He kept on flying a  swift average pace for the next several hours as the empress enjoyed the ride. It was a nice peaceful way to travel, passing different birds and watching the clouds up close. She peered down to see they were flying over several small towns and villages. After another two hours passed them, she tapped him on the ear.

"Yes empress?" He answered, cocking his head to one side.

"Are you ready to stop and rest your wings?" She asked him.

"I'd like to get us a little further if you don't mind." He told her.

"Oh that would be fine with me." She answered him.

          The dragon picked up the pace, trying to get a few more miles behind them. He flew just a little faster for the next forty minutes before flying closer to the ground and slowing down considerably. A few minutes later her landed them just outside of a forest with a dark stone castle on the edge of the horizon. It was beautiful, huge and creepy at the same time. She stared at it for a long moment as the dragon made himself into a ball shape and closing his eyes.His chin tucked neatly on his left paw. 

She sat down in the soft grass, using it as a time of reflection. Soranto usually didn't nap long  on these trips of hers. An hour, maybe two at the most.  He had been a great friend to her over the years. She just sat there and watched him sleep. It was relaxing watching his deep rhythmic breathing patterns. 

Twenty minutes had passed since landing when the dragon opened one eye. Then glaring at her with a look of annoyance spoke firmly.

"Empress I do believe I've told you I hate it when you watch me sleep. I find it disturbing and rude."  He opened the other eye and stretched briefly.

"I'm sorry." She replied.

"No real harm done." He told her. 

"Where are we anyway?" She asked, changing the subject.

"I think we're about 5 miles west of Galderia." He told her.