This time, the way he shakes his head — slowly, with a faint shrug — indicates that he’s mystified.

“Maybe whoever did it couldn’t do it until now. Maybe someone has worked towards it, these years. It could be one person, or a group working in secret... that kind of power isn’t easy to muster. It might be that they serve the dragons and want them to return in truth. Wouldn’t that put them against the leaders of these cities, such as they are? Or it might be that they don’t want them to return.”

Another baffled gesture, and he sips at his wine.

"We don’t know enough. But I know where I want to start: just here, with you."

He turns his head to kiss her.