The Dragon Chronicles, Part 4

This week, I find myself extraordinarily busy pursuing quests and fighting dragons. I've encountered some bigger dragons than usual and, as a result, I am having less than the usual amount of success in conquering them. Therefore, naturally, I find myself revisiting the means by which I choose to measure my success at questing. Such difficult times tend to make this "cup-half-full" warrior-knight do that.

I believe that to measure the final success of a quest by too high of a standard is to invite frustration, despondancy and resignation. To measure by too low of a standard is to invite mediocrity, complacency and indifference. Somewhere between those extremes is a place where success is measured by direction, determination and forward progress. All with an eye towards the supra-natural, of course.

"Success" has, I believe, many elements to it, as far as questing is concerned. The very act of donning armor and taking up sword and shield is in and of itself a measure of success. Pledging honor and honoring the pledge is, after all, the very essence of being a knight. Sallying forth on the journey with no complete understanding of the nature and scope of the path (or of the outcome!) is also a measure of success. Valor and uncompromising bravery are very knightly virtues. Continuing to confront and wrestle the various challenges of the quest, even though the journey seems endless and the requirements impossible, also qualifies. Perseverance and determination are intrinsically knight-worthy. Being willing to deviate from the path in order to protect and serve those who are weaker counts, so long as the warrior remains true to the quest and resumes the journey at the earliest possible opportunity. Unselfishness and chivalry are knightly qualities held in high esteem by all.

Ah, but herein lies the true essence of success. It isn't just in the accomplishing of the end goal of the quest, it is in the nature of the questing and the nature of the questor as well. After all, to slay the dragon at the cost of the damsel in distress, the townsfolk, the kingdom, and one's own virtue is hardly a victory at all. The knight who fails at the quest, yet returns to fight another day stronger, wiser, and more mature is better for it. And the knight who ultimately surrenders his life in battle with the dragon is certainly no less a knight than the one who stands victorious beside the slain beast, triumphant and exultant.

I think, therefore, it is safe to say that true success lies in the soul of the valiant warrior-knight, not in the outward circumstances. Outward accomplishment is nothing if not accompanied by a virtuous and upright heart. Therefore, I determine to daily take up armor, sword, shield and the heart and soul of a true warrior-knight, all dragons be damned!....