The crowd erupted in cheers. Max was surprised that everyone in the village had showed up to see the Dragon Master in action. He looked around at all of them. There were his classmates and his neighbors, his nanny and his shoemaker. Even the village hermit was there. His crush Gidget was watching next to Pops while Rooster and Duke were nearby. They were all watching him.
And Max was gonna disappoint all of them.
Looking down at his mother's helmet, Max sighed. Quietly putting it on his head, he went over to the weapons that he was allowed access to. There were shields and swords and spears and even a crossbow. Grabbing one of the smaller shields, Max looked over the weapons again. He took the knife.
"I would've gone for that axe," Rooster the Wise murmured quietly to Duke, who replied back, "My choice would be the hammer."
Shaking all over inside and out, Max went to the center of the arena. He was gripping his shield and knife in white knuckled grips. Glancing down at his shadow, he shuddered when he saw how Viking like he was. Looking away, he focused on the cage in front of him.
There was no turning back now.
