One of a kind Sculpture
"Eternal Guardian" by Karen Morley

The Eternal Guardian sits among the remains of a long-forgotten treasure. Chained here eons ago by a long-dead King, who's bones have withered to dust, he could leave but he doesn't. He's been here so long, he can't remember why he stays, he just does. Sitting in the dark for so long, his eyesight has dimmed and he has become one with his environment. As his body fails him, the beautiful treasures that surround him have become growths, like some strange but beautiful fungus that eventually will make movement impossible. Not that he has moved much in the thousands of years that he has been here. His bronze chain has long since corroded and his bonds are broken, but does he fly? No! He cannnot, for his wings have rotted off, eventually forming as horns of a jade-like substance in their mighty-stead. His powerful tail reduced to a stub from the constant flicking and grinding against the coarse, damp floor of the lonely cavern. **************
	His tummy has become fat and round from the easy prey that flies and creeps through the cave, passing by in the night, oblivious to the old dragon who sits so still at his post. Food is plentiful and he has tasted a few of the trinkets that were laying by his side. But he is tired and he has grown old and his dreams of the sun that used to shine on his glorious wings as he beat currents of air over the swirling morning mists, will remain as they are, DREAMS. Dreams of damsels so tasty, bitter Knights, and the joy of the company of his dragon-friends who have all but forgotten the mighty beast that he once was. His daring deeds are now whispered among the young as legend. So sit fat dragon, and relive your glorious past through memories. Add your dreams to the treasure that lay at your feet. © Karen Morley 2001