In Which There is an Interesting Plot Twist
The dragon lay there, still seemingly asleep- except for one of its eyes was wide open,
staring menacingly at Sir Norlan. It was a startling icy blue, with flecks of gold and green
at the center. Almost more surprising even than the fact that the dragon was staring right
at him, was that now Sir Norlan saw where the Lady Eleanor had been held captive.
She was trapped in a corner of the room, fenced in on every side by the dragon’s body.
Though in a terrifying situation, she maintained her composure. Her face, pale and drawn,
showed no sign of fear, but a silent determination. Sir Norlan had heard that this lady was
fair, but this description fell altogether short. Her black hair fell almost to her waist, her
face delicately molded and blue eyes strong and unyielding. Trapped by a dragon, her
demeanor was still of one who has no need to be rescued.
Sir Norlan had been expecting a more typical damsel in distress, possibly wailing and
crying over her hopeless situation, until of course he in his shining armour came to rescue
her- but this lady looked more the type to fight the dragon herself if armed with a sword.
Her eyes were wide as she looked at him, moving her hands as if to tell him something.
She mouthed the words, Escape now. There isn’t much time. I will be alright on my own.
If the knight had been paying less heed to the Lady Eleanor, (and more to the gigantic
dragon who was standing next to him), he might have been more prepared for what
happened next. Unfortunately though, Sir Norlan was agape and so even more taken
aback when the dragon rose up to its full height, almost reaching the high ceiling of the
feasting hall, and breathed on the knight a huge burst of scorching flame. He blocked it
with his shield, but not before he had become uncomfortably toasty.
“Why have you intruded into my chambers?” the dragon called down to the knight, his
voice sounding like a clap of thunder.
“I have come to rescue the Lady Eleanor,” Sir Norlan replied, adding to himself, and to
become the richest knight at court. The aforesaid Lady Eleanor, in the corner of the room,
renewed her efforts to tell him to escape. The knight ignored her.
“Indeed?” The dragon questioned, looking amused. “Or have you come to steal
my treasure?”
Before the knight could reply, the dragon continued. “My name is Leolian. I do not
harm humans often, but you on the other hand…” Leolian fixed the knight with a
piercing gaze. “You are too full of greed and pride. These are traits I do not appreciate-
they are the characteristics of the bounty hunters that seek my demise so often.
You do not care about the Lady Eleanor’s fate, only the reward given for her rescue.”
Sir Norlan was startled. How could this dragon have seen his intentions with only one
glance?
“You ask how I know you?” Leolian seemed to answer a question that Sir Norlan had
only thought of. “I have seen many of your kind before. You forget how long my life has
been, young one.” After a moment’s pause, Leolian continued. “Because of this, I will
give you the same fate as the many knights that have come to capture me for the gold
that I have stored over the years.”
“What do you mean?” the knight asked, suddenly afraid.
“I mean that I will give you what you have always hoped for.” Leolian said with a
knowing smile. “You will have all the riches you wish for, all the finest foods, gemstones,
gold and silk- in return for a very small price.”
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