Ten years to the day had passed and the prince was now king of the kingdom. Those of neighboring kingdoms who were collecting in the former king's debt were surprised to be paid back in full. The entire batch of gold the dragon last grew was spent and he did not grow more. He spent his time on what he considered a more important matter. Which saddened him when the king once again visited. " Hello Dragon." the king said as the dragon bowed slightly.

" Hello, again my liege. I did not expect to see you again. Is there a need of me you have?" he then asked knowing there was.

The king went straight to the point, " In recent months the mad dragons have started raiding the lands more deeply. I and the other major kings are banding together to deal with them. I wish for your help with such."

The dragon settles in his usual spot. " I know. Even thou I am immortal I still age. I am growing old and they know it. My years of being able to overpower them are numbered. A hundred or two if I'm lucky. That is why I am taking steps to ensure your future."

The dragon barely finishes speaking before he fell on his side, revealing a badly infected gash on his side. Two little dragonets rush out of the passageway behind the larger and move to his side. "Papa." one says surprising the king as he rushes over to join them.

" So that is why they have grown bold." The old dragon rights himself.

" I'm fine my children. Go back inside. I'll be along shortly."

The two young dragons say, " Yes, papa." then do as they are told.

The dragon turns to the king. " Yes, I was injured retrieving them. Shortly after you left a mad female in heat attacked me. I had my way with her and instead of killing her outright I just tossed her out of my home. I waited till egg-laying season then I went to where she nested and took what eggs that were there all at once, knowing that it was my only chance to. Before I left I killed her to make sure I could do it safely. Yet another nested in the same location and I dropped most of the eggs when she attacked me. Those two you just met are the only survivors and I received this injury. I don't know which are mine if they are or not. So my liege I do not know how much help I can be. I can tell you of the numbers and such but actual fighting is a little beyond me at the moment. They know I am still dangerous but I can not guarantee I will succeed if it comes down to it."

The King inspects the dragon's injury. "If I can get you healed. This illness removed and bandage on you will you be ready to fight then?" The dragon thinks it over a bit. " Will I have my old strength back? No, and I may never will again. Will I be able to fight for you when the time comes..? Likely, depending on how soon I am removed of this ailment." The king steps away. " Then I will get healers to you for treatment."

The dragon stands and bows. " My liege if you can get one with knowledge of my organs that would be best. Also if you would be so kind as to return after I am healed I wish to discuss something to you."

So the king left for his search of a healer capable and willing to heal the dragon. For two days none came till an old woman with gray filthy hair and old weathered robed walked into the king's courtroom. " I heard the king sought a healer of dragons," she said in a wicked crackly voice as the king's guards approached her.

" Halt." A yell behind them came and they moved apart for their king.

" So you can heal a dragon?" he asked and the king became very cautious as she said, " Yes, I can."

He then asked, " What is your price?"

She formed a crooked smile as she responded with, " I shall tell you after he is healed."

Time was drawing short before the combined march on Dragon Mountain. " Come with me."

The dragon appeared shortly after they arrived. She walked straight up to him and pulled out a large vial from under her robe and opens it. " Drink this dragon. It will ease your pain as I heal you."

The dragon sniffs it slightly and moves away. " Nice try witch. Now leave here. Your particular services are not necessary and I will compensate you with gold for your journey."

Her voice forms a screech as she yells, " I came here to heal you slave dragon. Now Drink!"

The dragon raises his voice as well, " I shall not offer you a third chance to leave witch. Take your gold and depart."

She then yells as black smoke forms around her body. " Then I curse you dragon and those of this land you protect eternally diseased."

The dragon makes a screeching sound. "Stupid witch. You have just cursed that you should not curse. We showed you no hostility nor disrespect. We offered compensation for your troubles. We gave you plenty of chances. Now I will tell you the terms of Your curse. It will be until you love and be loved to be another while not trying to break your curse. Now go away back to your bog."

She produced a loud screech as she is covered with the smoke that surrounded her and then it faded into the air. As soon as the smoke was gone the dragon snorted where she was then turned to the king. " Dumb witch. Thinks she is the first to try to soul trap me. Then curse what is under my protection. Bah! Deserves her right. Now my Liege we are short on time. I have collected healing moss for my side but I need one steady of hand and nerve to cut away the injury that plagues me. Yet not kill me in the process. Will you do it?"

" Me, why me?"

"Because I am a loyal subject of yours. If any but a healer does it then I must serve them and their line for seven generations. Well, I've served yours for much more than that so I will not be completely bound to what I deem beyond necessary. The rules for saving a dragon's life are very strict and defined. Do not worry I will guide you, but first, we must discuss my children and other things."