In Deep Dark Wood Read Online Free PDF Page B

skin lay open, a mottled purple-red bruise staining the skin around it.
    ‘Hold him still, child, while I see what’s what. A dragon with an injured wing is not much use for anything.’
    As if understanding her, tears welled up in the dragon’s green eyes.
    ‘Let me see if I can close this wound and ease the damage.’
    The old woman produced two phials of foul-smelling liquid. The first, which was a nasty, dirty brown colour, seemed to be almost like glue and it stuck the edges of the wound together; the other she spread over the general bruising. Then she stroked his tail with her fingers, running them along the bone.
    ‘It’s a simple break and should heal of its own accord. Good dragon, Trig, good dragon! Now you must get some rest!’
    Mia watched as Bella sat down in her old rocking chair.
    ‘Pass me the dragon, Mia. I will mind him for tonight as he’s not well enough to rejoin the rest of them.’
    The dragon seemed drowsy and did not object as Mia lowered him onto the old woman’s lap.
    ‘There, Mia, child! We’ll be fine, now. You run along home or that old grandmother of yours will be giving out about me again!’
    Mia was reluctant to go. She watched as the old woman closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, the chair gently rocking Bella and the dragon backwards and forwards in a slow,gentle rhythm.

Chapter 6
Trig
    M ia went through the gap in the hedge almost every day, checking on the progress of the injured dragon. She still blamed herself for Trig’s accident.
    ‘He’s not like the others,’ said Bella. ‘He’s not as big or quick or bright. I suppose he’s the weakling of the bunch. There always seems to be one, no matter how hard you try to care for them and teach them.’
    The old woman herself looked tired. Her face at times had a greyish pallor, and the veins across her brow became a livid purple colour. She looked old and frail, and Mia did her best to help as much as she could, running to the village for groceries, cleaning up the house and caring for the young dragons. She wondered why Bella didn’t just use her powers to conjure up some helpers and make things a lot easier for herself.
    ‘I am old, child, and will not waste my magic powers on silly tricks and showing off,’ said Bella, reading her mind.
    The best thing about going next door was having time to be with the dragons, especially Trig. He was her favourite now. The small, blue-green dragon moved around slowly and stiffly, obviously still in pain, and would look up from where he was sitting, hoping that she would stop to pat him and talk to him, cocking his head to one side, listening to her.
    ‘He won’t eat a thing!’ complained Bella. ‘He’s gone right off his food.’
    Mia didn’t blame him – the pinkish raw meat that Bella cut into thin strips and served to the dragons looked and smelled absolutely disgusting. She didn’t dare ask Bella what kind of meat it was.
    ‘Blues are always finicky eaters. Give me greens or blacks any day. I don’t know what’s to become of him, he’s not getting any stronger. A sick dragon is a sorrowful thing to behold, Mia, that is why I worry about this one so much.’
    Trig did look miserable. He was certainly not as big or strong or clever as the other dragons, but Mia knew he was bright enough to follow Bella’s every move, and to notice everything she herself did when she called to the house.
    ‘He needs so much attention and care,’ sighed the old woman,’ and I’m old and tired. It’s just too much when all the others need looking after too. It’s not fair on them.’
    Mia didn’t know what to say.
    ‘Blues were always difficult to raise, I suppose that’s why they were considered precious and rare if they survived.’
    ‘He will survive, Mrs Blackwell. Trig will survive! Won’t he?’
    Bella turned her head away, refusing to answer. Mia was upset and wondered if the small, blue dragon had understood everything they’d said. Judging by the reproachful