Dragonfriend (56 page)

More advanced Dragonships have begun to use hydrogen gas for additional lifting power. Because of the explosion risk, the hydrogen system is kept separate from the hot air system. Hydrogen is produced by the process of dissolving hydrogen-bearing meriatite rock in an acid bath, giving off hydrogen gas which is pumped into a balloon or segment of a balloon. The meriatite furnace engine prevalent in Aranya’s time will only be invented 425 years later.

Nevertheless, Dragonship navigation remains a hazardous and exacting profession. Largely at the mercy of prevailing winds and atmospheric conditions, most Dragonships are piloted as close to the shores of Islands as possible.
T
he Steersman keeps a weather eye out for storms and squalls, and truly long-range flights are relatively rare.