The Draconian Empire, or known otherwise as the Country of Nod, was the greatest bastion of civilization. Gathered as a union between human and dragon kind, it was a country of unimaginable wealth, great technological prowess, advanced magic and social harmony. There were many of course, who coveted that wealth and security, resented the greatness of the Empire, from both within and without.
To combat these threats, the Temple Knights of Nod, or simply, the Knights, were created. These humans and dragons dedicated their entire lives to protect the lands and people they held dear, never flinching in duty. Many held the Knights with admiration and awe; to be a Knight was perhaps the greatest honor any man or drake could hope to achieve.
For Fangorn Irontail, a young bronze dragon, he had known these truths since the very day of his birth. His father, may the Great Ancestors watch over him, had been a famous general during the Draconic Civil War, and his grandfather had been a knight as well, and so had his father; all the way back to the founding of the Empire itself, or even before that to when the world itself was young, or at least it was said. With a large, powerful frame and stern bronze gaze, he towered over most his peers, and indeed, he seemed the fitting image of what a Knight was supposed to be. Much was expected of Fangorn, from his mother, to his elders who had known his father, to the clergy and from his peers; he would do great things, people said, defeat enemies and cover himself in glory.
One would think that Fangorn would question this path in life that was set for him at birth, but on the contrary, Fangorn truly believed this. He truly believed he was destined for great things and make the Empire he served proud of him before the Ancestors. So therefore, Fangorn tried to live up to this reputation every day, in whatever duty that was assigned. However, he found the weight of expectations difficult, and the current posting he possessed tested that patient. He should be out on the Empire's borders, like in the west, defending against the nomadic dragons of the steppes. Or perhaps the south, guarding against the Dragonslayer Empire, one of Draconia's oldest and most dangerous adversaries who had staged a devastating attack, hoping to take advantage of the civil war.
But no, Fangorn Irontail was busy guarding the gate. The gate! He would stand there, gleaming in his armor, trying to look mighty and intimidating and proud. Yet Corporal Fangorn Irontail felt anything but proud at the moment. It was mind numbing, dreary work, not at all suited to a dragon of his pedigree and talent. His father had been a proud general during the civil war, and his mother had also been a young heroine during the war, which had caught the eye of his father.
Not for the first time, he wondered why he was trapped with such a dreary assignment. He had earned top marks amongst his peers and had taken the mantle of knighthood near the top of his class as well. Fangorn was proud of his combat prowess, for he was both fast and powerful, and there were few who could stand up to his blows. He had succeeded academically as well. Fangorn had always been taught to never question authority; that his elders always knew best, and to follow orders. Yet why? He should be better than this! However, this was his job, and he had to perform it at the best of his ability.
This had to be a test! A test of some kind to demonstrate humility. Yet the arrogant and proud bronze dragons often sound such a sentiment difficult, when they knew that they were the strongest of all dragonkind! To do otherwise was to waste their talents, or even dishonor them.
One would think that Fangorn would be insulted. However, what Fangorn was, was desperately bored. Every day, he watched mostly humanoids go about their day, going about their lives in blissful peace. Occasionally, they would try to talk with them, but Fangorn did not return their greetings. He wasn't supposed to speak with them, unless they had a pass that indicated they had official business. Those humans and dragons that did arrive usually went through the same process. Fangorn would check them in at the gate and let them through.
He would repeat the phrase over and over.
"Identification please."
"Please check in all your belongings here."
"You are cleared for entry"
"Have a good day, and may the Ancestors watch over you."
He had no idea how many times Fangorn had gone over that rote phrase. Fangorn prayed to the Ancestors for something, anything that would happen to shake this oppressive monotony. However, today would be a particularly odd and eventful day, as suddenly
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