The Trial of the Heir

Ever since I encountered Fuchur the dragon from The NeverEnding Story by Michael Ende, I’ve dreamed of meeting these fascinating creatures myself. So it didn’t surprise me when they found their way into my very first novel.

And now, just as naturally, I’m writing my first blog post about Toitillar!

This story takes place long before the heroes of the main tale were even born.

Vaelor was the great-grandfather of King Radokult, and Xyroth was the father of Toitillar.

The Trial of the Heir

The wind whipped across the cliffs of the Fire Ridge, swirling snow and ash into the air and carrying with it the distant echoes of dragon roars. At the edge of a rocky ledge stood Vaelor, the young heir to the throne of Werland.

His heart pounded with fear and reverence.

Before him rose Xyroth, King of the Dragons—majestic and terrifying at once.

Xyroth’s golden scales shimmered in the sunlight, as if the sun itself radiated from within him. His gaze rested on Vaelor, piercing straight to his core, as though the dragon could see into his soul. The other dragons of the herd kept to the background, but their glowing eyes followed every move the heir made.

“You dare stand before me, child of mortals?”
Xyroth’s voice was deep and thunderous, as if the mountain itself were speaking. Smoke curled from his nostrils, and his sharp claws dug into the rock.

Vaelor swallowed hard but stepped forward.
“I am the rightful heir of Werland. It is my destiny to ride you—and to protect the kingdom.”
His voice trembled, but he forced himself to meet the dragon’s gaze.

Xyroth tilted his massive head, narrowing his eyes into glimmering slits.

“Many before you have spoken those words. And they all fell, as their hearts burned in the fire of truth.”
He spread his wings, casting massive shadows over the ledge.
“Will you also burn, Vaelor of Werland? Or will you be reforged in the fire?”

Vaelor felt an invisible force probing his thoughts, summoning old memories—his doubts, his fears, his weaknesses. But he also remembered the promise he had made to his dying mother… and his responsibility to the people of Werland.

He clenched his fists and lifted his chin.
“I will not fall. I will not flee.
For my strength comes from love for my people, not from the lust for power.”

A deep rumble echoed through Xyroth’s massive form, and smoke billowed from his jaws. But then, the rumble turned into booming laughter.

“Perhaps you are different.
Perhaps you do carry the legacy of the First King within you.”

The dragon lowered his head until Vaelor could feel the heat of his breath on his skin.

“Climb on, Vaelor. Show me that you are worthy.”

Vaelor hesitated for a moment, then found his courage and reached for the golden scales on the dragon’s neck. With a swift movement, he mounted the back of the mighty beast.

The instant he touched the saddle, a surge of magic and ancient power flowed through him. He felt his soul connect with the dragon’s, their hearts beating in the same rhythm.

With a mighty beat of his wings, Xyroth soared into the sky—and Vaelor cried out in awe and freedom.

Below them stretched the vast kingdom of Werland—his future and his destiny.

Possible Continuations and Ideas

• Conflict:
  Perhaps Vaelor is attacked mid-flight by a rival who also claims the throne.

• Challenges:
  Xyroth could lead Vaelor through a dangerous trial to test his courage.