Into the wild, the wild blue dragon sky. Up through the swirling currents of air, until the clouds are below them and the sun above, no haze or dust storms to block their view. Almere clasped with her knees Fire-Smasher"s rippling sides while silver and purple scales sloughed off his back and whirled behind like confetti at a Pict wedding. His neck and jaw snaked out below, teeth like massive white swords. His jeweled eyes – at one time burning sapphires – glowed and sparked like huge emeralds set in the depths of ebony sockets. His tail was an armored spear, shot through with crystal, his thrusting thighs sensuous beneath her. His wings beat in an iridescent symphony of color. Fire-Smasher was magnificent. Their transport was significant because, in Almere"s duffle bags, nestled papers

