Eldrin flew steadily through the sky, his massive body cutting through the air with calm control.
Garion stood firmly on his back, arms relaxed.
Dahlia sat near the front, eyes sharp and excited.
The twins held on behind her, arguing quietly.
Clara leaned forward, clearly enjoying the ride, while Eliza stayed low and silent, her presence almost blending with Eldrin's scales.
As they descended, the air below changed.
It felt heavier. Darker.
Eldrin's eyes narrowed.
"…Cindor is here," he said quietly.
Garion looked down and saw it.
Below them, flames burned without smoke.
A bird wreathed in vermilion fire stood calmly on the ground.
Nearby, Silvar waited in silence.
Bastor and Varyn remained unmoving, like they had always been there.
Garion clicked his tongue lightly. "So these are the other guardian beasts from the fallen sects, huh."
Dahlia leaned closer. "That one looks grumpy."
"Very grumpy," Rynor added.
"Hot too," Rynar said. "I don't like hot."
