England, 1295
Ash fell like charred snow from the blackened sky, the horse slowly trudged across a deadened field of long grass which crunched under the animal’s hooves. Atop the horse was a man clad in tarnished armour covered under a black and orange tunic, each scratch and dent was a memory was some conflict from years past, the belt around his waist was joined with two swords. The knight was Sir Harold Kendrick he had been sent by order of the King when the news of St. Christopher’s reached them and Kendrick had some experiences in this type of situation, so he left for the town immediately.
Kendrick had reached a small village that lay about a mile from the town, he looked out to the surroundings the vegetation was beginning to die, Kendrick looked up to the dark clouds that were spreading across the sky which was blocking the sunlight but this shouldn’t have caused all the plants and trees to die. The first house had a man chopping fire wood outside, he looked strong but worn out, Kendrick approached bringing the horse to a stop “How far to St. Christopher’s?” the man looked at him curiously “It’s a mile along this trail, but you don’t want to go there good Sir” Kendrick gazed at the path that led through a forest of dying trees “And why is that?” the man laid the axe down and wandered closer to the knight “A foul beast has taken hold of the town, the town’s folk fled from St. Christopher’s many days ago” the knight glanced down to the villager with curiosity “Did any of them say what manner of beast had taken the town” the man shook his head “None sir, but they were terrified I can tell you that and I believe whatever it is has done something with the sky, because there has barely been any sun since the villagers left”. Kendrick tugged on the reins and the horse turned towards the direction of the town, he nodded to the man “Thank you for help” as the horse began to trot away the man pleaded once again “Please Sir there is only death waiting in St. Christopher’s” Kendrick called back over his shoulder “Death and I have been friends for a long time” he carried on towards the town.
Kendrick reached the edge of the town the ash fall was thicker here, he told the horse to stop then climbed down and tied the horse in a sheltered stable to stay out of the ash, he stroked the horse on the snout “Welcome to St. Christopher’s” Kendrick took his helmet and slid it on over his face, with all his equipment ready swords, bow and arrows he walked out of the stable and looked to the ruined town before him. The fires had been burning for days homes and buildings across the town were now black embered husks broken shells of what they used to be, Kendrick wandered slowly despite the smell of charred wood he could still get wisps of the scent from the ocean that St. Christopher’s was on the coast of. Fires that had been burning for so long let Kendrick know what he was dealing with, it had many years since he had seen a dragon but he had plenty of experience with them especially in how to kill them, Kendrick was glad he had brought the bow with him now. The knight had reached the town square and there were no signs of life, Kendrick looked at the several charred skeletons that lay strewn across the ground he grumbled “Must have been from when it arrived, poor bastards” he gave a quick sign of the cross to mourn for their wayward souls, nearby by he saw a battered church the bell in the steeple was ringing randomly from a broken fixture causing it to sway Kendrick shook his head “Too small to hide in” he continued on, the was nothing left of the town very few buildings remained and even those had been abandoned. Kendrick had entered to charred remains of what was someone’s house, plates and a couple of cups meant that they were about to enjoy a meal before it all happened, there was an upstairs which Kendrick carefully ascended as he stood at the top he saw that the front part of the upstairs was completely exposed to the outside, he wandered into the closest room and noticed the wooden toys that had been left on the bedroom floor “A child? Such horror for someone so young” he decided to leave the house leaving it to memorialise what had happened to the family he stood outside and muttered a short prayer “Holy father, bless the poor souls into your kingdom” he continued with his searching of the nearby area.
As he wandered through the streets and alleyways Kendrick spotted large columns of smoke rising into the sky he tilted his head in curiosity “Interesting” he took a turn in the road and after a few more turns he come across Castle Hasslefield a massive multiwalled fortress along with a huge keep with could with stand any bombard from a human enemy force. Kendrick stood before the impressive stone walls, the immense size of Hasslefield was more than big enough to hide a dragon, he just needed to find it, Kendrick gripped the sword on his belt and withdraw it swiftly he held the blade down by his side and held his shield close to his body “Well then let’s get to it shall we” he stepped forward and walked slowly through the opened gateway. The castle had suffered significant damage it would appear the beast did not hold back when it attacked St. Christopher’s, as Kendrick walked through the first passage he spotted a lot of metal plate of armour that had been warped and a ash was swirling around across the ground, Kendrick realised what this was, these were the remains of the soldiers that were stationed here at the castle burned away into ash their armour melted and warped by the extreme heat from the fires. Kendrick remained calm he focused his breathing although it made his helmet stifled and kept both sword and shield held tightly, he rotated to keep and eye on all of his surroundings and even kept looking up to the skies, he eventually came up the hill and reached the second wall were the castle stood the area that Kendrick had several small houses and market stalls, all of them burned. Large fires surrounded him but there was no sign of the beast he was looking for which was slightly concerning, he saw that the gate to the keep was still closed but there was a large part of the stonework that had collapsed Kendrick clambered over the rubble and onto the other side of the second wall. The castle’s keep was surprisingly unharmed except for a few lose stones, Kendrick pushed hard against the entrance’s door and made his way inside, once in he noticed that everything was in disarray clearly those who resided in the castle had fled when the dragon appeared the would likely be an escape tunnel somewhere, the thought of a tunnel would prove useful if he needed to retreat and regroup Kendrick needed to find it. Intuition led him down into the kitchen, he sniffed the air and scowled at the smell of rotten food which was still out on the tables and bowls which had been left in the castle’s evacuation, Kendrick walked along the rows of shelves and cupboards he sheathed his sword and removed the glove of his right hand and held it out close to the furnishings. As he moved slowly he stopped when he felt the slight cold breeze of air coming from an opening somewhere, the knight stopped and looked to a wooden cabinet he felt the air coming out a little stronger now, this must be the entry way, Kendrick put the shield, bow and arrows down on the large kitchen table and pushed against the storage cabinet which took a few good shoves to move it. The cabinet revealed a small oak door that had been left open, Kendrick looked at the narrow stone passageway that stretched down into the darkness “Ah so here you all went, this will be useful” the passage most likely went all the way down back into the town or at least to the outside of the castle’s outer wall either way it would be a good way to get clear should the dragon prove difficult to fight. Kendrick kept looking at the tunnel when he then had an idea for a strategy first he would need to clip the beast’s wings, although strong the membrane of a dragon’s wings could easily be torn with the blade of a sword once that happens it would be incredibly difficult for it to fly, next he would lead the dragon back into the town for a more advance of cover from the buildings and streets to use his bow and deal a killing blow at the dragon’s weak spot, their weak spots are a certain part in the chest and is only noticeable when they are about to breathe fire, a couple of arrows would only be needed to accomplish it.
Kendrick left the castle and spotted the chapel nearby he walked over and entered, the interior was vacant Kendrick knew everyone was gone but he still and some thought that there would be a lone survivor hiding somewhere, he walked down the central aisle passed the wooden pews he glanced up to see the rows of banners hanging from upper walls near the ceiling. Down at the end of the aisle Kendrick stood before the alter which had the ornament of the cross placed in the centre of it, the knight knelt down placing the sword tip down on the stone floor and made the sign of the cross upon his chest “Pater Noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen” Kendrick suddenly heard a noise like the sound of trees in the wind it got closer and passed over the chapel and a shadow went passed the windows. Kendrick got to his feet and ran to the door he opened it slightly and watched the sky there was nothing, he need to get to a higher vantage point to strike there was a high tower on the castle wall to the left on the chapel but he need to go back through the keep to reach it, he rushed towards to the keep and jumped through the door as the rushing noise passed over again.
Kendrick reached the top of the castle as the large flying mass landed in the courtyard making the ground shake, Kendrick knelt down near the crenulations at the front of the keep, he could hear a deep growl coming from below followed by footsteps, he peaked over the side to get a look at the beast. It was the largest he had seen on all fours it was about thirty feet in height, it had a long snout and grey scaly skin, there were two horns on each side of its head and although only having two legs it used its large wings to walk on quadrupedally, its long tail swirled behind it. Kendrick began to move to the steps at the back of the castle that leads to the walls, he kept low and close to the edge to avoid being seen and to try and be as quiet as possible, dragons had amazing eyesight and hearing so Kendrick best weapon to take it down was surprise this moment to strike at its wings was the most crucial, he climbed down the steps as the beast screeched out a roar and fire erupted across the courtyard to keep the flames burning.
The tower was partially collapsed and the roof was missing, as Kendrick climbed the steps he came upon were the walls had fallen away and were one of the arrow slits had been, he kept low and knelt on the stairs and watched the beast prowling around the castle grounds it was sniffing by the keep then moved towards the chapel Kendrick knew what was going on he muttered to himself quietly “Caught the scent have you?”. As the dragon sniffed around the chapel it hissed and snarled then with another shrieking roar it sprayed fire from its mouth which engulfed the chapel causing the windows to shatter, Kendrick picked up a piece of rubble and held it “Right let’s get you a little closer shall we?” he then tossed it over the side and it hit the ground with a soft thud, the dragon’s head quickly turned to face the sound of the noise its jaws snarled revealing the rows of pointed sharp teeth, it started to creep towards the base of the tower when Kendrick leaned over the side he saw that his mark was right where he wanted it to be.
Kendrick leapt from the tower with his sword ready, he landed on the dragon’s back and grabbed hold onto the spikes that ran down its body the beast snarled from the pest on its back, Kendrick managed to balance himself and ran to the dragon’s left side and with several swipes he hacked at the wing arm cutting into the flesh causing it to shriek in pain. With one wing crippled it was time for the other, Kendrick grabbed onto the spikes again as the dragon began to thrash aggressively spewing bursts of fire into the air, he then jumped to the beast’s right wing and jabbed the sword piercing the membrane as he slid down to the ground he split through the wing. When he landed on the ground he made a sprint towards the castle, the dragon turned and saw the knight running to the castle it unleashed a torrent of fire towards him, Kendrick could feel the heat of the flame rushing towards him as he ran inside he tried to push the door closed but the fire burst in and swept up and spread across the wall burning one of the tapestries, as the fire came in through the windows upstairs Kendrick had to run for the escape tunnel as the building began to burn. He burst into the kitchen as the fire spread everywhere and rushed to the entrance of the tunnel he grabbed his bow and arrows and one of the torches and lit it using the fire that was now making its way into the kitchen, he took care descending the steps and made his way through the darkness. Kendrick kept a quick pace but the rocky passage was damp, he looked back and could see the faint orange glow from the fires the castle must have been completely ablaze by now, once back in the town he would begin the second stage of his plan.
After walking for a while the tunnel finally showed a sign of light and the end of the tunnel, Kendrick pulled open door and stepped out into the fresh air, he hunch had been correct the tunnel had brought him to the base of the hill that the castle was on and just on the edge of the town Kendrick could feel the sweat falling underneath the cover of his helmet, despite feeling slightly fatigued Kendrick was enjoying himself he had been in many battles but this was a fight that was slightly personal just the two of them engaging each other “Alright let’s crack on shall we?” he carried on into the town.
Kendrick made his way back to the town square and he looked up to the castle far in the distance the fires were raging and smoke billowing miles into the sky, shrieks and roars echoed across the air, Kendrick smirked to himself “Let’s kick the fun up a notch” he took the bow in hand and knocked an arrow then pulling back the string he shot the arrow at the bell at the church tower causing it ring. The dragon’s shrieks stopped suddenly and the massive winged beast emerged climbing up onto the castle walls it looked down at the buildings below, Kendrick knocked another arrow and shot the bell again clanging out another ring causing the dragon to find him Kendrick spoke “Now are you stupid enough to try and fly?”. The beast roared and stretched out its wings Kendrick’s plan had paid off he knew it would not fly right and will force itself to the ground “Well I guess you are” he ran to the left to take cover amongst buildings and get prepared, the dragon leaned forward and pushed away from the stone wall of the castle and dived down towards its prey.
However the choice of flight proved to be a mistake, the tear in the wing membrane didn’t allow it to catch the air and the cuts on the other wing caused the muscles to spasm, the wings gave way and the dragon fell out of the air and plummeted into a couple of buildings and house scattered rubble and splinters of wood everywhere with a thunderous crash. Kendrick peaked from behind a corner of one of the alleys he had clear sight of where the dragon had come down and saw the dust swirling up which restricted any sight of the beast, he had an arrow knocked but he didn’t have the bow drawn to conserve the strength in his draw arm, a moment passed and he heard the rumbling amongst the ruins of the buildings and a flurry of a tale. The dragon burst from the debris shrieking and disorientated from the impact several cuts across its body wept red with blood and even one of its horns had broke away, it was weakened Kendrick was going to have little trouble taking it down however he needed to get it to reveal its weak spot he fired an arrow which lodged in the dragon’s neck, it turned and saw him but instead of breathing fire it lunged towards him but he rolled to the right avoiding the snapping of the teeth he ran across the street and duck down a side street as the dragon rushed at him again but missed one more.
Angered at missing its prey again the winged reptile began to climbed up the row of houses and clambered over the over side causing roofs to cave in from its weight, when it reached the other side it could see the small knight backing away down the road. Kendrick had another arrow knocked he needed it to breathe fire “Come on you scaly bastard, burn me” the dragon hissed at him from atop a house, the dragon’s chest began to glow a deep orange as it prepared to breathe fire, the glowing light revealing a shape pulsing in the left side of its chest, this was the weak spot the dragon’s heart the flesh was weaker here to allow heat to release quickly or risking damaging the heart in its chest. As the flames surged from the dragon’s mouth Kendrick jumped forward and ducked under the column of fire, he crouched down and drew back the arrow but he didn’t have time to focus his aim he loosed the arrow but it struck just a few inches from the weak spot “Damn it!” he fled in between two houses to regroup for another shot. Kendrick cursed at himself although he wasn’t old he certainly wasn’t as young as he used to be and that missed shot was another remind that one day his final battle would be coming “Cannot let that happen again” the dragon roared somewhere close by, Kendrick was in a narrow street and the buildings were very close to each other far too close quarters to swing a sword if needed. He sprinted down the street to get some distance but the dragon slammed into tops of the houses, the gap was too small for it to fully fit but its head and neck broke through cascading roof tiles, stone and wood down towards Kendrick who rushed through the rain of debris he wished he hadn’t left his shield at the castle, as Kendrick reached the end of the street the beast’s head swing across and clipped the man and sent him hurtling through the air. Despite wearing armour Kendrick hit the ground hard and yelled from the pain, the dragon shrieked trying to reach which made him grab his bow although he only had one arrow remaining the others crushed in the fall, he had no choice he needed to get the dragon to leave its head got closer and Kendrick loosed the arrow which got the beast in its right eye, it whipped its head away shrieking and howling from the pain and it flapped its wings to get away.
Kendrick breathed a sigh of relief to finally have a moment to catch his breath, he sat up and felt a sharp pain in his left arm he looked and saw a cut through the blood stained tear in his tunic “Not the worst one I’ve gotten…but still stings” he scrambled to his feet he needed to deal with the wound to reduce the risk of it getting infected, he left the bow since it wasn’t of any use right now and he withdrew his sword. Wandering through the town Kendrick stumbled upon a smashed house the fires still burning, this is what Kendrick needed he stuck the blade of his sword into the flames to heat up the blade, a noise echoed somewhere in the distance but Kendrick wasn’t sure what it was but he kept vigilant whilst he waited for the sword.
After several moments the sword was red hot glowing with intense orange, Kendrick took a leather strap from his pouch he wrapped it around and put it into his mouth and then he pulled the sword out of the fire, he sat down on the ground leaning against the remains of the wall and held the blade over the wound over his arm Kendrick paused and took several deep breathes then he pressed the blade against the cut skin which hissed with a burning pain, Kendrick grit his teeth hard and grunted violently from the agony. When the wound was cauterised Kendrick dropped the sword and he spat out the leather “Always part of the fun” his breathing was rapid and heavy he removed the helmet to feel the air on his face, he looked up to the blackened clouds drifting calmly across the sky he slowed his breathing and could feel the pounding of his heart starting to steady, he wiped the sweat from his brow “I wonder if the life of a farmer is less intense”. The noise from the dragon screeched out nearby, Kendrick turned in the direction that it was coming from “Let’s finish this shall we?” he got up using the sword to steady himself then put the helmet back on and followed the sound of the noise.
Following the sounds led Kendrick back to the town’s square, when he arrived he saw the dragon scrambling around still struggling with the arrow lodged in its eye it slammed its head against ground desperate to remove it. Kendrick stepped into the square slowly and called out “What’s the matter? Something in your eye?” the dragon stopped thrashing and snaked its head to face Kendrick. It bared its teeth in an angry snarl with a grumbling growl and followed Kendrick as he wandered passed, Kendrick looked for the advantage with one eye gone it would prove difficult to focus a blast of fire, although the new risk now was that without any arrows Kendrick would have to get right up close to it and use his sword to deal the final killing stroke. The dragon crawled closer towards him its back arched and tail raised and swaying as if ready to pounce, Kendrick kept circling and saw a large round stone fountain in the centre of the square which was between him and the beast, it was ideal cover should he need it. Kendrick stopped short of the fountain as the dragon reared upward and gave a loud shrieking roar Kendrick barked “Come on then!” the glow in the dragon’s chest became brighter Kendrick saw the weak spot and the end of his first arrow it was close to it, that would be his guide, but first he needed to survive the fire, he ran and slid behind the fountain as the flames swept around it giving some degree of protection despite the intense heat but Kendrick was determined. The breath of fire ceased and Kendrick took this opportunity he withdrew the second sword and rushed around the fountain and charged with both swords at the ready, the beast snarled at him but before it could unleash another gut full of inferno Kendrick threw the smaller sword which spun and hit the dragon in the head causing it to recoil with a shriek and swing its head away from the impact, Kendrick kept running and he spun the other sword in his hand and as he got right up to the dragon’s chest he grabbed the imbedded arrow “Make it count Harold” he plunged the blade right into the weak spot and pierced the heart. The dragon shrieked loudly and thrashed about and knocked Kendrick through the air again, he rolled along the ground but stopped himself and watched as the dragon was in a dance of pain as it flapped its wings, swept its tail wildly then raised it head to the air and gave out one last roar before its last exhale gasped out, when the heart stopped in its chest and the life faded from its eyes the beast slumped to the ground, Kendrick was successful the dragon was dead.
Kendrick dusted himself off and walked over to the body of the massive winged beast, he pulled the blade of his sword out from its chest and wiped the blood away before putting it back in its scabbard, he picked up the second sword and sheathed that one as well. He walked over to the dragon’s head that lay on the ground its eyes closed, he crouched down and placed a hand on it snout feeling the scaly skin beneath his fingers “My friend you were a very worthy opponent” he stood and removed his helmet and looked up to the sky to see a slight break in the dark clouds, a small hint of blue, he smiled and made his way back through the town and to the stables where his horse waited. He reached the entrance of the town from when he first entered and saw his horse still tied up, he stroked its fur and smiled “Looks like you had a much easier time than I did” he rubbed the side of the horse’s snout and packed up his gear “Come on let’s go home” Kendrick mounted the horse and it turned away from the ruins of the town and he clicked at the horse and it began to walk out of the town and leaving the devastation behind.
Kendrick kept hold of the reins as the horse trotted along the road out of St. Christopher’s, he glanced to the clouds the gloom already looked like it was starting to clear he turned his eyes back to the pathway and saw the village that he had passed when arriving here. The man that Kendrick had spoken to came out of his house upon hearing the sound of the approaching horse, he seemed surprised to see the knight still alive “I thought the beast killed you” Kendrick stopped the horse and looked down to the man “It won’t be a bother anymore, the people will return soon but there is much to rebuild in that town and many to bury and mourn for”. The man held up a leather water pouch and passed it to the knight “Please Sir take it for the journey home” Kendrick took the pouch and indulged in a quick sip from it then sealed it and attached it to his belt he nodded to the man “Much appreciated, I thank you” the man nodded in return. Kendrick whipped the reins and the horse returned to the trot along the road. Although his body ached Kendrick was feeling a great sense of victory as he followed the low sun, off to the next fight, the next battle, Kendrick was ready for whatever was coming his way.
Ash fell like charred snow from the blackened sky, the horse slowly trudged across a deadened field of long grass which crunched under the animal’s hooves. Atop the horse was a man clad in tarnished armour covered under a black and orange tunic, each scratch and dent was a memory was some conflict from years past, the belt around his waist was joined with two swords. The knight was Sir Harold Kendrick he had been sent by order of the King when the news of St. Christopher’s reached them and Kendrick had some experiences in this type of situation, so he left for the town immediately.
Kendrick had reached a small village that lay about a mile from the town, he looked out to the surroundings the vegetation was beginning to die, Kendrick looked up to the dark clouds that were spreading across the sky which was blocking the sunlight but this shouldn’t have caused all the plants and trees to die. The first house had a man chopping fire wood outside, he looked strong but worn out, Kendrick approached bringing the horse to a stop “How far to St. Christopher’s?” the man looked at him curiously “It’s a mile along this trail, but you don’t want to go there good Sir” Kendrick gazed at the path that led through a forest of dying trees “And why is that?” the man laid the axe down and wandered closer to the knight “A foul beast has taken hold of the town, the town’s folk fled from St. Christopher’s many days ago” the knight glanced down to the villager with curiosity “Did any of them say what manner of beast had taken the town” the man shook his head “None sir, but they were terrified I can tell you that and I believe whatever it is has done something with the sky, because there has barely been any sun since the villagers left”. Kendrick tugged on the reins and the horse turned towards the direction of the town, he nodded to the man “Thank you for help” as the horse began to trot away the man pleaded once again “Please Sir there is only death waiting in St. Christopher’s” Kendrick called back over his shoulder “Death and I have been friends for a long time” he carried on towards the town.
Kendrick reached the edge of the town the ash fall was thicker here, he told the horse to stop then climbed down and tied the horse in a sheltered stable to stay out of the ash, he stroked the horse on the snout “Welcome to St. Christopher’s” Kendrick took his helmet and slid it on over his face, with all his equipment ready swords, bow and arrows he walked out of the stable and looked to the ruined town before him. The fires had been burning for days homes and buildings across the town were now black embered husks broken shells of what they used to be, Kendrick wandered slowly despite the smell of charred wood he could still get wisps of the scent from the ocean that St. Christopher’s was on the coast of. Fires that had been burning for so long let Kendrick know what he was dealing with, it had many years since he had seen a dragon but he had plenty of experience with them especially in how to kill them, Kendrick was glad he had brought the bow with him now. The knight had reached the town square and there were no signs of life, Kendrick looked at the several charred skeletons that lay strewn across the ground he grumbled “Must have been from when it arrived, poor bastards” he gave a quick sign of the cross to mourn for their wayward souls, nearby by he saw a battered church the bell in the steeple was ringing randomly from a broken fixture causing it to sway Kendrick shook his head “Too small to hide in” he continued on, the was nothing left of the town very few buildings remained and even those had been abandoned. Kendrick had entered to charred remains of what was someone’s house, plates and a couple of cups meant that they were about to enjoy a meal before it all happened, there was an upstairs which Kendrick carefully ascended as he stood at the top he saw that the front part of the upstairs was completely exposed to the outside, he wandered into the closest room and noticed the wooden toys that had been left on the bedroom floor “A child? Such horror for someone so young” he decided to leave the house leaving it to memorialise what had happened to the family he stood outside and muttered a short prayer “Holy father, bless the poor souls into your kingdom” he continued with his searching of the nearby area.
As he wandered through the streets and alleyways Kendrick spotted large columns of smoke rising into the sky he tilted his head in curiosity “Interesting” he took a turn in the road and after a few more turns he come across Castle Hasslefield a massive multiwalled fortress along with a huge keep with could with stand any bombard from a human enemy force. Kendrick stood before the impressive stone walls, the immense size of Hasslefield was more than big enough to hide a dragon, he just needed to find it, Kendrick gripped the sword on his belt and withdraw it swiftly he held the blade down by his side and held his shield close to his body “Well then let’s get to it shall we” he stepped forward and walked slowly through the opened gateway. The castle had suffered significant damage it would appear the beast did not hold back when it attacked St. Christopher’s, as Kendrick walked through the first passage he spotted a lot of metal plate of armour that had been warped and a ash was swirling around across the ground, Kendrick realised what this was, these were the remains of the soldiers that were stationed here at the castle burned away into ash their armour melted and warped by the extreme heat from the fires. Kendrick remained calm he focused his breathing although it made his helmet stifled and kept both sword and shield held tightly, he rotated to keep and eye on all of his surroundings and even kept looking up to the skies, he eventually came up the hill and reached the second wall were the castle stood the area that Kendrick had several small houses and market stalls, all of them burned. Large fires surrounded him but there was no sign of the beast he was looking for which was slightly concerning, he saw that the gate to the keep was still closed but there was a large part of the stonework that had collapsed Kendrick clambered over the rubble and onto the other side of the second wall. The castle’s keep was surprisingly unharmed except for a few lose stones, Kendrick pushed hard against the entrance’s door and made his way inside, once in he noticed that everything was in disarray clearly those who resided in the castle had fled when the dragon appeared the would likely be an escape tunnel somewhere, the thought of a tunnel would prove useful if he needed to retreat and regroup Kendrick needed to find it. Intuition led him down into the kitchen, he sniffed the air and scowled at the smell of rotten food which was still out on the tables and bowls which had been left in the castle’s evacuation, Kendrick walked along the rows of shelves and cupboards he sheathed his sword and removed the glove of his right hand and held it out close to the furnishings. As he moved slowly he stopped when he felt the slight cold breeze of air coming from an opening somewhere, the knight stopped and looked to a wooden cabinet he felt the air coming out a little stronger now, this must be the entry way, Kendrick put the shield, bow and arrows down on the large kitchen table and pushed against the storage cabinet which took a few good shoves to move it. The cabinet revealed a small oak door that had been left open, Kendrick looked at the narrow stone passageway that stretched down into the darkness “Ah so here you all went, this will be useful” the passage most likely went all the way down back into the town or at least to the outside of the castle’s outer wall either way it would be a good way to get clear should the dragon prove difficult to fight. Kendrick kept looking at the tunnel when he then had an idea for a strategy first he would need to clip the beast’s wings, although strong the membrane of a dragon’s wings could easily be torn with the blade of a sword once that happens it would be incredibly difficult for it to fly, next he would lead the dragon back into the town for a more advance of cover from the buildings and streets to use his bow and deal a killing blow at the dragon’s weak spot, their weak spots are a certain part in the chest and is only noticeable when they are about to breathe fire, a couple of arrows would only be needed to accomplish it.
Kendrick left the castle and spotted the chapel nearby he walked over and entered, the interior was vacant Kendrick knew everyone was gone but he still and some thought that there would be a lone survivor hiding somewhere, he walked down the central aisle passed the wooden pews he glanced up to see the rows of banners hanging from upper walls near the ceiling. Down at the end of the aisle Kendrick stood before the alter which had the ornament of the cross placed in the centre of it, the knight knelt down placing the sword tip down on the stone floor and made the sign of the cross upon his chest “Pater Noster, qui es in caelis, sanctificetur nomen tuum. Adveniat regnum tuum. Fiat voluntas tua, sicut in caelo et in terra. Panem nostrum quotidianum da nobis hodie, et dimitte nobis debita nostra sicut et nos dimittimus debitoribus nostris. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem, sed libera nos a malo. Amen” Kendrick suddenly heard a noise like the sound of trees in the wind it got closer and passed over the chapel and a shadow went passed the windows. Kendrick got to his feet and ran to the door he opened it slightly and watched the sky there was nothing, he need to get to a higher vantage point to strike there was a high tower on the castle wall to the left on the chapel but he need to go back through the keep to reach it, he rushed towards to the keep and jumped through the door as the rushing noise passed over again.
Kendrick reached the top of the castle as the large flying mass landed in the courtyard making the ground shake, Kendrick knelt down near the crenulations at the front of the keep, he could hear a deep growl coming from below followed by footsteps, he peaked over the side to get a look at the beast. It was the largest he had seen on all fours it was about thirty feet in height, it had a long snout and grey scaly skin, there were two horns on each side of its head and although only having two legs it used its large wings to walk on quadrupedally, its long tail swirled behind it. Kendrick began to move to the steps at the back of the castle that leads to the walls, he kept low and close to the edge to avoid being seen and to try and be as quiet as possible, dragons had amazing eyesight and hearing so Kendrick best weapon to take it down was surprise this moment to strike at its wings was the most crucial, he climbed down the steps as the beast screeched out a roar and fire erupted across the courtyard to keep the flames burning.
The tower was partially collapsed and the roof was missing, as Kendrick climbed the steps he came upon were the walls had fallen away and were one of the arrow slits had been, he kept low and knelt on the stairs and watched the beast prowling around the castle grounds it was sniffing by the keep then moved towards the chapel Kendrick knew what was going on he muttered to himself quietly “Caught the scent have you?”. As the dragon sniffed around the chapel it hissed and snarled then with another shrieking roar it sprayed fire from its mouth which engulfed the chapel causing the windows to shatter, Kendrick picked up a piece of rubble and held it “Right let’s get you a little closer shall we?” he then tossed it over the side and it hit the ground with a soft thud, the dragon’s head quickly turned to face the sound of the noise its jaws snarled revealing the rows of pointed sharp teeth, it started to creep towards the base of the tower when Kendrick leaned over the side he saw that his mark was right where he wanted it to be.
Kendrick leapt from the tower with his sword ready, he landed on the dragon’s back and grabbed hold onto the spikes that ran down its body the beast snarled from the pest on its back, Kendrick managed to balance himself and ran to the dragon’s left side and with several swipes he hacked at the wing arm cutting into the flesh causing it to shriek in pain. With one wing crippled it was time for the other, Kendrick grabbed onto the spikes again as the dragon began to thrash aggressively spewing bursts of fire into the air, he then jumped to the beast’s right wing and jabbed the sword piercing the membrane as he slid down to the ground he split through the wing. When he landed on the ground he made a sprint towards the castle, the dragon turned and saw the knight running to the castle it unleashed a torrent of fire towards him, Kendrick could feel the heat of the flame rushing towards him as he ran inside he tried to push the door closed but the fire burst in and swept up and spread across the wall burning one of the tapestries, as the fire came in through the windows upstairs Kendrick had to run for the escape tunnel as the building began to burn. He burst into the kitchen as the fire spread everywhere and rushed to the entrance of the tunnel he grabbed his bow and arrows and one of the torches and lit it using the fire that was now making its way into the kitchen, he took care descending the steps and made his way through the darkness. Kendrick kept a quick pace but the rocky passage was damp, he looked back and could see the faint orange glow from the fires the castle must have been completely ablaze by now, once back in the town he would begin the second stage of his plan.
After walking for a while the tunnel finally showed a sign of light and the end of the tunnel, Kendrick pulled open door and stepped out into the fresh air, he hunch had been correct the tunnel had brought him to the base of the hill that the castle was on and just on the edge of the town Kendrick could feel the sweat falling underneath the cover of his helmet, despite feeling slightly fatigued Kendrick was enjoying himself he had been in many battles but this was a fight that was slightly personal just the two of them engaging each other “Alright let’s crack on shall we?” he carried on into the town.
Kendrick made his way back to the town square and he looked up to the castle far in the distance the fires were raging and smoke billowing miles into the sky, shrieks and roars echoed across the air, Kendrick smirked to himself “Let’s kick the fun up a notch” he took the bow in hand and knocked an arrow then pulling back the string he shot the arrow at the bell at the church tower causing it ring. The dragon’s shrieks stopped suddenly and the massive winged beast emerged climbing up onto the castle walls it looked down at the buildings below, Kendrick knocked another arrow and shot the bell again clanging out another ring causing the dragon to find him Kendrick spoke “Now are you stupid enough to try and fly?”. The beast roared and stretched out its wings Kendrick’s plan had paid off he knew it would not fly right and will force itself to the ground “Well I guess you are” he ran to the left to take cover amongst buildings and get prepared, the dragon leaned forward and pushed away from the stone wall of the castle and dived down towards its prey.
However the choice of flight proved to be a mistake, the tear in the wing membrane didn’t allow it to catch the air and the cuts on the other wing caused the muscles to spasm, the wings gave way and the dragon fell out of the air and plummeted into a couple of buildings and house scattered rubble and splinters of wood everywhere with a thunderous crash. Kendrick peaked from behind a corner of one of the alleys he had clear sight of where the dragon had come down and saw the dust swirling up which restricted any sight of the beast, he had an arrow knocked but he didn’t have the bow drawn to conserve the strength in his draw arm, a moment passed and he heard the rumbling amongst the ruins of the buildings and a flurry of a tale. The dragon burst from the debris shrieking and disorientated from the impact several cuts across its body wept red with blood and even one of its horns had broke away, it was weakened Kendrick was going to have little trouble taking it down however he needed to get it to reveal its weak spot he fired an arrow which lodged in the dragon’s neck, it turned and saw him but instead of breathing fire it lunged towards him but he rolled to the right avoiding the snapping of the teeth he ran across the street and duck down a side street as the dragon rushed at him again but missed one more.
Angered at missing its prey again the winged reptile began to climbed up the row of houses and clambered over the over side causing roofs to cave in from its weight, when it reached the other side it could see the small knight backing away down the road. Kendrick had another arrow knocked he needed it to breathe fire “Come on you scaly bastard, burn me” the dragon hissed at him from atop a house, the dragon’s chest began to glow a deep orange as it prepared to breathe fire, the glowing light revealing a shape pulsing in the left side of its chest, this was the weak spot the dragon’s heart the flesh was weaker here to allow heat to release quickly or risking damaging the heart in its chest. As the flames surged from the dragon’s mouth Kendrick jumped forward and ducked under the column of fire, he crouched down and drew back the arrow but he didn’t have time to focus his aim he loosed the arrow but it struck just a few inches from the weak spot “Damn it!” he fled in between two houses to regroup for another shot. Kendrick cursed at himself although he wasn’t old he certainly wasn’t as young as he used to be and that missed shot was another remind that one day his final battle would be coming “Cannot let that happen again” the dragon roared somewhere close by, Kendrick was in a narrow street and the buildings were very close to each other far too close quarters to swing a sword if needed. He sprinted down the street to get some distance but the dragon slammed into tops of the houses, the gap was too small for it to fully fit but its head and neck broke through cascading roof tiles, stone and wood down towards Kendrick who rushed through the rain of debris he wished he hadn’t left his shield at the castle, as Kendrick reached the end of the street the beast’s head swing across and clipped the man and sent him hurtling through the air. Despite wearing armour Kendrick hit the ground hard and yelled from the pain, the dragon shrieked trying to reach which made him grab his bow although he only had one arrow remaining the others crushed in the fall, he had no choice he needed to get the dragon to leave its head got closer and Kendrick loosed the arrow which got the beast in its right eye, it whipped its head away shrieking and howling from the pain and it flapped its wings to get away.
Kendrick breathed a sigh of relief to finally have a moment to catch his breath, he sat up and felt a sharp pain in his left arm he looked and saw a cut through the blood stained tear in his tunic “Not the worst one I’ve gotten…but still stings” he scrambled to his feet he needed to deal with the wound to reduce the risk of it getting infected, he left the bow since it wasn’t of any use right now and he withdrew his sword. Wandering through the town Kendrick stumbled upon a smashed house the fires still burning, this is what Kendrick needed he stuck the blade of his sword into the flames to heat up the blade, a noise echoed somewhere in the distance but Kendrick wasn’t sure what it was but he kept vigilant whilst he waited for the sword.
After several moments the sword was red hot glowing with intense orange, Kendrick took a leather strap from his pouch he wrapped it around and put it into his mouth and then he pulled the sword out of the fire, he sat down on the ground leaning against the remains of the wall and held the blade over the wound over his arm Kendrick paused and took several deep breathes then he pressed the blade against the cut skin which hissed with a burning pain, Kendrick grit his teeth hard and grunted violently from the agony. When the wound was cauterised Kendrick dropped the sword and he spat out the leather “Always part of the fun” his breathing was rapid and heavy he removed the helmet to feel the air on his face, he looked up to the blackened clouds drifting calmly across the sky he slowed his breathing and could feel the pounding of his heart starting to steady, he wiped the sweat from his brow “I wonder if the life of a farmer is less intense”. The noise from the dragon screeched out nearby, Kendrick turned in the direction that it was coming from “Let’s finish this shall we?” he got up using the sword to steady himself then put the helmet back on and followed the sound of the noise.
Following the sounds led Kendrick back to the town’s square, when he arrived he saw the dragon scrambling around still struggling with the arrow lodged in its eye it slammed its head against ground desperate to remove it. Kendrick stepped into the square slowly and called out “What’s the matter? Something in your eye?” the dragon stopped thrashing and snaked its head to face Kendrick. It bared its teeth in an angry snarl with a grumbling growl and followed Kendrick as he wandered passed, Kendrick looked for the advantage with one eye gone it would prove difficult to focus a blast of fire, although the new risk now was that without any arrows Kendrick would have to get right up close to it and use his sword to deal the final killing stroke. The dragon crawled closer towards him its back arched and tail raised and swaying as if ready to pounce, Kendrick kept circling and saw a large round stone fountain in the centre of the square which was between him and the beast, it was ideal cover should he need it. Kendrick stopped short of the fountain as the dragon reared upward and gave a loud shrieking roar Kendrick barked “Come on then!” the glow in the dragon’s chest became brighter Kendrick saw the weak spot and the end of his first arrow it was close to it, that would be his guide, but first he needed to survive the fire, he ran and slid behind the fountain as the flames swept around it giving some degree of protection despite the intense heat but Kendrick was determined. The breath of fire ceased and Kendrick took this opportunity he withdrew the second sword and rushed around the fountain and charged with both swords at the ready, the beast snarled at him but before it could unleash another gut full of inferno Kendrick threw the smaller sword which spun and hit the dragon in the head causing it to recoil with a shriek and swing its head away from the impact, Kendrick kept running and he spun the other sword in his hand and as he got right up to the dragon’s chest he grabbed the imbedded arrow “Make it count Harold” he plunged the blade right into the weak spot and pierced the heart. The dragon shrieked loudly and thrashed about and knocked Kendrick through the air again, he rolled along the ground but stopped himself and watched as the dragon was in a dance of pain as it flapped its wings, swept its tail wildly then raised it head to the air and gave out one last roar before its last exhale gasped out, when the heart stopped in its chest and the life faded from its eyes the beast slumped to the ground, Kendrick was successful the dragon was dead.
Kendrick dusted himself off and walked over to the body of the massive winged beast, he pulled the blade of his sword out from its chest and wiped the blood away before putting it back in its scabbard, he picked up the second sword and sheathed that one as well. He walked over to the dragon’s head that lay on the ground its eyes closed, he crouched down and placed a hand on it snout feeling the scaly skin beneath his fingers “My friend you were a very worthy opponent” he stood and removed his helmet and looked up to the sky to see a slight break in the dark clouds, a small hint of blue, he smiled and made his way back through the town and to the stables where his horse waited. He reached the entrance of the town from when he first entered and saw his horse still tied up, he stroked its fur and smiled “Looks like you had a much easier time than I did” he rubbed the side of the horse’s snout and packed up his gear “Come on let’s go home” Kendrick mounted the horse and it turned away from the ruins of the town and he clicked at the horse and it began to walk out of the town and leaving the devastation behind.
Kendrick kept hold of the reins as the horse trotted along the road out of St. Christopher’s, he glanced to the clouds the gloom already looked like it was starting to clear he turned his eyes back to the pathway and saw the village that he had passed when arriving here. The man that Kendrick had spoken to came out of his house upon hearing the sound of the approaching horse, he seemed surprised to see the knight still alive “I thought the beast killed you” Kendrick stopped the horse and looked down to the man “It won’t be a bother anymore, the people will return soon but there is much to rebuild in that town and many to bury and mourn for”. The man held up a leather water pouch and passed it to the knight “Please Sir take it for the journey home” Kendrick took the pouch and indulged in a quick sip from it then sealed it and attached it to his belt he nodded to the man “Much appreciated, I thank you” the man nodded in return. Kendrick whipped the reins and the horse returned to the trot along the road. Although his body ached Kendrick was feeling a great sense of victory as he followed the low sun, off to the next fight, the next battle, Kendrick was ready for whatever was coming his way.
END
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