The Dragons - Chapter 2 Bill trains the dragons

The next morning, when Bill and the dragons woke up from the camp, Bill thought now was a good opportunity to start their training session. He gathered them in a line to ask them to stand in height order starting from Fuzzball to Spikey. He wanted to see who could be the strongest to join him in outwitting his opponent. Bill asked them with a caring smile, “What sort of special skills do you have?”

 

Each of them gave a different answer.

 

“We can make fire come out of our mouths,” said Fuzzball.

 

Alice said with excitement, “We are strong enough to lift up heavy things, including wood using our wings.”

 

“We have super speed!” said Charlotte with a smile.

 

“We can fly too! But you know that already…” said Alicia hiding her face.

 

Bill turned to face Spikey. “And what sort of skill might you have?”

 

Spikey replied, “None, that’s it.”  

 

Bill looked at the group feeling surprised.

 

“Wow! I never knew you were capable of doing so many things. I would like to train you to see who can be the strongest to use a unique skill that would help me gain victory in the battle and I must warn you that there will be challenges. Are you up for the challenge dragons?”

 

The dragons roared, “Yes we are!”

 

Bill first began training them by trying to see whether the dragons were capable of
lifting the very heavy dumbbells. Bill started off with Fuzzball who tried to lift up the weight but struggled. After finishing with all the other dragons, Spikey was next. To their surprise, he could easily lift the dumbbells using his strong arms. Bill made it more difficult by setting a big ring on fire, asking, “I’ve seen people who have crossed the ring of fire in circus shows. Can you fly through it?”

 

The dragons felt nervous, apart from Spikey who was ready.

 

Spikey flew without a thought through the ring of fire. This scared the others who did not know he would do these challenges without hesitation. Fuzzball was curious.

 

“Son, that’s amazing! Why did you keep it a secret?”

 

Spikey replied, “Thank you, Dad. I didn’t want to tell you because I thought it wasn’t normal. It just felt weird.”

 

Everyone said, “Not at all Spikey! This is great, give yourself credit,” and Bill gave
him a hug.

 

Spikey was happy that he had made a start in impressing them. He wanted Bill to feel welcome and told him that the dragons were there on his side like good friends should be.

              

The third activity was difficult. The dragons had to fly underneath the rings of fire. As far as they were concerned, as this was their first time, they were scared to
do it. Bill and the other dragons were looking at Spikey’s confident face which made them more frightened. Bill thought it would be a good idea if Spikey could demonstrate first and guide the others. Spikey readily agreed, did the task and told the others it was easy if they did the same. After hearing Spikey, it filled them with a bit of hope. They quickly went from one rock to the other underneath the ring of fire without giving any second thoughts which made them happy and they
thanked Spikey.

 

They were very excited to do these new tricks. Bill was joyful that he had picked the right candidate to encourage them. He felt Spikey should explain the other new tasks. Bill started setting new challenges and Spikey trained the dragons to do them. It continued like that till afternoon when everyone was tired.

 

Bill was grateful to Spikey for all his help. The dragons said, “Thanks a lot Spikey. If it weren’t for you then we would never be able to do what we were meant to. Can you please tell us the secret now as to how you can do all these tasks easily?”

 

Spikey replied, “There’s no need to mention the fact that I assisted you. I’m a family member. I will not reveal my secret yet.”

 

Bill said, “Guys, I think he deserves to be your coach after what I witnessed today. I’ll be the observer.”

 

The dragons cheered for Spikey.