The Dragon (Part Two) (450 hits)
Category: NoneRating: 1.5 on 8 reviews (Rate this item) (V)
Submitted by <deisangua.at.hotmail.com> (View user info) at 2004-03-10 14:12:35 EST
http://www.ubersite.com/m/27281 (Part One)
The dragon smirked and flicked the knight in the chest with one black talon. The human flew backwards into a mound of gold, landing with his legs and arms askew amidst an avalanche of clattering coinage. The spear clattered to the ground just outside of the man's grasp, but the knight recovered it swiftly with a single, expert roll that also brought him up onto his feet. With a grimace, the human leveled the spear at the dragon, determination lighting upon his face.
Upon seeing that grim gaze, the dragon's lip curled in annoyance. He lifted himself up, sending a rain of sparkling gems and old scales tumbling to the floor. With a single breath, he drew a great gust of air into his mighty chest. The warrior raised his shield in anticipation, ducking behind it as much as he was able.
With lightning speed the dragon's head shot forward. When his face came within a foot of the spear's tip, he opened his jaws wide, revealing row after row of teeth that were sharper and harder than a diamond's edge.
"Boo," the beast said.
The knight flinched back, then stood up straight, anger flushing his face. With a movement that was admirably quick for a human, the warrior swung his the butt of his spear down onto the dragon's nose. The great beast drew back, astonished.
"This is no game, dragon!" the knight yelled furiously. "I have come here to end your evil, and so I shall!"
The man drew back, as though ready to hurl his spear. The dragon reared back as well, and let loose a long roar that sent stone and dust tumbling downwards from the ceiling. He spread his vast, bat-like wings as wide as the space of the cavern allowed, reveling in the display of his awesome strength. Then, when the echo of his roar had faded, the dragon turned his glare back upon the shaken human.
"Liar!" he snarled at the human.
"I do not lie!" the knight sputtered at the insult.
Bah!" the dragon snorted. "Then you deceive yourself, and your king deceives himself, for I know what it is that truly brings you here!"
"And what, pray tell, is that, blackest of demons?"
"Envy," the dragon replied, his lip rising with disdain. The warrior shook his head, once, but the dragon went on.
"And you are a thief."
"I do not steal! I am a knight of honor, you oversized, murderous gecko!"
"You do steal!" the dragon growled viciously, his words dripping with venom. "You come here under the guise of justice, but what you truly seek is to wear the mantle of my magnificence!"
The knight narrowed his eyes. His spear dipped slightly towards the ground.
"Explain," he demanded.
"I would be happy to," said the dragon, smiling a toothy grin.
"You see, I have been watching humans for a number of centuries, now. You are interesting beings, you know. So varied, and for the most part, inventive enough to be called intelligent. But since the dawn of your existence you have looked to dragons, and you have seen us in the light of your limited world view.
"I hope you realize that I'm not trying to be insulting. It is just the way of things. I trust that you can imagine my perspective."
"How could I imagine such a thing?" the knight retorted. "There is nothing in you that is human!"
"Oh, that is quite true, thankfully." The dragon sighed in honest relief. "Nevertheless, my valiant-but-stupid knight, the situation is not the same when turned about."
"What do you mean?"
"I mean the essence of dragons does lie in the human heart."
The knight quickly opened his mouth, but nothing came out. The dragon looked pointedly at the man's shield, and the warrior followed his gaze.
"Human, your kind marvels at my power, my grace, and my glory, and they envy me. They envy the ways I represent them. I am the beast that resides within you...the immortal, awe-inspiring creature of your fiercest imaginings. The power and grace and glory in you.
"You would call me evil? Murderous? Not even the eldest of dragons could hope to have killed as many humans as you've slaughtered on your own. In fact, as you are obviously an experienced fighter, you probably have beaten me on that number in your own short lifespan. And yes, I hunt what I please, as do you. Does it matter so much that I am higher, larger, and have to eat more to fill my belly?"
"I-I suppose not," said the knight. Then he straightened. "Except that you hunt property that is rightfully another's."
"Think again, knight. Have you ever been on a campaign of conquest?" The human's humbled silence told the dragon that the man had, indeed, been on such a campaign. "So, you have taken what was considered someone else's property. As a Matter Of War, most likely. For the good of king, and country, and whatever else. But that is still not what I mean when I call you a thief."
"Why do you call me that, dragon? Because I did not come to take your gold, or gems, or any other treasure that lies herein."
"You came to take my life, human. Don't tell me that would not bring you fame and glory, when you have proven that one man can be superior to the beast. I am the highest pinnacle of splendor and brilliance, the creature that can crush rock, the immortal who burns through whole forests with but a single breath. Man can do those things as well, though not so swiftly. By killing me, you prove that your power is greater. You take what glory I represent to humans everywhere, and place that crown upon your own brow.
"That is what you seek to steal. My grandeur. My wondrousness." The dragon lowered his massive head until the knight was in full view of his knowing, golden eye. When he spoke again, it was in a low, dead tone.
"You desire my sovereignty over the imagination of your entire race."
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(to be continued...if I can figure out how it should end)
User Reviews
Submitted by Justafox (user info) at 2004-05-15 15:26:32 EDT (#)
Ranking: -2
Yeah nice story dude ,
too bad YOU STOLE IT from the film Dragon's Heart.
Write your own story and dont steal anyones work, the truth always comes out....
Submitted by mystiamoon (user info) at 2004-04-14 09:28:04 EDT (#)
Ranking: 2
You have just been the victim of a drive-by ranking.
Submitted by esso_merda (user info) at 2004-03-10 18:04:40 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Good.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2004-03-10 15:19:42 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Anything to help. ;)
Good story, D. I had to interject a little levity, though. Damn Tourrettes Syndrome!
Submitted by loki (user info) at 2004-03-10 15:08:14 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
I could use a beast within me right about now, but damnit I'll be at work for another two hours.
Submitted by ohlookasquirrel (user info) at 2004-03-10 15:01:10 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
+1 for the story
+1 for this:
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Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2004-03-10 14:44:54 (#)
Ranking: 2
Then the dragon ate him.
The End.
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hee hee
Submitted by maiorano84 (user info) at 2004-03-10 14:56:22 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Excellent.
Submitted by BLITZKREIG_BOB (user info) at 2004-03-10 14:44:54 EST (#)
Ranking: 2
Then the dragon ate him.
The End.