[SleepingDragon]: 268.Staff of Ulrich

“Forty gold to he who returns from the cavern with the Staff of Ulrich!” announced the gentleman in green livery. He was wearing a badge that proclaimed him one of the royal guard. “And a seat of honor for tomorrow’s chariot races!”

It was music to my ears. Life as a mercenary was neither easy nor romantic, as some would claim it was. Money was scarce and it had been five days since I had a decent meal or a pallet to sleep on. This contest could see me in the finest inns for a fortnight or more, easily. I just had to win.

“Many dangers await within the confines of the caves.” The guard went on. “A band of goblins has been set loose, among other things. To top it off, a small dragon guards the staff. Contestants will need to be cunning and swift to retrieve the staff and bring it hence.”

“Forty pence says you will need a clothespin for your nose, going in that hole!” Piped up a drunkard who stood nearby. “Bah! Goblins!”

Goblins were the least of my worry. I was going to need a real plan to get past that dragon.