The Lion Ring by Rory Ownhouse
Long ago there was a beautiful golden dragon from the far east. This dragon was the last of its kind. The dragon searched all over the far east to find the a place where it could store its flaming heart so that it could be remembered forever. It was not until the dragon was told by a mystic creature known as the Tokeloshi, that had journeyed to the east to seek elements for his potions and brews ,when Tokeloshi met the beautiful dragon it told the dragon of his home deep in the plains of Africa that there was a brave and courageous Red Lion that did not fear any beast or mythical creature in all of creation. The Golden Dragon asked Tokeloshi why was the lion's bravery was so deep and powerful. The Tokeloshi said that the lion was born with all the brave hearts of all the kings of man, not only that, but when the Lion roared it could be heard by the entire land of Africa and brought fear to all who challenged him. Without a moment’s notice the dragon flew quickly to Africa in search of the brave lion. Many moons past and the Golden Dragon was about to give up hope. Then the lion appeared and descended from the great tree of Africa. The said "what seek you here dragon, do you wish to challenge me?" the dragon replied "No a merely wish to speak words". Then the Lion and dragon spoke for many years and they each shared their stories and developed a very unique respectful friendship for one another, both of them guarded the sacred tree of Africa of fending off any creature of man that dared to steal from it. Years past and the dragon told the lion that it does not have much time left and needed to ask the lion a favor. The Red Lion gladly agreed, they spoke for the last time, after that the Golden Dragon burst into a beautiful and enchanting flame and the only thing left was the Dragon's heart. With that the lion plunged the dragon's heart within his own, after that the lion could feel the dragon fire and love within him. The lion was so sad that he gave a loud roar throughout the land that could be heard around the whole known world. The Lion lived for many years after the dragon had pasted he still guarded the tree. Until one faithful day the Lion received a challenge from one brave human. The human challenged the lion and the lion accepted for the lion had not seen such bravery in man for many centuries. The two fought and since the lion wanted to be with the dragon he purposefully failed. As the lion slowly died he told the brave warrior, "when I past to the heavens please guard this tree do not let any being touch or destroy it for it is the tree of divine understanding." Knowing that the warrior could not defend the tree without some help. After the lion died all that was left was a ring which gave the warrior immense powers of the element fire and the bravest heart in the entire universe. It is said that the man still guards the tree today