Destiny

Grandma stopped chopping the vegetables.

“Why am I the only without magic? Even a baby has more magic power than I do! I just…don’t understand. Maybe it would’ve been better if I wasn’t--”

Before I could finish my sentence, grandma slapped both of her hands on my face.

“Don’t you finish that sentence.”

I blinked my eyes in confusion.

“But grandma—“

“No! You are my only granddaughter and in my eyes you are special.”

I closed my eyes and placed my hands atop hers lowering them.

“Special? I’m not special, I’m just a mistake.”

“Have a seat.”

I didn’t feel like arguing with her, so I sat down in the chair.

“Do you know the story of the Dragon Tamer?”

“Of course. Everyone knows that story. They teach it in the history classes.”

“Then, why don’t you tell me about him? Since you know so much.”

“Um, okay?”

It was strange, everyone knew the story of the Dragon Tamer. This was basic knowledge. If you didn’t know it, you were the village idiot.

“The story of the Dragon Tamer takes place over 500 years ago. Back when the Duine Naga War was at its peak. The Ancients thought it was hopeless, so many lives were in this war. Until one day, a man with yellow eyes, much like a dragon’s, managed to subdue the dragons with his magic powers. The people saw he was a Norina, which is the highest ranking magic user. Peace returned to the world, that is until he passed away. When the life of the Dragon Tamer ended, the dragons returned to their original savage ways and the war continued. The ancients created a special seal that would surpass the dragon’s immunity to magic. Once the seal was successful in its testing, the ancients distributed the seal to the people to defend themselves against these beasts. Ever since then peace has remained,” I explained.

“Not bad. But let me ask you this. Did they teach you that the Dragon Tamer had no magic power at all?” Grandma asked curiously.

“What? He was powerless?”

She nodded. “Yes, he was.”

“Then why did they tell us that he wasn’t?”

“It’s because people kept thinking that he was just like them, but he really wasn’t. Only the ancients and a few believed him when he said that the dragons listened to him willingly.”

“I never knew.”

“Yes. I suppose you could say it’s the hidden truth of the story.”

“I can see why people wouldn’t believe him, grandma. I mean who would?”

“That is true. He was a very kind man, who earned the respect and trust of the dragons. Especially, Otamd.”

I gasped. “The Untamed One? He was loyal to the Dragon Tamer?”

“Yes, he was. Very loyal. He was heartbroken when his friend passed away. Filled with grief he started the war, and once it was over he fled to Gothren castle. The home of his master and friend.”

Otamd, the most feared of all the dragons was loyal to the Tamer?

“Grandma.”

“Hm?”

“Why are you telling me this?”

She placed her hand on top of mine and let out a sigh.

“I wanted you to see that even without powers you can still be special. You are special in my eyes, even your brother doesn’t think any less of you.”

What she said was the truth. Axel may be annoying sometimes, but he still loves me. I smiled a bit at my grandmother’s words.

“I do, grandma. Thank you.”

She gave me a warm smile and hugged me like all grannies do.

“And don’t let what those fools say get you down! I’ll pumble ‘em the next time I see ‘em!”

I laughed at my grandma’s enthusiasm, then we continued cooking. While we were cooking, I couldn’t help, but think about Otamd. He was the only dragon immune to the seal, because of his strong will. He cared about his master that much. I wonder if I could have a strong bond with a dragon one day.