2. The wand really helps and allows you to get the dragon quickly. Use the Recharge Item scroll, the few additional charges will help you further. If you haven't visited the magic shop so far then you can always get the scroll from the shop using "aggresive reloading" method. Save the game before you enter the shop for the first time and then reload until the shop will offer the scroll. It is granted that you will be successful in the end, patience. IIRC, it is enough to check "special items" because the scroll is an expert one and it cannot be offered among "normal items" in this shop. If you have already entered the shop then there is one sure wand in the caverns with the tile and the bow (I cannot remember the name, sorry). The wand is low level but it is a wand.

3. At any rate, use the Day of the Gods pedestal. Also use the Fire Resistance well and the Fire Resistance pedestal.

4. I am doing the following when I am killing the dragon: (a) Have the Wizard Eye and the Detect Life spells. (b) Wait near the entrance to the cave until the dragon finishes the rats and moves to the "pocket". (c) Repeat: (d) Save the game. (e) Run directly forward and fire 2 arrows (or one arrow and the wand) as quickly as possible during the run, run a bit more, turn back, run back to the entrance and fire next 2 arrows during the run as quickly as possible. Do not try to do more! If you are experienced then you can fire 6 arrows during "one round" but only if you are experienced! The dragon is approaching, its firing position is improving and your chance to die is increasing! (f) Wait until the dragon returns to the "pocket". (g) Until dragon == dead. With the Malwick's wand, it won't last too long. The wand does 25 - 30 HP damage per fire. Each arrow adds 3 - 7 HP damage. The dragon has 1300 HP.