A mysterious rider appears in a forest and encounters a humanoid monster attempting to slay him. He defeats the monster and discovers a mystical cabin in the woods. Inside, an old woman listens to his tale, allows him to rest, feeds him, and then gives him a sword to aid in his quest. We learn the rider is a knight, obliged to kill any magical being preying on humanity, seeking vengeance for the slaying of his family by such a being.
Continuing his journey, the rider reaches a keep after spending a night at a farm, where he is kindly received. It's revealed that he was once a farmer himself. At the keep, plagued by a night dragon, he stays overnight, awaiting an audience with the local lord. He demonstrates magical tricks to the keep's soldiers, hinting at his extraordinary nature. Learning that the soldiers are preparing to attack the dragon, he dissuades them, warning of their likely demise.
In the morning, hearing of the lord's plan to muster an army against the dragon, the rider demands and is granted an immediate audience. He reveals his mission, sent by a powerful Baron to slay the dragon, and is given authority over the assembling soldiers. The rider then separates those recently married, with children, or too fearful of death. From the remaining men, he selects five, instructs them to carry minimal gear and large sacks.
Ascending the mountain, they proceed on foot with only weapons, water, and sacks. He warns one warrior, met earlier in the mess hall, against attacking the dragon, predicting his death. At the dragon's cave, the rider offers the soldier a potion for a better chance of defeating the dragon.
Inside, they find the dragon sleeping. The potion affects the soldier, causing him to slur, laugh, and sing. The rider magically disappears as the soldier startles the dragon, who quickly devours him. The dragon, sensing the rider's magic, confronts him. The rider, revealing himself, offers the dragon a riddle about defeating a mighty creature like itself. The dragon, initially scoffing, soon becomes lethargic and slurs its words, unable to breathe fire at the rider.
The rider explains the riddle: the potion meant to bring merriment in small doses was consumed entirely by the soldier, enough to affect the dragon. By eating the soldier, the dragon ingested the potion, weakening its ability to breathe fire. The rider exploits this, stabbing the dragon's vulnerable throat until it dies.
Exiting the cave with the dead soldier's helmet, he signals the remaining soldiers. They collect treasure and the dragon's head, returning to the keep amidst cheers. The rider fills the dead soldier's helmet with gold for his kin, takes a portion of the treasure, and departs without seeking further recognition.
Lastly, he visits the farm where he had stayed, leaves most of the treasure, and rides off with only a few handfuls.
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