Evening.....

[sybil]

Steve gazed at the mountains in the distance beyond the kingdom. His kingdom. He could fail. The self doubt that racked his mind, body and soul was a new invader. His entire life has thus far been filled with triumph, courage and love. But for the loss of his dear mother, he had never the need to shed a tear.

Why then, he asked himself, is this quest so daunting. He knew that the right choice was the quest for the stone. The others would pose difficulties, but nothing insurmountable. But, this one, the one he knows he must choose will not require bravery on the battlefield or prowess against a deranged old dragon. He doesn't even know what such a quest will entail.

'Steve" spoke his father, interupting his thoughts.

"Father".

"I see you've found your choices. Have you made a decision?" The King feared his son, his handsome, brilliant, selfish and vain son would take the dragon. Steve had probably heard stories of the rickety old lizard, flying into trees and trying to burn down rocks. It was the easy way out.