Dragon Rider

Zubeida leads the group to a place called the tomb of the dragon rider. Inside, they meet the professor’s wife, Vita Greenbloom. Zubeida explains all that she has learned: Long ago, dragons visited this village on full moon nights to swim in the sea. Three hundred years ago, a village boy rushed out to swim with them. The dragons welcomed him, and one allowed him to climb on his back. The boy then flew away with the dragons. He visited the village often and grew into a man they called the dragon rider. When he was very old, he finally returned to stay. But as soon as he did, he grew very ill. A dragon visited on a moonless night and breathed blue fire over the dragon rider’s hut, healing the dragon rider.

When he died years later, the villagers built a tomb to honor him, and again, a dragon visited and breathed blue fire over the walls. It is said that those who are ill can be healed by touching them. Firedrake confirms that dragon fire can heal.

Two ravens approach. Sorrel prepares to throw stones at them. Twigleg suggests that Firedrake should breathe fire on them first.