The shadows of the peaks cast long, eerie shapes across the sands as the group approached the edge of Swallows Pass. The sun dipped lower in the sky, the heat of the day giving way to the cool of the evening.
The temperature dropped quickly, and Yara shivered, pulling her cloak tighter around her. The sand pirates prepared to depart, their task of escorting Yara and the dragon completed.
Zephyr gave Yara a final set of instructions. "Stay close to the walls of the pass. The wyverns are most active at dawn and dusk. Move quickly and quietly, and you might avoid their attention."
Yara nodded, her gaze shifting to the darkening path ahead. "How long will it take us to get through the pass?"
Zephyr stroked his beard thoughtfully. "If you keep a steady pace, it should take about three days to traverse the pass. But be cautious."
The dragon glanced at the peaks with disdain. "We will manage," he said curtly, his pride refusing to acknowledge any fear.
