Scott crept along the ridge in the jetty darkness, arms outstretched as wind whipped his unruly earthen-hue locks. Shuddering, he stayed movement, tediously lowering his muscular arms to his sides. Determination flooded his features while he peered through night's thick black shroud. As he stared, fuzzy outlines of trees and boulders appeared. Gradually, his eyesight adjusted to the oppressive, moonless night.
Without warning, a glint caught his eye. Cautiously, Scott trudged toward it, treading lightly upon the granite cliff face. Each step jarred his pulsating heart as he drew near to the glimmering object. Whispering to himself, "I wonder what this
queer entity is? Glimmers
like diamonds in rough."
Curiosity mingled with apprehension coursed through his veins as he approached the glittering object. Gasping, he bent closer to inspect the metallic masterpiece. Inlayed with jewels, the handle shimmered, reflecting his dancing eyes. Blade long, sharp and double-edged, held an inscription Scott could not decipher. Grasping the weapon, he thrust it into the air as strength seeped from sword to arm.
Grinning, he gazed at his prize, declaring, "This weapon's title:
Vigor. It provides my limbs
with potent power." Eyes flashing, he lowered his sword, securing it at his waist.
\\________________//
"Grandfather, may we
speak? Excessive events have
occurred as of late."
"Sure," Leam stated, folding wrinkled arms over his chest.
"I discovered an
excellent sword, but I have
need of your fine aid."
"Well, what would you like me to do?"
"Will you train me with
this weapon? Reputation
of deeds exceeds you."
"Yes." Lead paused for a moment, gazing into the azure sky. "Your training will begin at sundown," he affirmed.
\\________________//
Scott sprinted through the village, toward the market, heart pounding, drowning out his thoughts. Laughter rose in his throat as his eyes surveyed familiar huts and farms. Vigor, secured at his side, felt as if it had always been attached there. Excitement took wing, beating against his rib cage as he surveyed each face. Dusty, sweaty peasants plodded along the road, streaming, a flood of humanity. Carts with squeaky wheels and obstinate mules hauled cabbage, carrots, straw and wood. Rays of sunlight beat down upon his skin as beads of sweat broke out upon his flesh.
Suddenly, Scott spotted her. Flaxen hair flowing as a stream down her shoulders, Catherine carried a pitcher of water upon her head. Beneath her left arm she held a crudely packaged cut of meat. The stench assaulted his nostrils as he approached, a grin playing upon his lips. "Catherine, beloved
may I ease your burdened
arm? It would greatly please," Scott stated.
"Surely you can. Although I find no reason for your attention," Catherine replied as Scott gripped the package of meat, easily hefting it onto his shoulder. Thank you, Scott. Your kindness is not sought..."
"Do not have concern
I think nothing to lend help
to those in dire need." Scott's sea-green eyes sparkled as he responded.
For a moment, silence descended like death upon them. Walking along the dusty path, they stared aimlessly into the distance until Catherine's eyes strayed to Scott's belt. "Scott, what is this gleaming? Why do you have a weapon glittering in sunlight streaming?"
"Ah, you see, this sword
I unexpectedly found
Just evening last."
Smiling, Catherine stated, "Oh, you are the mystery. I can never put that out of mind unintentionally."
"Yes, now I can protect
those I love from dire evils,
the town will be safe," Scott avowed.
\\________________//
Swords clashed as sparks shot. Leam, eyes boring fiercely into Scott, gripped his weapon as the blow broke. Cautiously, he circled his younger, inexperienced opponent, eyes flickering passionately. Dashing toward his grandfather, he arced the sword yet his contestant dodged. "Wait, you're striking the wrong way. You must have speed, yes, but also intelligence."
With that, he raised his weapon above his head, bringing it down as Scott brought up his sword in a defensive block. When they pulled away from the metal embrace, the younger fighter lifted Vigor over his head and brought it down in a sweeping motion, striking his grandfather's sword with a clang. At this, Leam's fingers loosened and the sword sprawled out of reach upon the ground. Shock flashed over his countenance as he struggled to rise. Breathing erratically, he managed, "Good."
Nodding to his grandfather, Scott watched as he stumbled over towards his weapon. Bending down, he tediously picked it up from among the weeds. Sweat glistened on his forehead as he sheathed his sword. Following his elder's lead, Scott placed Vigor in its scabbard. Eyes swimming, Leam gazed at his grandson. "I believe you are ready to face the ultimate challenge."
\\________________//
Standing at the mouth of a collosal cave, Leam gestured to the gathering dusk. "I will wait for you here. Go and do what you must."
"Do not fear, I won't
Disappoint you. Rewards do
not matter. People do." Scott declared. Stepping into the dank hole, darkness swathed his being. The torch he bore cast an eerie glow about him. He could hardly see a stone's throw ahead. Terror threatened to overwhelm his limbs, yet he pressed onwards. "The beast must be slain
by Vigor and I. Only this
sword can sure succeed." he thought. As he climbed deeper into the caverns, noises harassed his ears. Roaring fire, billowing smoke as well as the clatter of metallic treasures. Stealthily, Scott crept toward the sounds, heart pulsating wildly.
Without warning, a blast of belched fire blistered his torch arm. Instinctively, Scott dropped the torch. Extinguishing in a murky puddle, it hissed. Grasping Vigor, he withdrew it from its sheath holding it out before him. Peering through thick darkness, he struggled to see his target, to be hunter, not hunted.
Instantaneously, the dragon's beating leathery wings sounded and Scott slashed the air. Deafening silence squeezed him as he rooted himself to the damp earth. Strength flowed through his body via Vigor. Refusing to find assurance, Scott looked for shapes in the darkness. Gradually, he made out the stalactites and stalagmites as well as cave walls and floor. He eased himself toward where he had first heard the commotion, exhaling softly as his heart pounded in his ears. Stealthily, he padded along.
There before him, Scott perceived an entrance. Bands of pain encircled his left arm when he eased it behind himself. Exhaling quietly once more, he headed for the gap between two cavern walls. When he entered it, he caught his breath. Though covered in dimness, the floor was blanketed in priceless treasures of all sorts. Diamonds, rubies, emeralds, onyx, sapphires, gold coins, silver coins, pearl, diamond, gold and silver necklaces and bracelets, crowns and weaponry.
All at once, a clawed paw slashed at Scott's sword arm. Speedily, he darted away from the blow, turning to face a furious dragon. As it rushed towards him, it released a ball of fire from its throat, illuminating the cave and dazzling him. For a split second, he watched as the flames inched towards him. Then, he dove backward, flattening himself against a pile of treasure.
Uttering a roar of rage, the beast charged towards Scott. Rolling over, he jumped to his knees and thrust his sword into the belly of the beast. Intensely angry, the dragon lifted its massive head, belching out a mix of fire and wail. Retrieving Vigor, he sunk it in again as the reptile slumped to the bed of treasure, blood spurting and spilling over the valuables.
In one swift movement, Scott removed the sword, cleaning it on the beast's hide. His heart sang as his blade had moments ago. Heart remembering his promises, he left the freshly slain dragon, entering into a future of expectation.
© CandiBahamas