The Fire of Truth

A man finds that his fairytale crucible is real

"Once upon a time," he began sarcastically, "There was a huuuuuge dragon in the forest..." He paused. "What a crock!" he scoffed. "I'll be back day after tomorrow."

But he did not come back day after tomorrow, nor another two days hence. When he did return, his clothing was tattered, his shield burned black, the skin of his face knurled and raw.

He walked into the tavern and bumped into a young woman.

She cried. "You look like you've seen 'the dragon...!'" she intoned mockingly.

He glared at her and spoke with low urgency. "Young lady, once upon a time...!"