Sir Arthur and the Mountain That Grew Cold

6-8 min read
9 pages

High in a green kingdom of misty peaks and whispering forests lives Sir Arthur, a knight as gentle as he is brave. When a fearsome dragon sets the fields ablaze, everyone expects a battle — but Sir Arthur brings something sharper than any sword: a listening heart. A warm story about courage, kindness, and the quiet power of choosing peace.

In a kingdom so green it seemed to be made of springtime, ringed by deep forests and mountains that touched the clouds, there lived a brave knight named Sir Arthur. All across the land, people spoke of his courage — and, just as often, of his kindness. Sir Arthur rode a noble horse named Storm, a loyal steed whose coat was as black as midnight.

One morning, a terrible dragon named Ember woke from a sleep that had lasted a hundred years, and began to terrify the kingdom. His fiery breath scorched the fields, and one sweep of his mighty tail toppled houses like blocks. Trembling and frightened, the villagers hurried to Sir Arthur and begged him for help.

Without a moment's hesitation, the knight saddled Storm and set off toward the dragon's lair in the Misty Mountains. The journey was long and hard, up steep and stony trails, but Sir Arthur's heart stayed steady as stone. He knew, deep down, that he had to protect his people.

As he neared the lair, Ember let out a roar so loud that the whole earth shivered. Sir Arthur climbed down from Storm, drew his shining sword, and called out bravely, “Ember! I am Sir Arthur, and I have come to put an end to your terror!”

Ember narrowed his glowing red eyes and laughed a low, smoky laugh. “You are bold, little knight — but do you truly believe you could ever defeat me?” Sir Arthur stood tall and calm. “I did not come to fight you, Ember,” he said. “I came to find a better way. Tell me — why do you frighten our land?”

“I am angry,” rumbled the dragon, “because the villagers are cutting down the forest around my mountain. That forest sheltered me from the howling winds and the burning sun. Without it, winter on the peak is unbearably cold, and summer is far too hot.” The knight slid his sword back into its sheath. “I understand your pain, Ember,” he said gently. “Let us find a way to live together. I will speak to the king and the villagers, and we will keep the forest safe.”

Ember, moved by the knight's kindness, agreed to end his attacks. Side by side, the two of them returned to the village, where Sir Arthur explained everything to the king and the people. And when they understood the dragon's sorrow, everyone promised to protect the forest and help rebuild his home.

Together, the villagers and Ember began to plant young trees and mend the great lair among the rocks. As the seasons turned, they became true friends, living side by side in peace. Sir Arthur was honored as a hero — not for defeating the dragon, but for his wisdom and his tender, listening heart.

From that day on, the green kingdom flourished as never before, for people and magical creatures had found a way to share their world in peace. And Sir Arthur, the brave and gentle knight, went on guarding his land as he always had — with steady courage, and a heart full of kindness.

…read the rest in the Marytale app.

Marytale is an app of illustrated bedtime stories to read to your child — a picture on every page, no ads and no internet needed. The bookmark stays where your child fell asleep.

Try it free

Scan with your phone to get Marytale

Want to know where these stories come from? The articles are here

Sir Arthur and the Mountain That Grew Cold

More stories to read