“Boy!” the monster rushed at him, but Lance leapt out of the way, cutting into his side. The bull roared in anger and doubled back twice as mad and a hundred times more terrifying. Lance slid between his legs, slashing his muscular leg. The minotaur rushed at him for the third time, knowing what Lance was about to do. As Lance was going to roll to one side, the minotaur grabbed him and threw him against the wall. Lance felt like he was drowning, he couldn’t breath and he was absolutely sure that his ribs were broken.

Just as the minotaur was going to finish his job a squeaky voice shrilled, “Leave Lancewood alone!”

Lancewood looked in the direction of the voice. It was Little Fellow with a bow fully drawn.

The minotaur laughed, “Puny!” He ran at Little Fellow. But the boy stood his ground, unleashing an arrow every second, each one making the minotaur slower and more furious.

When Little Fellow reached for an arrow and found that there were none, pure fear etched his face. He fell and rolled into a ball waiting to be crushed. Little Fellow, stunned that he wasn’t crushed, heard the sound of swords piercing into leathery skin as the minotaur tried to buck Lance off his back. Lance had the two swords deep in the back of the bull. The minotaur rammed up against the wall of the cave. Lance peeled off the monster’s back groaning and crying in pure pain and anger.

The bull slowly walked up to Lance laughing, “Today I killed three dozen puny boys, what’s two more?”

Lance tried to get up but couldn’t.

“Knight, catch!” Lance didn’t recognise the voice but saw a female figure throw a rock at him.

Strength rushed into him, he caught the rock and hurled it into the monster’s hideous face sending him staggering back. Lance saw his chance and ran behind the minotaur, pulled out his sword and dismembered the minotaur’s left leg before promptly removing the head. Lance stood in a dreamy haze.

Little Fellow brought him back to reality, “All hail Lancewood! Slayer of the Minotaur!” The little boy jumped for joy. Lance ran up to him and embraced him, “Thank you brave Little Fellow!”

Little Fellow laughed, “Job’s not done yet Lancewood,” he said pointing to the Princess and Queen walking towards them.

“I have much gratitude for your acts today,” spoke the dignified Queen.

The Princess was more outgoing and wrapped Lance and Little Fellow in a tight embrace. She praised them, “Thank you, thank you.” Lance felt her tears of joy on the back of his neck.

The journey back to the Castle was uneventful, to everyone’s relief. The guards saw the weary heroes and the royals from a distance. The entire village came out to welcome the much-loved Queen and Princess and the newest heroes of the kingdom.

“My people!” yelled the King, “I give to you the two slayers of the minotaur! Your new heroes: Lancewood Blunt and Little Fellow!” The cheering lasted for so long.

After the feast in their honour, Lance was walking down the corridor leading to the gates. It was time for him to return home.

“Hey Lancewood… um… I … I don’t have a place to stay…” stammered Little Fellow sheepishly.

“Of course, you can stay with me.” Little Fellow scampered off excitedly to collect his bow.

“I have no words for what you did today,” a lady’s voice called out. Lancewood spun round and saw the Princess,

“It was a pleasure, honestly,” said Lance as he took in her beauty, “Truly it was a pleasure.”

She had seen his gaze size her up and down and she blushed a bright red.

“Forgive me,” said Lancewood, as he pulled her close and kissed her deeply.

The Princess didn’t fight it and when they parted she whispered seductively, “I won’t tell my father.”

Lance watched her walk off.

He heard a soft applauding, and looked to the left where he saw Little Fellow slowly clapping, “Don’t tell anyone!” hushed Lance harshly.

Little Fellow laughed, “Wouldn’t even think of it.”

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