The Dragon's Rebirth

The whole thing is obviously a myth, I mean, if dragons were going to offer people reincarnation, there is on way kings and Archbishops would be bribing their way to an immortal rule. Then again, there could be a reason that churches don't change.

— Jasper Cameron, Leader of the Bronze Ravens

Legends will tell you that, when those truly worthy are on their death bed, they receive a visitor. Always someone of their race, a stranger that no one knows. The stranger will approach, ask to speak to the dying person. They will lean down, whisper in the ear of the hero, saint, or soldier. They will look them in the eye, ask for an answer. Occasionally they will press nothing into the persons palm, sometimes they just nod their head, and then they offer loved ones their condolences, and leave.
To those that received 'nothing' a special fate awaits. For it is said that that their soul was marked. When they pass on, their soul moves not to the afterlife that their actions earned them, but instead, into a waiting dragon egg, to be reborn as a dragon.
As they grow to maturity, it is said that they regain the knowledge and skills that the possessed in their previous life. They grow to be some of the most noble and dangerous dragons that have ever lived.

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Of course, if you believe in such fairy tales, then by all means, try to live the most worthy life you can. Always help the weak. Dont just live up to the ideals set by your faiths saints, exceed them. Save a Kingdom or two. Rescue slaves, fight bandits. Cant recommend slaying a dragon, given what the reward is supposed to be. I mean, rumor has it that since the fall of the Storm Gaints, 491 people have been offered this honor. With those odds, what do you have to lose, besides your life.