The hesitation cost them both, however, as one of Meranax’s claws swept them from her perch altogether, gouging rubies out of the rock formation and sending them scattering through the air like shrapnel as both bodies were flung out onto the treasure horde. Spike looked on in horror as he saw the two of them sent flying and disappearing over the mounds of treasure. Then, at last, Meranax looked down to see him below her, and Spike felt his memory flash back to that time when a younger, more foolish version of himself had sought out the company of an elder dragon who could not have cared less for his presence, much less guiding him.