"I thank you," said Makan. He shifted his bulk, examining his wing for a moment. It would heal well. "I didn't set out to save anyone, but I couldn't have ignored this situation anyway. I come from far to the East, where dragons are still revered.

"As you have just witnessed, dragons are as good or evil as man." He paused a moment, letting it sink in. "Or rather, men are as good or evil as dragons, since we have been around longer. I left home three-quarters of a century ago, and have traveled as my needs see fit. I was in the area to find a new home, since prey was getting scarce.

"It is a shame," Makan said absentmindedly. "The first time I meet another living dragon in half a century, and I am forced to kill him. But to protect others, it had to be done."