She dried herself roughly, vigorously, and he watched, getting out a bottle of water and some biscuits. They stared at the sea, dark grey green, at th...e waves breaking in folds of white. Finally, she made a step forward, and, by silent agreement, they packed and started walking. James and Ester were becoming good at silent agreements. In fact, they had stopped talking four days ago, by silent agreement. They had been in the car when it had started. They’d driven to the very edge of the coast. If you want, you can stay here for all I care. I care that Carlos sees our doctor so he can save his arm..." His arm will have to come off, there is no saving it," she said."Yes there is, all we need to do is get him to our doctor. She will do the rest," I said as I lowered my arms."You can save his arm?" she asked and I nodded and she lowered the pistol. "Then please do so. I believe he will need them both when he grows up here. It will be a very hard life," she added as she tucked the pistol. "Yes, indeed," Jerry remarked. "Becky and I are going to become very close."Becky didn't understand. What was her mother doing? She didn't know this strange man. And her mom was acting as if he was an old friend, or as if he had some sort of control over her. Becky became frightened."Mom, what are you doing? I don't like this. Please send him away," she begged."Hush, Becky. Be nice to Mr. Gilman." Her mother replied rather sternly.Jerry turned to Becky, and said, "Be quiet, little girl. Listen. As I watched, the dragon spun, its tail arcing through the air, connecting with Shale and tossing her towards Sten. Both went down in a tangled pile of limbs and rocks, and I briefly wondered if Sten could survive being landed upon by Shale. Stopping the turn, Alistair was left alone facing the dragon. And then I realised it was taking a deep breath, which I could only assume foreshadowed a blast of flame, Alistair, being the only nearby target, had nowhere to run. He was going to burn. He.