In those days, dragons still roamed throughout the country and so it happened that a dragon came to the kingdom of the rich and brave king. The dragon was fierce. He had a green, scaly skin and breathed fire through his nostrils. As he approached the city where the king had his palace, he destroyed trees and buildings with his fiery breath.

At last, the cruel dragon stood before the city gates. The people were frightened and hurried into their houses, but the king was not afraid. He came to the gates of the city and spoke to the dragon.

"What are you doing in my kingdom?" he asked. "What do you want?"

"Send one of your young maidens to me by midday tomorrow or I'll destroy you and your city," roared the dragon.

"No," said the king. "If you want someone, then take me, not one of my people."

"Send one of your maidens, "shouted the dragon again, "or all your people will suffer!"

The king returned to his council chambers and called for his ministers. "What are we to do?" he asked them. "I cannot send any of our young maidens to face the dragon."

"But you must, your majesty," replied the Chief Minister. " We must do this for the safety of all the people. I will put the names of all the young girls in a basket and we will draw one out."

So the names were put in a basket. One name was drawn and taken to the king. When the king unfolded the piece of paper, his face went white. For the first time he truly felt afraid.

"What's the matter, your Majesty?" asked the Chief Minister.

"It's my own daughter who must face the dragon" answered the king sadly and the ladies and men of the court began to weep. The Princess who was standing close by stepped forward. Following her father's brave example, she spoke to the members of the court.

"Don't cry everyone, " she said. "If my life will save our city, I will give it gladly."

The next day, the young Princess was taken from the city and left alone to wait for the dragon. In the distance she could see the dust rising as the dragon made his way to where she stood. She could feel the heat from his fiery breath and her heart began to pound.

Just at that moment, there was another sound. The Princess turned round to see a knight riding towards her on a white horse. In one hand he carried a shield. On his shield was a red cross on a white background. In the other hand he carried a lance. The Princess shouted to warn him of the dragon's approach.

When the dragon saw the knight, he roared angrily. "Who are you? How dare you interfere with my plan."

"My name is George," replied the knight. "Now be off with you and leave these people alone or I shall have to kill you." The dragon stood his ground and prepared to fight. The fire from his nostrils shot out towards George while the terrified Princess watched in horror.

"You don't frighten me," shouted George as he dashed towards the dragon with his lance. The two fought, twisting this way and that, until finally George thrust his lance into the dragon's body. With a mighty gasp, the dragon rolled over and lay dead at the knight's feet.

The Princess ran to George. "Thank you brave knight", she gasped. "My father is the king and he will reward you handsomely for your brave deeds today."

"I have no need of a fine reward, fair Princess," replied George. "Your kind smile and the safety of your city is reward enough." George lifted the Princess onto his horse and carried her safely back to her father.

The story of St. George is a legend. This means we are not sure if it really happened.