Niassa lay in a chamber within the Dragonmaster's castle, bound by heavy chains. Only the presence of her dear serpentine friend kept her from weeping with resignation. The cold steel fetters, the silence of the room, and the curse transforming her body filled her heart with dread. Concern over her younger, headstrong sister also assailed her mind. Niassa expected her to come to her rescue, yet she felt ashamed for she was the elder of the two.