The Fantasy Art of Ed Beard Jr.

BRAVERY MISPLACED LITERARY SHORT

By Amanda Becher

_{Bravery Misplaced image copyright Ed Beard Jr.}

Sir Edgar nudged his dappled steed through the brushy undergrowth. The horse's flanks were sweating from desperation, and a film of white flashed in the stallion's onyx eyes. Sir Edgar would have abandoned his panicked mount, but he feared that his legs would turn to mush if he tried to support himself. And although he wouldn't permit himself to admit it, Sir Edgar's courage was drastically failing him.

There was an age-long pact between the kingdom of Azarat, and the dragons of the Red Mountains. When the dragons unexpectedly ignored the agreement, Azarat was driven violently to its knees. Lord Krowel, in a desperate attempt for peace, had honored Sir Ed gar with the opportunity to confront the Dragon Master, (who was the cause of the mayhem) in hopes of establishing a compromise of some sort to put an end to the hostilities against the kingdom. Sir Edgar obliged willingly, to take the quest upon himself to restore his homeland's prosperity. But now, as Sir Edgar urged his frightened horse onward - he truly felt the weight of his gallant task become an unbearable burden.

The Dragon Master was perched on the highest cliff of the tallest mountain. His enormity was intolerably intimidating. The great dragon was settled on his giant haunches, observing the vast domain he had claimed as his own. Sir Edgar felt his breath catch in his throat. He stared unblinkingly at the Dragon Master, oblivious to his stallion's petrified snorts.

The Dragon Master stiffened, suddenly, and his great neck arched around. He turned a fierce, yellow eye on the knight. The talons on his forelegs clicked ominously against his rusty red scales. He too, started without blinking at the sight before him.

Numb with fear, Sir Edgar forced his gaze from the eye of the Dragon Master, and fought hard to focus on his duty. Flashes of Azarat in shambles probed his consciousness; his home - his family - his honor . . . gone.

"On behalf of the fair empire of Azarat, I come for you, dragon!" Sir Edgar bellowed with enigmatic vehemence. He raised his shield bearing the Azarat emblem, and once more - pushed his steed forward . . .

A Brief Biography on the Author:

Amanda is a 17 year old, high school senior who resides in Pennsylvania. She was 15 when she wrote this synopsis. Along with being a literary enthusiast, she is also a talented and aspiring artist. Her other interests include singing, soccer and is a big "Phantom of the Opera" fan.

This literary short was part of an English project promoting the students to use their imaginations and describe what they believed to be happening in the picture titled, "Bravery Misplaced" by artist Ed Beard Jr. Amanda submitted her writings to Mr. Beard who felt it was well written and deserving of its own webpage for all to read.