The danger took the form of a dragon. A hungry dragon that was making its way towards the large village, or town, which Damon had just visited. The dragon avoided humans, most of the time, and liked to kill and eat a knight once in a while, in fact he never passed by this sort of opportunity, but he avoided being too much in the open. Too many humans could have weapons which could really harm him. Unfortunately , he was really getting hungry and the farmers had taken their flocks and oxen to other fields. He was hoping to just grab some cattle, animals, or at worst a fat human near the town and get away fast. But as he advanced through the thick bushes of the forest, he glimpsed this human on a horse trotting calmly, all alone. Perfect! What luck! He could eat the horse AND the rider! More for his stomach! He licked his lips and wasted no time in ramming into the horse and sinking his teeth in it. The horse died quickly after falling on its side. The human eas trapped, his leg being stuck under the weight of the dead horse. The human cried in pain and horror. But he took pout his sword. Typical. The dragon pressed his paw on the arm of the human, the one holding his sword. The offensive weapon fell from his hand and clanged on the ground. The dragon use his tail to throw it further away. He was about to kill his prey but the human yelled out to him:
"Wait! Don't eat me! I'm a prince! Spare me and I could make it worthwhile for you!"
The dragon halted his gesture. A prince? Was it true? On the other paw, he had a sword, a horse and was dressed richly. He had jewels and it did seem he led a grand life.
"With what?" he grumbled.
"Food! Tons of meat! Fine venison! Chicken soaked in wine and spices! Fish in almond sauce! Or... Gold! Gems! Jewels! You like that? Anything you want, I can give!"
The dragon reflected upon all this. He could eat this prince. But he could also ransom him. This opened more opportunities than expected... What should he do? Which choice was better?