The Dragon's Enchantment page 11

“I will see you tomorrow, Luca. But I leave you in good hands.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” said Tarnen.

As the King left, Luca looked back at the water. He spread his wings and said, “The King said I’m going to be bigger than him someday.”

“If the King says it is so, then it is true. Come, Luca. Let’s go to your room and start your first lessons.”

“What am I going to learn?”

“Wonderful things! You will learn to read and write, how to use numbers, what it means to be part of the castle.  You’ll  also learn diplomacy, law, and what it means to serve the King,”

“That sounds like a lot to have to take in!” wined Luca.

“Oh, don’t worry Luca. It will take at least a year of study. You are a smart dragon. You will pick it up in no time,” said Tarnen, “shall we go to your room and get started?” Tarnen did not wait for an answer. He turned and headed for the castle.

 Luca took one last look at the fountain, and then fell in line behind Tarnen.

Tarnen and Luca became close over the year. Tarnen was kind and patient with Luca, and Luca came to love him.  On his last lesson of the year, Tarnen entered Luca's room and notice how tall he had become and smiled.  A dragon matured into its teen-like years.

 “Someday Luca," said Tarnen, "you will help the King run the Kingdom. You will rule while he is visiting his lands. He wants you to be his right hand.”

“Me? Wow, the King’s right hand. What does that mean?”

“It means you will assist in teaching and guiding, like I did for you. The difference is   will also help enforce the King’s ways. Today is your graduation day. I have taught you all I can. Now you will be in the King’s care. He will be your teacher. Go have your lunch then meet him at the fountain.   Best wishes in your new position Luca,” said Tarnen.  He took Luca’s claw and shook it like he had taught him in “etiquette,” stepped back, and bowed as he prepared to leave the room.

           

            Luca looked up bewildered. “Will I see you again?”

“You will see me around the castle, but now you will go on to bigger things. It has been a pleasure working with you Luca,” said Tarnen, “Go to lunch now and then to the fountain.”

Luca looked at his mentor for a moment and said, “Thanks for everything, Tarnen.” Luca flew out the window and down to the ground for his lunch. As he ate, he wondered what would be coming next in his life.  After lunch, he headed straight to the fountain outside where the King