Well, I'm back. I had to take some time over the holiday stretch and deal with other things. I'm mostly back on track and hope to make better progress with coming chapters.

A note on the name Kettlecrack gave his new dragon:

ALREKR: Old Norse equivalent of Visigothic Alaric, composed of the elements al "all" and rikiaR "rich, mighty ruler," hence "all-powerful; ruler of all."

Heck of a name to live up to. I think Smoketail is equal to the task.

Onward!