Mella knows that true dragons—huge dangerous beasts that breathe fire—only exist in legend. Common dragons, the small domestic creatures kept in the yard as providers of the prized eggs that Mella’s mother whips into her famous breakfast dish, aren’t perilous or intimidating. So when a stranger arrives at the Inn and claims to be a Knight of the Order of Defenders in search of a rogue dragon of the ancient variety, Mella is skeptical. She’s converted into a believer after encountering a massive dragon in the forest, and she promises the dying beast to deliver its precious egg to the secret Hatching Grounds. Accompanied by Roger, a squire hiding some mysteries of his own, Mella sets off on a thrilling and treacherous quest to fulfill her vow. This fresh fantasy stars a smart and independent heroine who bravely takes on a momentous responsibility in order to honor her promise. (Ages 8–11)

It is a rare talent, and only she can care for the Inn's herd. She feeds them, gathers their eggs, and tends to their injuries. But Mella dreams about the dragons of legend, even though hardly anyone believes they still exist. Dragons are small farm animals, not huge fire-breathing monsters. Everyone knows that.

Until one day changes everything.

A Knight of the Order of Defenders arrives at the Inn. Signs of the mythical dragons have led him there, he says. Then a simple errand takes Mella through the forest, where she stumbles across a dragon's egg—and faces the true, terrifying dragon guarding it. On the spot, Mella vows to get the egg safely to the fabled Hatching Grounds. She must leave her home for the first time, and she finds an unlikely companion in the Defender's squire, Roger.

For Mella and Roger, this one day is the beginning of an adventure. Where will it take them?