This was a very good day!

“Fell beast,” Sir Michael said. “Never more shall you terrorize the good folk of this land.” With one stroke, the knight severed the head of the dragon he had just slain, intending to take it to the ruler of this land as proof of his glorious deeds.

When he emerged from the creature’s lair, he saw said ruler, King Andrew, riding to the cave with a complement of his knights. He approched the group, dropped to one knee, and bowed. “Good king, there is no need for your knights, for I, Sir Michael, have slain the evil beast that…”

He stopped. The king’s face had gone purple with rage. “Captain of the Guard!” the king bellowed. “Seize him, take him back to the castle, and teach him what becomes of those who slay a good and noble companion of the king!”

Sir Michael paled. Good? he thought. Noble? Companion?! “But… But I thought…” he sputtered.

“No,” the Captain of the Guard said, bluntly. “Obviously, you didn’t.”

This was a very bad day.