The mountain temple fell into a silence deeper than anyone believed possible.
The dragon's voice continued echoing through the vast cavern long after its lips had stopped moving. Every torch flickered. Every priest stood frozen beneath the towering stone ceiling. For five hundred years, kings had pleaded for a single word from the sacred guardian. Entire generations of princes had crossed the temple floor hoping to be acknowledged. None of them had heard even a whisper.
Yet the dragon had spoken.
One name.
"Elias."
The poor boy tightened his grip on the clay water jug.
His heart pounded so hard he could barely hear anything else.
"I... I don't understand."
His voice trembled.
"Have we met?"
The dragon remained still.
Its golden eyes never left him.
Not with curiosity.
With recognition.
The guard who had blocked Elias only moments earlier slowly stepped backward. His hands shook as he looked from the glowing necklace to the dragon's calm expression.
Prince Rowen stared in disbelief.
"This cannot be happening."
His carefully practiced confidence disappeared.
The High Priest slowly lowered himself onto one knee.
The movement shocked every priest standing behind him.
No ceremony required it.
No ancient ritual demanded it.
Yet the oldest servant of the temple bowed before a poor servant boy carrying water.
One by one, the other elderly priests followed.
Soon every white robe in the temple was kneeling.
Only the prince remained standing.
King Aldren slowly rose from the carved stone throne near the altar.
Unlike his son, he did not look angry.
He looked frightened.
His eyes remained fixed on the old wooden necklace hanging around Elias's neck. At first glance it appeared to be nothing more than a rough carving made by an ordinary craftsman. Now faint golden patterns slowly emerged across its surface, revealing symbols hidden beneath years of wear.
The King whispered almost to himself.
"No..."
The High Priest heard him.
"So you remember."
The King did not answer.
Instead, he slowly descended the altar steps until he stood only a few feet from Elias.
"What is your full name?"
"Elias."
"And your family?"
"I don't have one."
The answer echoed softly through the cavern.
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