Dragon Vine

“Why do you seek this ill-omened quest, warrior?” A female warrior in full plate mail armor barred the knight’s path. “Why do you seek the legendary dragonvine? Many an adventurer before you has sought it for glory, and their quest brought them only ruin.”

“I give my purposes to no foe,” the knight declared confidently, “and foe you be if you stand in my path.”

“I fully intend to see that you ne’er reach the dragonvine. Your lust for glory and greed will be your downfall.”

The opponents charged at each other, blades locking in equal combat. A tempest of steel encompassed the battleground, the sounds of battle ringing to the deepest shadows, so great was their fight. The knight was determined not to lose this encounter, his foe equally adamant about success. Growing desperate, the knight chanced a risky overhead strike, putting all his power into one swing of his mighty sword. Luckily, he timed it just right, taking his feminine adversary off guard and knocking her to the ground. He placed the blade point on her throat.

“Your are skilled, warrior,” the female calmly said to him, “more skilled than any other knight I have ever fought. You fight, not with greed, but truth in your heart. Why do you seek the dragonvine?”

The knight’s eyes grew soft. “I am running out of time. This legendary plant is the only medicine in the world that can save my friend now, and his time is running out.”

The female raised her chin, or as best she could under the circumstances. “Then slay me now and take up the dragonvine, warrior, and fulfill your noble quest.”

The knight shook his head, backing his blade away from his opponent’s throat. “I could never lay low a living being in cold blood, let alone one whose heart is not shrouded by darkness. My honor dictates so.”

The female grinned broadly, and with the smile, a transformation seemed to overtake her. Where her eyes had been, now only were glowing sockets of light. Wings sprouted from her back, and even her skin seemed to glow a holy colour. Before the knight now stood Honor, the goddess of light. “Go, then, warrior, and take up the dragonvine. You have passed my test. Only those with pure hearts have ever been allowed to wield this sacred plant.”

Stepping around the holy being now in front of him, the knight plucked a small sample of the dragonvine from its roots. As he came back around to face Honor, he kneeled before his goddess in penitence and gratitude, before rushing off to save his friend. Honor merely smiled. After all, she had been the one to grant her knight such skill with the blade and such purity of heart; he had not failed her, even in his moment of need.