10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Sep 4 - Already Saved

The village was up ahead. He rode along its path, the horse silently marching on. The mountains around them were beautiful, yes, but they surrounded the village save for one small pass to the southeast, the same pass he rode through. There were rumours of foul beasts roaming the land, mighty monsters that helped themselves to whatever they so desired. The poor village must be terrified. He frowned beneath his helmet as he lamented their fate. They would be saved before very long. A villager waved at him from atop the gate, and he waved back.

"Ho, traveller!" the gateman greeted. "What business brings you to this distant village of Rin?"

"I have come chasing rumours of a terrible beast." he announced. "I would speak to your leader!" the gateman seemed to react in mild surprise. Was he... frowning? No, the distance must have been tricking him.

"If you are here for the purpose I believe you are, then enter. Our baron will explain our... plight." the gateman ducked out of sight. A moment passed before the gate rumbled open, the gateman pulling it open with a face of concentration.

"Such heavy gates..." the knight muttered. "Is this out of necessity?"

"Something of the sort. Please, enter." the gateman rested against the door, catching his breath. The knight gently goaded the horse forward, into the village. The gate rumbled closed behind him.

-----

The baron's manor was beautiful, he had to admit. The tower that had once been a mighty castle now served as the centre of a marvellous home, surrounded by vast gardens. There was even a pair of peacocks calmly displaying their tails, a vast array of turquoise feathers. He strode up the path and knocked upon the door. A young lady opened it, looking up at him in surprise.

"P-pardon, sir, but what is your name?" she asked meekly.

"I am Sir Benedict, a proud knight of the Order of the Shining Gauntlet. I have come to speak with your leader."

"Very well." she bowed nervously and ducked back into the manor, closing the door again. He waited patiently, admiring the garden again, and was soon granted access. The inside was as lavishly decorated as the outside, with marvellous banners and rugs decorating the main hall. He was soon before the baron and bowed in greeting.

"Good morning, Sir Benedict." the baron bowed in return. He was a plump fellow, clearly well off. "I hear you have some business to discuss."

"Indeed. I have heard rumours of a dragon in this area, and I believe I can aid you in this plight." Benedict clasped his hand over his torso in a salute. The baron sighed quietly.

"You have heard well, traveller. This land is home to a dragon, which goes by the name of Daggertalon."

"Daggertalon..." he frowned, his arm lowering again.

"However, he is no foe to this village." the baron quickly added. There was a moment's hesitation.

"... pardon, lord?" Benedict finally broke the silence.

"In exchange for some of our cattle - never too much - he protects our lands and grants us his excess talons and scales. To slay him would be to endanger us all."

"... so..." Benedict shuffled awkwardly. "You do not require my aid?"

"Well, since you're here, could we ask you to deliver this week's delivery?" the baron stood up. "I usually do so myself, but I cannot do so as I have recently sprained my ankle."

"Of course!" he saluted. "Just show me where to go."

"Of course. Jolene?" he looked to the side. The maid from earlier entered.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Show him the delivery. He will handle it himself."

"... are you certain, my lord? The honour is usually yours."

"I am certain. Our guest has proven himself... eager to assist."

"Yes, my lord." she bowed, looking to Benedict. "If you would follow me, sir."

"Of course." he nodded, following Jolene out.

"God be with you." the baron bade him farewell. He waited until Benedict had left the room before adding. "Though he has abandoned you since you entered this village."