In a forgotten corner of the map, where the trees whispered secrets and shadows intertwined with sunlight, lay the small village of Wiltz. This charming place, surrounded by misty mountains, was home to curious children and wise elders. However, what made Wiltz truly special was its most intriguing legend: the story of the Dragon of Wiltz.
It was said that in a dark, deep cave lived a dragon with scales as green as moss and golden eyes that shone in the dim light. Although the dragon had never harmed the villagers, everyone feared him. The elders told that the dragon had protected Wiltz from great darkness, a shadow that occasionally slipped between the trees and made the hearts of children pound with fear.
One day, as the sun dipped behind the mountains, a group of three friends decided to venture into the dragon's cave. Among them was Aline, a brave dreamer with golden braids; Mark, an ingenious inventor with oversized glasses; and Leona, the smallest of them all, but with curiosity as vast as the sky.
As they approached the cave, Aline recalled the stories told by the village elders. The cave appeared like a dark and yearning sketch in the rock, and although fear gripped them, the excitement of discovering the truth about the dragon was even stronger.
They entered the cave, where the air was cool and damp, and the sound of dripping water reverberated off the walls, creating an echo that seemed to whisper forgotten secrets. With each step, the light from the torches they carried illuminated strange rock formations that danced with the shadows. Curiosity propelled the friends deeper until they arrived at a large chamber where light barely dared to enter.
Suddenly, a deep whisper resonated in the darkness, catching their attention. The figure of the dragon glided through the shadows, revealing its splendor. Drakos, the dragon, had a majestic body, with shiny scales reflecting the torchlight in a display of greens and golds. His wings were wide, and his tail moved gracefully, while his golden eyes regarded the children with interest.
Drakos, the guardian dragon of the village, explained that although he had never harmed the people of Wiltz, an ancient shadow lurked in the woods. This shadow represented an ancestral fear, a darkness that only he could confront. However, he needed help to fight against it, and the children, filled with courage, were eager to assist.
Drakos led the friends to the deepest part of the cave, where a dense mist swirled in the air, like a river of smoke coming to life. There, he explained that each of them had to face their own fear before joining the fight against the shadow.
Aline, Mark, and Leona ventured into the mist, feeling the chill of terror wrap around them. Aline saw visions of her greatest fear: the sensation of falling into a dark, deep abyss. However, remembering the strength of her friends and her desire to protect Wiltz, she stepped forward, feeling the mist dissipate around her.
Mark, confronted by his own failed invention, felt the urge to flee. But instead of succumbing to fear, he remembered that every mistake taught him something new. Determined, he dismantled the imaginary machine and continued on his way, letting his ingenuity guide him.
Leona found herself surrounded by shadows whispering cruel words about her voice and her music. At first, she felt herself shrink away, but then she remembered how her singing had brought joy to her village. With a smile, she began to sing, her voice filling the darkness with light. The shadows dissolved to the rhythm of her melody, leaving her free.
When they finally emerged from the mist, Aline, Mark, and Leona felt stronger and braver than ever. They returned to Drakos, who smiled with pride at seeing how they had faced their fears. Together, they prepared to confront the shadow that threatened Wiltz.
As they exited the cave, they entered the forest, where the mist began to thicken again. The trees seemed to lean in, as if aware that a battle was approaching. Suddenly, a dark shadow emerged from the bushes, with red eyes glowing like burning coals and a sinister laugh echoing in the air.
Drakos, with a determined gesture, positioned himself in front of the children, shielding them from the shadow. The darkness tried to envelop Aline, Mark, and Leona with its tendrils, but they, remembering their bravery, stood firm. Aline, with her daring spirit, raised her hand, creating a shield of light that reflected the essence of her courage. Mark, with his ingenuity, devised an improvised trap that entangled the shadow in itself, while Leona, with her beautiful voice, sang a melody that resonated in the heart of the shadow, making it doubt its own existence.
The shadow began to retreat, its red eyes blinking in confusion and rage. The bond between the children and the dragon was more powerful than any darkness. With a powerful breath of fire, Drakos illuminated the night, leaving the shadow trapped and weakened. The darkness, confronted by the light of friendship and courage, finally faded into the mist, taking with it the fear that had haunted Wiltz.
The villagers, witnessing the victory over the shadow, emerged from their homes, filled with wonder and gratitude. They thanked Aline, Mark, and Leona, as well as Drakos, for facing their fears and protecting Wiltz.
From that day on, the dragon ceased to be a source of fear. He became a beloved guardian, and the children learned that bravery, friendship, and music could chase away any shadow. The tales of the Dragon of Wiltz were told for generations, reminding everyone that although darkness may lurk, there is always light in the brave hearts that know how to face their fears.