When a column of smoke rising from Hay Hill reveals the presence of a dragon the primitive community is thrown into fear and confusion as individuals respond with skepticism panic or curiosity while the spirited girl Thia seeks to uncover the truth and the timid boy Thol struggles with his fear and desire to prove himself and the story unfolds not merely as a tale of confronting a monster but as a witty and satirical exploration of courage perception and the nature of bravery within a community.