I’ve already hit the ground before Aries launches into the air. The dragons’ frenzied departure stirs the sandy soil, eddies of red rising to surround us.

The sun overhead is an unwelcome furnace when the Dragonriders find us with Aries at the fore. I’m too thirsty to care. His blue eyes remind me of water.

Despite my reservations, we decide to head north. Felicia wants to rent a Travelers’ colorfully striped wagon, but I insist unicorns are a safer bet.

Erd’s green journal ignites with a white-hot flash, nearly burning off Felicia’s eyebrows. “What the hell, Vera!” Rach says, having elbowed Felicia clear.

Untied by a passing elf – who nearly got his throat crushed by Rach when he laughed before helping – we hunted for Erd and his friend. The goblins were gone, along with our hard-earned treasure.

“I take it back. Rach’s friend is not nice.” Felicia scowls as the mohawked goblin ties her hands together.

“Thanks to Rach’s goblin friend, I’d count this as another success!” Felicia grins and returns the bookmark to the journal in her hand.

We’re all panting on the floor, laughing hysterically. “What’s one more death scare?” Rach says, her toothy grin as reassuring as a mind-drunk werecat.