The men of Berns gang clustered together, some looking to their leader, others looking as though they might simply run.

That great, reptilian mouth opened wide, and then fire poured from it, white hot and sudden, flashing over the men without mercy, without hesitation. They screamed, but the heat was so great that it claimed even their screams. In just seconds, there was nothing left but ash.

Bern grabbed Nerra, dragging her in front of him so that he was between her and the dragon.

It will kill you before it gets near me, he said, and Nerra could hear the fear in his voice then.

You should be afraid, she whispered. She looked up at the dragon, knowing it was the same one she had found, even though it seemed impossible that it should have already grown so much.

Youre beautiful, she thought.

The dragon leaned forward, tongue flicking out to taste the air. That tongue scraped across Nerras skin like a rasp, and she wondered if it could taste her fear, her wonder. Then the dragons mouth opened and flame darted, focused and precise and hot, past her head. Nerra heard Bern scream, and his grip loosened as he tumbled back from her.

Nerra fell forward, collapsing to the ground. She didnt have the strength to rise. She could only look up at the dragon above her, thinking how beautiful it was. The dragon stood there, and in spite of its size, it mewled like the baby it had been such a short time ago, nudging her with its snout as if trying to get her to rise.

I… cant, Nerra managed. Im dying.

The dragon paused, and Nerra wondered if it understood any of her meaning. It didnt matter, because Nerra could feel the world fading around her.

She fell, eyes closing.

And then she felt it.

Huge, cold claws wrapped themselves around her.

She felt herself being lifted, back arched, higher and higher.

A flap of wings, a rush of cold air.

She was flying.

Nerra managed to open her eyes, and she looked down to see the world rushing by beneath her. They flew just over the treetops, laced with fog, and it was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen. For a moment, just a brief moment, she had a flicker of hope.

And then her world was darkness.

NOW AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER!

THRONE OF DRAGONS

(Age of the SorcerersBook Two)

Has all the ingredients for an instant success: plots, counterplots, mystery, valiant knights, and blossoming relationships replete with broken hearts, deception and betrayal. It will keep you entertained for hours, and will satisfy all ages. Recommended for the permanent library of all fantasy readers.

--Books and Movie Reviews, Roberto Mattos (re The Sorcerers Ring)

The beginnings of something remarkable are there.

--San Francisco Book Review (re A Quest of Heroes)