Slayer [revised]

Chapter One

                I can't help but laugh at Dad's compromise. Not one sane person is going to try to kill the dragon that is torturing our kingdom. It's not the fact that it is a magical beast, our providence has seen plenty of these through the years, it's the sheer size of it that keeps our soldiers at bay. The biggest thing we have fought is a forest troll but we had the help of the elves with that one.

            This monster is almost as large as our main chambers in the castle and breathes toxic  flames upon everything. Our crops and country side has turned into a black, sizzling desert. The few farmers and their families who have made it back to the castle are  badly burned and are sleeping roofless in the courtyards. Even the elves have retreated far into the depths of the forest, that is, if they are still alive.

             I curl up in my hiding place and listen to the voices of Dad's council. They are having their meeting in the dining hall, solemn faces gathered around a long table.  I'm perched up in the balcony above where there is usually the entertainment during feasts.  

            "King James, how exactly do you expect to get soldiers out to kill it? They are still a bit shaken up by the gruesome fight with that troll, not to mention everyone is quivering over its fire breathing ability. Do you really want your best trained soldiers away from the castle?" This comes from a blonde man who sprawls himself across the table to look Dad in the face. I lean closer to the edge of the railing to try to identify the speaker. I roll my eyes when I see that it is Lemming. I should have known by the slightly sarcastic and pessimist behavior.

            Sir Lemming is about ten years older than me and is a total creep. He is tall, blonde, and muscular but has no sense of humor. What he lacks in kindness he makes up by being very sly and devious.  When he isn't trying to lure me with his "charm" he is off gambling or entering all sorts of contests. He can be with anyone in the village, God knows all the girls are dying to be with him, but his beady little eyes are set on me for one reason only; power.

            "You strike a good point Sir Lemming, but I've already thought this through. The soldiers will remain here in case the beast wants to attack, I need to make sure the village is safe.  As for the hunters for the dragon, I have decided that I will offer a prize to whoever slays the beast."

            "And what exactly would this prize be?"

            "Three carts full of gold, silver, diamonds, and pearls." The rest of the council nods approvingly, making Dad's smile grow even bigger.

            "Yes, that does sound very appealing but what happens when that gold runs out? I mean that can only last so long, if it were me, I would want something that would last a lifetime." The smug smile playing over Lemming's face sends chills down my spine. He is up to no good once again. The rest of the council must have sensed this too because soon the room is filled with loud voices.

            "Quiet, Quiet!  Sir Lemming can you please elaborate on what you think will last a lifetime?" No one dares to speak and all eyes are glued on Lemming.  The tension in the air is thick, suspense growing in every second.

            "Well your majesty, I do believe that Ellie might last a lifetime, and I don't know about you men," he gestures around the circle, "but I am unmarried and looking for a beautiful young woman to make my own. So I think the prize should be Elizabeth's hand in marriage." The room falls completely silent. No one was expecting something that large and personal, even Dad looks off guard. I scoot closer to the railing, straining my ears hard for Dad's response even though there is no noise at all. After an excruciating long time Dad slowly turns and meets the eyes of everyone in the council. Then he stands and clears his throat.