He’s waited for such a very long time.
For as far back as he can remember, he’s known of his task—to protect his king even if it
costs him his life. And his master was a kind one, always making sure the lake was stocked with
fish and even coming out to visit him on every full moon. There was even a festival thrown in his
honor every year, and children would flock to the lakeside to try and glimpse him. But his king
left the castle long ago. Now, the castle that once bustled with life and joy is empty, and the only
sound left is the wind howling through the damaged buildings.
He slowly circles the lake once more. His muscles are stiff after untold seasons of
traveling the same lake. Sand and sediment nearly seal his six eyes shut, and his entire body is
crusted over. But even as stiff as they are, his muscles are as powerful as ever, and his teeth
are as sharp as they have ever been. He will still be able to protect his king when he returns.
But his master never comes.
***
A sound catches his attention. Slowly, he raises his head from the sandy lake bottom
and truly listens for the first time in years. And he is filled with joy. For it is a voice like his king’s;
come to the edge of the broken bridge. He rises quickly through the murky depths, quicker than
he has ever moved before, and breaks the surface, a roar of welcome rumbling in his throat. But
then his eyes, weak from seeing so little light for so long, finally focus and disappointment rises.
For it is not his king who is at the broken bridge, but a stranger. Instead of welcome or
recognition, all he can see is fear and shock. He sinks back into the lake, heart aching for his
master.
***
The air is full of sound now, but it isn’t laughter or chatter. Now it’s the whirring of strange
machines and shouts as boats fill the lake and nets trawl the depths. He settles deep in the lake
bottom, but the nets still scrape against his dorsal fins and catch on his scales. When they leave
the lake at night, he finally lifts himself and circles the lake to hunt for his dinner. As he swims,
he pauses near the mouth of the river that feeds the lake. It has widened with all of the recent
activity. He could swim through it now, even though it would be a tight fit. He could leave if he
chose to. He hesitates, but continues on his circle. His purpose is to guard his king and await
his return, so he will remain.
***
The boats have left at last, and he is alone again. The water is still and silence reigns
once more. He surfaces just past the broken bridge, feeling loose bricks strike his back. The sun
burns his weakened eyes. He gazes at the silent castle, remembering how it used to be filled
with life. A mournful note fills the air, shattering the silence, as he remembers the laughter of the
children and the warmth of his master. He looks again to the river’s mouth, wondering whether
to leave the lake, leave the castle shrouded in memories. But no. He sinks back under the
water.
He will wait for the return of his king, even if it means he waits until the end of time itself.