I have served you well , ' said he , ` and now for my reward . ' ` What I promised that will I perform , ' answered she . ` Choose one of these twelve horses ; you can have which you like . ' ` Give me , instead , that half-starved creature in the corner , ' asked the prince . ' I prefer him to all those beautiful animals . ' ` You ca n't really mean what you say ? ' replied the woman . ` Yes , I do , ' said the prince , and the old woman was forced to let him have his way . So he took leave of her , and put the halter round his horse 's neck and led him into the forest , where he rubbed him down till his skin was shining like gold . Then he mounted , and they flew straight through the air to the dragon 's palace . The empress had been looking for him night and day , and stole out to meet him , and he swung her on to his saddle , and the horse flew off again . Not long after the dragon came home , and when he found the empress was missing he said to his horse , ` What shall we do ? Shall we eat and drink , or shall we follow the runaways ? ' and the horse replied , ` Whether you eat or do n't eat , drink or do n't drink , follow them or stay at home , matters nothing now , for you can never , never catch them . ' But the dragon made no reply to the horse 's words , but sprang on his back and set off in chase of the fugitives . And when they saw him coming they were frightened , and urged the prince 's horse faster and faster , till he said , ` Fear nothing ; no harm can happen to us , ' and their hearts grew calm , for they trusted his wisdom . Soon the dragon 's horse was heard panting behind , and he cried out , ` Oh , my brother , do not go so fast ! I shall sink to the earth if I try to keep up with you . ' And the prince 's horse answered , ` Why do you serve a monster like that ? Kick him off , and let him break in pieces on the ground , and come and join us . '
And the dragon 's horse plunged and reared , and the dragon fell on a rock , which broke him XXXXX pieces .
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