The Son of Sea Smoke
by Joshua Alcantara

In the picturesque Southern Kingdom of Vietnam, where the sun painted the skies in hues of orange and the seas whispered tales of ancient legends, a humble fisherman named Leon stood out as a renowned figure. Beyond his prowess in navigating the tumultuous waves, Leon was a dragon rider, a guardian of the realm, who, despite his modest means, selflessly contributed to the well-being of his community.

However, fate, with its capricious nature, had a somber twist in store for Leon. After a day of battling the relentless waves, he succumbed to sickness, leaving behind a void in the hearts of those who admired him. The villagers, in gratitude for his selfless deeds, erected a statue of Leon on the Pier, a symbol of their eternal respect and admiration.

Left alone in the wake of his father's passing, Leon's son, Leo, faced an uncertain future. Yet, the benevolence that Leon had shown to others in the past manifested in the kindness of those he had aided. As Leo matured, he felt a calling to continue his father's legacy, aspiring to become a dragon rider like Leon, a beacon of hope for the community.

But, there was a missing piece in this tale of dragons and legacy – Murloc, the Ancient Dragon. Despite the passing of years, the majestic creature had not returned to its chamber. Leo, pondering the fate of Murloc, speculated that the dragon might be captured or even perished.

Hope sparked in Leo's heart when, one day, a trader's tale hinted at the sighting of a dragon near the frozen lake in the kingdom's northern reaches. Intrigued and hopeful, Leo inquired further and, to his amazement, the description matched that of Murloc. Eager and elated, Leo embarked on a journey that would test not only his resolve but also the depths of his courage.

As Leo ventured through dense forests and scaled towering mountains, weeks slipped by like the sands through an hourglass. Finally, he arrived at the frozen lake, the trader's mysterious tip echoing in his mind. However, Murloc was not to be found in the frozen expanse, and fatigue, hunger, and sleep deprivation began to wear down Leo's spirit.

Considering giving up, Leo set up camp beside the lake to catch his breath. Little did he know that his respite would be interrupted by the ominous sounds of armed men carrying spears and massive chains. Unbeknownst to him, these were dragon hunters, ruthless opportunists seeking to capture Murloc and sell its precious tooth for a fortune.

Inquisitive, Leo approached the hunters, revealing his quest for Murloc. The hunters, assuming Leo harbored the same intentions as them, disclosed the dragon's last known location near a mountain beside the frozen lake. Determined to beat the hunters to the prize, Leo stealthily slipped away from his camp, leaving behind a flickering fire.

The dragon hunters, unaware of Leo's true intentions, reached Murloc first. Their cruel spears struck the mighty creature, causing it pain, but Murloc managed to elude their clutches. Hidden in a cave nearby, Leo heard the desperate call of the wounded dragon and, driven by a newfound resolve, ventured deeper into the mountains.

Days turned into nights as Leo and Murloc concealed themselves in the cavern, patiently waiting for the dragon hunters to abandon their pursuit. The echoes of clinking chains and fading footsteps signaled the hunters' departure, and Leo emerged from the shadows, revealing himself to Murloc.

Together, Leo and Murloc forged an unbreakable bond, overcoming adversity and forming a partnership that surpassed the limits of man and dragon. Riding Murloc, Leo returned to the southern village, shattering the belief that the Ancient Dragon was lost forever. The villagers, witnessing the triumphant return, erupted in joy, celebrating the reunion that defied all odds.

From that day forward, Leo embraced his father's legacy with renewed vigor, soaring through the skies with Murloc by his side. The dragon rider continued to safeguard the village, upholding the values of humility, compassion, and selflessness that were instilled by his father, Leon. And so, in the Southern Kingdom of Vietnam, the tale of the dragon rider and the humble fisherman endured, echoing through the ages as a testament to the enduring power of courage, compassion, and the unbreakable bond between man and dragon.

The End