The Last Golden Eagle

It was huge, like a giant. It was a very big eagle covered in a bright golden light. The light flashed every time it moved its wings. It made a loud, sharp cry like the eagles in movies. The sound was so strong that the air shook. Surrounding it were tiny eagles. They gathered around it and soon, the sky was full of them. There was the sound of thunder and as it hit the floor with the light, fire burst from the floor.

His eyes popped open. It was a dream—the same dream he had had over and over. The light of the sun shot in through the windows and the curtains. The boy lying on the bed stretched his arms and yawned. Some of his golden locks covered his face, and he used a hand to remove them. He was a seven-year-old boy who was slightly plump. As usual, the next thing he sought to do was to find his mother. He wore his roughly crafted slippers and walked out of the room.

He could hear voices from the living room. It seemed that his mother was not alone. The boy stopped at the door and, through the tiny opening, he looked to see what was happening. He could see his mother, beautiful and red-haired, standing with a worried look on her face. In front of her was a person in a black cloak. The boy did not understand what was going on. The person put an item in his mother’s hand and rushed out the door.

The boy finally stepped out. His mother heard his footsteps and turned to face the boy. Her blue eyes were full of tears. “My dear Darian,” she said as she spread out her hands. Darian ran into her embrace and asked, “Why are you crying, Mother? What is wrong?”

“Nothing, dear. Something just got stuck in my eyes,” she said as she wiped her tears away with one hand. She sat on the brown chair beside her and made Darian sit with her.

“Mother, I had a dream,” Darian said.

“What dream, dearest?” There was worry in her eyes and a subtle alarm in her voice as she asked.

“I saw eagles again. I saw eagles, fire, and ice. Lots of it. They were all around me, but they did not hurt me. They even told me to come play with them.”

His mother’s hand covered his mouth. “Do not speak too loud. Someone might be passing and hear you. How many times have I told you never to speak loudly whenever you tell me about the strange dreams you have?” When she moved her hand, he asked, “But Mother, what is wrong with my dreams? If they are bad, why do I keep having them?”

“My son,” his mother said after she sighed. “When you grow up, you will understand. For now, trust your mother.” She opened the tiny box in her hand. “Look at this beautiful emerald ring. You like it, right?” The ring was shiny and bright. Around its borders, the design of feathers could be seen.

Darian nodded his head. “It is pretty, Mother,” he said as he stretched a hand to touch it. His mother moved it farther away.

“Yes, dear, I had it made just for you. Mother is going to put this ring on your hand now. You have to promise Mother that you will keep it on at all times. Promise me, dear,” his mother encouraged him as she grabbed the hand he had stretched and rubbed it. "Whether I am around or not, you must always keep it on."

Alarm shone in Darian's eyes. "Mother, are you leaving me?"

His mother chuckled slightly. "Of course not. Mother will always be with you."

Darian smiled and responded, “Then I promise you, Mother, I will keep this on me always. I will obey whatever you tell me.”

“That is my boy,” his mother said as she slowly put the emerald ring on his finger.

The ring began to shine brightly the moment it was wrapped around the little boy’s finger. Darian felt a strange sensation. It was burning his finger, then it was burning his hand. A shout escaped his throat and his mother placed her hand over his mouth.

The pain increased. Soon it was going all over his body. It felt as if the ring was pulling his insides out. He opened his mouth to scream.

His mother used her hands to cover his mouth. Tears were dripping down her face as she held his mouth closed. She knew he must be experiencing a lot of pain.

When the light of the ring dimmed, Darian was panting hard. He was weeping. She wiped his eyes. “If I do not tell you anything, know this now: you are from the line of the bravest people you can ever think of. Do not ever show your weakness.”

“Yes, Mother,” Darian replied as he tried to hold back his sobs. "But it hurt me so much. Mother, why must I put it on?"

“The pain will stop after a few minutes. I promise you. Do not be angry with your mother, Darian. This ring is for your protection. It will keep you safe, and that is exactly what I want.” She placed a hand on his head and rubbed it gently even as his tears subsided.

Darian was never allowed to play with his friends. He would stay near the window and watch other little children play. He always wanted to join them, but his mother would never allow him. But today, after he wore the ring, his mother allowed him to go play. She stood by the door and watched him play. There was a fearful look on her face, as if she feared Darian’s power would react. She watched for a few minutes, and nothing happened. Her eyes relaxed. She knew the ring would keep her son safe.

The next minute, the sounds of horse hooves clapping rapidly on the floor terrified her and the children playing. Soldiers were approaching, riding on chariots with terrifying speed. The combined sound of chariots, horses, and angry men made everyone outside panic. Mothers rushed out of their cottages to grab their children and drag them inside.

Darian’s mother did the same. She was more worried than the others and could guess what the soldiers were looking for. As soon as she got inside, she took out a small golden vase and handed it to Darian. “Darian, you have to promise me that you will not open this vase until you are in very real danger. You have to obey me, Darian. Promise your mother,” she said.

Darian noticed the urgency in his mother’s voice. He could not understand why. Darian nodded, “Yes, Mother.”

Darian’s mother tried to smile, but she was forcing it. “Now, go into your room, my son. Go and lock the door. Whatever you hear or see, do not make a sound. Do you understand?”

The boy agreed with a nod even as he hastened to do what his mother said. He was worried, but he just got on with it.

As soon as Darian turned, they heard loud knocks on the door and kicks. If they did not open quickly, the people would soon kick the door down.