To Slay a Monster

His shield glistened in the sun as he peered in the cave that housed the fiery beast he sought to avenge himself by slaying. The same beast that stole his honor and left his heart full of shame. When they first quarreled he was but a boy with a lack of experience. He was lucky to escape with his life but was left with a permanent reminder under his right eye. As time passed, he matured into a fine man, never forgetting the hatred he felt towards the creature that left him scarred. He advanced through the entrance of the dark ominous cave without hesitation. His footsteps echoed throughout the stone palace, spooking the bats that also made their home there. His sword was sheathed, but he kept a firm grip on the hilt, ready for battle at a moment’s notice. His torch burned abnormally bright, perhaps a symbol for his undeterred determination. A sole beam of light could be seen up ahead, shining through a hole in the ceiling above. Goblets and gold coins were scattered around the walls, shimmering in the moonlight like ocean waves. Among them was a monstrous snout with protruding fangs on each side, the rest of its body clouded in darkness. It was resting in a deep slumber, so he threw his torch to awaken the dragon. He pulled his shield from his back and drew his blade. The torch struck the dragon atop her head; she rose with a ferocious roar. She was a massive beast, with a wingspan as large as a barn, it’s a wonder how she even fit in such a cave. She charged him at full speed, using her long neck and face like a spear. He raised his shield just quick enough to block the attack but was flung back by the force. He landed hard, with his shield sliding in the opposite direction. Sword still in hand, he tried to get his feet but stumbled a bit. He looked up, certain his demise was imminent; however, the dragon was left dazed by the blow. He quickly leapt up knowing he had a chance to strike. As he closed in on her, she regained her footing, but it was too late. He slashed her belly; blood painted the walls indiscriminately. She screeched in pain, knocking his sword to the ground with a swift swipe of her claws.  She stood on her hind legs, readying for one final attack. Her throat glowed with embers, and the cave was swallowed with flames. When the smoke cleared the dragon laid there, burnt to a crisp. His armor fell to the floor scorched black, his lips still smoldering with soot. He had taken his greatest fear and used it for his own power. The failure that plagued him for so long, looming over his head, had now been turned to dust. He knew there was nothing left that could stand in his way, he was whole again.