Dragon Slayer

         I have chosen you, Maximus." the King's voice boomed across the vast hall. A man from the crowd of onlookers stood forward, acknowledging.
         "Me, Your Majesty?" his voice showed none of his fear.
         "Yes Maximus. You are the only one capable of this task."
         "Then I shall do your bidding Your Majesty."
         "Not only do I want you to slay the beast, but I want you to return to me the treasured gold that has long been missing from my halls."
         "Your Majesty." Maximus ended with a sweeping bow before leaving the room.
         Maximus set off early the next morning on his trusty steed. He stopped once but pressed on, wanting to reach the cover of the mountain before darkness drew over the land. In the shadow of that mountain Maximus barely slept as he contemplated the task ahead of him. Several men had already completed the journey but never returned, doomed in their fate. Maximus feared he would be the next to join the condemned.
         Morning came with a roaring sunrise. Inside of the cave he could hear the loud snarls of the monster as it slept.
         The passageways were low, dim. He lost his footing many times, stumbled, fell, before finally reaching the cavernous room where the dragon had made his bed atop of the glinting gold of His Majesty. He crept forward and raising his sword brought it piercing down into the exposed belly of the beast. The dragon awoke with a shrill scream that shook the mountain beneath him. Slick black blood gushed from the wound. The monster was still and silent within a minute.
         "It is done, I have succeeded." Maximus yelled, his voice booming across the expanse of the room, as he held the golden chalice high above his head, rejoicing in his victory.