Most people know the wonderful story of Merlin the Magician, but it seems no one can recall a lot about his young apprentice, Elliot, and his 4 amazing pet dragons. Earth; Wind; Fire and Water. Not a lot of people these days believe in dragons, but that doesn't make then any less real to those with the purity of heart to still be able to see them. Anyhow, we digress. Elliot loved all 4 of his pet dragons a great deal but alas, not all in equal measure. Earth for example, he spoiled with all sorts of treats and gold trinkets. Nothing was too much trouble for her and he would gladly have given her the gold robes and fine jewels off his back if he felt that they would have made her happy in some way.
Wind on the other hand was the youngest and most beautiful of all four of his dragons and, as such, he liked to show her off to all the other wizards throughout the realm. All of whom would compliment Elliot on her deep beauty and the colour of her fiery breath. The other wizards all felt sure that in the right hands, she could wield powerful magic and envied Elliot for possessing such a rare and beautiful creature. Whilst Elliot basked in their praise, and felt immensely proud of Wind's beauty, he was always a little afraid that she would ultimately opt to leave him one day to form instead, an alliance with another wizard. Perhaps one stronger, more powerful or of purer heart than he himself was. You see, the purer the heart of the wizard, the stronger the magic he and his dragon can conjure up together.
Fire, his third dragon, was perhaps the wisest dragon out of the four. She was the most patient and considerate as well. No matter what foolishness Elliot would ask of her, or what magical spells he would get wrong, she was never quick to anger and would always do her utmost to help him master his magic whenever she could. Even if Elliot was not always aware of what she was doing at the time. Such was their unbreakable bond.
Water, his oldest and most loyal dragon was the one that had served him longest though. She often went to great lengths to make sure that he was in good health, that his day to day needs were well taken care of and that no physical harm befell him as he went about his day. Water loved Elliot deeply and unconditionally, but was also the one dragon that he cared least of all for. A fact that was often reflected by the awful manner in which he would neglect, treat and shamelessly take her for granted.
If truth be told, Elliot was an arrogant and selfish young wizard that thought he was far more powerful than he actually was in reality. True wizardly magic is learned over hundred of years, but Elliot was impatient and tried to do spells that were way beyond his skills or ability. Because of this, he hurt himself so badly one day that there was no way to prevent his imminent death. Only the great Merlin himself could save him from such a fate, but Elliot was far too proud to ask the great wizard to intervene on his behalf. Knowing that he was soon to die then, he called together all 4 of his dragons one last time - in the hope that one of them would accompany him on his journey to the other side.
He told Earth, "I have showered you with great jewels and trinkets. Everything you have ever needed or wanted has always been happily given to you; will you join me now on my journey to the other side?" Incensed by his request Earth breathed flames of fire and flew off never to be seen again.
Saddened by what had just taken place he then turned to Wind and said: "I have prized and praised your beauty above all else. Will you not my most beautiful dragon; join me now on my journey to the other side?" Surprised by his unusual request Wind replied "No, I will not. I am a free Spirit and will never be tied down to only one wizard." And with that flew off in a ring of fire never to be seen again.
Wind's answer cut like a knife through his heart but still he turned to Fire and said: "I have valued your intelligence and wise counsel in all that I do, even if I have not always followed your sage advice. Will you not my wise dragon; join me now on my journey to the other side?" But Fire simply turned to him smiling and said "Where is the wisdom in that young wizard?" before flying off into the ether never to be seen again.
In great despair Elliot was just about to let go of all hope whatsoever when he heard the voice of Water speak to him. "I shall happily join you in your journey to the other side young wizard. Where you lead; I shall follow. You are not alone and never shall be." she whispered, with tremendous love in her eyes as tears of sorrow rolled slowly down her face.
Elliot painfully turned to look at his old dragon, weak and thin with the years of neglect he had showered on her, suddenly ashamed at the selfish manner in which he had taken such terrible care of her. His most loyal and loving dragon, the one he gave least to, was here willing to make the ultimate sacrifice on his behalf - when everyone else had left him alone to die. DO NOT, dear friends, make the same mistakes as the young wizard, for in reality we all have four dragons:
Earth is our body. No matter how much time and money we spend looking after it - or on creams and ointments to make it look good, we simply can't take it with us when its time to make the journey to the other side.
Wind is our material needs. No matter how many we acquire or how good they look, we can't take them with us on our journey to the other side. Designer labels and gold jewels are of no use to anyone on the other side!
Fire is our friends and family. No matter how kind, loving or understanding they have been to us on this side or how many problems or difficult situations they've helped us through, they have to stay behind after we've gone until it's time to make their own journey to the other side.
Water is our Soul. Sadly, all too often neglected in place of fame; power and/or material riches and wealth. All of which do nothing but suck our soul dry and leave us weak and alone! Make time then to feed the soul. Pray, meditate and reflect within. For in reality, it's the only thing that will accompany us on our journey to the other side.
© Charles Anthony McFaulds
