And above the noise of the shrieking goblins rose a loud, clean, high-pitched call, which was answered by another call farther away. It was like the call of an eagle, soaring above the plains at sunset. But this call was right above them.
There was a scream-a draconian. Then a rending sound as if the body of the creature were being ripped apart. More screams, the clash of steel being drawn, another call and another answer-this one much, nearer.
“What is that?” Caramon asked, his eyes wide. “It isn’t a dragon. It sounds like-like some gigantic 62r3 of prey!”
“Whatever it is, it’s tearing the draconians to shreds.” Goldmoon said in awe as they listened. The screaming sounds stopped abruptly, leaving a silence behind, that was almost worse. What newer evil replaced the old?”
Then came the sound of racks and stones, mortar and timber being lifted and sent crashing to the streets, Whatever was up there was intent on reaching them!
“It’s eaten all the draconians,” whispered Caramon gruffly, “and now it’s after us!”
Tika turned deathly white, clutching at Caramon’s arm. Goldmoon gasped softly and even Riverwind appeared to lose same of his stoic composure, staring intently upward.
“Caramon,” Raistlin said, shivering, “shut up!”
Tanis felt inclined to agree with the mage. “We’re all scaring ourselves over noth-” he began. Suddenly there was a rending crash. Stone and rubble, mortar and timber clattered down around them. They scrambled for cover as a huge, clawed foot plunged through the debris, its talons gleaming in the light of Raistlin’s staff.
Helplessly seeking shelter beneath broken beams or under the casks of ale, the companions watched in wonder as the gigantic claw extricated itself from the rubble and withdrew, leaving behind it a wide, gaping hole.
All went silent. For a few moments, none of the companions dared move. But the silence remained unbroken.
“This is our chance.” Tanis whispered loudly. “Caramon, see what’s up there .”
But the big warrior was already creeping out of his hiding place, moving across the rubble-strewn floor as best he could. Riverwind followed behind, his sword drawn.
“Nothing.” said Caramon, puzzled, peering up.
Tanis, feeling naked without his sword, came over to stand beneath the hole, gazing upward. Then, to his amazement, a dark figure appeared above them, silhouetted against the burning sky. Behind the figure towered a large beast. They could just make out the head off a gigantic eagle, its eyes glittering in the firelight, its wickedly curved beak gleaming in the flames.
The companions shrank back, but it was too late. Obviously the figure had seen them. It stepped nearer. Riverwind thought-too late-of his bow. Caramon pulled Tika close with one hand, holding his sword in his other.
The figure, however, simply knelt down near the edge of the hole, being careful of its footing among the louse stones, and removed the hood covering its head.
“We meet again, Tanis Half-Elven,” said a voice as cool and pure and distant as the stars.
Chapter 8
Escape from Tarsis. The story of the dragon orbs.
Dragons flew on their leathery wings above the gutted city of Tarsis as the draconian armies swarmed in to take possession. The task of the dragons was completed. Soon the Dragon Highlord would call them back, holding them in readiness for the next strike. But for now they could relax, drifting on the super-heaved air currents rising from the burning town, picking off the occasional human foolish enough to came out of hiding. The red dragons floated in the sky, keeping in their well-organized flights, guiding and dipping in a wheeling dance of death.
No power on Krynn existed now that could stop them. They knew this and exulted in their victory. But, occasionally something would occur to interrupt their dance. One flight leader, for example, received a report of fighting near the wreckage of an inn. A young male red dragon, he led his flight to the site, muttering to himself about the inefficiency of the troop commanders. What could you expect, though, when the Dragon Highlord was a bloated hobgoblin who hadn’t even courage enough to watch the takeover of a soft town like Tarsis?
The male red sighed, recalling the days of glory when Verminaard had led them personally, sitting astride the back of Pyros. He had been a Dragon Highlord ! The red shook his head disconsolately. Ah, there was the battle. He could see it clearly now. Ordering his flight to stay airborne, he swooped in low far a better look.
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