In Sulaimon, four kingdoms stretch to the four corners of that vast land, each ruled and guarded by four dragon dynasties.

To the East, across the feathery meadows, upon an island hovering not far from the coast lays the Zale Dynasty. Serpent-like dragons slither through pure ocean waters and fields, slipping so silently it looks like a gentle wind sways the tall reeds. Raised facets glitter like sapphires and diamonds upon smooth, aqua-blue scales. They are the most playful of the dragon families, the gentlest dragon rulers. They catch fish and rabbits for the people of the island and protect them from sharks, wolves, and other fearsome creatures. Serene by nature, the Zale dragons spend much time in meditation, studying peace and charity towards all. Thus they require from their human inhabitants the lightest of the required tributes. In exchange for care and protection, the Zale Dragons oblige only an annual feast which the people prepare and share with the dragons.

To the West, the treacherous, harshly windy Valther Mountains loom. On top stands the Gauthier Dynasty. Unlike the elegant Eastern palace clad in gold and light silks, a sturdy, stone fortress houses the Gauthier Dragons. They are the fiercest of the dynasties, a warring family. They do not war needlessly, though if the humans of their land were ever threatened, they would brutally defend them until death. Many a time, their strength protects the people from wild mountain beasts. Thick, leathery, long wings battle snow and ice to find those humans who lose their way. The dragons also quarry great rocks, minerals, and precious gems which their human architects build with and the blacksmiths forge into great armor, weapons, all sorts of fine things. Thus, the tribute the Gauthier dragons require every year includes some of their blacksmiths’ most excellently crafted armor, weaponry, and jewelry. The Gauthier dragons are great collectors, admiring the humans’ abilities to create such magnificent wonders despite their frailties.

Varden lay to the South in a deep and evergreen valley. It is a place of farmers, and both the dragons and humans inhabiting that land possess a gift in making things grow. The dragons bear scales which, when rubbed into the earth, fertilize the dirt with rich nutrients, helping crops grow strong, lush, and full while endowing many people with healing powers. The tribute Vardenian dragons require is an annual portion of their people's bountiful harvest. They also commission a healer to annually travel abroad, representing Varden by healing any ill they come in contact with.

These three dynasties…

They all sound like something out of an ancient, oriental myth or fairy tale. The concept of humans and dragons helping and living in harmony with one another, without fear. To me, that’s exactly what they are - a distant dream only read of, told of secretly, quietly yearned for.

I live in Tynan, the fourth dynasty, where the dragons do provide much protection, and there is much need of it. Our dynasty is set high in the northern mountains where wild animals and avalanches are ever constant. But the tribute they require in return is so horrible, no one speaks of it. I cannot even utter it here, now, on paper. In fact, I will soon have to lay down my pen because my fingers tremble, scrawling nervous, illegible scribbles across the pages signifying the last days of my life. The unspoken truth grows all the more real, close, and unbearably frightening.

For, you see, I am the new Quelda of Tynan.