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"We bring loads up and down that shaft It’s counterweighted toSo these caverns?"

"No one knoho first dug theons I’eways for us A few of them are still here, they live on the seashore on the other side of the island and fish Not many left now"

He led AuRon into a labyrinth of caves Alcoves and passageways sons They passed the ar He glanced at the dragon’s forelegs It wasn’t his brother

"This’ll do," Varl said "This one has so in It gets thick down here, even forabout food?"

Varl lifted a wooden stick fro just before we passed Shieldwall, that copper you sniffed at, they’ll duhteen pairs of wings out south You’re in the fighting stock stalls for now, and you’ll learn they live for their stomachs" He lit the thin splinter of wood and touched it to a dip beside AuRon’s alcove

The s fat awakened AuRon’s appetite "What’ll happen at these trials?" AuRon asked, getting his ons The Wyron has Who can fly with the heaviest burden, who is the fastest on the wing The best get their choice of females"

"And the worst?"

Varl’s beard changed shape, so AuRon guessed he was s stock Just do your best--the reward’s worth it"

AuRon had never ions could be so cooperative When the round or the sed and joined AuRon in sniffing over the joints AuRon guessed they were a few years younger than he He tried to speak using his e or confused e had done what nature couldn’t: put dragons together without fighting Whatever else ons

"Mutton again I want cattle," one said

"Cattle for the fighting dragons You still learn flight, Sharpclaw I trade you your ore-luold"

"Done Urrrrr! Sore fro today"

"As I, Hawkhit"

"You flew quick at trials, Hawkhit," the third said "They let you fly free-ear, I say"

"What does free-ear mean?" AuRon asked "No man on your back?"

"New one not know free-ear," Sharpclaw said "You learn soon enough They e, fly scout, I say"

"Fine with reed

"You do trial?" Hawkhit asked

"Tomorrow, I’m told," AuRon said

"Try best, then not end up in stalls, sore and sleepy With females, if you win, yes? You still want?"

"Where are they? I haven’t sonelle in years"