The good lord has smiled upon me this day and was gracious enough to return the sun to me; it must be a good omen. For three days now I have been wondering this land of Argus in bitter rain and cold in search of an elusive “dragon” that has been rumored to walk this land, killing all that was unfortunate enough to cross its path. King Lear has sent me to dispatch the foul beast with due haste and restore order to this troubled land and return the villagers faith to his majesty kingdom to which I swore an oath on my honor to do, but this task like a greased swine seem elusive at best.
I remember not to long ago a messenger from Argus traveled all the way to Castle Madre pleading to King Lear for some sort of assistance to do away with a “horrible beast.” that decended upon the land. I was standing next to my liege as the messenger explained how a smoke grey dragon attacked and killed several farmers as they tried to plow their fields, and how he claimed this beast was almost as big as Castle Madre yet moved as swift as a hawk as it maliciously cut down its victim. I can still see myself like a little child that was told a devious secret, trying to hold back my laughter, but like all secrets my laughter soon came to light. Like an uncontrollable sneeze a quick chuckle fell from my lips, but it was not quick enough to avoid his majesty’s attention, and with the swiftness of pit viper inquired to me "was there something humorous about the situation at hand?" I tried to explain to his majesty that it has been many years since a dragon was last seen in “any” parts of our land, now like mice after cheese there coming out of the wood work eating farmers. Preposterous!
I can still hear my father telling me “Nigel one day your mouth will get you in more trouble then your scruffy little hide can get you out of” humph! I never knew how right he was. King Lear looked at me and said “Sir Nigel since you obviously believe that this dragon is quite the children tale then you would have no argument on escorting this messenger home to Argus alone, do you? Besides the air will do you some good and it will assure the good people there when they see our kingdom’s banner waving in stark defiance of this mythical beast” Go alone? Though I am relatively certain there could not be a dragon, I would be considerably out numbered by thieves, large beasts, and the like. What was I to do? I could not say no, not after just sticking my own sword down my throat like some fool trickster. I would be the laughing stock of all Madre’s Knights. So sticking my sword further into my gut I happily obliged.
So here I am, standing here in the middle of a wheat field damp, tired, and very frustrated, and not a cursed dragon in sight. I know King Lear did this to punish me for my outburst those many days ago but I believe a stern talking to would have suffice then this outlandish task that was bestowed upon me, even my trusty steed don’t look to trusting anymore, he very well looks to dump me on my bottom into this thick black mud for bringing him out here, then I herd it.
A roar! Not just any roar, it was so un-godly. It was not the usual sound from a wild beast in this part of Argus. It was loud, very loud I barely had time to grab the straps to keep my horse from throwing me from fear. I drew my sword with one hand while frantically trying to get my mare under control with the other, no use, he’s to badly frightened I have no choice but to jump off before we both get hurt!
After landing on my feet now I know why my horse was so resentful toward me. If he was not frantically running through the fields like a decapitated chicken I would apologize. Ye gods there is no way I can maneuver in this overcooked pudding, my best chance is to grab my shield and run for some sort of cover and pray!
Before I can get my feet up for my first step I was struck from the side. I was thrown several hundreds yards clear out of the field. My body racked with pain I count my self lucky I had my armor on or the first blow surely would have killed me. After rising to my feet I gathered my sword, shield and wits, and got into full battle stance. Come dragon show yourself I am not afraid of you! I am a Knight of the kingdom Madre under the leadership of King Lear I fear you not!
By the time I saw the blur I found myself on the ground again I was hit much harder then before and this time I felt something crack, my ribs? My armor? What? Heavens, this creature is much faster then what the messenger said, how can I compete. No time. I must get up. I refuse to die without getting in at least one strike against the dragon. This day he will work for his meal!
Okay Nigel, gather your wits lad no time dawdle look hard stay sharp! Yes there it is the blur again; it is going with the wind for added momentum. But this time I see you monster! I dropped my shield grabby my sword with both hands and swung as hard as I could when the creature came into range, I go down again but I am not the only one this time. I herd a loud thump that shook the ground beneath me, I got it! I won! Using my shield as a crutch I propped my self up to inspect my trophy.
Ah the Knights at Madre castle will be so envious, and the king, the king will surely reward me handsomely for my victory. I know as a Knight of the crown I should not think such petty thoughts but sometimes it is quite hard not to do so.
After rounding up my steed I finally came across a cave deep in the woods and from the foul stench I knew it had to be the home of that vicious beast. I heard a growl much like the one I heard before I was attacked but much softer, I drawn my sword ready for another confrontation. After walking further into the cave the heat emanating from within was incredible! Was this the dragons den or the very gates of hell itself? If I had any true sense about me I should turn around and gather reinforcements, but I do believe I am being seduced by my ego for yet another prize so I soldier on. After further inspection I finally witness another dragon almost a sapphire red and to my awe giving birth. It was an amazing sight I think I am the only human being in the world to behold such a wonder.
Then it occurred to me, the other dragon, the dark dragon, that I slain was protecting its mate and unborn child. Dear lord what have I done? That would explain why the dragon was attacking the farmers in the field and no where else they obviously was to close to his lair.
Then another thing occurred to me to which I did not notice, she knew I was here, she was staring right at me and she knew if I made it this far her mate was not coming back. She knew what I had done. She stared at me as if to say how dare you take the life of my lover, my only companion and the father of my newborn child. Why? We have done nothing to you!
What could I say? I had no answer to give. I am guilty as can be. If the dragon attacking was human it would have been justifiable killing because other humans were trespassing on his land threatening mother and child.
We stared at each other for which seems like hours but in actuality just minutes. She could have fried me to a cinder but her eyes again, sad and angry were saying to me “go on your way intruder there has been enough killing this day.” She then turn her attention back to her newborn and I sheath my sword and walked away like a whipped pup.
By the time I made it back outside it was raining harder then the previous days combined. The lord is crying over the life I needlessly took. I think I will cry with him.
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