Chapter Thirty-Six: The Gamers Come Through

Howard and Bridget visit Gandalf in the Gamers' virtual reality to receive a completed cultural analysis of the dragon species. Gandalf reveals that dragon society is undergoing rapid evolution with mounting tensions, possibly involving a charismatic leader annexing territory, and warns them that their next visit to the dragon floaters will occur during unstable times.

Howard and Bridget activate tokens from Gandalf and enter the Gamers' vestibule, which resembles a law office waiting room. Gandalf greets them dressed as Ian McKellen's Gandalf from Lord of the Rings and leads them to his office, styled like the Hall of the Rohirrim. He explains that the dragon cultural analysis is nearly complete and will be ready within a day. When Bridget mentions being pursued by what might have been a dragon patrol during their last visit to the floaters, Gandalf draws a parallel to historical piracy—governments unofficially sanctioning harassment of foreign vessels. He cautions that dragon culture is currently unstable, with tensions mounting due to what appears to be an Alexander the Great-like figure annexing floating island territory. Gandalf notes that the analysis cannot provide detailed information about these fluid political dynamics, though average dragons are likely equally confused. Howard calls this ominous, but Bridget dismisses concern and suggests they prepare spare drannies in case they are shot down during their next visit.