George and the Dragon

George decides to leave the Crusades because he wants to pursue a peaceful life. After years of fighting, he dreams of returning home to England and starting a smallholding farm. He tells his friend Tarik that he's done with warfare and just wants to live a quiet life on his own land.

El Cabillo is a legendary mercenary in Spain known for his deadly skill. Tarik travels to Spain specifically to find him, either to hire his services or challenge him. During the duel, El Cabillo cheats and defeats Tarik, leaving him for dead. However, Tarik later defeats the original El Cabillo and takes on the name himself.

The film sets up Tarik's quest early in the story, making his later appearance in England significant.

Although the dragon Adelaide initially carries Luna away, Luna discovers that Adelaide is injured and dying. Rather than escape, she chooses to protect Adelaide and her egg from Picts who attack the cave. Luna names the egg Smite and develops a protective bond with the creatures, understanding they mean no harm.

Lord Garth is obsessively in love with Luna and cannot accept her refusal. When she tells him she won't marry him, Garth decides to take her by force. He also plans to launch a coup against King Edgar to seize power. Garth was chosen as Edgar's successor for his strength, but Luna only agreed to the betrothal because she was told to, not out of genuine feeling.

Elmendorf earlier explains to George that Luna was pressured into the betrothal, setting up the conflict.

After being defeated and left for dead by the original El Cabillo in Spain, Tarik recovers and challenges the mercenary leader directly. He defeats the original El Cabillo and takes on the title and reputation for himself. When he arrives in England, he uses the name El Cabillo to command his mercenary band.

Luna rides off in fury because George is hailed as a hero and saint for apparently slaying the dragon Adelaide. However, George actually saved Adelaide by removing the lance from her side, not killing her. The kingdom celebrates what they believe is a heroic dragon slaying, but Luna is upset because the dragons' survival and George's true heroic act remain misunderstood.

Garth is defeated in battle with George near a lake. When Garth offers George a chance to rule with him, George refuses. During their fight in the shallows, the adult dragon Adelaide emerges and devours Garth, ending his threat permanently. This satisfies the film's happy ending by removing the villain.

George discovers Adelaide is still alive when he sees the broken lance protruding from her hide inside the ruined keep. Rather than kill her, he pulls out the lance to save her life. This act proves his father's stories about fighting dragons were true, while also showing George's compassion. Later, Luna realizes George saved Adelaide, which helps repair their relationship.

Sir Robert earlier gave George the dragon horn and told stories of his dragon battle, establishing the lance connection.

The egg that Luna protects hatches during the chaotic battle at the abandoned castle. The baby dragon that emerges is named Smite, continuing Luna's bond with the dragons. After the hatching, Wryn blows the dragon horn which awakens the adult dragon Adelaide, turning the tide of battle.

Luna insisted the group take the egg with them from the cave, foreshadowing its importance.

George throws the dragon horn into the lake to ensure the dragons' survival remains a secret. The horn can awaken dragons, and keeping it out of circulation protects Adelaide and Smite from hunters and anyone who might use the horn against them. This act symbolizes George's commitment to protecting the dragons and keeping their existence hidden.

Elmendorf, the aging guardian of the King's household, sacrifices himself to save Luna during the final battle. Before dying, he appoints young Wryn as his successor, recognizing the boy's bravery throughout the adventure. Wryn had been secretly following George since the beginning and proved himself worthy of the role.

At the film's end, George and Luna decide to investigate rumors of a unicorn near Glastonbury. This suggests they will continue adventuring together, with their relationship now stronger after understanding each other's commitment to protecting the dragons. The unicorn quest sets up a potential sequel or at least indicates their partnership in both romance and heroic endeavors.