eyes sized him up once again from down all the way down the street.
In a flurry of inspiration and self-confidence, the hero furiously pedaled forward on direct course with the house. The king dragon lifted reared its ugly head off the shingles and roared into the sunlit sky, the force of the sound shaking the surrounding community and causing flocks of birds to flee from nearby trees. Refusing to let fear penetrate his heart, the knight continued to rocket down the street at top speed. All of his surroundings−houses, trees, streetlights−were a blur as he whizzed past. His mind was completely clear of distractions and focused on the mission at hand – defeating this one beast.
Finally he skidded to a stop on his steed as he approached the curb outside the princess’s house. Drawing his sword once again, he brandished it above his head, so that the dragon would know just what was coming to him. He took several tentative steps onto the front lawn. The dragon roared in a fury at this trespasser in its domain. The hero’s blood ran cold as he recognized the pangs of fear in his core. He couldn’t run away this time−not again. Just as he was about to spur himself into a battle charge, the dragon’s loud voice rang out across the yard.
“The hell are you doing, kid? Get off my lawn! Emily’s busy right now. She can’t come out! If this happens again, I swear I’m going straight to your parents!”
And just like that, the hero was defeated once again. No valiant swordfight, no dodging fiery breath, no saving the princess. Hopping back onto his steed, he retreated, not looking back to see Princess Emily looking sorrowfully out the window at him. Again.