The Rabbit and the Dragon
Deep in the centre of a dark forest there was a magnificent old yew tree, gnarled and twisted branches spreading wide. In its roots was nestled a well of fresh and sweet water that reflected the sun in the sky, even though the branches covered the sun. This well had magical properties and would show the truth to anyone who drank from it. So strong and pure was the truth, that a beautiful and fierce emerald-coloured dragon guarded it, for the truth was not to be taken lightly.
One day, a sleek brown rabbit bounded in under the majestic branches, ears straight up and nose twitching furiously.
“Mighty Dragon, I must drink from your well.”
“Why do you need to know the truth, Rabbit?”
“My people are sick. The earth is failing and the waters are unclean. I must drink to learn the source of the sickness and stop it.”
The magnificent dragon glittered in the dappled light and pondered what the rabbit had said.
“Very well, that is a good reason. However, one must be strong to endure the truth, and you Rabbit, are very small. I do not think you are strong enough.”
Rabbit beckoned Dragon closer. “Look into my heart, and see whether I am strong or not.”
Dragon opened her eyes again and looked deep inside the rabbit. There she saw a black sickness, spreading throughout the tender, small body, and the heart pumping strongly, fighting back the infection.
“The same thing that ails my people and the land ails me also. I have carried this with me for a year and a day as I journeyed here. Do you see my strength?”
The glorious verdant dragon bowed her head in respect.
“I see your strength, Little Rabbit, but are you wise enough to use the truth well?”
“I am wise enough to see that I cannot see the truth alone, and to seek guidance.”
“That does take wisdom. But there is one final test. You must be courageous to bear the truth. Prove your courage and fight me!”
The massive dragon reared up, terrifying in her majesty. The small rabbit dropped back, but then finding courage deep within, growled deeply and ran straight towards Dragon. Seeing the valour and bravery in Rabbit, Dragon settled herself back to the ground and shook her head.
“Stop! You have strength, wisdom and courage. Drink from the well and know the truth.”
Rabbit approached the well softly and hesitantly, then bent down and drank deeply. As Rabbit drank, the Truth entered her body, suffusing it with the icy sharp knowledge that Rabbit needed to save her people, and the land.The land was dying and the people were sick because they had stopped honouring the land, they only took and used. They did not give or honour or thank. They poisoned the land and so poisoned themselves.
But all was not lost. Rabbit could save her people. She saw the truth in how to live and her heart beat with renewed hope, although it was also heavy with grief and guilt and fear of failure. But Rabbit’s stout heart took up the task.
Dragon looked on as the Truth worked its magic upon Rabbit, the light of determination flash in her wide eyes. She bowed her head again as Rabbit turned back towards the forest and disappeared between the leaves.
© Elena Tornberg-Lennox 2021