It seemed to be our destination. With powerful backstrokes of its feathered wings, the dragon hovered a moment above the flat area at the top of the funicular tracks. Then, when we were still two or three meters above the ground, the dragon released its grip and Rafael and I fell. After so long in the air, my legs were like jelly. I landed on my feet, but immediately collapsed to my knees and had to throw out my hands to stop myself from falling flat on my face. Rafael had also landed hard, but at the same time was scrabbling for the weapon in his boot. Cursing his injured wrist, he at last hauled the Streetline Special from its hiding place. I rolled behind a rock, reaching into my jacket for my Beretta as I did. Drawing it and flicking off the safety, I braced my weapon as the feathered serpent landed and aimed for its eye. I figured I’d only get one shot.