The morning of February 17th I prepared to enter the arena where I knew that I needed to kill the dragon in front of the whole town. 

A look of uncertainty was ubiquitous among the spectators as they saw the dragon I was to face.  A look of anticipation, however, was present on those who had sent me on this quest.  I could tell they had confidence in me.  I wish I could have said the same at that point.  I had to contain my anxiety because the dragon would surely use any ounce of fear against me.

When I began the battle, I dealt a couple weak blows to the dragon before he got his first blow in on me.  I reminded myself that failure was not an option.  With this encouragement to continue, I dealt more and more damage to this dragon.  As I fought I began to understand the dragon and how he attacks.  In the twenty minute fight I weakened the dragon significantly.

After twenty minutes, I looked at the dragon differently.  The beast that caused so much fear, so much anxiety to me: this beast had been reduced to a whelp at my hand.  I no longer had fear of this dragon and was certain I could defeat it.  It was now the dragon who emitted an aura of fear.  The dragon held up his now frail claw and proposed a deal:

"If you let me go, I vow never to return here; you may live the rest of your days in peace."

Whether or not the dragon spoke the truth, I knew that even if he didn't return, if I just let him go, he would only plague someone else.  I declined his terms of surrender and prepared to go in for the kill.  At that moment, however, the dragon was able to summon just enough strength to flap his wings with enough vigor to carry him away, back to his lair.

Those who sent me on my quest, upon seeing the dragon's defeat, congratulated me on this victory.  One among those who sent me, however, sensed the same danger as I did.  Namely, that the dragon would only attack someone else.

The town was safe, but my quest was not over.  The dragon lives yet, and I must go back to his lair to finish this.