Smoke stung Jordi's eyes. The dragon roared and pointed a claw at the castle.
Jordi's horse neighed nervously. He patted its neck and urged it forward.
Jordi rode up the steep path, pushed aside a boulder, and crossed a creaking bridge.
At the cave mouth, his foot caught a root and he tumbled forward. Helmet slipping over his eyes, he blinked and stood ready.
The dragon's head swung down. Its eyes glowed like embers.
Jordi parried a swipe and thrust his sword. The beast roared and collapsed.
From the shimmering blood, a red rose unfurled and bloomed.
Jordi sliced the princess's chains. She hugged him and whispered, "You're brave."
They rode back to the castle, the rose resting in his pocket.
Villagers waved from the square as flags fluttered in the breeze.
Jordi rode through the crowd, the red rose safe in his pocket.
The castle gates opened wide. The kingdom was safe.