Old Friend

The graceful dragon spread his wings;
Against the crimson sky they shone.
He stretched them wide 'till he was done,
And then surveyed what sunset brings
And for the next open door.

The dragon's eyes, so wise and bright
Could see for miles all around.
But naught was seen but a lonely town.
It readied all for quiet night,
And soon it would gently snore.

The dragon smiled as warm air hummed.
No danger there did he detect
Within the town that he protects.
While he drew breath, no harm would come
To those hundred sixty-four.

But what was that? The dragon stirred.
Upon the hill, the bandits showed.
With wicked grins displayed, they rode
Towards the town, undeterred
By him with fire in his core.

Yet the dragon kept limbs still.
He waited for the needed sign.
He would not go 'till it was time.
The bandits set off o'er the hill
At which the dragon sternly pored.

And then the dragon heard a sound.
The reluctance held then abated.
The time was nigh; the town awaited.
A man reached the dragon's ground;
The thieves knew not what was in store.

The man approached the dragon's head.
The dragon bowed, and they embraced.
Towards the tiny town they faced.
The man nodded, and then he said,
"Once more, old friend – let's go once more."