The Dragon Eye
Leo ran through the forest, carrying Mia in his arms. He was looking for a safe place to hide her, and to treat her wound. He knew that the village was no longer safe, and that the dragons could return at any moment.
He remembered that there was a cave nearby, where the village elder, also known as Master Zane, used to meditate and pray. He hoped that the elder was still alive, and that he could help them.
He reached the cave, and saw that the entrance was hidden by some bushes. He pushed them aside, and entered the cave. He saw that it was dark and damp, but also spacious and quiet. He saw some candles and incense burning on a stone altar, and some books and scrolls lying on a wooden table. He saw the village elder sitting on a mat, his eyes closed and his hands clasped.
He recognized him as the village elder, the oldest and wisest man in the village. He had raised Leo since he was a baby. He had taught him everything he knew, from reading and writing, to hunting and fighting. He had also taught him about the legends and lore of their land, including the stories of dragons.
He called out to him, hoping that he would hear him.
"Master Zane! Master Zane! It's me, Leo! I need your help!"
Master Zane opened his eyes, and looked at Leo with surprise and joy.
"Leo! My boy! You're alive! Thank God!"
He got up from his mat, and walked towards Leo.
He saw Mia in his arms, and looked at her with concern.
"Mia! What happened to her? Is she alright?"
Leo said to Master Zane, "She's alive, but she's hurt. A dragon bit her leg, but she managed to stab it in the eye. She's bleeding a lot, and she's in pain. Can you help her?"
Master Zane nodded, and said to Leo, "Of course I can. Bring her here, quickly."
He led Leo to a corner of the cave, where there was a bed of straw and some blankets. He told Leo to lay Mia down on the bed, and to cover her with a blanket.
He then went to his table, and took some herbs and bandages from a chest. He returned to Mia's side, and began to clean and dress her wound.
He said to Mia, "Don't worry, my dear. You'll be fine. You're a strong and brave girl. You've done well."
Mia smiled weakly at Master Zane, and said to him, "Thank you, Master Zane. You're very kind."
She then looked at Leo, and said to him, "Thank you too, Leo. You're the best boyfriend ever."
She reached out her hand, and held Leo's hand.
Leo smiled back at Mia, and said to her, "You're welcome, Mia. You're the best girlfriend ever."
He kissed her hand, and held it tightly.
They looked into each other's eyes, and felt a surge of love.
Master Zane smiled at them too, and felt a surge of pride.
He finished treating Mia's wound, and said to them,
"There you go. You'll be alright now. Just rest for a while."
He then said to Leo,
"Leo, I need to talk to you about something important."
Leo looked at Master Zane with curiosity and concern.
He said to him,
"What is it, Master Zane?"
Master Zane said to Leo,
"It's about the dragons."
Leo felt a chill run down his spine.
He said to Master Zane,
"What about them?"
Master Zane said to Leo,
"Do you know why they attacked our village?"
Leo shook his head.
He said to Master Zane,
"No. I don't know. I thought they were peaceful creatures who lived far away from us."
Master Zane sighed.
He said to Leo,
"They were peaceful creatures once. But not anymore. They have been corrupted by an evil force."
Leo asked Master Zane,
"What evil force?"
Master Zane said to Leo,
"The Dragon's Eye."
Leo frowned.
He said to the village elder,
"The Dragon's Eye? What's that?"
The village elder said to Leo,
"It's an ancient artifact of great power and mystery. It was once a sacred relic of the dragonkin."
Leo asked the village elder,
"The dragonkin? Who are they?"
The village elder said to Leo,
"They are a race of humanoid dragons who lived in harmony with humans long ago. They were wise and noble beings who shared their knowledge and magic with us. They were our friends and allies."
Leo asked the village elder,
"What happened to them?"
The village elder said to Leo,
"A war broke out between them."