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One summer ago...
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It was a very ordinary day, it was raining, but suddenly a dragon swam to us on the water


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Thorvald: (with a broad smile and feigned friendliness) Greetings, chieftain. I am Thorvald, the Merciful, and I come not with war, but with an offer of peace and mutual aid.

Tapacho: (showing no emotion) Merciful, you say? You have come with a crowd of armed warriors to my land. What are your offers, Thorvald?

Thorvald: (makes a broad gesture with his hand) We are travelers, seeking shelter, and also the opportunity to share knowledge and good. For mercy, as you probably know, is the greatest gift. In exchange for your hospitality, I am ready to offer you protection, wealth, and, of course, our friendship.

Tapacho: (looking straight into Thorvald's eyes) Friendship is not empty words. We have our own customs and laws. What are your true intentions?

Torvald: (shows a little irritation, but quickly hides it with a smile) Oh, wise chief, your wisdom penetrates to the very depths. I will tell you frankly. Among your tribe, there are tales of women whose beauty outshines even the sun.

Tapacho: Our women are the heart of our tribe.

Toravald: And that is why, as the Merciful, I wish to strengthen our alliance. I need a wife. One of your beautiful maidens, to become my life partner. Which will be an act of great mercy for my people.

Tapacho: (a shadow of anger appears on his face) According to the laws of Yantok, girls from our tribe are not given to foreigners. And especially not to those who come with weapons in hand.

Toravald: (insisting) But I am Torvald the Merciful! I offer you wealth, protection!

Tapacho: (calmly) As I said, we have laws. (pause) But… (he smiles slyly) In the south, beyond our lands, there is a city. They say that there lives a girl whose beauty delights even the birds. Her name is Elani. And her lover, they say, has gone to war, from which he will most likely not return.

Torvald: (interest lights up in his eyes) Elani, you say? Where is this city?

Tapacho: (slowly) South from here, a few days' journey. The city of Nakhonto. There, perhaps, you will find what you seek.

Torvald: (triumphantly) Nakhonto… I will test your words, Chief Tapacho. And then we will talk about friendship and peace.
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[blockstart:502]
I saw these dragons swimming by, there were many of them, and even then I realized what I had done...

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