At the very least, the fact that the mist was more spread out made it easier to see: still the same barrier, rising ever higher, and it appeared to hold up to Zelgadis's probing.

Temeraire would have tried pushing himself further, and likely injured himself in the process, had it not been for Zelgadis. He turned his attention to the mage, eyes wide.

"You may clip on to my back for the descent, if you like," he offered. "As much as I dislike the thought, I do not think there is anything more to be gained from flying higher."