In the rear of the Wilde property, within the equipment shed, the dragon stirred. A sensory calling had awakened him, and he stood, rising on his hind legs, the snout going to the window grating. He sniffed, drawing in the scents.

It could not be.

Agitated, he climbed down, and proceeded to the entrance, gripping the door. Easily, the joints tore, and he pushed it out, frame falling away. With a slight effort, he squeezed sideways through the door and out into the yard.

It was time to go.

He didn't wait around. To the gate, and then he was gripping the top and simply clambering over it. In a moment, he was onto the empty field outside, and then ... nothing but space.

He leaped into the air, and within two beats of the wings, the dragon had taken flight.