The rugged warrior watched

As the maidens danced and twirled,

Lost in the song.

The loud, piercing shriek of an alarm

Sounded throughout the village.

Dragon sighting.

The music stopped.

The warrior became alert.

The maidens stilled.

“Sir Knight!” the king called out.

“Go and slay the dragon!” the command came.

The warrior rose. A squire hurried forward

To help him with his armor. Another came

Carrying a broadsword.

The warrior took the weapon

And saluted the king,

“The dragon will be slain.”

Around the mountain

Everything was dead,

Burned by the great fiery breath.

The warrior unsheathed his sword

And peered into the cave. The monster was sleeping.

The cave was bright with gold sparkling in the sun.

Goblets, chain mail, rubies, and bones littered the floor.

An eyelid opened. Amber stared into blue. The knight

Raised his sword; the dragon drew up, jaws opening wide.

A blast of fire flew out of the cave

Barely missing the warrior as he threw himself to the ground.

The bones of a passing bird fell onto the rock outside.

The knight scooted behind a mountain of gold.

Blue eyes peeked out, searching for a weak spot.

Sighted!

The gripped his sword, preparing to throw.

It hit true!

A horrible, bone-chilling sound escaped the dragon’s mouth

As it fell, sword stuck in its heart.

The warrior cut off its head

And took it back to the village.

Proof would be needed.

The rest of the men went to collect the body.

The women started the cooking fires.

The king rose in the middle of the feast

And raised his hand for silence.

“Knight, you have kept your word.

The dragon has been slain.

As a reward, you may have your pick

Of my dancing daughters.”

The music started,

The maidens began to dance,

The warrior watched, becoming lost in the song.

A maiden dressed in green

With hair the color of the dragon’s gold

Caught his eye.

“My lord, I have decided!” cried he over the din.

The music stopped. With all eyes focused on him,

The warrior made his way over

To the girl with the golden locks.

“My fair lady, I have chosen.

Will you be mine?”

“Brave Sir, I am honored.” He took her hand

And the king gave his blessing.

Together they rode off into the setting sun,

The Dragon Slayer and the Golden Maiden.