[ WP ] In a shocking role reversal , a medieval princess has kidnapped a dragon . You are the knight sent to save him .

`` You want me to do WHAT?'' The knight was incredulous. He tried to restrain his voice, lest his majesty be offended, but the king had clearly lost his mind. 
 
 `` I believe you heard me correctly Sir Caradoc. I wish you to retrieve the dragon recently kidnapped - well, dragonnapped i suppose, by Princess Lynette, and i wish you to leave the Princess alive. Her father might still be suffering from madness, but an act as definitive as that could incite an all out war.'' This was a terrifying prospect for the kingdom, they had long enjoyed peace with the neighbouring kingdom of Anatolia, but with Lynette's father succumbing more and more to insanity each day, it seemed that the young princess was now making a play for power. 
 
 `` But Sire-'' 
 
 `` Sir Caradoc. ” The great king ’ s voice bristling with impatience, “ I have received news that our neighbouring kingdom has acquired a dragon, and may well intend to use it against us. Are you the man for this task, or do I have to send a raven for Lancelot again?'' 
 
 Caradoc sighed. He had been hoping for a chance to restore his reputation after Lancelot had greased his saddle, causing him to be unseated and thrown to the floor before the joust had even begun, making him look, as sir Galahad had so eloquently put it, `` a right tit''. 
 
 With Lancelot away, the tale of defeating the princess who stole a dragon would make for a good story at court. “ You can count on me sire. ” 
 
 The king ’ s manner became jovial once more as he tried to throw his arm around the knight ’ s shoulders, only for the pauldron on his armour to get in the way. He gave up and beckoned the young knight forward. “ Why don ’ t you take young Tristram here with you? He could use a little worldly experience. ” The king leaned his great frame in even closer and whispered conspiratorially, “ dragon fodder… ” 
 
 Tristram was known throughout the castle as possibly the worst jester in the land. He had on multiple occasions injured himself whilst trying to perform acrobatic feats, and had been banned from juggling knives for the safety of others. He had been encouraged by the king to continue practicing, but only in a room containing only himself, but was yet to cause himself the kind of injury his majesty had hoped. Whilst bringing accidental death or injury to the lad would please his master, Caradoc decided against it. He was more likely to be injured by the oaf himself than the dragon. 
 
 To be continued.
