I
A fabled tale of how it came to be,
the mortal who dared hunt the mighty beast.
No knight was I nor claim to royalty.
A common, simple boy, to say the least.
A peasant who believed in love and life,
I worked the land along my father's plow.
Our neighbor's daughter vowed to be my wife.
A life that joy and blessings would allow.
We were to wed in merely weeks to come,
beneath the giant oaks on Barcher Hill.
The flutes would play, guitars would softly strum.
She swore a heart that only love could fill.
But chaos held a different choice of plans,
with issues more severe than dreams alone.
Attendance was required from all the lands,
and none would be exempt nor mercy shown.
The moon was nearly full, as we all knew.
All feared to hear the name our queen withdrew.
II
All feared to hear the name our queen withdrew.
The sacrifice that had no choice or say.
The name no child or father could undo.
A burden nothing wept could overweigh.
The reasoning was simple in its ploy.
The dragon calms its fury when it's fed.
There's nothing in its path it won't destroy
unless a virgin's sacrificed instead.
At random, names are drawn before the moon,
and over years we've learnt what it desires.
A virgin's fate must always come too soon,
but this is what our livelihood requires.
Each mother bows her head in silent prayer
while knowing that the ruling will be strict.
So frightened yet so fully well aware
they'll lose their little girl if she is picked.
All heard her shrieking cry above the crowd.
The name of my fair maiden read aloud.
III
The name of my fair maiden read aloud.
She fainted in my arms as teardrops fell.
When royal guards came taking her, I vowed,
before they did, I'd see them all in hell.
My words fell into dirt as I was smote.
I bellowed out in pain with clenching fists.
I screamed so loud, though dust still filled my throat,
"My precious wife to be won't die like this!"
They drug her to the dungeon through the gates.
The masses turned their heads and trudged for home.
They sympathized and wept for what awaits
yet thankful that the child was not their own.
Determined in my heart, with mind precise,
before the blood of my dear love was spilled,
the only outcome known that would suffice,
the beast of Lotus Mountain must be killed.
Two days were all the sacrificing lacks.
I wiped the dust from great grandfather's axe.
IV
I wiped the dust from great grandfather's axe.
His sword and shield still bear the viking crest.
They're battle worn, and blood still stains the cracks,
of fallen men who stood within his quest.
A full day's journey 'neath the sun's embrace.
I neared the cave as nightfall masked the sky.
Charred bones and armor lined the entrance base,
remains of men who fought for love, as I.
I tired from the hike through brush and trees,
deciding morning light would help prevail.
My mind would be refreshed and more at ease.
I rested underneath a moonlit veil.
I ate the rations Mother had prepared.
The rising sun grew vibrant in the east.
Into the mountain's darkened hole I glared
and sought the tactics used to slay the beast.
I schemed a plan my conscience justified.
I cast the fear that grew within aside.
V
I cast the fear that grew within aside
and merged into the darkness of its den.
The stench of smoldered flesh would not subside.
I witnessed stacks of bones of countless men.
While watching where I stepped, avoiding sound,
each movement made observantly with care,
outstanding was my luck, for there I found
the monster fast asleep amid its lair.
For moments I stood silent in its den.
I chose a killing point and slowly crept.
The stories would be told, then told again,
of how I killed the dragon as it slept.
I'd plunge the battered sword into its side
and pierce its beating heart while unaware,
avenging all the people who have died,
embracing once again my maiden fair.
I raised the heavy sword 'neath shadowed cloak
then instantly, the mighty beast awoke.
VI
Then instantly, the mighty beast awoke,
the anger in its eyes beyond compare.
I gasped for breath so hard I nearly choked
but I stood fast to face its vicious stare.
I watched it draw in air to torch me whole.
Behind the tattered shield I ward the flame.
The moment it drew breath, I took control
and flung the axe with might and perfect aim.
It sunk into the hide below the chest.
It raised its head while roaring out in pain.
With sword in hand, I ran straight for the nest
with full intent to see the dragon slain.
I stabbed with brutal force into the meat
then quickly turned and darted for the light.
The monster chased behind in my retreat.
The exit blocked my actions from its sight.
I climbed the outer entrance as I fled.
I dropped and skewed the sword into its head.
VII
I dropped and skewed the sword into its head.
It crumbled to the ground and quickly died.
Accomplishing exactly what I said,
while using all the tactics I applied.
Upon the proof she fell into my arms.
No obstacle could dare keep us apart.
The kingdom offered gold and gems and charms.
But my reward was felt within my heart.
From that day forth, the masses learned my name.
I traveled distant lands for my career.
Each dragon slain would earn me wealth and fame.
Along the way, my wife was always here.
For many years I've fought these beasts abound.
The luster of my trophies never dulls.
My recollected triumphs are profound.
Displayed are twenty years of dragon skulls.
So willingly I'll share when asked of me
a fabled tale of how it came to be.
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