Honor Bestowed by The King

Sparks flew from the clash of swords. Sweat poured under the cold metal of the knight's uniform. A day of training with the recruits proved useful in building the King's army, for the war edged close. Fingertips combed through sleek chocolate locks as those hazel hues lazily glanced towards the sun. If not for the umbrella of trees in this lush forest, one might melt into a puddle. The leather flask uncorked, releasing the last stream of cold water. The tickle was refreshing as it flowed past the Adam's apple and into the pit of the man's stomach. A heavy sigh released frustration. Whatever happened to the kid's dream of fighting the fierce dragons? To save the princess in the tower? To obtain the honor from a King's accepting smile?

"Maybe another life."

The blades of thick grass concealed the tiny ants that danced happily to the white squares that had landed on dirt- the breadcrumbs that had fallen from big chomps into the ham sandwich fed all. It may be settling the man's stomach, but Jeff still felt unsatisfied.

Ears would perk at a sudden snap of a twig. Great caution forced lungs to halt, careful to abandon lunch haphazardly. One palm used the dirt to push off from the ground as the other freed the sword from its holster. A smirk crossed as the tiny culprit hopped from the brush- a rabbit. Yet, as its nose twitched to sniff the air, Jeff noted a slick streak of red against the contrast of brown fur. The animal didn't appear distressed, which caused brows to furrow in worry. Unfortunately, a sudden screech rode the wind. Boots catapulted the man that followed the sounds of anguish. What he didn't expect to find would be his story. On the inside, the scene before him caused a great childlike cheer while the intricate mind of an adult forced him to act quickly. There was no time to tell all those full of doubt about what Jeff encountered as it roared! The Earth trembled from its tremendous boom!

Shimmery scales reflected off the sun's rays as the teeny dragon turned its noggin at Jeff with a hiss. It stood nine hands tall with short horns on its forehead bearing the soul of a young egg. Its wings were too small to take flight, yet this beast still caused tremendous damage. It towered over a farm girl who cowered under the monster, using the elbows pit to shield teary eyes. Fresh blood stained the animal's muzzle, proving to all it killed the young man that lay nearby. The corpse still clung to its hoe. Jeff released a mighty cry that caused the dragon's snout to shoot a tiny flame in annoyance. The woman screamed as the creature moved, using its horns to block the first strike of the knight's blade. The damsel's heel kicked up loose dirt as she scrambled away in a panic. The field she had tended had been destroyed- soiled by blood and piss. Now, the soul of the farmhand would haunt the harvest. This little dragon caused more terror than what could be seen on the surface. For a damn good reason, in Jeff's mind, it had to die.

It was shocking the lizard was able to block the first slash. Despite how minuscule, its scales still held stronger than any high-carbon steel, right down to the short horns. Even as a babe, it was impressive the dead farmboy attempted to fight it. Saved for the knights such as Jeff. Many boots would tremble in fright to no longer be smacking a rice sack dummy. Yet? Jeff had been counting down the days. Thoughts mocked him, denying the opportunity for his self-esteem to grow. Yet that dream never falters despite the devil's cackle. Star's flickered off each strike as blade and scale made harsh contact. A sudden smack by its tail had been successfully blocked-pissing off the animal. It tried to release a fiery breath only for soot to swirl. How funny! To Jeff, that was. A laugh escaped from the back of his throat, swinging down once more. The dragon screeched in pain as the very tip of the blade sliced its third eyelid. It shut its injured eyeball tightly as it pounced, teeth grabbing the weapon. Within seconds, it snapped! What... WHY?! Jeff wheezed between alarming breaths as the beast forced the knight off his feet. He landed with a thud as the dragon's mitts slammed on his breastplate.

"NO!"

He shouldn't be losing! This was a BABY for Christ's sake. His mind began to spin as teeth made contact with his jugular. Fingertips dug into the reptile's shoulders to try and push the dragon away as feet kicked out from under him. A disgusting crunch forced crimson to splatter and when fangs began to yank at the veins?

Jeff awoke by the window, gripping the ebony armrest in fright. Sweat pooled enough to stain his button-down shirt as spit hung from his neck collar. He took a breath, then another, as his chest rose and fell in attempts to silence the fight or flight. The five senses of that stupid coping mechanism did help as fingertips gently ran through his short mop. All the trinkets that hinted at dragons and kingdoms didn't hold the same magic as that sunset before him. His eyes lingered on it, watching that big star slowly disappear. It went too fast, much like his dream. A gentle knock caused ears to perk. His hands slid over the armrest, gliding down along the pushring. Warm smiles were exchanged as the candy striper vanished down the corridor.

"I guess it's time."

A sigh signaled those wheels to spin, using his arm strength as he had done many times in this wheelchair. Sleeping became too much of a habit for the old man, who hoped to one day wake up wearing the King's seal of bravery. It never happened, and it probably never would, except that sandwich in the common room was calling him. Maybe next time.