They stretched their wings and lashed out with their long, pointed tails. The rays of the sun warmed them, and the dragons’ skin sparkled like precious jewels in the light. They whined and yelped and made chirping noises, enjoying their freedom. Bella stroked and scratched them, her eyes filled with a strange excitement. Mia followed behind her. ‘Now, listen! Listen well,’ said Bella sternly. ‘There are important lessons to be learned today!’ Mia was unsure whether Bella was talking to her or to the dragons, though they all quietened down immediately.Bella moved among them, slowly inspecting their wings and muscle tone and strength.‘As you already know, Mia, dragon wings are highly sensitive, and are all too easily injured or torn, taking weeks to heal. That is why it is important for a good dragon keeper to check her dragon before letting it fly. The loss of even one dragon is too much!’ Mia nodded in agreement.‘Also, that is why it is so important for the young dragons to learn to take off and land and swerve safely, without injuring themselves.’The old woman called the first dragon forward.
