the group as they approached enemy territory. John was just in sight, a lot higher than they were and quite far ahead of them. He wouldn't be able to hear their thoughts from there and they hadn't communicated for a while; she wondered what the plan was if they did encounter anyone.
They passed the poorly marked border without noticing and without incident; a wave of relief passed over the group when they realised, as if the danger was now behind them. They were now in a sort of no man's land, between the borders of the Rhino and Blue Dragons. No one lived here or anywhere near to here and the land looked no different from any of the mountainous areas of their own country. They continued to fly without incident until nearly midday, when suddenly John appeared amongst them, startling them all.
Rhino Dragons, he announced. Three of them, up ahead. They're over to the west, in their own territory and too far away to see us yet. They're unlikely to approach while we're on the border, and you can outfly them if necessary. They won't follow us far into Blue territory, although if we can avoid that it would be preferred. Just follow my instructions and you'll be alright.
John ascended, settling a few hundred metres above them. He was just near enough to still communicate with them.
Where are they, John? Arthur called to him. We can't see them.
They're up ahead, but they haven't seen us yet. They may not notice us. John paused. No, I think they must have seen us. They've turned and are headed this way. I was hoping they wouldn't do that.
What shall we do, John? Shall we turn to the east? Arthur asked.
John took a long pause before answering. No, I'm afraid we can't do that. I can see a patrol of Blues to the east. About ten of them. We should definitely stay away from them.
So what should we do now? Turn back? Arthur called. You said we could outfly them.
No, I have a better idea, John replied. This may work rather well, just wait for a moment and don't be alarmed.
Suddenly John disappeared, replaced by a pink falling figure. Then in his place appeared a massive grey dragon, covered in spikes, with a vicious, particularly long spike on its nose. Crystal had never seen something as large and impressive.
This will confuse them, John the Rhino Dragon called from below them. They do know of Golden Dragons, but they're relatively trusting so they should accept me as one of them.
Should? Jenna asked nervously.
John was slower now and they started to catch up with him. In the distance they saw the three Rhino Dragons approaching.
Stay to my left, he instructed them. And don’t say anything. John changed course slightly, on a route that would meet the three approaching dragons inside their territory.
This doesn't seem like a good idea, Jenna said to Crystal. The three dragons were looming large on the horizon, clearly visible now. John was flying parallel to the group now, heading directly towards the three.
Start to climb when I call out to them, John commanded. They can't do that as quickly as you can.
The three Rhino Dragons were level with them and everyone in the group of Red Dragons was feeling the tension. Crystal badly wanted to ascend immediately, but obeyed John's instructions. The dragons were almost upon them when John hailed them.
Greetings. How are you all today?
Arthur immediately started to ascend, the other four staying with him.
Red Dragons! the nearest Rhino Dragon called in warning. Why do you not drive them off?
They fly between the borders and have requested safe passage. I am escorting them to ensure they do not enter. The Rhino Dragons reached the group and fanned out, staying at John's level, but turning to fly with them.
Do not be a fool, brother, one called. They are waiting for you to lower your guard then they will attack! See how they move to gain height! Prepare to defend yourself!
No, they will follow my instructions. Watch! Red Dragons, drop to fly beneath me! Stay just underneath
They passed the poorly marked border without noticing and without incident; a wave of relief passed over the group when they realised, as if the danger was now behind them. They were now in a sort of no man's land, between the borders of the Rhino and Blue Dragons. No one lived here or anywhere near to here and the land looked no different from any of the mountainous areas of their own country. They continued to fly without incident until nearly midday, when suddenly John appeared amongst them, startling them all.
Rhino Dragons, he announced. Three of them, up ahead. They're over to the west, in their own territory and too far away to see us yet. They're unlikely to approach while we're on the border, and you can outfly them if necessary. They won't follow us far into Blue territory, although if we can avoid that it would be preferred. Just follow my instructions and you'll be alright.
John ascended, settling a few hundred metres above them. He was just near enough to still communicate with them.
Where are they, John? Arthur called to him. We can't see them.
They're up ahead, but they haven't seen us yet. They may not notice us. John paused. No, I think they must have seen us. They've turned and are headed this way. I was hoping they wouldn't do that.
What shall we do, John? Shall we turn to the east? Arthur asked.
John took a long pause before answering. No, I'm afraid we can't do that. I can see a patrol of Blues to the east. About ten of them. We should definitely stay away from them.
So what should we do now? Turn back? Arthur called. You said we could outfly them.
No, I have a better idea, John replied. This may work rather well, just wait for a moment and don't be alarmed.
Suddenly John disappeared, replaced by a pink falling figure. Then in his place appeared a massive grey dragon, covered in spikes, with a vicious, particularly long spike on its nose. Crystal had never seen something as large and impressive.
This will confuse them, John the Rhino Dragon called from below them. They do know of Golden Dragons, but they're relatively trusting so they should accept me as one of them.
Should? Jenna asked nervously.
John was slower now and they started to catch up with him. In the distance they saw the three Rhino Dragons approaching.
Stay to my left, he instructed them. And don’t say anything. John changed course slightly, on a route that would meet the three approaching dragons inside their territory.
This doesn't seem like a good idea, Jenna said to Crystal. The three dragons were looming large on the horizon, clearly visible now. John was flying parallel to the group now, heading directly towards the three.
Start to climb when I call out to them, John commanded. They can't do that as quickly as you can.
The three Rhino Dragons were level with them and everyone in the group of Red Dragons was feeling the tension. Crystal badly wanted to ascend immediately, but obeyed John's instructions. The dragons were almost upon them when John hailed them.
Greetings. How are you all today?
Arthur immediately started to ascend, the other four staying with him.
Red Dragons! the nearest Rhino Dragon called in warning. Why do you not drive them off?
They fly between the borders and have requested safe passage. I am escorting them to ensure they do not enter. The Rhino Dragons reached the group and fanned out, staying at John's level, but turning to fly with them.
Do not be a fool, brother, one called. They are waiting for you to lower your guard then they will attack! See how they move to gain height! Prepare to defend yourself!
No, they will follow my instructions. Watch! Red Dragons, drop to fly beneath me! Stay just underneath