Despite the dragon’s size and apparent invincibility Redcrosse wounded the beast who retaliated with a furious torrent of flame that sent the knight tumbling down a deep, dark well.
But luck was with Redcrosse. For this was no ordinary well, but the Well of Life. As he lay in its magical waters his wounds healed and he emerged ready to fight again. He struck a blow that opened a deep gash in the beast’s head, provoking such a rage that the dragon’s fire and smoke caused the land to fall into darkness.
Redcrosse fell, burned and bloodied, at the foot of a tree laden with enchanted apples that restored his strength once more. He rose the next morning fully renewed, and as the monster attacked it opened its fierce jaws to emit a terrible roar, allowing Redcrosse to thrust his lance deep into the dragon’s mouth and pierce its skull.
With a deafening crash the dragon fell, its final breath vanishing into the air. Redcrosse stood exhausted but triumphant, with Una’s tearful thanks and prayers filling his ears.