Mr. Effert's Shop

Mr. Effert's shop was a haven of treasure as far as Dani was concerned.  It was off the beaten path, so it was never busy.  Her mom didn't come here often, except when in need of a household item like a new bowl for the kitchen, or her dad came here once to get some bonding materials when he was fixing his tools.  Dani was never really invited in before, so only got to get quick peeks as people came and went into his shop.

It was a dark and musty place.  There were tools of all sorts, mostly used.  The shelves were jammed with a strange combination of jars, bottles,  books and scrolls.  There were many old decorative items as well, strange painted figures on canvas and old animal skins.  Dust covered statues and figurines were sometimes placed delicately on a shelf, or table all by itself, and then there would be a jumbled mess of others in a container with others.

Mr. Effert's tall, lean figure lead the way through his small shop to a back room.  "Come Dani, it's back here."

Dani quickly followed and entered what clearly was a workroom.  The light was better, and it was not as dusty here.  Mr. Effert pulled a piece of canvas off the wall and laid it on a table where the light was better.

Dani stepped up to look.  It was beautiful!  The dragon looked very similar to the purple one (except of course it was much bigger!).  Clearly the painting was very old, but Dani could still see the scaled texture in the paint.

The dragon was flying fast, downward, clearly in a hurry.  A beautiful young women was riding the green dragon.  Both her and the dragon were focused on where they were going.

"It looks like they are in a hurry, is someone in trouble?"  Dani asked.   "Are they trying to help someone?"

Mr. Effert eyes open wide at her question.  After a moment of silence he burst out with a laugh.  Dani looked at Mr. Effert with a curious look.  Why was he laughing?

"Help someone?!  Dani, most people, when they look at this picture, seem to think Mahina and the green dragon are moving to fight someone.  Why do you think they are going to help someone?!"

"You told me they were heroes."

Mr. Effert's eyes turns to squints as he regarded Dani very carefully.  "Yes Dani, you are right.  They are going to help someone.  This was the time Mahina and the green dragon saved the children of Lisdon long before you were born.  Have you ever heard this story?"

Dani looked back at the painting.  "No, could you please tell me?"