The Silver Dragon

The dragon is covered in beautiful silvery scales, and I recall an inn where I once stayed called "The Silver Dragon". [3280] It is about thirty feet long and, even though it is lying down, its back is seven or eight feet above the ground. Its wings are furled. On its back is strapped something rather similar to the howdah that one might see on an elephant in India. A rope ladder descends from it, reaching about a foot above the ground.

Lounging on a chair next to the beast is a man whom I assume must be its keeper and mahout. When he sees us he leaps to his feet and then bows deeply to me. "My Lady!" he exclaims. "This is an unexpected pleasure."

"Unfortunately the Lady has lost her memory," the guard tells him. "You will please convey her to Anorkin for treatment."

"Of course. Will you please climb aboard, My Lady. I will follow you in a moment. I am Tomas, by the way."

A little nervously, I climb the rope ladder, which sways a little. I seat myself in the rearward of the two bench seats, both of which face forward, as I assume that the mahout - or rider or driver or whatever I should call him - will need to occupy the front one.

The dragon bows its head...

1. And the mahout slips an outsize bridle and reins over it. Then he climbs aboard, being careful to keep hold of the end of the reins.
2. And the mahout seems to whisper in its ear. Is he telling it our destination? If so, then he presumably won't have much to do from this point on.

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