They reached the cave entrance around noon. Gaylen, his bratty daughter, and his fattest cow.

"Ahem," said Gaylen.

"There's no gold-smith up here Daddy, wheres my god-damn ring?" said the brat.

"Hush up Freda! This is important, you'll have all the gold you need if this deal goes through." In the after life, but he left that part unsaid.

"Ah-he-he-hem!" coughed Gaylen.

"Enter," drifted a voice from the darkness of the cave.

Gaylen, his daughter and his cow entered the cave. Al feel silent as the Dragon laid lazy eyes upon them.

"Speak your purpose, rancher." The dragons voice was cold and ageless and slippery.

"I, ah, I come offer a sacrifice, uh, great, uh, dragon lord, in place of my herd."

"I see. And what would you offer me?"

"Go on, Freda, step forward with the cow."

Freda did as she was bade. "We offer you this cow, great dragon lord," Freda's voice was small, nearly lost in the vastness of that dark cave.

"And the girl too," chimed Gaylen.

"Girl? What Girl?" said Freda.

"She is still a virgin, and would make you a fine wife, or...eh, a tasty snack. Nothing better to wash down a cow than a nice bit of virgin. They are are a rarity in these parts I assure you."

"Is this true, woman, are you maiden?"

"What," Freda, almost laughed. "Don't be silly, I'm 25."

"Freda? What do you mean?" Her father was crestfallen. His little girl all grown up, he was hurt, confused, almost proud.

"I've been banging Mr Hamonson, for nearly five years now."

"That bastard!"

"Are you quite finished?" The dragon raised his head a little.

"Yes, your dargoness." Gaylen's attention returned to the dragon.

"Well, I have been lonely, I will take her as my wife."

"But, but, but, your a dragon, how would that even work?"

"Hush now, Freda don't talk to your husband that way, I'm sure you two can figure out the... logistics of the matter. Well, enjoy your cow, and the beef too!"

Gaylen left the cave in a hurry. On his way down the mountain he heard the romantic melody of Barry White's love machine, echoing from the darkness of the cave and shuddered.