Dragons

T'was a night unlike any other, for this adolescent boy.
He stared down the Dragon's nest like a timid lamb.
Though he had just come of age, he was no longer a squire.
His vision constrained by the slits in the helm,
his palm growing sweaty whilst gripping the hilt;
he swallowed hard to regain his mettle, but to no avail.
Raising his shield up to his chest, he charged the demon's den.

He mustered his most ferocious cry as he embarked the darkness.
The bodies of fallen littered the ground, empty tin strewn about.
This boy filled with ire as his eyes scanned across his comrades.
A fiery rage consumed him as he desperately sought his target.
There before him was a terrible beast, over seventy times his size.
It snored quite nonchalantly, feeling no distress.
Ignoring the creature's distaste, the boy readied for a fight.

He swung his sword at the dragon's nose, with little riposte.
The monster's nose twitched from the unimpressive blow.
Its eyes opened slowly, disheartened by the disturbance.
It growled lowly as it discerned a young boy before it,
its eyes strained to focus from the sleep that filled them.
In a quite tone, the dragon asked, "Who be ye, child?"

The boy, surprised that the dragon talked, could not respond.
The beast raised its head a little, and it spoke again.
"Who be ye, child, and why hast thee struck me?"
This time, more anger filled the creature's terrible growl.
Discovering new-found courage, the boy took a step back.
"My name is Alexander, and I have come to slay thee!"

With that he drew his sword back, poised for the attack.
The dragon could not help but laugh at the meager sight.
"Pray tell," the dragon inquired, it's head cocked slightly.
"Art thou even old enough to wield such a blade?"
Holding his position, the boy's eyes narrowed intently.
"Fear thee not dragon! Thine death shall be quick and clean!"

In a flash of steel, the conversation came to a sudden halt.
The dragon reared its head as its flesh was cut deep.
It let out a terrible roar from the searing pain caused.
Its eyes flashed a bloody red as it inhaled a deep breath.
Before the boy could react, a spark ignited within the monster.
A terribly white hot flame spewed from the dragon's mouth.
The boy could do nothing but watch his own demise.

With a shock, the boy awoke, safe within his own room.
His breathing was shallow, his flesh still hot,
the dragon's teeth still haunting his half-awake mind.
With a sigh he turned on his lamp, and stared across his room.
Dragons and knights plastered the walls, a secret wish.
"Some day I'll protect a kingdom, and slay myself a dragon."
With that he returned to slumber, to fulfill his dream.

Reviews

[Lady Of The Wolves]

Love this! This is excellent and well written! =) I'm a huge fan of dragons and the medieval

[Wren]

nicely written with good description and a good, medieval tone. A very powerful poem, and lovely use of old english.