MUCH MORE THAN GOLD

Long ago, when dragons roved the earth and ruled the sky, a poor widow named Etheldreda and her fifteen-year-old twins, Eirwen and Edwyn, lived in a humble timber cottage on the outskirts of a great ancient forest. The twins had never wandered far, hunting and foraging close to home.

As the years passed, Etheldreda became ill and confined herself to bed. One day, she called her children to her bedside.

‘I need healing from this illness. We have dried rabbits and a chicken. Gather some wild herbs and berries to make the particular curative broth I once gave you. I will instruct you in the preparation and cooking. It does mean you may need to go to the edge of the forest to forage, but try to not venture deep inside as much danger abounds.’

‘Danger?’ questioned Edwyn.

‘Yes,’ replied Etheldreda. ‘There are tales of horrendous creatures, particularly the evil green dragon, who consume humans. Ensure you carry your sharpest blade and take great care. You will also need protection. Eirwen, open the top drawer of the wooden bedside chest.’ Eirwen did as bidden and withdrew two velvet bags: one deep blue and the other ruby red.

‘These bags contain the most powerful protection of all,’ Etheldreda said. ‘Sadly, on the day your father lost his life, he had much on his mind and forgot to take his protection with him.’

She placed the bags on top of her quilt and opened them, upending the contents. From each fell a rough wooden cross, bound in the centre with fine leather cord and attached to a length of the same cord. Etheldreda gestured Edwyn forward and placed the cross from the blue bag around his neck. She indicated to Eirwen to do the same, adorning her neck with the cross from the ruby bag, then sat back and gazed earnestly at her son and daughter.

‘Hide these under your garments. They were gifted to your father and I by an ancient seer. They represent the One who is all-encompassing. Guard them with your life.’

‘Yes mother,’ Edwyn replied.

‘There is more,’ Etheldreda continued. ‘There are dark forces inside the forest waiting to destroy all who trespass their domain. Do not trust any strangers. Those crosses will defend you when you bind certain things to your heart and soul. If you must enter and are caught, stay firm, and think about things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and worthy of praise. Wrap yourself in goodness and truth. Not all battles are fought with physical armour. Trust in the One who can deliver you from any evil.’

‘But who is the One of whom you speak?’ asked Eirwen.

Etheldreda clasped her children’s hands. ‘He will make himself known to you at the right time. May the angels go with you,’ she whispered.

Edwyn tucked the heavy front door key into his pocket. He prepared a tray of bread and cheese and placed it on the nightstand beside the bed, alongside a pitcher of water. The two kissed their mother and prepared to leave, hide-skin bags over their shoulders.

Edwyn locked the door, positioned the metal bar and bolt, and they set off.

***

After gathering mushrooms and berries, it soon became obvious to the siblings they would need to venture into the forest for more. The air was moist, a mixture of earthy aromas. Leaves crunched underfoot as they searched for wild herbs. Small creatures scuttled away as they approached.

They stopped at a natural pool, edged by moss-covered rocks. Bracken and ferns grew plentifully around the water’s rim and in between rock crevices. Wild red cranberries grew in clumps beneath the trees. Eirwen began gathering the berries, leaving some for the birds.

Edwyn searched for low growing wild nuts as they ventured deeper.

‘Oh, Edwyn,’ his sister called in delight, ‘it’s so beautiful here.’ She cupped a translucent leaf on a low branch in her hand.

Her brother agreed. ‘It is. However, we must heed Mother’s warning to take great care.’

Eirwen nodded. ‘Yes, but it is hard to believe any danger lies in such a divine, peaceful place.’

As the last word left her lips, a rotten smell permeated the air. Turning, she came face-to-face with the green dragon. Fearsome to look upon, it bore the yellow-slitted eyes of a serpent.

Its snout curled upward between long, pointed teeth bearing scraps of rotten, undigested meat. Between its eyes was a large scar.

The dragon, crouching all fours, slithered forward. Small red flames darted from the edges of its nostrils.

‘Well, well, well. Dinner has arrived,’ it sneered, putrid breath escaping with every word.

Eirwen clasped her hand across her mouth. Slowly, Edwyn reached for his blade, but before he could grasp it, the creature shot out a fine silk rope from beneath its claws. The siblings were bound together, unable to break free. The dragon moved forward, dragging them through piles of leaves and over sharp rocks. Ignoring their agonised cries of pain, it finally stopped at the entrance of a large cave and pushed them inside, disentangling the rope from its claws. Their backs were forced against the cold rock wall.

Eirwen drew up her knees, rivulets of blood running down her shins. The beast aligned its terrifying face with theirs and snickered.

‘Let us go!’ Edwyn demanded. ‘Our sick mother awaits our return with healing herbs. If we fail, she may die.’

‘Is that of any concern to me?’ hissed the dragon. ‘What wild eyes you have, young man. Your anger makes you even more desirable. I can smell your sweet bodies, which tantalises my desire. Your stomach juices will simmer and tenderise your flesh.’ A long, black tongue flicked across its snout in a gruesome gesture. ‘There is only one way you can ever leave here.’ Its nostrils flared, small flames dancing down its scaly muzzle.

Edwyn turned from side to side, trying to twist free of the silken rope.

The dragon rumbled with laughter. ‘Futile, little human,’ it spat. ‘I have both of you now. Try as you might, the rope will only tighten faster.’

Edwyn glared, drawing his lips back in anger. ‘You say we will never leave this place, except for one way. Pray tell us what that way is. Throw us a challenge to accept.’

‘Easy. Just guess my name and I will release you. But perhaps it’s not so simple, and you will be my dinner guests, if you perceive my meaning. You have twenty-four short hours. And only one little guess each. Oh, I AM going to enjoy this!’ The dragon turned and slithered towards another entrance at the back of the cave.

It was Eirwen’s turn to react. ‘You are completely evil,’ she screamed.

The dragon paused and looked over its ridged shoulder. ‘Thank you, but flattery will get you nowhere. What you have said could be a clue, although you’ll never guess.’ The serpent laughed again and continued its journey until it vanished.

Knees throbbing, tears flowed down Eirwen’s cheeks

‘Edwyn,’ she sobbed. ‘We’ll never get away from here alive.’

The young man’s heart burned within his chest. ‘If I could only reach the blade in my tunic pocket.’ He sighed. As their eyes adjusted to the dim light, Edwyn thrust his chin toward a glimmering pile inside the cave entrance. ‘Look,’ he exclaimed. ‘That’s the gold of folklore. We could load our bags with it, and we would want for nothing. But the dragon is right; guessing its name and getting out of here is an impossible task.’

Eirwen contemplated the situation. ‘Mother said if we were caught in some way, we should remain firm and think about things that are noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.’

‘Hmmm,’ mused Edwyn. ‘She also told us to wrap ourselves in goodness and truth. What sort of things are good and true?’

‘When you give your word to someone, you do it in truth,’ replied Eirwen. ‘When you keep your word, that is being noble. Thinking highly of others is right and pure.’ She paused. ‘Mother is good. She always tries to do right. Look how well she has cared for us these many long years. I am keeping her in my mind.’

Edwyn agreed. ‘Yes. And the beauty around outside is lovely, admirable, excellent and worthy of praise.’ Edwyn paused. ‘Mother also told us the One would reveal himself to us when we need him. Could he be the perfect representation of everything that is good? Doesn’t good destroy evil?’

The siblings closed their eyes and thought deeply. They shivered against the cold stone wall. Time dragged on. Whenever one of them had a thought about goodness, truth, nobility, excellence and what was right, they shared it with the other. Eventually, a burst of warm air enveloped the cold, damp cave. They both gasped.

Before them stood one bathed in brilliant light. He wore a robe, pure and translucent, with a gold sash around his chest. His hair was white as snow, his eyes ablaze. Beneath his robe his feet glowed. From his face shone the radiance of the sun, and when he spoke, his voice came forth as a tumbling of waters. 'Do not fear, young friends,' he spoke soothingly. ‘I am here to facilitate your rescue.’

Edwyn’s tongue momentarily seemed glued to the roof of his mouth. He shook himself from his daze. ‘Who are you?’

‘My precious Edwyn, I am the One your mother spoke of. I will guide you and Eirwen to safety.’

‘How…how do you know our names?’ Eirwen questioned.

‘I know everything,’ he replied. ‘I am the Beginning and the End. Everything and everyone are known to me.’ He spread out his hands, and his palms bore rough marks. ‘I love you and will protect you. Trust in me.’ He lowered his hands. ‘The dragon was created as a good being, but desired great power, so it despised and along its status. The eternal, perfect position it enjoyed can never be regained. It has caused great destruction, grief, chaos and ripped lives apart. Some have tried to obliterate it, without success; no doubt, you have seen the mark on its head. There is only one way to destroy it. To be released requires the dragon’s name.

‘It did give you a clue, and its name is Evilthaan. Say that name and mine aloud, and it will be obliterated by my power, and the protection beneath your tunics. Stay firm; be strong. When you leave this place, keep to the narrow and straight path. Do not turn to the right or the left. In this way you will be saved.’

The bright presence faded and disappeared. As he did, the silken bonds shattered off the twins. And so, they sat, awaiting the dragon’s return.

***

Eventually, they heard rustling through the rear cave portal. Slipping down to the cave floor, the dragon slid forward, releasing its pungent, searing breath. As it neared the siblings, it raised itself to its full height, flames licking the edge of its muzzle. Slowly, it ran its tongue around its snout, in a loud, sucking noise. Blood dripped from its teeth.

Once again, the dragon levelled its face with the twins, who pretended to be bound by the silken rope.

‘Well, well, my body is trembling to taste your sweetness,’ it crooned. ‘I can smell your terror, the juices that tenderise your young flesh. What a fine repast this will be!’

‘There is no fear here,’ interjected Edwyn. ‘I believe we have a chance at guessing your name.’

The dragon laughed. ‘Oh, you don’t really believe that is a condition of being spared, do you? Surely not. Nobody can achieve the impossible.’

Eirwen glared at the green creature. ‘If that is to be the outcome, then so be it. But to be fair, at least grant us the opportunity.’

The beast ran its sharpened claws up and down the ridges on either side of its broad chest. ‘Very well,’ it agreed. ‘But I perceive you are not long for this world.’

‘Perhaps,’ said Edwyn, his hazel eyes twinkling in the half-light. ‘But let us see what we can come up with. Could your name be Ernesto?’

‘First guess wrong,’ it growled, then pointed a claw at Eirwen. ‘Your turn.’

Eirwen pretended to think. ‘Hmmm. Could it be Elver?’

‘Not even close,’ the dragon sneered. ‘You have had your one guess each. Time to give up.’ Saliva dribbled from its chin.

‘Wait!’ cried Edwyn. ‘This time, I have it. Your name is…Evilthaan, as spoken by the One.’

The dragon screamed, its snout contorting into a misshapen mess. Orange smoke billowed from its pointy ears. It lunged forward, front legs outstretched, trying to snatch the twins. In an instant, the siblings revealed the crosses from under their tunics. A bolt of lightning from each cross slammed into the dragon’s claws. It shrieked and recoiled.

A thunderous voice reverberated through the cave. ‘Begone, dragon of old!’

In a whirlwind, the great body spun into a cloud, growing smaller with each turn, until it disappeared with a final guttural cry.

The gold coins gleamed in a shower of bright light as a voice resounded, ‘Go in peace and prosper. The evil has been destroyed. Follow the path and stay on the Way. Take the gold coins and the scrolls from behind them. They will be your guide.’ The light faded and diminished.

The twins stood, Eirwen leaning on her brother’s arm as her knees stiffened. Retrieving their bags of herbs and berries, they walked slowly toward the coins. In the corner, behind the pile, Edwyn spied several scrolls. They removed the items they had gathered from their bags and placed as many coins as possible into each. Then they gently replaced their gathered supplies.

‘We will return,’ Edwyn told his sister, ‘And retrieve the remainder of the gold coins when we are strengthened.’

Edwyn used the silken rope to carefully bind the scrolls together, then tied the rope tightly around his chest, scrolls resting atop his hide-skin bag.

Outside, they shielded their eyes against the strong rays of light streaming through the trees. Edwyn retrieved a strip of fabric from his pocket and bathed Eirwen’s knees with the cool, fresh water from the pool. Her face contorted with pain, even though his touch was gentle.

They retraced their steps. The path now looked strangely different, without twists or turns. Unwaveringly, they kept to the straight and narrow path as they made their way home. The boy’s hands trembled as he lifted the bolt and iron bar from the door of their house, then unlocked it with the key.

‘Mother,’ Edwyn cried. ‘We have returned with the healing herbs and much more. All will be well.’

They stopped in their tracks. Their mother was out of bed and singing. She greeted her children and rushed to embrace them.

‘Mother,’ cried Eirwen in amazement. ‘How is it that you are well again? What has happened?’

Etheldreda’s brown eyes sparkled and she grinned widely. ‘I suspect you had a victory today.’

Eirwen’s knees suddenly became strong, and she no longer leaned against Edwyn.

‘My knees!’ she cried. ‘They are healed! What is going on?’

Etheldreda smiled once more. ‘You encountered the One, yes?’

“Yes,” Eirwen answered.

Gently, the siblings removed their gathered produce and placed on the kitchen table. Edwyn picked up a basket from the floor, emptying the coins into it. Etheldreda’s astonished eyes shone as brightly as the sun.

‘Is this…the gold of legend?’ she asked.

Edwyn nodded. ‘Yes. And there is more to gather.’

‘But…how did you come by this?’ their mother asked in disbelief. ‘It was rumoured the coins were guarded by the green dragon in its lair. Yet here it is. How?’

‘We have much to tell you,’ Edwyn replied.

‘Before that, open the first scroll and read what is written on it,’ his mother replied.

Carefully Edwyn rolled out the delicate parchment. ‘He who guards you is faithful and will protect you from the evil one. He will wipe every tear away from your eyes. No more will there be any pain, for there is a new order of things. He is making everything new.’ He paused and looked up. ‘What does this mean?’

Etheldreda continued to smile. ‘Look to the words in the scrolls for guidance and direction. They hold the keys to life and are worth so much more than even this fine gold. Place your trust and hope in the One, and he will defeat every kind of evil that comes against you. That is what the ancient seer promised. Perhaps not in this world, but for certain in the age to come.’

Eirwen was curious. ‘What instructions should we follow?’

‘Care about others,’ her mother replied. ‘Be truthful always, and don’t forget the qualities I mentioned before you left.’ Etheldreda paused. ‘You must believe that the One can help you conquer all. Do not believe those who say he doesn’t exist. But you know that already; you have met him.’

The twins took turns at sharing what had beset them. Etheldreda sat back in her chair and smiled.

‘We have been blessed with everything good. I will share what we now have with others in need, as we once were. I feel immense sadness for those who have lost their lives to that evil green creature. We need to thank the One for his goodness and provision.’

The three sat and joined hands in humble thanksgiving. From that time on, peace settled over the village and the small family who had endured so much, prospered.