[ TT ] [ WP ] The King has sent you , a wandering mercenary , to slay the Dragon and bring the Princess home . However , upon arriving at the Dragon 's Keep , you learn the Princess was not kidnapped , but instead is a runaway .

Riding above the setting sun came a man atop a large ashen horse. The animal bore the weight of its master as well as several sacks of food, ale, and the mans weapon, shield, and armor. 
 
 A large linden round shield adorned the riders back; its once brightly painted sigil of a raging direwolf now faded after years of use. Sword and ax straddled his side and his bow and arrows were safely stored in one of his packs. 
 
 Coming up on a grassy knoll, he could see the landmark he had been riding for; the Black Dragons Den. Once a great keep built along a now crumbling wall bordering two ancient kingdoms, the infamous Black Dragon had taken up residence in its abandoned walls in recent times. 
 
 Everyone knew of the monstrosities that the dragon inflicted upon mankind whenever it left its lair. The beast was privy to setting entire villages aflame, consuming whole herds of farm animals, and, more recently, kidnapping King Cyneric's daughter; Primula. 
 
 Nearly a year ago, the black dragon flew into Dagenham and wreaked havoc upon the inhabitants. The city's garrison did the best they could to fell the monster, but ultimately their efforts were fruitless. The dragon razed half the city to the ground, gorged itself on hundreds of people, and eventually flew for the kings keep. The beast tore through the castle walls after some effort, entered the castle walls, clutched the princess in it's nasty claws, and then proceeded to fly back to its lair. 
 
 In the aftermath of the dragons debauchery, the king spared no expense at trying to rescue his daughter. He raised his entire personal levy as well as those of his vassals and rode for the dragons lair. They were quickly slaughtered upon arrival. King Cyneric and few hundred men managed to escape the dragons wrath, but the rest were n't as fortunate. 
 
 Upon arriving back home safe and sound, the king immediately began drafting any able bodied man in his kingdom to take up arms and march for the dragons lair with an incentive of unfathomable riches and marriage to his daughter for whoever slayed the beast. Despite this, only a few thousand answered his call. Nevertheless, the king once again went off to deal with the beast. Once again he was beaten handily. This time, however, he returned to Dagenham with a charred backside and but a few dozen men. 
 
 With no one willing to answer his call for a third march on the dragons lair, King Cyneric was left with little choice but to turn to men of hire. That's where Sigeberht came in. 
 
 Now descending the lowly hill, Sigeberht mounted off his horse and set up camp in the cover of some thick foliage. He would rest for the night before engaging the beast come dawn. 
 *** 
 
 `` Sigeberht, your exploits are legendary. From here to the walls of Anaheim tales of your adventures are known to every man, woman, and child. They say even the birds sing of your deeds. You're a living legend. There is no man alive as skilled as you.'' 
 
 `` You honor me, your majesty,'' Sigeberht began. `` But while my deeds be mighty and my skills unmatched, I do none of it for free.'' 
 
 Cyneric chuckled aloud at that. `` That is true. It is also known to every man, woman, and child that you are a man of coin first and foremost. If the pay is n't right, you wo n't even consider doing the job.'' 
 
 `` Aye,'' Sigeberht responded. `` So what're you offering me to rescue your daughter?'' 
 
 `` I offer you nobility. And with nobility all the perks that go with it. You'll be elevated to the highest title possible without giving you my crown. That is the title of Duke. I'll provide you with a fetching noblewoman of prestige to marry and endow you with enough wealth for you to retire from the lifestyle you currently live. What say you, Sigeberht? Will you rescue my daughter from the clutches of the vile beast?'' 
 
 `` Make that fetching noblewoman your daughter and we have a deal.'' 
 
 The king was taken aback by the high demand. `` I offer you luxury of the world and yet you still ask for the heavens above! I have but one child. That is my dearest Primula. Whoever weds her will be wedding into royalty. And you are n't of noble stock.'' 
 
 `` Then I guess your daughter is doomed,'' Sigeberht said as he began to walk away. `` Have fun dealing with the dragon. Maybe he'll marry her and be your new son-in-law.'' 
 
 `` Wait,'' yelled the king just as Sigeberht was making for the exit. `` I yield. There is no one more suit for the task than you. I ca n't afford not to hire you. You will wed my Primula as a just reward for her rescue.'' 
 
 `` Good,'' he spoke aloud before exiting. 
 *** 
 
 Sigeberht awoke from his slumber with an inaudible yawn. Rising to his full height, he unpacked his arms and armor and began to gear up. 
 
 A simple steel helmet adorned his head. Lamelar armor draped over a suit of chain mail dressed his body. Sword and ax were sheated on his side, bow and arrows lined his back, and his round shield was held firmly by his left hand. 
 
 Once he was fully geared, he ate a simple meal of salted rabbit and ale before praying to the Allfather. 
 
 Kneeling on one knee, Sigeberht closed his eyes and raised his arms at full length above his head. Whispering a simple prayer, he did n't spend too much time before rising up and heading for the beasts lair. 
 *** 
 Will finish this up later. Have to jet off to work right now. 

