"So you'd like to see me play the fool for Ulna! You want me, single-handed, to take on Sark and Xaymar and the coleoptera!"
As Haral lashed out, the hwalon topped another ridge.
In the distance loomed the squat buildings of the shabby spaceport town that was their destination.
Haral forgot his fury. Frowning, he headed the dragon down a steep ravine.
A gnawing doubt was growing in him. This was all so smooth, so easy....
Grimly, he debated the chance of ambush before they reached the town.
Kyla said: "Truly, Ulna needs a champion—"
Haral bared his teeth and cursed aloud.
And as he cried out, the world exploded.
He didn't even see the blaster that knocked him down.