Each year they congregate at the square, 
it's become a village tradition.
Young men in their prime, enthusiastic,
ready to fullfill an obligation.

It's what they've been living for, 
the dream of every young man.
A chance to be a hero, ride into the black 
forest, find and slay the red dragon.

Every season just after the rains, the beast 
leaves it's lair, death on wings.
Kills, maims, burns, unstoppable.  
Terrorizing all living things.

Rising from the heart of the forest, a wingspan so huge,
it seems to cover the sun.
Canvassing the countryside, instant chaos, 
random destruction.

So each year they gather and volunteer, 
for a once in a lifetime shot at immortality.
Six will be chosen, the best only, based on speed, 
strength and dexterity.

For two years they'll train, suffering in 
almost total isolation.
Honing their skills, minds, and bodies, never easy, 
pain's a constant companion.

They celebrate their graduation with a massive feast,
compliments of the bard at the olde inn.
The finest women, wine, beer, music, food, 
just about everything.

The entire village turns out, it's an event, 
a festive occasion.
This might be it, the year somebody 
finally puts an end to the frustration.

Two days later they reunite at the edge of town,
the gigantic southern gate.
Armed to the teeth, say their goodbyes, 
mount up and leave to tempt fate.

Strangers when they first met, heads held high, 
riding now as brothers.
They're the proud, the brave, they are wannabe,
Dragonslayers

Epilogue

Three months later ,before they could harvest the grain,
the skies got dark as the Red Dragon flew again.   

 DragonSlayers - copyright © 2000 Ahkenaton  All rights reserved