“How long will we be here? I don’t want to intrude on you,” said Muriel, placing her tote bag on the bed.

“It’s fine,” I said. “We have to confirm there are no dragons at the location in Montana we’re sending you, but finding a reliable source could take some time. I’m hesitant to send you too soon—you’ll need at least two people to protect you during transportation, but with tensions high between Grandbay and Dalesbloom, I need as many bodies here as possible. Ideally, ...