How long was I lost and locked up? The windows were barred and shadowed, bringing no light from the outside world. The chains on my ankles and wrists bit into my skin, the clanking of chains graded in my ears. The door had been locked and sealed, bringing no ability of escape—I was here to stay.

Until the son. Until the Freedom-Bringer.

Until the Light of God invaded my dark and dank cell.

They brought food for me, but it was not true food—it could not satisfy. They brought drink for me, but the water only left me thirsty, and I was not satiated. The air I breathed was not fresh and clear, but foul and filled with the darkness and the rotting stench of death.

Until I was able to breathe in deeply of the flowers of grace and life and smell the roses. Until I was able to breathe in the scent of glory and freedom. Until I could breathe in deep of the fresh, cool air of belonging in a family, the family of God.

The roof of my cell did not let in any light whatsoever, and I was cold all the time. There was no blanket, only dirty rags of sin and evil.

My cell was damp and dark, filled with unutterable darkness—there was no light at all.

I was lost, totally alone…

Save for the dragon.

I was entirely in his care, locked up in his prison of death and doom. I had been in his keeping, a girl who loved evil and darkness, who was an entirely different person from who I am now! I was so lost, locked up in chains, the links held together by red and black fire.

For even though I was freezing cold, I still felt the burn of the links on my skin. I felt both freezing, numbing cold and searing burning heat.

The dragon would fly down to my cell every day. I would see him in my mind, an immense creature with scales that glowed red and sharp black claws that were sharp as knives. I would hear the flapping of heavy leather wings as he flew down to my door. His head would be facing me, his eyes locking with my mind. As he flew, fire would stream from his fang-filled mouth, burning up everything in sight—everything good and beautiful would be destroyed in flame.

Lies and empty promises of freedom would fall from his lips like a curtain of death. Like a moth-eaten dress that seems so beautiful he would speak soft words of "comfort" to me, filling my mind with dashing and fleeting hopes and dreams that would then be trampled and burned to ashes and die.

Oh, his promises seemed so good and true at the time, I gulped them down like water! He promised me life—life filled with pleasures, with riches so fair he would persuade me to follow him, to stay in this prison and be his. He would take over my mind, filling it with poison. His talons would methodically scratch on the cell door, but also, they would then slash his promises into oblivion, undoing all he had said to me. Oh, he would laugh and laugh over it afterwards.

And this would be an endless cycle of torture for me, to be promised life but to be held in the talons of death.

He was a liar, who played a sick game! I tried to break free—I promised I did! But could I? Could I, Diamond, break free on my own from the talons that held me in a vise-like grip? Could I truly break away from the cell of doom I was locked up in, waiting until the dragon killed me?

Not on my own, no.

It had been said that there was no glory in war, and for that I could agree with. After trying to break the chains off with my own bare hands, (the links scratched and burned my fingers,) the dragon came.

I heard his heavy flight down the stairs, heard his breathing. I could smell the smoke of his hot flame, could see the long tail swishing back and forth, could see the black claws reaching out…

Reaching out in anticipation. I was his target.

There were no other prisoners here, if I could recall correctly. If there were, I did not have any contact with them. I was alone.

Of course, save for the scale covered fire breathing monster who probably wanted to eat me alive—save for him, I was by myself.

And the madness drove me mad.

He came. The dark wings shadowed my cell, bringing it into even more total darkness if that were possible. His mouth opened and I saw sharp teeth, rows upon rows of them. Poison slipped from his lips onto the floor of the hall. It was black as night, inviting and deadly at the same time. He crooked his claws, and I could feel the chains tightening even more, holding me in place. He gave me a deadly smile. He licked his lips. Opening wide his mouth, his fangs gleaning in the darkness, I knew he wanted to devour me. But was I not already his? I belonged to him—I was in his prison! But what was holding him back?

He reached out a taloned hand and pulled me, chains and all through the door of the cell. I gasped in pain. He curled his cruel sharp talons inward, and I suddenly found myself held in a grip I could not escape from. Oh, who could I call for help?

He turned his head to regard me, and his eyes locked with mine. They burned bright red, dark fire glowing within.

"So…I get to talk to you at last," he said. His voice was smooth like oil, slick and sly. He smiled, showing his long fangs. I shuttered. He laughed. "Now you want to get away," he purred. "Now you want to turn away from me, after being mine for so many years?" The cold wind battered my slim frame as we flew higher and higher, coming to the surface. He tightened his hold and I cried out.

"Let me go!" I shrieked in rage. My fists batted at his scales but to no avail. The dragon just laughed, a grading sound that sent ripples of fear throughout my body. His laughter seemed to gloat, filling the cavernous halls with the sound. I tried to shrink into a ball, covering my face with my hands. The dragon snapped his black wings in warning.

"Oh no, my dear Diamond, you listen to me." With strength, my arms suddenly came from my face to their sides. I gasped. Could he control me with his mind? My arms were then pinned to my sides.

"Why do you want me?" I whimpered. My eyes were still locked with those burning ones. "And why do you promise me life, but instead take the pleasures away from me at the last second? Why tempt me and lie to me?"

"Do I lie?" He hissed, curling his lip. Venom dripped from his lips. "How do you know I do not actually have all those things I have promised? Girls, money…freedom," he whispered the last word.

He dropped me at the top of a balcony. It looked like I was at the top of a large tower, a complex structure built out of marble and gold. I looked over the edge, still being in his talons. I gasped.

"All this is yours," the dragon whispered. "It all belongs to you, my daughter. This entire kingdom," he swept a claw outward. "It is all yours, my daughter. Look at that view! Look at the panorama below you, the vista of jewels and crowns, golden cities and villages, all for you. All for your pleasure, my girl." His voice rose. He raised his head and blew out a flame to the darkening sky. There was no sun, the moon hid behind the clouds. I trembled and fell to my knees. My chains clanged against the tiled floor.

"That's it," crooned the dragon. He came closer, his red scales of evil seeming to shine. His claws were in front of my face, curved and cruel, able to grip his victims.

"But I thought…" I stuttered. "I thought you're your pleasures and temptations were lies?"

"Do you believe I would tempt you?" His eyes suddenly seemed to become kind. I moved closer to his warmth, the light of his flame warming me from the inside out. His venom seemed so golden; the blackness seemed to disappear.

"Do you really think I would withhold anything from you?" He whispered. "Are my promises empty? Do I lie?"

I was silent.

"Look below you!" He cried. "All this is yours! I have just waited to give it to you, my dear. Of course you will still be required to live in your cell, but you can explore the country whenever you'd like. I'm not controlling, my dear Diamond, am I?"

I felt like I was being hypnotized, pulled deeper and deeper into the darkness. I gasped and stood up, the cold coming back into my numb limbs. The dragon growled low in his throat. The spell had been broken. I would say no.

His mouth opened as if to strike. I could see his sharp teeth gleaning in the light of the flame in his eyes. His great wings overshadowed me. His tale whipped around, lifting me into the air, close to his jaws. I was toast.

I knew it—he was a liar! He had no intention of keeping the promises he made, they were all fake anyway! Why would he torture me but then suddenly recant and become all nice? Na, I would NOT accept what he was offering…no way!

He crooked his claws like a fork. I suddenly felt afraid.

But then I heard it…a song.

A golden song which filled the vicinity around me. The dragon lifted his head and roared at the sky, angry flames spewing forth from his mouth. He lowered his head again as if to strike more firmly, his curved teeth shining…

But then I heard a voice, pure and golden, light surrounding me like a blanket of life, like a warm cloak around my shoulders. All the poison, all the torture—I knew it would end. I was taking a huge step tonight.

"She's mine!" The dragon cried in pure rage. Slashing out wildly with his talons to the sky, the images of pleasures and fame came back with intensity, grading on my brain. I gasped in pain as they pressed down on my pounding head.

The golden song kept going, filling my head and removing the pain. My eyes lifted to the heavens, the words of the song filling me with life-giving hope.

"Diamond! No more.

No more shall you live in the darkness; you shall live in the light of my grace."

The voice that sang was male, such a good voice He had, low and deep but also happy and joyful, I couldn't describe it.

"Noooo!" The dragon cried. Lifting me in the air, he flew me with erratic, zig-zagging movements. It seemed like he wanted to get away from the voice as quickly as possible!

But the song still continued in my head. The dragon growled, low and deep, anger filling his entire frame. Flames of wrath licked out. His head moved to strike me wildly, pure hatred now in his eyes. I could see him now for who he was—the tyrant, the liar, the tempter of men.

"Diamond! You will believe.

You will repent and follow, follow, follow!"

"If she does, I will devour her!" The dragon shrieked, talons slashing out wildly. They struck me in the chest, going deep. I cried out in true pain. I bled freely from my wounds, the black venom filling my system. Was I gonna die?

Gritting my teeth against the pain, I growled. "You! I thought you loved me! I hoped you would love me and be my god!"

I saw rows of sharp, razor teeth as the dragon grinned in evil satisfaction. "I can do worse. How dare you listen to that song? And love. . . ah! Love is only for the weak, my dear girl. Love is only for those who are sappy and sentimental." The dragon growled, shrieking. His claws found my back. He dug them in deep, and I cried out in pain once again.

"Diamond!" The voice sang louder and deeper, filling my insides with warmth. We were then at my cell at this point. Opening his claws, the dragon deposited me on the floor of my cell. I was cold and bleeding, exhausted from the pain. The slashes were bleeding freely. It felt like I had been stabbed with sharp cruel knives!

The dragon flew to the wall across from me, hot flames spilling from his mouth. He flew to the opposite wall, wings of darkness red against the night.

"I will stay here tonight, just so my girl does not escape," he growled. His eyes regarded me. My wounds burned and I cried. The song hummed quietly in the background now, somehow lulling me into sleep. I had never had such a peaceful sleep before…it felt so good!

I woke up, the poison from my wounds spilling out of it. A cool bandage had been placed on the gashes on my chest, as well as the claw marks and scratches along my back. The pain had subsided and was only a dull ache. I sat up, fully awake at this point and removed the wrappings from around my entire body.

Who had wrapped me up, anyway?

They were wet with blood.

I gasped.

There was no scar—the wounds had been closed up! I was astonished. The gashes, scars and claw marks had closed up entirely, leaving…nothing.

Absolutely nothing!

What was going on?

I gasped once again. There in my cell, lay a flat cake, fresh and baked. It smelled so good! It really wasn't a cake, but freshly baked bread. And there was a cup of water.

The food seemed to be so good so I dug in. I ate and drank as fast as I could. The bread and water seemed to satiate me more than what the dragons guards brought for me daily. This seemed to heal me from the inside out, filling my heart and soul with true warmth.

A gown of the prettiest hue hung on a hook in the wall. It was so pretty! The sleeves were pink, covered in roses and flowers. The neckline was red and golden, modest and covering my front very well. I took off the dirty rags. Realizing there was a bath of pure warm water (how could this be possible?) I stepped in and bathed. I had never had a true bath like this in a long time! The water washed out all the poison, the dirt and grime from my body of the years I had spent here. No more was I gonna live in this cell! The water seemed to also wash me from the inside.

Briefly wondering about the dragon, I quickly got out and put the gown over top of my skinny frame. I was only skin and bones!

The gown fit perfectly overtop of me, it even seemed to warm me as well! Like a blanket, like a cloak. It kept the heat in. I was no longer shivering.

There was also armor! I placed the armor over top of my gown. It also fit me perfectly! I was not gonna have to be hurt by the dragons hooked claws anymore! Great!

Holding up my glittering sword high, the darkness seemed to dissipate before the blade.

Seeing a crown, I placed that atop my brow. It was a princess crown.

I was astonished. Who had gotten me all these gifts within such a short time?

Then I realized…

The song! It all started with the song!

The man who knew my name, oh, how He sang to me! I closed my eyes…

I then heard it once more, the song of life.

Suddenly, something took place in that dark and damp and cold prison cell…

Light came in!

Yes, light came through, chasing out the darkness and shadows for good, the wickedness and the evil fleeing before the overpowering brilliance of the glory and light I felt. It grew and grew until it filled the entire chamber. Falling to my knees because of this brilliance and shielding my eyes, I gasped.

For there was more fire, yet this was not cruel and filled with death…but life. Pure, golden flame which surrounded me, further removing all my darkness and sins.

I took in a gulp of air, breathing in the flame of life. It filled my heart, burning out all the lightlessness within me.

I then realized who this all came from—the water and the bread, the living water and the word. The bath of life, the flame, even the armor and the crown…

It all came from God the Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ!

I was floored. I had just worshiped the dragon previously…and God wanted me?

Me, who was the dragon's girl? Me, who wanted pleasure and parties and all manner of evil? Me, who did not even deserve the Lord whatsoever…

And yet, He wanted me?

I began to cry in shame and rage at myself. Falling to the floor on my face, I gasped at the light of the brilliance. It was so pure for me! Too pure! Who was I?

"I am so sorry!" I wailed. "Forgive me, my Lord God! Forgive me, Lord Jesus! The dragon could not satisfy—not at all! But You? Oh, your bread and water, your armor and fire, it is everything!"

I heard the scraping of claws on stone, heard the snapping of jaws across the hall…

I heard the unmistakable growl of the dragon.

"My precious! Why are you leaving me? Come back, my daughter!" He snarled. "Come back! If you do not, I shall find you myself and devour you, making sure you feel every prick of pain. Do you hear me, Diamond a Glerand? Do you hear me?"

The flapping of wings got closer, strong and filled with hatred. His cruel hooked talons shown in the light of my sword.

"I will serve You, my Lord and Master, for the rest of my days! Forgive me, please! The dragon is a liar!" I continued my prayer. Slowly, the flame subsided and I heard a voice.

"You are forgiven, Diamond a Glerand. I love you. You shall serve me, and be my child. You are free!"

I gasped as the chains melted, as I heard the clicking of a lock.

My prison cell flew open with a clang. The door hit the wall and smashed into pieces.

The dragon momentarily turned his head, distracted by the noise. With a snarl, he turned back to me, locking his burning eyes on me. I stood there, rooted to the spot, trembling with fear.

"Father God and Jesus," I whispered.

"Use the name out loud," The flame (the Holy Spirit) said in my heart.

I took a deep breath in…

And went out, charging the dragon.

He Shot out a stream of fire at me but I held up my strong shield and blocked it. Attacking with his jaws of death, he rammed his large head on the shield. Trying to grab me with hooked claws, but I ran out of the way just in time. Deflecting the blow of flames, I held my shield around me.

"How dare you?" he roared in my face. Backing me up against the wall, his large body in front of me, he folded his wings around me. I was hemmed in by blackness and gloom. My resolve started to falter. "Jesus, help me!" I cried out.

Stepping back slightly, the dragon hissed like a snake. He showed his razor-sharp teeth in a sneer. But I realized…his resolved faltered.

"You think," he wavered. "You—you think you can just say that name after…after a couple minutes?" His eyes held traces of fear. I smiled, moving closer. Suddenly razor-sharp talons struck out once more. I lifted my shield and slammed it against the dragon's arm. Grasping feet tried to strike as well but I slammed my sward against them, cutting them off. I could see the dragons power weakening…

"Use the name!" The Holy Spirit cried in my heart.

"I n the name of Jesus!" I shrieked right in the face of fire and sliced off the monster's head.

The dragon was dead.

All was still.

After a brief silence, I sat on the ground and balled my heart out. I cried in grief yet joy, grief over my sin yet joy that I was Jesus's, in gratitude yet hatred. Hatred for who I was. Oh, how foolish I was to belong to the dragon! Could I not have been freer sooner if I had just called on the name?

And then…there He was.

He flew to me, tall and straight and strong, carrying a sword from His mouth. He was in full glory, eyes burning bright with the flames of righteousness and holiness. His fragrance was of cinnamon and spices. I could also smell vanilla cupcakes and chocolate, glory and grace all rolled into one. He wore a crown atop His head. He seemed to bring light and goodness. The poison from the dragon and the darkness all got swallowed up by the pure golden light from the Light-Bringer.

With a wave of His hand, the body of the dragon disappeared. Luminescent glory surrounded me, lifting me to my feet. I found myself floating in the air, surrounded by the purest flames.

Not like the dragons, but different. Still hot, but different, filled with life.

Jesus beckoned with a hand and I seemed to follow. Flying up to the top of the tower once more, I then saw it all in the early morning light of the dawn of the light of God. Oh, it was all new to me—everything felt so…so different! So glorious! So beautiful! I was filled with power and glory from the creator. I began to weep.

We ascended the tower, the cool air hitting my face. I felt the warm sun on my face. I raised my head, eyes opened and feeling the heat on me. I breathed in deeply.

I could smell roses, fresh in bloom around my flying body. I could smell flowers of grace, could see them springing up.

Jesus did not speak. He just watched me, with a genuine smile playing about His lips, a true smile.

I got to the top of the tower; the vista of land spread out below me. The glory and splendor of the King of Glory still surrounded me, and I fell to my knees once more.

"My Lord," I whispered. "My Master. Be my Master, I need You now. Oh, forgive me for being who I was! I'll be Your girl, just help me live for You!" I cried. True tears of shame fell from my eyes. This was the start of something new, of a new beginning.

Jesus came over and placed a kind hand on my head. Lifting me into His arms and holding me against His chest, He embraced me—truly held me, rocking me back and forth and gently whispering words of true comfort.

"Diamond, I love you. Do you know how long I have waited for this day, when you would come to me and my father, when you would kill the dragon of death and be free from your prison?" Jesus asked, genuine tears falling from His eyes. He put His head on my shoulder. The smell of vanilla and cinnamon was strong. I breathed in deeply.

"You did?"

"Oh yes, I waited. We waited and waited, wanting you to come to us, wanting to protect you and make you a part of our kingdom. We wanted to adopt you, making you, our princess. I love you, and I have loved you forever."

"Yeah?" I hickuped.

"Oh yes! And when you finally came to us…we were thrilled, my diamond, my jewel! We were filled with happiness and joy, for you were truly ours. Are my promises fake?"

"No," I answered without hesitation. Jesus would NOT lie to me—never! He was true and trustworthy and I knew I could depend on Him. He turned His head directly at me, locking eyes with me.

And then I dropped my crown to the tiled floor, at His feet where it belonged. "You are worthy!" I cried. "You forgave me and saved me, so how could I not live for You? You are alive!"

"Diamond, my girl," Jesus whispered. He placed a kiss on my forehead. I rapped my arms around His neck, clinging to Him for dear life.

"My Lord! I love You too! I will serve You also."

"My Diamond, are you willing to help spread the message and story of your freedom to others who are still caught in the prisons of the dragons lies?"

"Yes absolutely," I answered without hesitation. "I had lived for myself for so long, how could I not help others?" My heart filled with compassion and a love from God flowed into me. I raised my head off of Jesus's shoulder. My lip quivered.

"It will be hard," He warned softly and seriously. "A lot of people will hate you, my dear."

I thought about that for a moment. My face became grave and sad. "I know," I whispered. "For they hate You and the Father and Spirit first, that's why they won't like me. But if You want me to do it…then I will obey, my Lord." I bowed my head.

"That's my Diamond," Jesus kissed the top of my head. He put me down and held my hand in His. His hand was hot and warm. He squeezed my own.

"I am willing. You freed me from the dragons' talons and how could I not help others?"

"That's my Diamond," He repeated. "You are willing?"

"Here I am Lord, send me! Let me do Your will. Just please, oh please don't leave me!"

"I will never leave you, my darling. You are ours forever! We bought you, and we love you. Be free! Rest in my love. Hold onto the truth and remain in me. Stand firm, my girl. Now, are you ready?" He said, His eyes twinkling.

"I was made to be ready!"

I was free. Free from the dragon. Free from my sin and the empty promises the dragon promised me. And I was with my Lord, who loved me from the beginning. Even when I was still a captive of the dragon, Jesus and the Father God still loved me and wanted me with them forever and always.

And I was gonna live! Not for myself, but for the One who died to save me.

For the One who gave up His life to set me free.

And I was going to spread His word and truth to others, as a result of that freedom and that grace which was so kindly shown to one such as I.

And I was going to be glad.

I was glad and content. With the Lord at my side well, with me on His side, for He was my Master, I could do anything!