Makan folded his wings up, now thoroughly warmed. "That flight would take weeks," he answered simply. "For the time being, I will stay nearby. But I need to find my own home; a child does not return to his parents simply because he's not found a place to live."

He shook himself, his scales rattling slightly. "For now," said Makan, "I will help your village in any way that I can. I believe I owe it to my race to show you that not all dragons are evil."