The Last Dragon Rider
The Last Dragon Rider — an illustrated stories story. 10 illustrated pages, free to read on Wonder Books.
Page 1
"Hurry, Flicker!" Elara called, her voice echoing slightly. The young girl, no older than ten, dashed through the miniature, snow-dusted town square, pulling her woolen cloak tighter against the biting wind. A brass band played a jaunty tune near the frozen fountain, the music barely audible above the howl of the blizzard raging outside the glass.
Page 2
Flicker, a tiny, emerald-green dragon no bigger than Elara's hand, zipped through the air, landing lightly on her shoulder. "Did you see it?" he squeaked, his voice high and excited. "The old book! It's back in the window of 'Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe'! That's where I first read about how to connect with dragons!"
Page 3
"But Elara, the shopkeeper, Old Man Fitzwilliam, never sells it," Elara lamented, her shoulders slumping. "He says it's too dangerous, that dragon riding is a forgotten art." Flicker puffed out his tiny chest. "Well, as the great Leonardo da Vinci said, 'I have been impressed with the urgency of doing. Knowing is not enough; we must apply.' We must find a way to learn the ancient ways and save the kingdom!"
Page 4
Just then, a raspy voice interrupted them. "Looking for something, dearies?" An old woman, hunched over and leaning on a gnarled cane, hobbled toward them. She wore a patchwork cloak and a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "Perhaps I can help. I know a thing or two about old books and forgotten magic."
Page 5
"Who are you?" Elara asked, cautiously. The old woman chuckled. "Call me Willow. And I believe you seek the Dragon Rider's Handbook. But beware," she whispered, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone, "the book is not just knowledge, it's a key. A key to waking the Snow Queen, who keeps this whole kingdom frozen in time, like ancient amber. She uses the dragon's magic for her selfish purposes."
Page 6
Elara gasped. "The Snow Queen? But she's just a legend!" Willow shook her head sadly. "Legends are often rooted in truth, child. And the truth is, the Dragon Rider's magic is the only thing that can stop her eternal winter. But beware... the book is hidden, and the path to it is fraught with peril. And you need something else — the heart of a hero."
Page 7
"We'll face the peril together!" Flicker declared, his tiny voice filled with determination. Elara nodded, steeling her resolve. "Willow, how do we find the book?" Willow smiled. "Follow the whispers of the wind. It speaks to those with pure hearts. And Elara, use your kindness. It's your greatest strength."
Page 8
Following Willow's cryptic advice, Elara listened to the wind. It led them to the frozen lake, where the ice was cracked and thin. Suddenly, Elara remembered the passage from the book Flicker had read aloud earlier: 'Dragon scales vibrate at a specific frequency to melt ice.' "Flicker, remember what the book said? Focus!" she cried. "Use your scales!"
Page 9
Flicker closed his eyes, concentrating with all his might. His scales began to vibrate, emitting a low hum that resonated through the ice. With a loud crack, a hole appeared in the ice, revealing a dark, watery passage. "The book!" Elara exclaimed, peering into the depths.
Page 10
Elara reached into the icy water and pulled out the Dragon Rider's Handbook. As she clutched the book to her chest, a warm light washed over the kingdom, melting the snow and banishing the eternal winter. "We did it, Flicker!" Elara cried, her voice filled with joy. "Kindness, courage, and a little bit of dragon magic saved the day!" Flicker nuzzled her cheek. "Now, to teach a Snow Queen how to share!"
About this story
- Audience: kids (ages 6–12)