Killian stumbled over a rock in the path sloshing cold water all over his clothes. He sighed dejectedly and turned around to go back to the well. His master, Sir Regan, wanted everything just perfect, and a half full water bucket was not. He wanted it full to the brim with not a drop missing.

   Back at the water pump Killian filled the big bucket for the third time and trudged back up the hill to his master's house. It was a beautiful little castle with white stone walls glinting in the morning sunlight. The princess had given it to Sir Regan for his service but Killian knew it was more than that. The princess had a certain fondness for the burly, stupid knight that Killian would never understand.

   Hundreds of apple trees surrounded the white castle with peacocks strutting beneath the branches laden with ripe apples. Killian watched as a male peacock with his feathers spread wide was hit by a falling apple and crumpled to the ground in a daze. Killian laughed when he tried to get back up but tangled himself in his feathers.

   "Weren't expecting that were you, you mangy chicken." Killian said. The peacock squawked and ruffled his shimmering blue feathers. "Yeah, yeah go lay an egg. At least you'd be useful. Even fleas are more useful. At least they get me the day off when I have them."

   Killian didn't hate all the peacocks, just the one sitting before him with its brains knocked loose. He had been attacked by the peacock on multiple occasions each having nothing to do with anything whatsoever. It was like the stupid bird just decided Killian needed a good beating in the middle of a chore and went with it.

   Right now Killian was glad he was incapacitated because he did not want to go back to the well and get more water. He was already late as it was and freezing. The cool autumn air chilled his skin and set his teeth chattering.

   "Seeya, Gaston." He said cheerfully going around to the back of the castle. There was a small door that blended in with the white stone unless you knew where to look for it. Killian knew the door all too well. It was the only door he was allowed in and out of even when no one was visiting.

   Today the duke and his daughter were spending the night at the castle. They were on their way to a council at the king's palace. They loved being in the castle as it was just as beautiful as their home. Killian saw to that. There were currently only two servants working for Sir Regan. He had fired the others last week.

   Killian had been with Sir Regan for seven years. Longer than anyone, the others only lasted a year at the most. He knew everything about Sir Regan from his favorite food to what he liked to wear on Sundays and even his little quirks, Sir Regan loved dandelions. Killian had no idea why but the weeds brought a smile to Sir Regan's face whenever he saw one so Killian made a point about slipping off when his master was in a foul mood and placing a few of the bright yellow flowers in vases around the castle.

   He slipped in the narrow door and up a flight of steps without spilling a drop of water. He spied a vase of wilting dandelions and made a mental note to dispose of it later. He set the bucket just inside the doorway to the kitchen and lit one of the stoves.

   The kitchen wasn't big but it wasn't small. Three stoves lined the northern wall and a huge icebox big enough for Killian to fit in sat against the eastern wall. A short pudgy man bustled around preparing Sir Regan and the duke's breakfast.

   "Morning, Pad." Killian said as he dumped the icy water into a metal tub and set it on the stove to heat.

   "Breakfast is on the table." Pad said. He pushed a sweaty strand of pale blonde hair from his face. Killian saw a plate of eggs and ham. He grabbed a couple slices of ham and shoved half of one in his mouth.

   "These eggs yours?" he asked around a mouthful of salty ham.

   "Yes. Don't touch." Pad said needlessly. Killian didn't eat eggs. They made him nauseous. Killian watched Pad clatter around muttering to himself while he cooked.

   He finished his breakfast just as the water began to boil in the pot. He grabbed a smaller metal buck off a hook and filled it with the steaming water.

   "I gotta fill the bath for the duke's daughter."

   "Still fond of her hot baths I see." Pad said flipping a hotcake in the skillet. "Here take this." Pad tossed a loaf of warm bread at Killian. "Something for the road."

   "Thanks, Pad." Killian ripped off a good chunk and bit into it.

   "Don't eat it now, boy! Save it for later!" Pad exclaimed laughing. Killian shrugged. He was hungry still. Pad shooed him out of the kitchen. Killian went just down the hall to the bath. Sir Regan was there. Killian cast his eyes down.

   "You're late, boy." He glared at Killian.

   "Sorry, sir." Killian mumbled.

   "What?"

   "I'm sorry, sir, it won't happen again."

   "It'd better not. The Lady Ella will be here soon and she expects a hot bath to be ready now get going!" he demanded. Killian quickly poured the water into the bath and dashed out again for more. When he came back Sir Regan had left. He dashed back and forth filling the tub until it was full.

   Just as he finished the Lady Ella came down the hall. She was very pretty with golden blonde hair and deep blue eyes. She was smiling and laughing with her maid. Killian just managed to slip into the kitchen before she saw him.

   Sir Regan never allowed his staff to be seen by the guests. Which wasn't hard considering there were only two and Pad spent most of his time in the kitchen. Killian was left to do everything else. He was up before the sun and finally collapsed into his cot long after the sun had gone down and was up a few hours later to do it all again. Luckily it was just Sir Regan most of the time he had to clean up after.

   "Killian." Pad called. "When breakfast is over Lady Ella requested to have a special treat brought to her. Would you bring it to her chambers?"

   "Sure thing, Pad."

   "Good boy." He ruffled Killian's dark brown hair. "Now run along. I'll help you as soon as I can get out of this roasting oven." Pad said wiping sweat from his red face. Killian raced along the secret servant's hallway down to the dining room with a load of plates and silverware.

   He expected the dining room to be empty but when he got there Duke Horace was already sitting at the table. Killian shrank back into the servant's door hoping he hadn't been spotted. It was too late.

   "Come here, boy, it's all right." The duke said. His voice was deep and kind. Killian shuffled forward eyes and head cast down. "Go about your work. I don't mind." he said. Killian nervously set the plates and silverware around the table. His whole body shook under the intense gaze of the duke. Several times he nearly dropped them.

   "Are you the only one?" Horace asked. Killian jumped when he spoke sending spoons everywhere. It was a few moments before he could find his voice.

   "N-no, sir. There is... There are more." he stammered. His voice came out in a frightened squeak. He wasn't supposed to talk to the duke. Sir Regan and told him that over and over again and threatened to beat him if he did.

   "How many?"

   "Lots." Killian answered a little too quickly. Horace rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Killian's heart hammered against his chest. He bent down to pick up the spoons. Why was the duke talking to him? What did he want? Where was Pad? Pad was comfortable around nobility. He had worked as a chef for many years for one before he came under Sir Regan.

   "Carry on." Horace said. Killian set the table as quickly as he could and fled up the stairs breathing hard. Duke Horace smiled to himself. The boy, he thought, was an interesting puzzle. At the top of the stairs Killian ran into Pad.

   "Whoa, Killer! Slow down."

   "Sorry, Pad." Killian sped away to the stables. He watered and fed the horses and quickly milked the cow. Duke Horace always drank milk in the morning and would be disappointed if he didn't have it.

   Back in the kitchen Killian heated more water for coffee and tea. Pad hurried back and forth between the kitchen and the dining room. Before long they had everything out. Killian longed to sit down for a short rest but he still needed to tidy up the bedrooms.

   "I'll take care of the rooms, Killer." Pad said.

   "But!"

   "Shh, the duke is here for something and I want to know why. I need you to find out. Something strange is going on in the kingdom." he said.

   "Yes, Pad." Killian went silently down the stairs so no one would hear him. He found the servant's door slightly open and smiled. Ol' Reggie would have a heart attack if he found out. He could hear voices talking pleasantly through the tiny crack. Horace and his daughter both had pleasant voices unlike Regan who saw fit to speak as loudly as possible all the time.

   They talked for some time about the weather and whatever else came to mind. Killian listened dutifully but his mind was on food and the delicious smells coming from the other room. His stomach growled hungrily. He wished he hadn't eaten all his bread already.

   "Sir Regan, I should like to meet some of your staff." Horace said.

   "My lord?"

   "I think you heard me." Horace smiled thinly.

   "Ah, yes. Of course, my lord. Staff! Come down here!" Regan's voice boomed reverberating throughout the castle. Killian waited exactly ten seconds before shoving the door open trying to look slightly winded just as he had been ordered to do no matter how close he was to Sir Regan when he called. Pad followed shortly after.

   They stood attentively just behind and to the left of Sir Regan. Lady Ella's gaze flickered between them and settled on Killian. Killian flushed bright red when she smiled at him and ducked his head. His whole body tingled warmly.

   "Is this all?" she asked innocently although Killian suspected she wasn't asking out of curiosity.

   "I suspect all the others are busy." Regan said. Killian and Pad nodded vigorously. Killian started to shake then he caught sight of a big loaf of bread that sat untouched. He focused on that.

   "What are your names?" the duke asked.

   "This is Kil..."

   "Regan, I asked them not you." Horace said. Regan slumped in his chair.

   "Padfoot." Pad said. Killian stifled a laugh. Padfoot was a running joke due to the way Pad walked around in his slippers making a soft padding noise when he walked. Killian had given it to Pad when they first met just as Pad called him Killer because the first thing he had seen Killian do was kill chickens for supper.

   "You look familiar, Padfoot."

   "Most chefs look similar if their food is any good." Pad said. Horace laughed.

   "And you?" Horace said turning to Killian.

   "Killian, sir."

   "Well, Killian, how do you feel about going to the capital?"

   "What?" Killian, Regan, and Pad all shouted at the same time. Regan stood up so fast he knocked over his chair.

   "Now just a moment, Duke Horace. Killian is my servant and he stays with me."

   "Oh, yes. Of course you'll be going too. That's why I came here. The king has summoned all knights to castle."

   "What for?" Sir Regan had calmed down and was now sitting back in his chair calmly sipping coffee.

  "Well, there's a problem. A rather large problem. In fact it is very, very large."

   "Father, come now. They are waiting." Ella said softly.

   "There's a dragon."

   "A dragon." Sir Regan said in disbelief. Killian forgot about his grumbling stomach. He glanced at Pad with wide brown eyes. Pad looked equally shocked.

   "Yes, a dragon. It has been terrorizing the capital for several weeks now and they are in desperate need of a hero. You are one of our strongest knights. And if the dragon is killed you will be promoted to head knight." Horace said. Sir Regan liked the sound of that. He could order other knights to do his bidding and he wouldn't have to lift a finger.

   "Very well, I will come." he said. Horace clapped his hands together.

   "Excellent! We leave tomorrow. Pack your trunks and please bring one of your servants as I cannot spare any of mine."

   "Killian, finish your chores and gather your things. Tell the other staff I'll be leaving." Sir Regan said. Killian was half tempted to turn to Pad and say he was leaving but refrained. "You are dismissed." Killian and Pad hurried away disappearing up the stairs.

   "If you'll excuse me, my lord, I have important matters to attend to."

   "I'm sure you do, Sir Regan. My daughter and I will finish our breakfast and perhaps take a walk."

   "I hope to see you for dinner." Sir Regan bowed and walked briskly out of the room. The moment he was gone Ella lost her quiet lady-like composure.

   "Well, he's certainly pleasant to be around! I can't believe I used to fancy him!" she slouched against her chair.

   "You were young."

   "Pfft, whatever. Why did you pick him to fight the dragon?"

   "Not him. The boy, Killian. There's something special about him but I just can't quite place my finger on it." Horace mused. Ella huffed and reached for the big loaf of bread but her father stopped her.

   "Leave it for the boy. He looked hungry."

...

   Killian heaved the last of Sir Regan's trunks into the carriage. He'd been hard at work all morning feeding the animals and doing last minute cleanup. He purposely neglected to feed Gaston the peacock out of spite. The stupid bird had decided to attack him as he was hauling water back from the well.

   "Killian! You missed one! Go back up to my room and get it." Sir Regan shouted from inside the carriage. Killian stifled a groan and ran up three flights of stairs to his master's room. Sure enough right in the middle of the floor say the biggest trunk of all. It was nearly as big as he was.

   Killian tried to move but couldn't. Killian opened the trunk hoping he could take a few things out to lighten the load. Inside were dozens of pieces of armor.

   "Oh for the love of a miner's hammer!" Killian exclaimed. "Does he really have to pack everything?" Killian removed a few things muttering angrily to himself. He tested the trunk again and found he could lift it. It was still heavy but he would manage.

   He staggered out to the stairs and went down two flights but on the last flight he misjudged the first step. Instead of landing on solid wood his foot flung out and he fell. The heavy trunk slipped from his grasp and tumbled crashing to the bottom. Killian clutched the banister to keep himself from falling with it.

   Killian heard a screech and looked just in time to see the Lady Ella jump out of the way of the rouge trunk. It hit the floor with an almighty crash and its contents went flying. Killian winced. Ella looked up and saw him. He froze unable to move blood draining from his face.

   Then Lady Ella did something unexpected. She laughed and began picking up the scattered armor. Killian managed to unfreeze his limbs and half ran half fell down the stairs.

   "I'm so sorry, my lady, I didn't mean..."

   "Hush! It's fine. I've been through worse." she said. Killian looked at her in surprise. She laughed. It wasn't an annoying fake giggle like other women's. Hers was nice, loud and genuine. "I was born too. It's really quite a shock being thrust into the world like that." She laughed harder at Killian's confused expression.

   "I-I didn't know anyone could remember that." Killian said nervously. Ella laughed so hard she snorted which terrified the poor boy. He'd never heard a lady laugh like that.

   "Oh, don't be silly. Of course I don't remember. I was joking." she said. Killian looked amazed. "You do know what a joke is right?" He nodded before returning to replacing the armor into the trunk. Sir Regan shouted for him. He panicked and cut his hand on a sharp corner.

   "Here. Let me." Ella said after he tried unsuccessfully to stop the bleeding. She took a handkerchief from her pocket and wrapped it around his hand. He flinched when she touched him like it hurt. "There. Better."

   Killian examined his hand. Dark red blood already coated the white cloth staining it forever but the bleeding slowed. A ghost of a smile appeared on his face.

   "Thank you." he said. Ella smiled.

   "Anytime." she replied. Killian struggled to lift the box. Ella grasped one end and helped him lift it. He gave her a grateful look and together they managed to get the trunk outside without any accidents. Sir Regan saw them and stormed over.

   "What are you doing! Get out of sight!" He went to slap Killian but Ella stood between them.

   "Stop!" she shouted. Regan froze. "I won't allow it!"

   "Get out of the way." Regan tried to push her away but she slammed her fist into his jaw. It wasn't hard enough to stun him but he still staggered back in surprise.

   "Keep your hands off him or I'll talk to my father. He doesn't approve of beating servants."

   "And I don't approve of tardiness. This boy has been late twice in two days now."

   "For good reason I'm sure. The trunk was too heavy for him and he tripped and it fell down the stairs. I was lucky to get out of the way in time. If you hadn't packed so much that would have never happened." Ella chided. A little ways away Horace watched with an amused smile.

   "I'm sorry, my lady." Regan said without feeling.

  "As you should be! Now go get the rest of your stuff. I'm sure there's more up there and you were just waiting for him to come back down and tell him there was more." She said. Regan glared at her but he complied and went inside to retrieve his things. Ella turned to Killian smiling. She frowned when she saw him shaking. "What's wrong?"

   "You shouldn't have done that."

   "Why not?" Ella was confused.

   "He'll still punish me. The longer he has to wait to do it the worse it will be." Killian said miserably and slunk off. Ella didn't see him for the rest of the morning.

   By noon she still hadn't seen him and they were ready to leave. Sir Regan came strutting out of the door like one of his peacocks. He jumped into the carriage he would be sharing with Duke Horace. Ella looked around for Killian's brown hair.

   "Where is that boy?" Sir Regan shouted voicing her thoughts.

   "Here, sir!" Killian popped up from nowhere scaring the daylights out of Ella. He held an apple with a bite taken out of it and two more in his pockets.

   "Get in a carriage, boy. We're leaving." Sir Regan shut the door. Killian looked around for a carriage he could get on. Ella grasped his hand and pulled him into hers.

   "Come, you're riding with me." She pulled him in and pushed him into the seat. Hattie, her maid, screeched.

   "He'll soil the seats!" she said. Killian hastily stood up hitting his head on the low ceiling.

   "Hush, Hattie, it's fine. He can sit on my cloak."

   "But it's your best one!" Hattie said looking faint. Ella sighed.

   "Well, it's the cloak or the seat. Your choice." she said. Hattie appeared to be having a hard time making up her mind. "Besides, my best one is in my trunk. I have the brown one."

   "Very well. He can sit on your cloak." Hattie said. She opened her fan and delicately waved it in front of her face. Killian watched the whole episode with a puzzled expression. Ella spread her cloak across the seat and motion for him to sit. He perched nervously on the edge of the seat.

   The carriage jolted forward throwing him against the back of the seat. Slowly they picked up speed until the horses were clipping along at a ground eating pace. Killian watched the countryside pass by with an intensity that Ella found cute. His brown eyes flicked back and forth drinking in all the sights.

   "Have you traveled before?" Ella asked. Killian nodded. He took a bite of his last apple. Does he ever stop eating? Ella wondered.

   "All the time. I like traveling." he said. Ella figured that explained why he was so eager. Next to her Hattie dozed and then her head drooped and she began snoring.

   "Finally!" Ella said startling Killian. "Took her long enough." Ella stretched out slouching against the soft velvet seats. Killian finished his apple and tossed it out the window like the ones before it. He pulled out a few slices of bread and ate those too.

   "How much did you bring?" Ella asked incredulously. Killian shrugged.

   "That's it."

   "Does Regan feed you?"

   "Yes. Well, Pad does."

   "How much does he feed you?" Ella asked curiously. Killian thought for a moment.

   "Three slices of ham, a loaf of bread, milk, and leftovers from your supper. I didn't have time to eat last night." Killian said as if it were no big deal. Ella stared at him.

   "Has anyone every made you a meal you couldn't eat?" she asked. Killian shook his head. "Just wait until you get to the capital. Even the servants eat more than Sir Regan's table can provide." Killian's eyes glazed over. She could almost see him imagining all that food and chuckled.

   "I'll bet you couldn't eat a full course meal." Ella challenged. She had trouble eating a three course meal much less a seven course. Killian's eye sparked.

   "How much?" he asked. Ella reached over and poked his painfully thin middle.

   "Your stomach." She laughed and Killian joined her. They talked for a long time while Hattie slept. She told him about life as nobility and he told her about being a servant. She learned that he and Pad were really the only servants working for Sir Regan.

   She asked him where he had lived before coming under Regan and working for him for seven years. He said he didn't remember much but knew that for a few years he had lived on the streets until Sir Regan found him.

   The carriages rattled to a stop and everyone piled out. Killian went to the trunks and pulled out Sir Regan's sleeping mat and tent. He set it up with practiced ease. Ella watched him while her father's servants set up camp. Before long they had a fire going with a savory stew boiling in a massive pot.

   They dished out large bows for Horace, Regan, and Ella. They used smaller bowls for themselves and sat in a huddled circle far away from their master. Killian was the last in line and barely got a ladleful. He protested but they shooed him away saying he was small and didn't need as much.

   Shoulders down he walked away and sat against a tree away from everyone. Ella was just about to take a bite when she saw him staring forlornly at his bowl. He didn't even have a spoon. She got up and went over to him. He looked up when he heard her footsteps and smiled but the smile didn't reach his eyes.

   Ella took his bowl and poured it into hers. He grabbed for his supper thinking she was taking it but stopped when she handed her bowl to him smiling. Killian stared at it for several moments before deciding it wasn't going anywhere and ate with relish. While he was eating Ella walked away feeling slightly giddy. Whatever she had done she felt like she had just sealed a lifelong friendship with Killian.

...

   "Ella, look!" Killian exclaimed pointing out the window. Ella sighed. She was trying to teach him how to play a game of cards but Killian was not interested in the pieces of paper with pictures. Instead he kept looking out the window at whatever caught his attention. It had been three days since they left Sir Regan's home and Ella was tired of traveling.

   This time it was the castle with towering spires and endlessly long walls surrounding the perimeter that had grasped his attention. The castle was huge! Nearly five times larger than the one Killian lived at. Thick stone walls protected the residents inside from attack. Just looking at it he felt very small.

   "Almost there." Ella said. She started to say something else but an ear splitting roar shattered the peaceful land. Ella screamed and Hattie fainted. The horses panicked and ran taking the carriages with them.

   "Dragon!" Killian shouted looking out the window and seeing a massive black winged creature closing in on the carriages. The frightened horses broke free of their harnesses and ran away screaming. The carriage Killian and Ella were in hit a rock and flipped.

   Killian grabbed Ella and hung on to her protecting her from the worst of it. They rolled several times. Killian's head cracked against the ceiling and he saw stars. Before he could recover something slammed against his ribs. He felt several snap and screamed as pain like fire shot through his body.

   Finally they stopped. Killian slumped over still holding Ella. She had a few painful bruises and a broken ankle. Killian moaned. It was all he could do to keep from passing out. Hattie lay beside him her head at an awkward angle.

   The carriage lay on its side in the grass next to the road. There was shouting and someone yanked the door open. Ella's father peered down.

   "Ella! Are you hurt?"

   "Of course I'm hurt!" she snapped.

   "Hold on. We'll get you out. Sir Regan is going to take care of the dragon."

   "No!" Killian gasped clutching his side. He tried to push himself up. "He won't win."

   "Killian, stay there! You're hurt. Sir Regan will take care of the dragon. He knows what he is doing." Horace said. Killian shook his head.

   "He doesn't. He's never done anything you've heard. He can't fight a dragon."

   "And you think you can?" Horace said furiously.

   "He's my master. I have to help him."

   "Boy, that man does not deserve help."

   "It doesn't matter. He helped me when I needed him. Now it's my turn." Killian grabbed the sides of the carriage and pulled himself up. His broken ribs grated against each other. Killian bit the inside of his cheek to stop from passing out. Horace pulled him out the rest of the way and handed Killian his sword.

   Killian hobbled toward his master and the black dragon just a hundred yards away. Sir Regan stood in front of the beast with his sword held loosely in his hand. His expression was blank. The dragon peered down at him with mesmerizing golden eyes.

   "Master!" Killian shouted. Sir Regan didn't move. "Stop!" Killian yelled at the dragon. The dragon broke contact with Regan. The knight crumpled to the ground moaning. The dragon stepped forward and looked Killian in the eyes.

   Killian stumbled when those horrible, beautiful eyes gazed into his soul seeking out his deepest desires and offering them to him if he would just lie down. Killian shook his head. He would not end up like his master. He was not a coward.

   The dragon pressed harder bringing to light all that had been denied Killian. A family, friends, love, a place in the world. Killian's will bent underneath the dragon's until it almost snapped. He thought of Padfoot the pudgy cook back at the white castle. Pad had been like a father to him for as long as they had known each other.

   He had friends even though they were few and far between. The gardener who taught him how to care for the apple trees and the horse master on the other side of town. They had helped him and called him friend. He had love even if it would never work. He loved Ella and always had from the first time he saw her. And he had a place in the world small as it was.

   The dragon closed its gaping maw around him. Yelling Killian thrust the sword up deep into the creature's throat. The great beast roared and jerked its head up nearly taking Killian with him. He thrashed knocking trees down. His tail whipped around and smacked Killian in the chest.

   Ella was out of the carriage just in time to see him flying across the road. He hit a tree with an audible thud and crumpled to the ground broken. At the same time the dragon fell to the ground dead.

   "Killian!" Ella screamed trying to break free from her father's arms to reach him. Hot tears flowed down her face. Horace held on to his daughter muttering softly into her ear. "Killian." she cried.

...

   Killian slowly opened his eyes. Sunlight streamed in from a large open window. He could hear voices outside. He moved his head and groaned. He felt like the time he'd eaten something bad while on the streets. A round, blue-eyed face filled his vision.

   "Morning, Killer! Or should I say afternoon?" Pad said.

   "Pad!" Killian said weakly. His head was spinning. He was hungry.

   "It the flesh, kiddo. How do you feel?"

   "Hungry." Killian said. Pad laughed.

   "Thought so. Here." Pad handed him a bowl of soup. "Eat it slowly. You haven't eaten for three days."

   Killian devoured the soup as slowly as he could. He burnt his tongue but didn't care. It tasted so good. He finished and set the bowl aside.

   "What time is it?"

   "Half past noon."

   "What happened?"

   "From what I've heard. You, sir, have killed a dragon."

   "What! No I couldn't have I just stabbed his throat he was so big it... Oh." Killian petered off. Pad grinned.

   "Yes, Killer. You did kill him."

   "Ella! Is she alright?"

   "Alive and kickin'. I should probably go get her. She'll want to see you." Pad said hurrying off. Killian settled into his bed wincing when his ribs moved. He was so tired he started drifting off. Suddenly the door burst open and Ella stormed through with a crutch under her arm. A pretty blonde girl with curly hair and brown eyes followed her. She wore a silver circlet on her head. Ella punched Killian in the arm.

   "Ow! What was that for?" he asked rubbing his arm.

   "Don't you ever do that to me again! I thought you died!" she yelled.

   "Ella."

   "No! You don't get to explain!"

   "Ella."

   "Why would you do that! Regan didn't deserve that! After all he's done to you?"

   "Ella."

   "What?" she snapped. 

   "I love you."

   "I can't even begin to..." Ella stopped. "Wait. What?" Killian grinned.

   "I love you." he repeated. Ella froze for a moment and burst into tears. She hugged Killian and kissed him. Killian was so surprised he almost forgot his name. Ella bumped his ribs and he saw stars.

   "Gently! Please. It still hurts."

   "Serves you right." she retorted. "Oh, I almost forgot! The princess is here to meet you. Killian, this is Princess Nara. Princess Nara, this is Killian." Nara nodded her head.

   "Pleased to meet you, Killian. My father would be here but he is busy preparing the feast." her voice was smooth and commanding.

   "Feast?" Killian asked.

   "To be held in your honor. And after you will be knighted. If that is your wish. Sir Regan is no longer in need of your services." Nara said. Killian looked at Ella. Her blue eyes were begging him to accept. If he was a knight he could rise in the ranks until he was in a high enough position to be with her without scandalizing society.

   "Yes. That is my wish." Killian said. Ella nearly squealed with delight.

   "Very well. I will leave you two alone." Nara said exiting while Ella was still in control of herself. They barely had two seconds alone before Sir Regan followed by Padfoot and Horace filed in. Killian cowered when he saw Regan.

   "Killian! My boy! Good to see you awake!" Horace said patting Killian's shoulder.

  "Careful, father, he's hurt!" Ella said. Horace pulled his hand away.

   "Thou shall not disturb the wasp nest." he said cracking a smile. Ella glared at him. "Nor make jokes. I will go now." he left the room in a hurry.

   "Hey! Ol' Reggie, stop that!" Pad called prying a vase of flowers from Regan he had been chewing on. Killian looked at him in wonder. "He suffered some minor brain damage from the dragons spell. Might go back to normal..." Pad pulled the vase free. Regan blubbered like an infant. "Might not."

   Regan saw Killian and squealed. It was a horrible noise. One Killian hoped never to hear again.

   "Killer! Killer! I'm a cow herder!" he said.

   "A what!" Killian looked to Pad for an explanation. Pad shook his head.

   "Everyone's been calling him a coward and he thinks there're saying cow herd."

  "Okay..."

  "So... yeah. I'm taking care of him. It's not all that bad. He's a lot nicer. Says please and thank you."

   "Thank you!" Regan sang.

   "Not now you dolt!"

   "Dolt, dolt, dolt, solt, coat, hats!" Regan giggled.

   "Regan." Killian said. "Come here." Regan walked over to Killian combing his hair with a leaf. Killian tried to sit up so he could see him better. "Ahh!" he gasped when he moved. Ella helped prop him against the pillows.

   "Killer is hurt?"

   "Yes, Regan. Like you only a little differently." Killian caught his breath. "Do you remember a dragon?"

   "Black. Gold eyes. Hurt Killer. Killer hurt him."

   "Yes. He hurt you too. What you did was brave not cowardly. You stood in front of the dragon to protect us. You didn't think about the rewards of killing him. You thought about the people behind you who needed guarding. You stopped the dragon long enough for them to get away. You are not a coward. You are a hero even if no one else sees that, I do."

   "Not cow herder?"

   "No, Regan. Hero."

   "Her-o? Hero. Hero!" Regan skipped happily around the room singing hero over and over again. Killian sank back down too tired to hold himself up anymore. Pad saw this and pulled Regan out leaving Ella and Killian alone. Ella snuggled in beside him under the covers. Killian drifted in and out of consciousness.

   "I love you Killian." she said softly.

   "Hmmm?"

   "Go to sleep." Ella said. Killian smiled. He could lay here forever because for once in his life he had everything he wanted.

   Except for some food.

The End