Keeper of the Zodiac

By Morgan J. Manns

The ground reverberates with a pair of careless footsteps, and my slumbering mind stirs in response. Who has chosen to awaken me, the Verdant Guardian, Great and Wise Watcher of the Forest, from my deep slumber?

A growl escapes my throat. The intruder’s anonymity won’t last… Connected to the forest, I listen… I feel…

Miles away, clumsy footfalls continue to crunch through freshly fallen snow. Yet, there’s another sound present—a metal rod thunks on the ground, echoing each blasphemous stride forward.

I shudder, my scales shifting. That’s no ordinary walking stick. It’s the Keeper of the Zodiac’s gilded staff! A servant of the Jade Emperor approaches. His arrival means only one thing— my year has come.

I release another growl. Eternally bound by the Emperor, my duty is clear. I won’t make it easy, however. This human must pass my test.

Beyond the glade’s snow-capped evergreens, his billowing cloak catches on a jagged branch. He tears it away, breaking the only rule I have: respect what came before you.

Fire churns within my belly. He’s careless.

Then, as he steps over a fallen log, a family of snowshoe hares retreat from his boot. My drowsy thoughts turn fierce, raging like a tempest. He approaches too swiftly, disregarding the life that surrounds him. He’s hasty.

Why would the Emperor send such a fool? He has no humility, no servility! My lips curl back in a sneer. Birds roosting on my emerald-green spine take to the sky. I peer upward, breathing deeply. My anger must not consume me.

I reflect upon the earth and the creatures within it. Everything from the smallest worm to the mightiest lion, they need the animals of the Zodiac to protect and watch over them. Yet, every year one of us is called away by the humans—idolized, but never truly respected.

Freedom feels long ago. I still remember when we, the animals of the Zodiac, were bound only by the laws of nature. A blissful memory. Then, preying upon our hubris, the Jade Emperor tricked twelve of us into a race. He waited for us at the finish line, and when we crossed… Well, we found ourselves bound by his staff.

My jaw clenches. Humans bring out the worst in me. Alas, I must remain focused.

Pondering possible riddles and tests, I notice layers of snow have gathered upon my scales. Shifting slightly, I shake it free, then cringe as a flurry of mice and squirrels run from the falling clumps.

My apologies, little creatures of the glade. They stop, their ears perked, noses twitching curiously. I speak gentle thoughts into their minds. Please find a new shelter. If this keeper succeeds and I must leave, I will return in twelve cycles of the moon and give you protection once again. Until then, be free…

They hesitate, then scurry away.

My head lifts toward the crisp blue sky, and the brilliant sun reflects off my silver horns. Unfurling my great green wings, I release a deafening roar. Miles away, the human’s footsteps falter. He has heard me. I bare my teeth in a fierce chuckle. Yes, fear my ancient power.

Unfortunately, the human continues his advancement, albeit more tentative than before. I huff, sending a tendril of smoke through the tree canopy. Either he’s foolish, or—worse—perhaps he may be worthy of my help after all.

***

The sun stretches overhead as the human appears through two towering evergreens, now walking with careful strides. His gaze sweeps across the glade until it falls on me. He smiles as if he’s already won. I stifle a growl.

He holds before him the Jade Emperor’s staff—the only object with the power to summon me.

He taps the golden rod upon the ground five times, as is customary. “Great One, will you ask me a question to prove my worth?”

He knows the words. I feel the staff bind me into submission.

Entering his mind, I respond, honoring tradition, Keeper of the Zodiac, I will ask you but one question. If your answer rings true, I will return to grace earth’s skies once again. Your New Year will be strengthened by me, the Wood Dragon. I curl my tail around a tree and lower my gaze. Are you ready?

He nods, swallowing hard.

Which is more powerful, the striped tiger prowling through the grass or the blind worm slumbering within the soil?

The edge of the Keeper’s mouth twitches as he considers. Then, he looks up, confident. “The tiger. The tiger is the most powerful. With tooth and claw, he can devour whatever he wants.”

I take another step forward. This is your answer, Keeper of the Zodiac?

For a moment, he pauses. Then he taps his staff, locking in his answer. Cool sweat gleams upon his brow.

I crouch low, bringing my snout directly in front of him. You’re right that the tiger reigns supreme among those that walk the earth… Yet…

His eyes flicker with doubt.

When death takes the tiger’s last breath, the tiger will fall to the dirt, consumed by the worm. The worm, in its patience, is more powerful than the tiger.

He takes a step back, turning as if he’s planning to run.

Fire swirls within me. You have failed, Keeper of the Zodiac.

I open my jaw and unleash an inferno. He is reduced to dust, scattered by the wind—a feast for the worms he underestimated. The staff clatters to the ground, impervious to my fire.

Unworthy.

Striding back to my resting place, I feel a renewed sense of peace. I’m not free, but perhaps earth will have a difficult year without me, their Wood Dragon, gracing human civilization. Maybe they will think twice about their impact on the earth and try again with a new, more prepared keeper.

I rest my head upon my forelimbs as the mice return to shelter under my wings. I settle in for what will be another pleasant year around the sun.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Morgan J. Manns is a speculative fiction writer who firmly believes that the world needs more stories filled with magic and wonder. Captivated by the realm of intricate world-building since composing her first fantasy tale at the age of ten, she now ventures beneath the endless Canadian prairie sky with her supportive husband and two hobbit children, all while eagerly contemplating her next literary creation. While her current occupation is that of an elementary school teacher, her dream job will always be dragon rider, soaring through the skies of her imaginings.

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