The Strid on the Wharfe
To PJ. I am sad to hear the news about your mother. We have never met, but I know what it is like to lose those we love.
Tim all you have to do is wade across. I dare you.
But it will be very cold, Clive.
Why are you afraid.
They say it is enchanted, that once a dragon lived here, that he defended the people of Elmet, against those that would harm them.
That is rubbish, it’s only a river. If you go I will follow.
Ok: burr it is cold, Clive its got hold of me.
Don’t be daft,
Help …
As Tim felt himself being pulled under the surface he took a deep breath. He knew he was being taken deep, he was afraid. Then he felt the warmth enveloping him.
If I am going to die I will do it with my eyes open.
Before him was a vast underwater cavern, its ceiling and walls lined with glittering precious stones. But the floor was covered with rusted swords and human bones. Then as a stream of warm bubbles issued forth from deep within the cavern, Tim saw the dragon.
Wake up, do wake up Tim.
Thank you PJ for posting this prompt at what is a very difficult time for you.
This Post Has 22 Comments
It does not do to leave a dragon out of your calculations. Great story!
Dragons it seems may have evolved to live under the water, it helps to keep their breathe cooler.
Was this a dream? I like the conversation. Nicely written.
This is a bully’s prank that went wrong. Now Tim lives in the water. Rather like the story by Charles Kingsley [Water Babies] BUT without the prejudices.
A very surreal conversation.
Thank you Neel, dragons living in rivers in a boys dream. definately surreal.
Wake up, please do wake up Tim!! An great story packed with intense, Michael! Wow.
Thank you Maria. Water and a boys imagination, they do say its a dangerous combination.
I can see that from here, Michael. And we will look forward to more “danger” from you..
Thank you, Maria. I think that Tim’s journey will be full of adventures.
How much of it is real, and how much of it is down to the boy’s imagination? I like to think there really was a dragon down there, and that Tim’s safe. Or at least, he will be. A very tense story.
haha ! what a nightmare ! hope his day went well …
Only time will tell, Tim’s story has gone into overdrive, I have already written several hundred words in an unplanned follow up to the initial story !
Great visuals!
Thank you, Gordy, the Strid at Bolton Abbey which is near Skipton is a magical place.
Oh wow, Inlove the adventure and the imagery of the cave he ends up in. Meanwhile, I’m wondering how Tim can breathe abs for how long. If he really saw the dragon or if he was just dying. I’m hoping he lived, that Clive wouldn’t let him drown.
There are at least three possible outcomes to this strange tale, but in the two I prefer Tim survives. I have started on a much longer story about Tim. Which is inspired by [ The Water Babies ] by C Kingsley.
I have not read that book, but it sounds interesting. Looking forward to reading more about Tim 🙂
Michael I love the idea of a dragon warming my bath water! This was so magical, diving in expecting cold then feeling warmth instead. I believe dragons that evolve this way make great pets! Lovely story!
There are at least three types of dragons, one type is very bad, whilst the magical ones they are well rather mixed up creatures. As for the third type, I am still waiting to find out. but I did love your comments.
If Clive was so brave… why did Tim have to go first? Loved the take on this one.
Clive liked to manipulate. I so glad that you enjoyed this story of half fact and half fiction. My inspiration was a book called the Waterbabies by Charles Kingsley.