Orphaned by nine and living on the streets without a name, a boy finds himself drawn to Star, an immense emerald-green dragon. Despite being barred from the one place he longs to work, fortune smiles upon him when he is accepted as a barn boy at the elite Dragon Compound. Nicknamed Straw, he faces both acceptance and hostility as he navigates his new life, filled with meals, work, and the challenges of belonging. His bond with Star deepens when he discovers the dragon pays special attention to him, leading to newfound responsibilities. Star reveals ancient dragon lore and offers to train Straw as a warrior, unveiling his heritage as a descendant of dragon keepers. As years pass, Straw secretly undergoes knightly training under Star’s guidance. When an army threatens the Dragon Compound, demanding a battle between Star and their warrior king, disaster looms. The gentle dragon risks abandoning the kingdom if provoked. With the knights failing to protect Star, Straw, still young and inexperienced, confronts the king in the stables, surprising everyone by defeating the seasoned warrior. However, his training with Star is discovered, leading to accusations of inciting battle and resulting in his disgrace and banishment from the Compound. Before leaving, Straw receives a horse, sword, armor, and a name, setting him on the path to becoming a wandering knight.
Donald Samson Books
