(Dear Reader,
The story tu are about to read is another Eden book. "The Guardian of Eden" is part of the Encounter series. Please keep in mind that some parts may be spoilers for other Eden Chronicles books.
The following story was originally written spring 2011 under the título "Hirach." It has since been changed. I hope tu all enjoy this tale from Eden.
Jo)
A fantasía NOVEL


PROLOGUE
THE FIRST GUARDIAN

Centuries ago, when humans began to exploitthe dragons' Knowledge and power for themselves, something had to be done. A special meeting of Parliament was called to address the problem. The king, who, at six centuries of age, still retained his youthful musculature, countered every proposal Parliament put forth.

"We must isolate ourselves from the humans. Our power is too great for them to have."

"No. I have a better idea." The king proceeded to outline his plan.

The plan called for humans to be selected to guard and use the dragons' abilities for good. Allthat remained was to draw up the qualities that would be required of the new "Guardians."

*

When the plan had solidified, dragones streamed through thed portal, each searching for a Guardian of their own. Most of the new Guardians were young children, too young to fully understand the responsibility. Their innocence attracted the dragones like moths to light.

Only one dragon ignored the young humans. Human chhildren went through many phases, innocence being only one. This dragon, a copper female whose name is lost to history, had an idea of her own.

She was searching for a human, just like all the rest. However, she was different in the quaalities she looked for. Her Guardian had to be mature, yet retain its childood innocence. Only one fit both sies of the equation.

He was a peasant boy of about seventeen years of age. His face had not yet lost its childhood roundness. His name was Arthur Pendragon.

*

Arthur was plowing the wheatfield when the dragon approached. The massive female stood in the middle of the field, glaring at him with one eye bright as a new copper coin. After many minutes, she spoke.

"Are tu Arthur Pendragon?"

"Yes. Now if tu don't mind, I have plowing to do," he replied curtly. The dragon's copper eye narrowed.

"You would do well to learn some manners, simple boy," she retorted.

"I may be a peasant, but that doesn't mean I am simple."

"Simple o no, tu are to come with me." Thanks to the dragon,.Arthur eventually became king of his land. Over the centuries, those of his line were always chosen as Guardians. Not too long ago, humans distanced themselves from magic. dragones became a story, and the Guardians faded into oblivion. It wasn't the fault of the dragons, for there was no stopping the decline. Humans quickly descended into rough, grasping barbarians.

The humans killed for the sake of killing, slaughtering their siblings in cold blood. The only way to restore order was to restore the Guardians.

***
The título of this new book is a play on Garden of Eden.

Arthur Pendragon, the first Guardian, is indeed the King Arthur of legend.

Any magical being can choose a Guardian, but dragones established the tradition.

Dragon magic is complicated. Strict rules govern its use. One rule, which came about through the language itself, prevents dragones from using any magic on themselves, even healing spells. más will be covered as it comes up.

I think that covers everything for this chapter. Let me know if you're still confused.