The Fortress

As you venture along the weaving path, a fortress appears before your eyes - a stronghold of iron and sturdy rock, towering into the skies. Impenetrable armour of steel and stone, they seek to mesmerise; the daring hearts of fallen knights, that have sought the hidden prize…

And you fear, deeply, your own demise.

For the legends say of a monster evil, concealed within the castle walls. For stories speak of a dragon primeval, resting inside the lavish halls. Many have entered to seek the staff, only to meet with impending death; but you shall fight on heaven’s behalf, to the last of your very breath…

So you enter.

Halls of gold, of weaponry and treasure unfold before your feet, as you walk towards the castle centre, fearing what you still may meet. A throne lay royal undefiled, a divine sovereign seat, as you wonder what king once reigned, and what led to his defeat. Vast and giant, seemingly defiant, lay armouries in your sight, of blades of steel, and runed shields, spectacular in their might. Glorious and splendid, euphorious sublime, the forges of molten light, that once had flowed with liquid iron, iridescent glowing bright…

So you arm yourself to fight.

You take a shield of runed steel, inscriptions upon its edge; as in your heart you deeply feel, your loyal divine pledge. A calling to satisfy, to attain the staff without delay, a purpose holy to edify, a destiny to convey. Armour of iron, you thus enrobe, to defend against the flames, and the sword of truth, you nobly hold, as heaven’s voice proclaims…

That you will be victorious. You will be glorious…

That you shall slay the beast.

You enter the dragon’s lair, your heart pacing fast, and spry the staff of wisdom’s flair, its power true and vast. Radiating from its aura pure, symbols swirl around its embrace, of such majesty and beauty to allure, that you are entranced by their grace…

As you step towards the staff’s abode, the dragon begins to stir, but for the destiny upon you bestowed, you choose not to defer…

As its eyes glare into your very soul, you stand your ground undeterred, for deeply you feel in your spirit whole, heaven is with you conferred…

A roar. As the dragon does rise. Thunderous. The malice in its eyes. Doubt. In your choice unwise. Fear. That you may meet your demise…

But as you feel the heavens’ presence within, you begin to realise - that all that tension and despair, are from the enemy’s lies…

So you let go. Even as the dragon approaches…

You surrender. Even as the beast encroaches…

And you believe.

Though armour and sword is not enough, to penetrate the dragon’s hide, for it is harder than thrice-forged steel, in faith you dare abide. With your blade held radiant high, you enter unprepared, your defiance a battlecry, so audaciously declared…

And even before you can reach the dragon, an inferno of flame ignites.

Fire bombards your shield, as the dragon utters its breath, but you shall not yield, lest you bow down to death. You resist the ruthless flames, the fire scorching your skin, as the searing heat almost maims, penetrating through the armour within…

But you shall persevere.

You sprint towards the central court, where the staff is laid, passing through the chambers’ fort, wielding your shining blade.

And you are nearly there.You swerve away from the dragon’s claw, as it collides into the walls, as another flame forms in its fiery maw, threatening to ignite the halls. 

As you circumvent the hallway’s crest, the dragon whirls around, slamming its tail into your chest, scattering you firm aground…

Breathless. Breathless. Knocked out of your lungs. Confounded…

But you shall persevere.