SOLVED. 1980s 1990s YA fantasy book about boy saving dragon with gimp wing who later fights in arena [s]

[Hyperion]

I read a series of young adult fantasy books about dragons in early 00's. Series could have been from 80s or 90s-no idea how old they were.

A boy is growing up in a society that raises dragons to fight in arena. Boy saves dragonling with a gimp wing from being killed. He raises and cares for dragon in secret. When dragon is older, boy takes it to arena to prove himself.

Skipping ahead I think to another book in the series, the boy, his dragon, and a girl are on the run for some reason and are hiding out in a cave when they are discovered and attacked. Dragon is killed and kids are covered in dragon's blood which allows them, if I remember right, to speak telepathically with dragons.

Thank you in advance!

[Victoria]

Jane Yolen Dragon's Blood! (and sequels)

Isn't that a memorable story?? I don't reread it very often, but I read it when I was a teenager & it has really stayed with me.

[Hyperion]

Thank you so much, that's it! I couldn't figure it out for the longest time.