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(Although most Therion wisdom stories describe daily life during the Age of Animals, a few recount the events that happened at the very end of the Age of Animals. Different groups of Therions have oral traditions with slightly varying wording and details, but the core events and lessons are consistently shared and believed.)
In the beginning of the Age of Animals, the headwaters of the Arlin River was bordered by the Six Splendid Trees. These had fragrant flowers and gem-like fruit. Those flowers fell into the river and made its water potent. All animals drank from the river, and by drinking became intelligent. The Behemoth was their king, mightiest and wisest of the animals.
The Age of Animals lasted many, many years. During those years there were no plants besides those six trees. The flower-touched water of the Arlin river was all the nourishment any animal needed or desired.
All the animals were peaceful and good. There was no violence. Every animal was content.
Then, one night Vigor spoke to the largest dragon. This dragon had grown larger and stronger than the Behemoth after many, many years of slow draconic growth. It was a marvelous and majestic creature with bright golden scales. Vigor asked it, "Why not a dragon as king? Why not you, who have grown greater than the Behemoth?"
The golden dragon reared back its head and scowled at Vigor for saying such things. But as days and nights passed its began to agree. But it kept its agreement secret.
On another night Vigor spoke again to the largest dragon. "Dragons are made intelligent through hoarding literature. As animals put stories into paintings, and dragons collect these, the dragons become smarter. This is beyond what is gained by drinking. All other animals are only intelligent from drinking. You, the largest dragon with the largest hoard, are the most intelligent of all. You are probably even more intelligent and wise than the Griffin!"
The golden dragon again scowled at Vigor. But by the next evening it already agreed, in secret.
On another night Vigor spoke again to the largest dragon, appearing only momentarily to whisper, "Dragons could be the only intelligent animals."
The next day that golden dragon asked all the other dragons to help him. "We dragons should cooperate," he reasoned. "Please give me the literature from your hoards. By becoming very wise I will be able to help us all. With my wisdom I could create much literature to give back to you all. Then we all will be very wise."
Most other dragons trusted that golden dragon. They accepted his plan. Much was given to him, and not only the literature he requested. He became yet more mighty and intelligent.
That afternoon that golden dragon attacked the Behemoth and slew him. Then he attacked the Six Splendid Trees, poisoning them. The trees made no more flowers, and their roots poisoned the Arlin River.
To punish those crimes, the Creator caused a huge rock to fall from heaven. It crushed the tail of that golden dragon and pinned him so he could not leave. "This rock is named Pillory," said the Creator. It shall hold you beside the river until others are willing to release you.
The Creator continued, "No longer shall you be among the golden dragons. Henceforth, your scales shall be utterly black, and your new name is Big Blackie." With those words the golden dragon's scales turned black, the only black dragon that has been or will be.
The Creator next summoned all the dragons who had cooperated with Big Blackie and spoke again. "Your leader's evil destruction will be punished. His tail will forever be in pain. From this rock will be made six blades that will forever imperil him and his followers." If his crimes surprised you then please reconsider his leadership. None of you will be allowed or able to release him from his bondage.