Just over two and a half years had gone by and Gressila and her little human encampment were prospering for the first time in so long no one could remember.

They had a celebration, for spring. The winter had been mild and the crops were coming in full and healthy thanks to the Forest Walkers' advice and a few packets of seeds that their shaman sent.

The other news that Gressila found amusing was that when the boy Felspar followed her brother, he got as far as a mountain cavern before having to turn back. But by then, word had already started to drift south into their lands that a strange pale death-rider had been haunting them.

It was Lifera, she was certain.

But what had happened after the tales stopped? Where had he gone now? The Forest Walkers didn't know what was on the other side of the north range, their expertise was to the south and east, but they promised that their seers had confidence that Gressila was doing the right thing.

The spring festival was going nicely, Gressila was up in the tower putting together an enchanted potion she was hoping to award to someone during the contests of strength and skill. It was a nice thing to do, and they were finally starting to appreciate it.

Gressila watched the contests with a pleased eye. The young men of the village were quite healthy, now. They looked like they ought, with full muscles and taut skin over them glowing with fine sweat.

Oh how she adored human males... Gressila was about to hand out a congratulation when above them, a strange vision of dark and light appeared - abruptly turning into a dragon!

Several of the families with young children scattered screaming, and many of the people present yelled that Lifera was back! But Gressila didn't sense him on this dragon's aura in the slightest.

She was a full sized dragon, with creamy colored hide and a pleasant looking rider on her back. That made the people of the village relax a bit, as the dragon settled to the ground.

"I bring you news," said the woman on the dragon. "There is a clutch of eggs to hatch at CyDragonstake and I must have a strong bunch to stand as bonders." She looked at Gressila. "You... I think," she got a glazed look as she spoke to her dragon.

"Yes, you. My bond here says that you have a great need - a need you might not know about."

Gressila thought back to getting the shaman's letter back - and his words were almost exactly the same. "I shall go with you," she said.

There was outcry from the villagers, but the dragon rider held her hands up. "She will be back! I promise. If you do not bond, you will come right back. And if you do, you'll be able to learn the secrets of transport."

Gressila grinned widely. Teleportation without expending her own personal energies! Wonderful!

"I need to collect some things," she said, "but first I must ask that you move a bit. We were just about to have a foot race, and I've got prizes that need awarding!"

The gathered crowd cheered and came back around the racers, and the day went happily on until Gressila left for Cy Dragonstake.