictive rogue ruler. No more. I am giving you one chance. Step aside and let us pass. Or we will have no option but to run through you.”

The two left without saying a word, as the Gates crumbled with a single blow from Sapphire’s tail.

Inside, Harold felt a strange rumbling that shook the foundations of the entire castle. Figuring he was under attack from an enemy, he instructed the Class 1 Adventurers to handle the adversaries before heading towards his bedroom. Just as he was about to enter, he saw a stark blue eye glaring at him from outside the window. A human boy stepped inside the compound.

Claude: Is my mother inside?

Harold: How did you tame a White Prime Dragon? That has never happened before…

Claude repeated his question. The King nodded frantically.

King Harold: Look, I am well within my rights as Monarch of Frosthen. A civilian can not question me. You are not borne of royal blood.

Claude: Are the other women still in the dungeons?

King Harold of Frosthen: Yes, of course, I would never hurt any of them…

“Sapphire, could you take care of him? I don’t wish to see his face ever again.”

“Can I eat him?”, the dragon asked.

Claude: want you to make an example of him. Freeze him and ensure his statue stands in the heart of the Kingdom so that no man shall ever follow in his footsteps.

Sapphire: You are too wise for your age kid. Alright, that seems fair.

King Harold of Frosthen: Come on, you are a dragon right? I bet you like gold and precious stones, you can have everything that is contained within the treasuries. Take the women too, their flesh is sweet like…

Sapphire: Huh…the boy was right. You have no honor or dignity whatsoever. You are no King.

The Dragon used a miniature Ice Blast that turned Harold into a statuesque figure. Claude stepped inside the bedroom chamber and saw that Meka was unconscious. He sprinkled a few drops of warm water on her face, which helped her wake up.

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Scene Shift - Outside

As hundreds of ladies united with their families, Claude and Meka rested comfortably on Sapphire’s back as he soared high up in the clouds.

The Boy: You have lived in fear for so long. What would you do without freedom? Harold was a swine, a disgrace to humankind. He left so many of us devastated. And yet none of us ever stood up to fight for our rights. You all can choose the next King now. I leave it in the hands of the people. Isn’t that what society is supposed to be like?

Someone from the crowd shrieked, “You shall be our ruler Claude. You are the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Boy: But I am young and naive. What if I make a mistake someday soon?

”Then we will all counsel you together.”

Sapphire: It seems that the people of Frosthen have chosen their next King. What next, Claude?

Claude: Let’s go home. You said you had to rest right? Mom needs a hot water bath too.

As the White Prime Dragon flew, the cheers from below kept growing in volume.

Glossary:

Giant Bison- Based on Bison Latifrons aka the Long-Horned Bison that went extinct roughly 20,000 years ago when the Last Glacial Maximum kicked off during the course of the Final Ice Age.

Black Lily: Based on the Lily of the Valley, a plant that is regarded as highly toxic and was popularised during the release of the hit American show Breaking Bad (a series created by Vince Gilligan)

Uncle Iorek: A reference to Iorek Byrinson, a major character with a crucial role in the His Dark Materials book trilogy (written by Philip Pullman).

Ice Blast: A reference to a menthol cigarette found in parts of the world.