Story time: A dragon’s tale

Once upon a time, long, long ago, there lived a brave knight called Sir Fierce. He was quite fearless and very skilled in sword fighting. Everyone far and wide knew about Sir Fierce and no warrior or knight even in seven kingdoms dared to challenge him. So our noble knight became very bored and decided to find an adventure of his own. In those days, knights loved to rescue beautiful princesses, fight ogres and slay dragons. Now there were no pretty princesses to rescue and no ugly ogres either, so Sir Fierce decided to find a dragon to slay. That was just the sort of thing, he thought, that would enhance the reputation of a gallant and fearless knight. After travelling through many countryside and towns, Sir Fierce came to a sleepy little village by a hillside. There he heard tales of a fiery beast who lived in the top most cave of the steep hill. The villagers all lived in terrible fear of the ugly, green dragon that sometimes flew over their village and at times carried off a lamb or sheep. The villagers were very happy to see such a fine knight in their midst and all night long told him tales of the dragon's beastly nature. Sir Fierce promised them that he would get rid of the monster for them in no time. Next day, the brave knight polished his sword and shield till they shone brightly. With his sharp sword in hand, he steadily climbed the hill till he reached the mouth of the cave. A thunderous roaring sound came from within and the whole hill seemed to tremble. Cautiously, Sir Fierce peered inside and saw a huge, scaly dragon that was fast asleep. Sir Fierce silently tip toed inside. Just as he was about to strike, the dragon opened its big, yellow eyes. "Ah, get ready to die, you monster," said Sir Fierce "Why?" asked the dragon. Sir Fierce was stunned. No dragon had ever asked such a question. "Because you are a dragon and I like to kill dragons." "Why?" the dragon asked again. "Have I kidnapped a lovely princess?" "Well, no!" said Sir Fierce, thinking that this was a strange dragon indeed. "Have I gobbled up innocent villagers?" "No, but you have eaten their goats and sheep." "Yes, but I have to eat too in order to live, don't I?" said the dragon politely. "I have never harmed anyone." "But all the villagers are afraid of you." "I don't want to scare anyone. I would love to be friends with them and help them. It can be very lonely here at the top of the hill." "How can you help them?" asked the surprised knight. "Well I can carry them on my back from one village to another. I can also help them light fires when they want to have a bonfire to roast an ox. I can be of great help, you know." Sir Fierce sat down and thought about it. Then he made up his mind, "Let's go then." At first the villagers were terrified but when they realised that the dragon was really a friendly fellow, they welcomed his services with open arms. And what great help he was to them. Distances became shorter and no one dared attack their village. There was never any need for matchsticks either. So you see, things that often seem ugly and hideous can have their uses too. It is better not to judge by appearances but rather by deeds.