The Longwitton Dragon

In a wood near to the town of Longwitton there are three wells reputed to have healing powers. The waters were used far and wide for healing purposes.

One day a local ploughman went to the wells to collect some healing water, and to his surprise found a large dragon lapping from the wells with a long black tongue. The dragon disappeared as soon as he had seen it, but he could sense its presence by the clashing of its scales, and by the venomous breath that rolled from its mouth.

From that day the dragon haunted the wells and let no one approach. In time a young knight in search of adventure heard the tale, and rode to Longwitton intent on killing the dragon. Before he gave battle to the dragon, he anointed his eyes with a magical ointment he had received on his travels. This ointment made the invisible visible, and would aid him in his quest.

He charged into the wood full of confidence and met the dragon head on. He fought the dragon all day, and inflicted many severe wounds, but as soon as the cuts opened they seemed to close just as quickly, and the dragon regained its strength.

Eventually, exhausted by the days fighting, the knight retreated and returned to the village, a little ashamed that he had not put the dragon to rest. He steeled himself for the next day and he swore that he would finish the dragon once and for all.

On the next day the same pattern repeated itself, no matter how many blows he struck the dragon always recovered quickly, and seemed to gain strength as the day wore on. Once more the knight had to retire in exhaustion. On the third day the knight decided that he would change tactics, and use a little more brain than brawn.

This time he attacked less frequently, and carefully watched the Dragons movements, at length he noted that the dragon would not move out of range of the healing wells, and that its tail was always touching the surface of the water.

He lured the dragon from this vantage by dismounting and feigning defeat by gradually moving backwards. The dragon, sensing victory rushed forward for the kill, but the knight jumped on his horse rode past the dragon blocking its passage to the wells. The dragon was enraged and attacked with great fury, but the knight inflicted several mortal wounds and the dragon succumbed to blood loss.

The next day there was great rejoicing and the people of Longwitton buried the dragon and a great feast was held.

From that day on the wells were restored to their old glory, and their fame grew far and wide.