Drawing Swords

Jason felt his knees go weak. His head whirled crazily and his hands trembled. He immediately forgot about being cautious and dashed out to his father.

The winged figure which had cruelly struck down with a deadly silver claw was gone along with the black mist. The sounds of nearby battles started to dwindle as shouts of retreat rang in the air.

Jason fell on his knees, ignoring the sharp pain as gravel and broken glass pierced his skin.

"Father!" he roared. "Father wake up! Father...wake up..."

The tears couldn't stop. He let them all out, cradling his father's head. The glistening drops of water sparkled on Garen's temple. Finally, Jason's eyes fell upon a red light emitting a couple of feet away from him.

The boy put his father's head down carefully, before walking slowly towards the light. His tear-filled eyes brightened when he saw that it was a sword.

It was shaped like a good-old scimitar, except that the handle, usually decorated in fine carvings, was wrapped in black. Jason picked up the sword; it felt feather-light and easy to wield.

The black whatever-it-was that was wrapped around the handle provided a firm grip for the wielder. Jason also noticed that the hilt was that of a katana's. He gave it a swing, and the bright red light cut the air with a flourish.

The light seemed to snap Jason back into reality. He turned to his father, saying, "I will avenge you, Father. With this sword, I swear upon your name and mother's."

Jason's eyes filled with tears yet again as he recalled that dreadful day where his mother was so brutally beatened by a whole swarm of keltics. It was only a week ago when she had been admitted into the hospital. Jason felt it was only right that he proceeded to the hospital to break the news to her.

Little did he know, the hospital was already a burning heap.

*** *** ***

Ten years later

Jason Pendragon dived to the right, his shirt nearly catching fire as the heat of the dragon's flames made his eyes tear.

Bringing his sword up to block another dive from the beast, Jason ducked and finally got to his knees. Grabbing the tail of the powerful monster, he braced himself as the dragon took off. Jason hung on for dear life.

The dragon roared in agony as Jason plunged his sword down the base of its tail for anchor, and hoisted himself up onto the beast, cursing. He pulled out the glowing blade and, with balance perfected over ten years, leapt onto the dragon's spine, followed by its head.

"Goodbye!" Jason plunged the sword home.

There was a terrifying roar as the dragon plumetted down to the earth, Jason clinging onto one of its horns, praying that he could hang on.

Next thing he knew, he was back on the ground, surrounded by a huge cheering crowd. A man stepped up to him and said something; Jason couldn't hear him due to the loud screams and cheers. All he could register was a red armour being pushed into his arms.

The mark of a dragon slayer.