After her account of the battle with the makaar, Urtho rewards her with a coin that can be traded for any service around the area. The commander brings in a timid and shy gryphon named Zhaneel. Skan is immediately interested in meeting this female and demands that she be brought to the tent. He would like Urtho to reward another gryphon for her ability to take on three makaar, single-handedly. Skan tells him that he will think on this matter.ĭuring Urtho's visit, a commanding officer of Urtho's army appears and asks for a moment of Urtho's time. Urtho then offers to give Skan a reward for his work, his choice in a mate and the ability to make offspring. He tells Skan that the weapon has been analyzed and that a counter to this weapon is already being created. While Skan is recovering in the Healer's tent, Urtho makes a visit to his friend and 'son'. Drake is sitting in the surgery tent in the area where the Healers live and work, when a seriously injured Skan is carried in. Meanwhile, in Urtho's camp, Kestra'chern Amberdrake and Gesten, a hertasi, are waiting for the return of their friend Skan. After a long chase, Skan crash-lands in friendly territory.

Skan grabs one of the weapons and leaves, hotly pursued by makaar, creatures created by Kiyamvir Ma'ar to match Urtho's gryphons. A Seer has warned Urtho of a new, magical weapon that has caused the capture of one of Urtho's key garrisons. As the book begins, Skandranon Rashkae, the Black Gryphon, creeps into an enemy encampment.

The Black Gryphon by Mercedes Lackey