His knees feeling like jello, his hands

shaking and barely able to breathe, Austin, a

young Knight, was confronting a real live

dragon.

            It was huge and bright pink with blue

scales.  Its tail swished and smoke swirled from
its nose.

            "Ho dragon!" yelled Austin in a shaky voice.  He would have to fight if he wanted to save the damsel in distress.

            The dragon, belching fire, roared, “Hi, Knight!  What can I do for you?  Cook you and eat you?"

            "No, sir dragon.  I am looking for a damsel who is reported to be in distress.  I must bring her back to the castle."

            "Hurrumph," snorted the dragon.  "I only know one damsel and that's Princess Rachael."

            "That's her.  Hand her over!"  The Knight, made a fearsome face and put his hand on his sword.

            "Ha! Ha!" laughed the dragon.  "You are truly a brave Knight.  Are you sure you want to fight me?"  With smoke coming from its nose, the dragon stuck out its tongue and scratched its ear with it.

            "If I have to!" Austin exclaimed, drawing his sword.

            "Well," belched the dragon, licking its paw, "you don't have to.  She was walking through the forest and found my pride of dragonets.  Come!" 

            They soon arrived at a cave.  Inside were two small dragons, one green and one purple, cuddling Princess Rachael.

            "I have come to take you home," said the Knight.

            "I hate to leave these wonderful babies."  The Princess caressed the purple one. “I don’t know which one I like better this one, or the green baby that matches my dress.”

            "You can come back and visit again--with your knight."  The dragon picked up her babies and placed them in their beds.  "Besides, it's time for their nap."

            Saying good-by, they started home.  The Princess Rachael took Knight Austin’s hand and laughing said,

            "Thanks for saving me from that dreadful dragon."

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