DNN2

  "Hello, everyone, and welcome to DNN's coverage of the 1454 season of the Imperial Council of Dragon Aerosports Premiere League of Dragon Racing – what we call the Imperial League for short. I'm Sam Tinbru and for the next hour I'll be guiding you through what to expect from this year's racing action. We'll introduce you to all of this year's riders, veterans and rookies alike, cover all the teams, take you through the race calendar and much more besides. With me for all of that will be a very special guest, two-time Imperial League champion Therese Ikaha. Terry, it's great to see you again."

  "Great to be here, Sam."

  "How's retirement treating you? You've been away from the sport for just a couple of months now, resting up well?"

  "Ahah, it's been nice to spend the festive season not pinching my waistline, as we say in Norda."

  "Good, well deserved. Terry and her dragon, Lett, retired at the end of last year after placing third overall in a tough title battle. And Terry, it all looks set for an even closer scrap this year, doesn't it?"

  "Fascinating times, Sam. A lot of changes, some racers moving teams, some new blood. I'm excited."

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  "Not regretting leaving when you did?"

  "Well, let's say I was a little bit pleased that you invited me to do this show, aheh. But no, Lett and I need a rest and to change the pace, I think."

  "Well let's start with the biggest of those changes, then. Last year's champion, Feran Andoal, takes your old perch at Temisia, moving over from Lautern. The defending champion rider joins the defending champion team, it's not often we get to see that in the IL. You know Feran well, of course, how do you think he'll fit in with your old crew?"

  "Feran's a fine rider and very professional, I think he'll do just fine. The team's very happy to have him joining them, I couldn't ask for a better successor."

  "Feran's dragon Corredeira is very different to Lett – he's a silver and nimble, and he has a bit of a reputation for being standoffish. Do you think the Temisia crew will take a little while to adapt? I always felt like Temisia has that everyone's-part-of-the-family atmosphere."

  "Heh, Corry is… like a hedgehog, he shows his spikes when it's noisy and there's lots of attention, but his heart is sweet. And he's a friend to every dragon. Lett used to give Renner a hard time because he's awkward on the ground, I think Corry will be a good team player."

  "Yes, Renner, of course, is Gerald Ipemas' dragon, your old teammate, now paired with Andoal. He's a respectable competitor and very seasoned now, but he must be under a lot of pressure."

  "Gerald is used to supporting champions, he'll do what he does."

  "What does a good result look like for Ipemas this year, do you think? When you took the title in '52, he was third with two wins to his name, but last year he could only manage sixth."

  "Well, it's a busy field, you know? Obviously I want to see Gerald do well, but anyone who scores points this year is doing well, it's so competitive."

  Thursday: DNN2 - supplement (435 words)

  Friday: Adelie - major update (687 words)

  Saturday: DNN2 - supplement (352 words)

  Sunday: Adelie - major update (1823 words)

  articles from a sports website covering dragon racing, if you want a broader perspective on the lore, the world and the sport.

  First race: Buildup starts June 2nd, race day June 9th

  Second race: Buildup starts June 10th, race day June 16th

  Third race: Buildup starts June 17th, race day June 23rd

  Fourth race: Buildup starts June 26th, race day July 7th

  Fifth race: Buildup starts July 8th, race day July 20th

  Sixth race: Buildup starts July 22nd, race day 4th August

  Seventh race: Buildup starts 5th August, race day 12th August

  Eighth race: Buildup starts 13th August, race day 18th August

  Ninth race: Buildup starts 19th August, race day 25th August

  Tenth race: Buildup starts 26th August, race day 1st September

  Mid-season break: 4th-8th September

  Eleventh race: Buildup starts 9th September, race day 15th September

  Twelfth race: Buildup starts 16th September, race day 22nd September

  Thirteenth race: Buildup starts 23rd September, race day 6th October

  Fourteenth race: Buildup starts 7th October, race day 13th October

  Fifteenth race: Buildup starts 14th October, race day 20th October

  Sixteenth race: Buildup starts 23rd October, race day 27th October

  Seventeenth race: Buildup starts 30th October, race day 10th November

  Final race: Buildup starts 11th November, race day tbd (likely 1st week in December)