A Fair and Gallant Knight

Flash of Lightning
ID #1409861
NEW PROMPT FOR 5/20 - 5/22 Write me a story that includes a dragon, a sword and a broken promise


It was once a noble sword but, now, it lay discarded in the broken branches and decaying leaves that lined the uneven path. Drake took one last look at his weapon then turned to his horse; the horse that had been awarded to him by a grateful king. He pulled the brightly colored silks from the saddle and folded them gently before slipping them into his belt.

"Go home," he whispered in the horse's ear and the animal galloped away as Drake turned and walked the opposite direction.

Romir saw the horse emerge from the trees without its rider. He had seen the knight as he circled the skies above the forest. He knew the knight had been sent from the town to slay the dragon. Romir suspected a trap but he was also curious. He swooped down and carefully entered the forest.

As he moved cautiously through the trees, something shining caught a bit of the sunshine and threw a small stream of light back across the path. Using one claw, he pulled the sword from the leaves. He recognized the emblem on the hilt. It matched the one on the flags that adorned the castle.

"Ah," he thought, "but where is the valiant knight?" A scent in the air told him where to find him.


Drake stopped a moment as long forgotten memories flooded into his conscious mind. He remembered the frightened young boy who sought refuge in a cave from the bullies that tormented him only to startle a young dragon that was sleeping in the darkness. Thankfully, the dragon was not sleeping. He had been injured and had sought refuge in the cave. The tongue of flame that shot across the young boy's hand left a scar but spared his life.

When the bullies came looking for their prey in the cave, the sight of a dragon behind the boy quickly sent them on their way.

Both alone in the world, the boy and the dragon became friends. They were young and as the boy nursed the dragon back to health, the dragon told him stories of brave and gallant knights. Together, they grew strong and eventually the cave became too small for them both. It was time to return to their separate worlds.

The boy had become a young man and, as he traveled, he had only one dream, to become a knight. In a small kingdom, he realized his dream. He gained the favor of the king and the heart of the king's youngest daughter. When news of the approaching dragon reached the king, Drake promised him that he would destroy the dragon and the kingdom would be safe.


As Drake approached the end of the forest, the dragon swooped through the trees and landed in front of him. Drake had seen the dragon as it flew across the tree tops and he had seen the scar on the dragon's chest.

Romir approached the knight who showed no fear. Something about this one was familiar and he came closer. He knew his scent. Had he met this knight before? Obviously not, he was still alive. He leaned closer and looked into the eyes of the knight.

"Have you come to do battle with a dragon, fair knight?"

"Not today," Drake answered.

As Romir raised his head to laugh at the audacious knight, he saw the scar on his hand.

"You are right, gallant knight. Not today."

A long silence followed as the two adversaries studied each other then the dragon stepped back. With a slight nod, he slowly spread his wings and took flight.

The knight watched the dragon as he circled the sky and disappeared into the clouds.

The sun was shining brightly as Drake, who was once a knight, began his journey.


630 words