Dragons of the Clockwork City

Dani isn't the heroine of her own story. Her body is too weak to stand her ground or land a punch. Instead, she weaves tales at the tavern, hoping some kind soul will toss a coin her way. Until her abusive father sells her to the enigmatic Lady Alabaster.

Soon, she becomes entangled in a web of mysteries at the neglected estate where she must teach another lowly the art of storytelling, aid a starving dragon, and prepare for the dragonrider tests. Becoming a rider could be her chance to become the main character. She could shape an entire generation of dragons with her stories and change Londinium forever. Her stories have power. But not everyone will share power. The Geared City will riot.

***

"Are you brave or stupid?" The rider waved toward my crutches. "Looks like you really need those. You're not faking. But you still came to test, to join my dragonriders. So either you're brave enough to overcome, or you're stupid. Which is it?"

"Probably stupid," I said quietly.

She nodded. "But honest. Good. Come here." She brought me into a recess. There was a little nest of straw there, and inside was a tiny dragon, not even the size of a rat.

"She's so small!"

"Dragons need stories to grow. So tell one. Let her eat."

I felt a grin sprout on my face. "I can do that." I paused a moment. What kind of story would a dragon like? "Hello, little dragon. I'm Dani. I—"

"All right. Out. We ain't got time for this."

"Wait! Let me try." I looked into the dragon's eyes. "I've got a story for you."