This is a story I wrote for school last semester. Be warned, it's almost 5000 words long! :)
Crash! Clang! The two swords strike and block, stab and slash, their wielders engaged in a deadly dance. Feet shuffle across the hardened dirt as the knights duel. Sweat drips down their determined faces, veins stand out like castle walls on their tired arms, their movements grow slower, but still they fight. Suddenly one knight lunges desperately forward, but his opponent swiftly swings his sword, blocking the attack, and taps him on the neck.
“You win,” the defeated knight gasps, panting. The victor, a young man with handsome features, lifts his sword from the knight’s neck and slides it into a black sheath.
“Well fought, James,” he says, embracing his defeated opponent. The two knights release each other and walk across the training ground to a magnificent oak tree. James sits down, leaning against the massive trunk, and pulls off his chain mail coif, revealing close cut brown hair.
“Lewis, when was the last time I beat you?” he asks.
“293 matches ago, when I tripped on a tree root,” Lewis tells him, smiling. “I was mad because you broke my 128-match win streak.” Lewis removes his coif and runs his hands through his shoulder-length auburn hair.
“You’re a natural,” James comments. “What’s your win streak now, not against me, but just in general?”
“This match just brought it to 500,” Lewis replies. “I should fight more people besides you, to get more variety and whatever, but there really aren’t many people that are willing to fight me.” James laughs.
“I wonder why,” he says, chuckling. “You’re the best swordsman in the kingdom. People have a hard time losing, especially to someone who’s only been a knight for a year and a half.”
A page walks toward the two knights, bringing them two canteens of water. Thanking him, Lewis and James thirstily chug the refreshing liquid.
“Sir Lewis, someone’s here to see you,” the page informs the knights.
“Go on; it’s Amelia,” James says good-naturedly as they turn to see the visitor. Lewis shakes James’ hand, then hurries across the training ground. The visitor, a girl wearing a simple blue dress, rushes toward Lewis, her dark brown hair streaming out behind her. She crashes into him, almost knocking him over, and he envelops her with his strong arms.
“What’s up, Amelia?” Lewis greets her, gazing down into her warm hazel eyes. “I thought you and your parents were at the festival this week.”
“Yes, we were,” she said. “But it ended.”
“What do you mean?” Lewis asks, perplexed.
“You’re needed at the palace,” she tells him, “and your brother too. I can tell you about it on the way.”
“James, come over here,” Lewis shouts, letting go of Amelia, “and bring the horses.” Turning back to her, he shakes his head, his left hand rubbing the smooth pommel of his sword. “Can you tell me what’s going on? I really want to know,” he pleads.
Amelia laughs. “Patience, I’ll tell you when James gets here.” She turns and walks toward her horse, Lewis striding next to her. The noise of clip-clopping hooves approaches from behind as James draws near, leading two horses. Amelia climbs onto her horse, a beautiful white mare, as James arrives. Lewis leaps into his saddle on top of his horse Nightflame, a strapping black stallion, and James mounts his own chestnut steed.
The three set off single file along the narrow trail, soon arriving on a main road where they spread out, riding side by side. They loosen the reins, letting the horses speed up to a steady trot.
“Ok, what’s this about the festival ending?” Lewis asks, twisting in his saddle to look at Amelia. James swivels his head, staring at Lewis and Amelia.
“What? The festival ended?” he inquires incredulously.
“Yes, the festival ended today,” Amelia begins.
“But today’s only the second day!” Lewis exclaims.
“Does Dad know about this?” James murmurs.
“Will you two let me talk?” Amelia asks impatiently.
“Sorry,” the two men mumble, embarrassed.
“So, the festival ended because someone saw a dragon this morning,” she says.
“A dragon!!” Lewis shouts.
“I’m trying to tell you what happened, and I can’t because I keep getting interrupted. Let’s save the discussion for afterward,” Amelia remarks. “Like I said, someone, or multiple someones, saw a dragon flying above the festival this morning. All it did was fly by, heading in the direction of Spire Mountain, but people started freaking out. There was a stampede, tents got knocked down, some people got trampled on, and half of my dad’s produce was ruined. My parents and some other logical people calmed everyone down and figured out what was going on. My family had the fastest horses, so my parents and I rode back here to warn King Dane. Everyone else started working on cleaning up, after which they are going to head home. We left our stuff with Julia’s dad because we had to get here as fast as possible. So that’s what happened. Now you can comment.” Amelia turns her head, looking first at James, then at Lewis. Both knights are speechless, shocked by the turn of events.
“So are your parents already at the castle?” James asks, regaining his voice.
“Yes, they’re probably talking to your dad right now,” Amelia tells him. James nods, glad that King Dane knows of this threat to the kingdom. Lewis struggles to get over his surprise.
“That’s amazing,” he says. “I don’t think there’s been a dragon sighted in the Peninsular Kingdom since the Crystal War a century ago. Do you think the dragon is dangerous?”
“Lewis, what are you talking about?” James blurts. “There’s never been a dragon that wasn’t dangerous. They’re huge, fire-breathing, flying lizards. Of course it’s dangerous!”
“Well yeah, but couldn’t it be friendly? I read a scroll by Gregory the Scholar that said that dragons and humans used to be allies, thousands of years ago. According to Gregory, humans even rode dragons sometimes!” Lewis replies.
“But that was thousands of years ago,” James points out. “Dragons now are vicious beasts that should be killed whenever possible.”
“True,” Lewis agrees. “I guess you’re right.” They ride in silence for a few minutes, the only sounds being the horses’ hooves and the wind rustling the tree leaves.
Then the road runs out of the forest, and they enter a grassy meadow bathed in golden sunlight. The road continues for another mile until it reaches a large city encircled by a strong stone wall. In the center of the bustling city looms an impenetrable castle. It dominates the skyline, its five tall towers each crowned by a golden dome, its sixty-foot walls rising high above the other buildings in the city. The impressive mansions and residences of the nobles that cluster around the castle are dwarfed by the fortress-palace. The three riders speed up, galloping toward the grand city Tetra, capital of the Peninsular Kingdom.
#
Leaving their horses in the royal stable, James, Lewis, and Amelia enter the castle. A soldier meets them at the gate.
“Prince James, Prince Lewis,” he greets them, bowing slightly. “Your father requests your presence in the throne room immediately. News of great import has arrived from the festival.”
“Yes, the dragon,” James says. “We are already on our way there.”
“Very well then, I shall let His Majesty know that you are coming,” Durkham says, put off by James’ knowledge of the dragon. He pivots on one foot and quickly strides deeper into the castle. Amelia turns to Lewis.
“I’m going to find my mom,” she informs him. “She’s probably in the kitchens.”
“I’ll see you tonight for supper?” Lewis asks.
“For sure, just come over like normal,” Amelia says. “You know my parents enjoy your company.” She hugs Lewis, then turns and flits down a hallway.
James and Lewis pace down the castle’s main corridor, following the distant figure of Captain Durkham.
#
James steps into the exquisite throne room, followed by Lewis. Normally peaceful, the throne room is brimming with people today, knights, nobles, castle servants, soldiers, and all eyes turn toward the two men as they enter. James and Lewis stride toward the gorgeous bejeweled throne where King Dane is ensconced. His wife, Queen Miriam, rests on a smaller, but very elegant, throne on his right. On his left stand Captain Durkham, Sir Kenneth, and Caelan, duke of Penwell.
“Welcome, sons,” King Dane greets James and Lewis.
“Good day, father,” they reply, bowing. They hurry over to stand with a richly dressed man and woman who stand, holding hands, next to Queen Miriam’s throne.
“Hey Kaylee, hello Pafford,” James and Lewis whisper.
“You heard about the festival?” Princess Kaylee asks quietly as her brothers shake hands with her husband, Sir Pafford. Lewis nods his head yes.
“We shall now begin,” proclaims King Dane as the great oaken doors of the throne room swing shut. Silence falls over the crowd. “I have called this assembly because of some alarming news I received this morning. A farmer named Thomas arrived in our city Tetra just two hours ago, telling my guards he had an urgent message for me.” Beckoning with his hand, he says, “Thomas, please step forward.” A tall, strong man clad in simple working clothes emerges from the crowd to stand in front of Dane’s throne. “Many of you know Thomas’ wife, Julia, the chief palace cook,” Dane continues. “When I heard that the husband of the greatest chef in the kingdom wanted to talk to me, I had him admitted immediately. Thomas, would you care to tell these folk what you told me?”
“Gladly, Your Majesty,” the farmer replies formally. Turning to the crowd, he begins. “I was at the festival this morning with my family when people started freaking out and screaming about a dragon.” Murmurs run through the throne room. Raising his voice, Thomas continues, telling everyone of the panic at the festival and his swift ride to Tetra to warn King Dane.
#
Lewis and Pafford walk side by side through castle garden, followed by James and Kaylee.
“So, the king is sending you to slay the dragon,” Pafford remarks.
“You know I would go with you, but I have a wife and three kids,” James comments.
“I know,” Lewis assures him. “I’m not worried about fighting the dragon, but I know Amelia will be.” Kaylee nods sympathetically.
“I remember the last time Pafford went on a quest, while I was pregnant with Timothy,” she says. “I was so worried about him, but of course he returned victorious.”
“Well, I need to leave within the hour if I’m going to get to Spire Mountain before sunset,” Lewis concludes. “I’ll say goodbye at the west gate.”
#
Lewis approaches the huge iron portcullis, leading his horse Nightflame by the reins. Chains rattle as six men strain to raise the portcullis. Slowly but surely it rises, unblocking the wide cobblestone street running due west out of Tetra into the grassy fields around the royal city. A crowd of people—peasants, nobles, merchants, knights, farmers, smiths—is gathered on both sides of the street waving farewell to Lewis.
He comes to the gate, meeting King Dane and several high-ranking nobles underneath the raised portcullis. Lewis shakes hands with his father, Captain Durkham, Sir Kenneth, and Caelan, duke of Penwell. Then turning to his mother, he hugs her, then James, James’ wife Susan, Kaylee, and Pafford. Then his nephews and niece, Charles, Lucy, Peter, and Timothy, run forward and clutch his legs and chainmail-covered torso. A smile breaks out on his face as he ruffles their hair. Extricating himself from the children’s embrace, he looks about for his last farewell. Then he sees her, pushing through the assembled people.
Amelia emerges from the mass, and Lewis steps forward, catching her in his embrace, ignoring his father’s disapproving stare. She looks up into his strong, grey-blue eyes, her face twisted with worry but softened with love.
“Do you have to go fight the dragon by yourself?” she asks, holding him tight.
“Amelia, I’ll be alright,” Lewis gently reassures her. “I’m a knight, this is part of my job.”
“But…” she begins. Lewis places a finger on her lips.
“I will be alright,” he repeats. Letting go of Amelia, he steps back toward Nightflame.
“Come back to me,” she whispers, then slides back into the packed assembly. Lewis leaps onto his horse, waves farewell to the people of Tetra, then gallops west toward Spire Mountain, on a quest to kill the dragon.
#
Almost two hours have passed, and the sun is low in the sky, burning the horizon and silhouetting the tall, pointed peak of Spire Mountain. Nightflame froths and pants, but continues running toward the mountain, which is now very near. Lewis clutches the reins, looking for any signs of dragon habitation on the mountain. Less than half a mile away towers the stone pinnacle where the dragon is supposed to dwell. Lewis slows his horse down to a trot and pulls his chainmail coif up onto his head. The sheer precipices of the mountain draw nearer, interspersed with gentle slopes. Lewis tugs on the reins, pulling Nightflame to the left, and he circles the mountain, looking for a cave or a wisp of smoke.
Suddenly a colossal violet beast bursts from behind the mountain, huge leathery wings beating the air furiously. Nightflame whinnies and rears up as a bolt of cold fear pierces Lewis’ heart, weakening his body, slowing his mind. Then he remembers Amelia.
“Come back to me,” she had said. Invigorated, Lewis regains control of Nightflame and draws his sword.
“I am Sir Lewis, knight of the Peninsular Kingdom, adopted son of King Dane,” he shouts, pointing his sword at the dragon. “On behalf of the people of Tetra and the Peninsular Kingdom, I challenge you to combat to the death!” The great dragon, his scales rippling violet to magenta to lavender, swoops down toward the knight and his horse, a huge plume of yellow-orange flame spewing from his nostrils.
Nightflame stands firm as Lewis reaches over his shoulder, grabbing the sturdy shield that is strapped to his back. With his left hand he raises the shield in front of him, while his right hand clenches his sword tightly, ready to strike the dragon.
With a barely audible thump, the purple dragon lands gracefully, faint strands of smoke curling up from his nostrils. Warm, intelligent orange eyes gaze curiously at the mounted knight. Lewis peeks from behind his shield, wondering why the dragon isn’t attacking.
“Let’s not be hasty,” a rich, deep voice emanates from the dragon. Shocked to hear the dragon talk, Lewis almost drops his shield, and even Nightflame neighs in confusion. The dragon persists.
“Yes, I speak Human. It’s a civilized language, but not nearly as fun as Draconic.” He lets forth a quiet growl, which can only be described as a chuckle. Lewis swallows, uncertain whether he is dreaming or not. “I know, I know, you think I’m a vicious, cruel, village-burning, princess-stealing, human-killing monster. My relatives give me such a bad reputation. You see, I’m not a normal dragon.”
“Uh, you’re, uh, not a… normal dragon?” stutters Lewis, bewildered.
“That’s what I just said,” the dragon admonishes Lewis. “I thought humans were smart, but I guess Gregory the Scholar was a rare exception.”
“Oh, I’ve read some of Gregory’s writings,” Lewis interjects. “He was pretty smart.”
“Gregory the Scholar, by far the most brilliant human of all time,” the dragon rumbles, a dreamy look coming into his fiery eyes.
“Yeah, he, uh, wrote a lot of cool stuff,” Lewis agrees, then blushes sheepishly.
“And he was eloquent, unlike the only other human I have ever met,” the dragon states.
“You met Gregory the Scholar?” Lewis exclaims, ignoring the dragon’s insult.
“Only for an hour or so, but it was one of the best days of my life,” the dragon says.
“But Gregory lived a thousand years ago!” Lewis declares.
“You’re right,” the dragon concurs. “But dragons live much longer than humans. Indeed, I know not of any dragon who has died of old age. I was about the size of your horse when I met Gregory. He had tried to convince a female dragon to let him study her eggs, and of course she said no. It’s a miracle that she didn’t kill him on the spot, but dragons back then weren’t as savage and stupid as they are now, so she told him to start running and not stop until he was outside the Ring of Fire.” The dragon laughs. “As soon as she couldn’t see him, Gregory stopped running and went looking for another dragon to persuade. I found him wandering through the barren canyons and boulder fields, and since I had never met a human before, I began talking to him. He told me that he was Gregory the Scholar, and I recognized the name from a scroll I had read. He was surprised I knew how to read, but I told him I had taught myself and was the only dragon who did know how to read. Then a full-grown male dragon, one of the greatest of the time, was flying by and saw Gregory. He dived at us, planning to eat Gregory, but I shielded the scholar with my body, and the dragon swerved aside. I convinced the dragon that Gregory had a terrible sickness that would make his insides rot if he ate Gregory, and so he flew away. Gregory thanked me for saving him and gave me several scrolls. I advised him to leave the Desolation of Fire Lizards as soon as possible, so Gregory headed toward the Kingdom of Minimar, promising to send me scrolls when he arrived. I don’t know how he planned to get scrolls to me, and I never found out, for Gregory arrived in Minimar during the Great Revolution, and was killed during the attack on the royal palace.” The dragon sighs, his monologue finished.
“Wow!” utters Lewis. “That’s an amazing story!” He thinks for a moment. “So… why are you here? No dragon has been sighted in the Peninsular Kingdom since the Crystal War.”
“As I told you, I’m different from other dragons,” the dragon begins wearily. “My fire isn’t as hot, I’m not as big, my claws aren’t as sharp, etc. However, I’m the best flyer there’s been since the days of Kalmazar the Swift, who was slain in the Crystal War. But the biggest difference between me and the other dragons, and the reason they hate me, is because I’m not a barbaric fiend who ravages villages, fights other dragons, and mates willy-nilly. I speak Human, I read, I’m a vegan, I’m gentle and kind, I’m smart, I’m civilized, and I’ve never mated, raided human towns, or fought another dragon. The dragons hate me because I’m their opposite. Maybe I would have fit in better millennia ago when dragons and humans were united, but in our current world, there is no place for me in dragon society.” A single, steaming tear slides out of the corner of his eye and slips down the smooth scales of his periwinkle jaw.
“I’m sorry, truly, that’s, that’s horrible,” Lewis says empathetically. Urging Nightflame forward, he pats the dragon on his warm nose. “So have you come to the Peninsular Kingdom to find a society that accepts you?”
“That hadn’t crossed my mind,” the dragon admits, his voice heavy. “I just want to have peace without being tormented and abused by the other dragons. Besides, here in the Peninsular Kingdom is much nicer than the hot, arid wasteland the humans call the Desolation of the Fire Lizards. It is truly desolate. Anyway, I know the reputation dragons have. I should have known that knights like you would attack me if I live in a human kingdom.”
“Well, from what you have said, I don’t think any knights should attack you,” Lewis tells him. “What if you tell everyone in Tetra what you told me? You could live in the Peninsular Kingdom in peace, and even have friends! In fact, the royal librarian resigned a few weeks ago. I am sure my father, King Dane, would love to have you. There are thousands of scrolls in the library, and many of them are by Gregory. You should come back to Tetra with me!”
“You really think so?” the dragon asks, his eyes filled with hope.
“Of course,” Lewis says confidently. “By the way, I don’t think we introduced ourselves.”
“Oh, sorry,” the dragon apologizes. “My name is Myzanx. Myzanx the Outcast.”
“No, you are Myzanx the Brilliant,” Lewis corrects him emphatically.
“Thank you,” Myzanx says, revealing his jagged teeth in a lopsided grin. “And you are Prince Lewis, adopted son of King Dane, correct?”
“Yes,” Lewis replies. “But I prefer Sir Lewis, or just Lewis. Now we should get going, it’s already dark.” Myzanx nods his agreement.
“Let me grab my scrolls,” he mentions, then turns and flutters back around the mountainside. Lewis sheaths his sword, returns his shield to his back, and pulls off his chainmail coif, then feeds Nightflame a carrot. Soon Myzanx returns, a large crate full of scrolls clutched in each of his four talons. Sacks of scrolls are perched on his back as well, and one large bag hangs from a strap clenched in his mouth.
“You have a lot of scrolls,” Lewis comments, impressed. He turns and sets out at a swift canter, Myzanx hovering over him.
#
Nightflame slows to an amble as the city of Tetra materializes out of the gloom in the distance. Lewis twists in his saddle, craning his head back to peer in the night sky, barely making out the shape of Myzanx floating above.
“How about you stay here, wait an hour or so, then fly toward the city,” Lewis calls out. “That way I can explain your situation so that no one freaks out when they see you.” Myzanx drifts down until he is only a few feet off the ground, his strong wing disturbing the air above Lewis’ head, ruffling his auburn hair. Straining his eyes, Lewis sees Myzanx nod his head, and so Lewis sets out toward Tetra at a brisk gallop, Nightflame’s hooves skimming over the ground.
#
“Who goes there?” the weary guard calls down from the top of the wall. He hangs his lantern over the wall, squinting at the horse and rider below.
“Lewis, returning from Spire Mountain,” the knight shouts back.
“Prince Lewis, you’ve returned!” he exclaims. Sprinting down the steps, he rushes into the gatehouse and rouses the six men sleeping there.
“Prince Lewis has come back from his quest!” he tells them excitedly. They groggily rise from the beds and stumble toward the gate, rubbing the sleep from their eyes. Placing their hands on the two great wheels, they heave and pull, slowly lifting the heavy portcullis. Nightflame advances, carrying Lewis under the portcullis and into Tetra. The six men release the wheels, letting the portcullis fall back into place, as the wall top sentry greets Lewis enthusiastically.
“You slew the dragon?” he inquires.
“I have news for my father,” Lewis tells him. “The dragon is alive, but he is our ally.” Lewis spurs Nightflame forward, and he hastens down the street toward Dane’s castle, leaving the sentry pondering the meaning of Lewis’ cryptic sentence.
#
“Am I to believe that this dragon, who you call Myzanx, is civilized, smart, speaks our language, and is within the hour going to enter the city?” Dane says, incredulous.
“Yes, father,” Lewis tells him. “He is very brilliant, an admirer of Gregory the Scholar, and gentle and peaceful. Also, he is a vegetarian.”
“Well, this is a turn of events,” Dane remarks, leaning back in his throne. To his right sits Queen Miriam on her elegant cathedra, but no one else is in the empty throne room.
“I look forward to meeting this Myzanx,” Miriam announces. “He sounds like quite the character.”
“We need to notify all the guards and sentries that the dragon is a friend and no alarm should be raised,” Dane pronounces. “And the nobles and officers should be woken so that they can meet Myzanx. And I think we should post notices all over Tetra, saying that the dragon is harmless, and no one needs to panic.”
“A good plan,” Miriam approves.
“Oh, one more thing,” Dane remembers as Lewis turns to leave. “I need to reward you for successfully completing your quest. After we meet Myzanx, I will give it to you. What do you want? The custom is that it can be anything up to half the kingdom.”
“Well, I didn’t go on this quest for a reward…” Lewis begins, then suddenly an idea comes into his head. “Wait, you said anything?”
“Up to half the kingdom,” Dane repeats.
“I want to propose to Amelia,” Lewis tells him. Dane sighs.
“Lewis, I’ve told you before, you’re the most successful knight in the kingdom, and you’re my son,” Dane admonishes him. “That means that you should marry a noblewoman or princess, not the daughter of a farmer. I think it’s time that you leave Amelia behind and find someone who deserves to marry you.”
“But I love Amelia,” Lewis objects. “She is more deserving than any woman I have ever met. Besides, you told me I could have anything I want. I want to marry Amelia.”
“I think he has a point,” Miriam adds. “Amelia is a nice girl from what I’ve seen, and you did say he could have anything he wants.”
“But she’s a peasant, not a noble,” counters Dane. “It’s unacceptable for someone as elite as you to marry a common person. That’s how society works; you marry those with equal status to you. You may think you love Amelia, but I am sure there is some other girl who will catch your fancy in the courts of Crystalia or Minimar. That would be a much better marriage.”
“You don’t understand,” Lewis argues. “I truly love Amelia, and if I have to, I’ll forgo my knightship and my princehood to be with her. And although you call her a common person, she has a more noble heart and personality than any damsel in any royal court.” Lewis spins around and quickly strides out of the throne room.
“Wait!” Dane calls after him. Lewis stops but doesn’t turn around. “Fine. You’ve made your point. You love Amelia, and you won’t have any other woman. Very well. I give you my blessing. You may marry Amelia.”
“Really?” Lewis exclaims, whirling around to face the king. “I really can? Thank you! Thank you so much!” He bows low, then rushes out of the room.
“Don’t forget you need a ring!” Dane calls after him.
#
The next morning finds everyone in Tetra assembled in front of the castle, gazing up at the great purple dragon perched on a tower’s gold dome. The crowd applauds when Dane announces that Myzanx the Brilliant has become Tetra’s first resident dragon and the new royal librarian.
Then Lewis steps forward to face the crowd. He beckons to Amelia, and her parents push her forward. She steps out of the crowd to face Lewis.
“Amelia Juliadotir, I, Lewis Danesson, truly love you and beg for your hand in marriage,” he says, taking a knee and staring into her eyes. He opens his hand, revealing a beautiful silver ring set with two diamonds. Amelia gasps.
“Yes,” she murmurs. Then louder, “Yes! Yes, I will.” Lewis reaches forward and slides the ring onto her finger, his eyes never leaving hers. “I love you,” she whispers as he stands up.
“I love you,” he whispers back, then she presses her body into his, hugging him tight, their eyes still locked together. He lowers his head slowly, his nose grazing past hers, then she pushes into him, her warm lips embracing his in a passionate kiss.
Deafening applause erupts from the crowd, and Myzanx utters a bellow, then releases a burst of fire, but Lewis and Amelia are oblivious to everything but their love for each other.
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