He awoke the following morning, sun beating down on his scaly back.

“Ahh good morning Sao,” the boy yawned.
“Ready for another day of adventure?” he said groggily.

The dragon, fully alert, nodded its big green head majestically. She was the most beautiful one the boy had raised.

“Ok, let’s start off on the east bank. That’s where all the soldiers start their morning patrol,” Han said happily.

To his surprise, and slight dismay, the dragon shook her head.

“No? Well then where do you suppose we start? The Slayers will have us if we don’t start soon,” Han said, puzzled.

The dragon, with a swift motion of her head, beckoned for the child to follow.