Chapter 33

The dragon shared a look of masculine tolerance with Eric while Lori looked sadly at the scar on the dragon's scales. Apparently even male dragons understood softhearted females, Eric thought. He wrapped an arm casually about Lori's waist and settled back against the cool limestone wall of the cave to listen.

"The storm, which I still believe was magical in origin," the dragon remarked, "tossed me in great circles above the Atlantic Ocean for hours, perhaps days. At some point, I lost consciousness and glided, unaware, on the air currents provided by the storm. When I finally awoke, I flew on for a while, attempting to get my bearings. When I saw these hills, so familiar yet so different, I began to realize that I was, indeed, a long way from home."

The great golden eyes were clouded, with memory or sadness, Eric wasn't sure.