DRAGON SLAYER (any gender, early fifties to late life)
[seated, directing speech to focal point 1]
Friends and fellow citizens: Twenty years ago, without an army, without magicians and without my foreknowledge, Sir Marcus rode up to the dragon's cave. It was there that he single handedly slayed the fiery tyrant of our village.
[to focal point 2]
Sir Marcus, when I heard news of your anniversary visit, I could not help but be deeply moved. As the leader of our village, it is my privilege to introduce you to a whole new generation of citizens. My hope is that they truly appreciate who you are and what you've done.
[to focal point 1]
Friends and fellow citizens: I won't embarrass Sir Marcus. As I'm sure he'll tell you, he is simply a warrior for the empress; part of a long tradition of greatness:
Sir Galvin, for example: His army conquered seven hundred trolls. Seven. Hundred.
Then there's Lady Miriam who slayed not one but THREE dragons, many of them younger and more powerful than the one that tormented THIS village.
Then there is Sir Septimus who defeated the evil wizard before our entire WORLD was plunged into darkness.
Yes, Sir Marcus deserves his place at the table with these warriors and I'm sure in the name of humility, he will try to tell you that
[to focal point 2]
the dragon was already on its way to dying and that one really ought to consult with the village leader before single handedly charging, somewhat intoxicated, into the cave of a monster that just might have enough strength to take down our whole populace if the little adventure went afoul...
[focal point 1]
so, let us welcome this much celebrated man and pay no mind to his modesty. For we know the truth, do we not?
Copyright 2016 by Matt Haynes.
If you would like to use this piece, please credit: "Courtesy of Matt Haynes and The Pulp Stage"