Study Guide

Midwinterblood Part 4, Chapter 3

By Marcus Sedgwick

Part 4, Chapter 3

Finally Merle sees the dragons—fields of them.
Bridget tells Merle that they should cut as many as they can carry; the flowers won't be in season much longer, and they can dry some for later.
Merle asks if the flowers are poisonous and Bridget tells her that they are, in a way.
After an hour, mother and daughter have cut enough flowers and they start to walk back to the eastern half of the island by a different route.
Merle sees a building that looks a bit like a church in the distance and she wants to know who lives there.
Bridget tells her to stay away because that's the home of a dragon who eats little girls for lunch. Watch out, Merle.
That night, before bed, Merle asks more about the dragon who lives in the house.
Bridget explains that actually an old man lives there. He used to be a very famous and rich painter, but not anymore; in fact, he hasn't painted anything in years.
In any case, he's not friendly and Bridget doesn't want Merle hanging around there. Got it, young lady?
Of course. But, one little look wouldn't hurt, would it?