The Lost Little Dragon
On the rocky slopes high above Greenhill Village, young dragon Leo blew false smoke signals into the valley, shouting that wild mountain wolves were raiding the lower apple orchards.
When the villagers rushed up the steep path with heavy pitchforks and lanterns, Leo giggled from a high ledge, puffing small gray smoke rings as the tired farmers turned back empty-handed.
Two days later, a real landslide tumbled down the steep mountain gorge, trapping Leo's scaly tail beneath a heavy granite boulder.
Leo blew frantic distress smoke toward the valley, but the villagers ignored the signals, assuming it was another mischievous trick.
Trapped in the freezing mountain wind, Leo tucked his wings tight against the cold stone, realizing his false alarms had left him completely stranded.
At twilight, the village elder hiked up the trail to inspect the damaged orchard wall and discovered Leo pinned beneath the fallen rock. Calling the farmers, they pried the heavy stone away with iron crowbars.
Leo bowed his scaly head in shame. 'I lied about the wolves,' he admitted softly. 'I am truly sorry for tricking you.' The elder handed him a wooden spade, and together they spent the evening clearing the fallen rubble from the mountain path.
Working side by side by warm lantern light, Leo stacked the heavy stones into a sturdy new retaining wall for the orchard, earning their respect through honest labor.
