Abstract
Mirsonia: Rise of the Dragon Rider
Stephen P. Pashia’s short story explores the emotional aftermath of war through the lens of fantasy. Mirsonia, a decorated dragon rider and commander, is forced into recovery after a devastating injury sustained in battle. As she heals in the quiet village of Nimbleton, she confronts the psychological toll of combat—grief, guilt, and the loss of control. Through her bond with her dragon Onyxia and the unexpected wisdom of rural life, Mirsonia begins to reconcile her past and rediscover her strength. The story blends high fantasy with themes of PTSD, resilience, and the transformative power of empathy, offering a poignant reflection on what it truly means to lead.
Bio
Stephen P. Pashia is an armed guard and Air Force veteran whose creative work draws from both lived experience and imaginative realms. He writes fantasy and science fiction, often exploring themes of resilience, leadership, and emotional healing. His Creative Expression Work is a short story about a wounded female dragon rider grappling with PTSD and the loss of control. Through her journey of recovery and rediscovery, Stephen highlights the importance of support systems and the inner strength required to reclaim one’s place in the world.
Recommended Citation
Pashia, Stephen p.
(2025)
"Mirsonia: Rise of the Dragon Rider,"
Night Flight: Online Literary Journal: Vol. 6
, Article 9.
Available at:
https://commons.erau.edu/night-flight/vol6/iss1/9