For this one: You must shame a dragon into giving up half his land.
SANCTUARY (any gender, mid teens through late forties)
Listen, I'm on your side. You think I'm angry? I'm not. I AM a little DISAPPOINTED. Yes. Your behavior disappoints me. That's all. I thought you were more mature.
I know my mother praises you. She thinks you can do no wrong. You'd think you were the only dragon in the world. You're not. You know that, right? There is a very big world out there, my friend. Many, many dragons. And they're just as large and as "beautiful" as you.
I'm sorry to say that. But it's best that you know. Mother spoils you. She's the queen and she is wise. In many ways. But she has limited perspective and she passes that onto you. It's not good for you. It's CERTAINLY not good for the peasants.
I'm not talking about the church you just burned down. No, no, no... I'm talking about your land use. Mother wants to turn half the kingdom into a dragon sanctuary. Do you know how much farming could take place on that land? How much food could be raised?
No, you don't think about that, do you? For you, it's all just a playground. You frolic. You trample. You leave muddy ditches every time you lift off to fly. You leave small hills of unusable urine and feces all over. And you sing those childish songs to yourself, releasing fire and burning down churches.
It's alright. Look: It's alright. No need to cry. I want to help you. When my mother approaches you with expanded land, simply stand up for you beliefs. Refuse her. Don't let her spoil you. She'll be confused but after she sees how I manage the land... she'll understand. She'll be proud of you. I'm ALREADY proud of you for listening.
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes.
If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"