PREVIEW: Isabell and the Dragon

They lit their torches in the dying embers of the fire, descended the broken rocks and entered the cave. "If we keep the light from the opening directly behind us we won't get lost," Isabell whispered. They slowly continued deeper into the cave as the cave traveled nearly straight with a slowly rising grade. The opening behind them a tiny spot of light.
"COME NO FARTHER!"
"Did you hear that Izzy?"
"Yes."
"COME NO FARTHER!"
"Please, who are you?" Isabell asked.
"I am hideous to behold, look not upon me."
"Please sir, can we help, we have healing skills." What they heard next seemed like laughter.
"You may approach, be warned I am hideous."
"Is that your name?" Gloria asked, her voice just a whisper. As they approached the dragon became visible in the torch light.
"You are beautiful!" Isabell gasped. Again the sound of apparent laughter.
"Can you fly?" Gloria said in awe.
"No little one. My wing is broken. I will die soon."
"From a broken wing?" Isabell asked.
"I have not eaten in almost a year."
"Please...PLEASE don't eat us!" Gloria pleaded.
***

When Isabell's uncle expects her to wear a yellow cape and work the darker side of a tavern, Isabell runs away from home, and is found and captured by bandits. When a passing knight happens upon them and ends up fighting the bandits, Isabell takes action and in the battle unintentionally knocks out the knight.

The knight has no idea what is in store for him when he wakes and agrees to take her with him....