Chapter 93

Rygun and his rider burst from the molten crater and pursue the Elding Bird's trail northward, but the dragon suddenly pivots toward Netheryn, chasing after Arkyn's beast instead. Despite the rider's desperate commands to hold ground, Rygun's instinct to hunt and avenge overrides all orders, and the dragon charges south in defiant pursuit.

The chapter opens with Rygun and his rider exploding free from a molten crater, initially following the Elding Bird's flaming trail as it shoots north toward The Burn, arcs west, and cuts south. The rider's heart sinks as Rygun's head swings left and his body twists until they are pointing toward Netheryn, where Arkyn's beast appears as a ruddy glimmer in the distance, cutting through the tumult. The rider desperately shouts commands in what appears to be a dragon language—"NEI, RYGUN! NEI! HUK ATÁH TUÍL ÁHN-UH!"—both vocally and through mental communication, ordering Rygun to hold ground and assuring him they will find another way. Rygun responds with a raging roar, tosses his head, and powers his wings with such force the rider is knocked back, then charges south while ignoring the thundered orders. The rider stops screaming, recognizing the futility of the effort. They come to understand that Rygun is in hunting mode and nothing they say or do will stop the dragon from pursuing his instinct to avenge his rider and family.