Draconas had provided Lysira with directions to the hidden city of Dragonkeep. She couldn’t see it, though she looked hard for it. She did see the boats of the monks drifting down the river, however— evidence of human habitation. He’d warned her against flying too low, a warning she ignored, for she had to fly low in order to investigate. The humans weren’t in any of the boats heading downstream. Draconas thought they would be traveling the other direction, and he proved to be right.

Lysira spotted the two between a gap in the trees. Their warm human bodies glowed softly in the night.

“Your humans are not very intelligent,” she reported to Draconas. “Surrounded by their foes, they are both sound asleep.”

“Are they surrounded?” Draconas asked, alarmed.

“No,” Lysira returned. “But, according to what you said, they could be.”

“Have you seen any sign of other dragons?”

“None.”

“Grald could still be hiding in the cave waiting for them,” Draconas said more to himself than to her. “Are you keeping your distance?”

“Yes, Draconas,” returned Lysira, her colors sharp-edged with annoyance. “I am not a fledgling.”

The truth was, Lysira had decided to satisfy her curiosity about the humans. Draping herself in a simple illusion to make herself invisible, she descended from her lofty vantage point in slow, lazy circles. She kept watch as she drifted downward on her strong wings, but saw nothing to give her concern. Animals prowled the forest, birds flitted about the skies. They could not see her, and so the fox continued his rabbit-hunt and the nightjar her bug-catching without raising the alarm.

Lysira hovered above the tops of the trees and gazed down curiously on the two creatures in the boat.

Sleeping, all humans look as innocent and harmless as nestlings. And they were so fragile and vulnerable. Their bodies soft and unprotected, their soft mouths with tiny teeth, and talons with weak little claws. No wings to carry them out of harm’s way. No fire rumbling in their bellies to scorch their enemies.

It was a wonder they had survived thus far. She could understand why they had to rely on terrible machines. So weak. So pitiably weak.

“What if Grald is waiting for them in the cave, Draconas?” Lysira asked. “What am I to do?”

“Nothing. You cannot fight Grald. It would be madness to try. He very nearly bested me in battle,” Draconas admonished sharply. “You would have no chance against him.”

“And your humans? What chance do they have?” Lysira demanded.

“More than you might think. No matter what happens, you must stay out of it. Not just for your own sake, but for the sake of our people. You are my only link with the other dragons now, Lysira. We must keep your involvement secret. Promise me you will not interfere if there is trouble. Promise.”

“I don’t see what right you have asking me for promises,” Lysira retorted, bristling.