500 Words 2024/25: read a finalist's story from the 8-11 category

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This story was chosen as a top 50 finalist for 500 Words 2024/25.

Remember, spelling, punctuation and grammar are not taken into account for a 500 Words story, therefore all the top 50 stories have been published how they were submitted.

How to Knock a Knight off his Horse by Logan S.

You're a three metre tall dragon with a wingspan of four horses, claws like steak knives and just as sharp. You tower above the impudent fool that dares challenge your supremacy. The Knight slowly advances wearing a suit of coal black armour and riding on a jet black steed. What do you do…?

Now, you could just bat him straight off his horse, that pitiful excuse for armour won't protect him. Yes, that sounds like a good idea! On the other hand, your claws might be blunted.

Oh, I know, you could just roast him with your fiery breath! Of course that would put an end to that blundering imbecile! Although, thinking about it your rumbling tummy wants food and if he's melted you can't eat him.

Drat, this is tough. Okay, here's another one. How about you create a gust of wind with your wings to blow him over? But that won't get rid of him! Gah!

This is a knightmare! Ho ho! Let's take a moment to appreciate that light jest!

Okay back to work. Let's look at this logically, you need to remove his armour before you can eat him. So you could lift him up into the air and then whack him on a cliff like a nut cracker and smash his armour off! That's it! I don't believe it. Rubbish! You're telling me geography is what ruined this plan? No cliffs?! Never heard of such a thing, honestly! Hang on, that blockhead looks like he's about to say something.

"How do you do?" asked the Knight.

"Excuse me?" you say in a bewildered tone.

"I'm Wilbert," spoke the Knight lifting his visor to reveal a sweaty face with a cheery grin and a rather fine brown mustache.

"I'm looking for a sheep, a farmer's lost one." Looking over your shoulder he spots a ewe you stole from a farmer just earlier this day.

"Oh you found it!"

"Hang on," you interject, "I didn't…"

"Is there any way I can repay you?" without waiting for an answer he plunges on,"I'll tell you what, want to come to my place for lunch?"

You do fancy a few sandwiches right about now.

"Where is it?"

"By the river," answers the knight.

"Why should I trust you?"

"Why wouldn't you?" he asks.

"I'm not answering that."

Hang on, I've just remembered that knights have a bunch of rules called chivry, or is it cilvery, no it's ivalry.

Well whatever it is, he can't lure you into a trap, it's against the rules.

The knight's endless jibber jabber continues.

"Also, do you know a dragon named Startingle? He's stolen a princess (muffled yelps come from the cave behind you).

I think you should accept before he changes his mind - or finds out your identity.

In a high and mighty tone, you proclaim:

"I… (you pause to think of a name other than Startingle) …Redbrand, Protector of Sheep (you say this bit rather quickly) accept your offer."

Need more inspiration?