look for the tree that bore the Golden Apples. Presently he met a beautiful young girl who asked him what he was doing in the dragon’s garden.
“I’m looking for the Golden Apples,” he told her. “I want some of them for my sick mother. Do you know where they are?”
“I do indeed know where they are,” the girl said, “for it is my duty to guard them. If I were to give you one the wicked dragon would tear me to pieces. I am a royal princess but I am in the dragon’s power and must do as he says. Dear youth, take my advice and escape while you can. If the dragon sees you he will kill you as he would a fly.”
But Vitazko was not to be dissuaded from his quest.
“Nay, sweet princess, I must get the apples.”
“Well, then,” she said, “I will help you all I can. Here is a precious ring. Put it on a finger of your left hand. When you are sore pressed, think of me and twist the ring and you will have the strength of a hundred men. To conquer this horrible monster you will need the strength of more than a hundred.”
Vitazko put on the ring, thanked the princess, and marched boldly on. In the center of the garden he found the tree that bore the Golden Apples. Under it lay the dragon himself.
