On a humid Venusian evening, a man named Dan Elliot celebrates the ownership of his new spaceship, the _Space Needle II_, after a long struggle to pay for it. While at a bar, he gets into a brawl, which leads to his encounter with Housten Blayne, a powerful figure in the Interplanetary Trade Board. Blayne reveals his interest in the mythical Dragonbird, a creature Elliot claims to have seen in the jungle. Blayne coerces Elliot into leading him to the Dragonbird's lair, threatening his pilot's license if he refuses. The two men embark on a treacherous journey through the dense Venusian jungle. Elliot grapples with his disdain for Blayne, who exhibits greed and a lack of respect for the local culture. As they travel, they face various dangers, including a snake attack, which Elliot narrowly survives. Their vehicle eventually crashes, forcing them to continue on foot. After days of travel, they reach the Khathyl River, where they spot the temple housing the Dragonbird. As they wait for the creature to appear, Blayne reveals his intention to kill it for a trophy rather than capture it alive. Elliot is horrified by this plan and refuses to comply. Tensions escalate into a physical confrontation, culminating in Blayne falling into the river, where he is consumed by predatory creatures. In the aftermath, the Dragonbird descends and communicates telepathically with Elliot, revealing its intelligence and ancient lineage. The creature expresses gratitude for Elliot's actions in saving its life and offers to help him. In a surprising twist, the Dragonbird uses its powers to transform into Blayne, indicating that it can assume the form of others. The Dragonbird proposes that they take advantage of Blayne's demise to secure the wealth and power he held. Elliot, still reeling from the events, agrees to ride the Dragonbird as they soar back toward Venus City, leaving behind the chaos of the jungle and the moral dilemmas he faced. The story explores themes of greed, respect for nature, and the consequences of one's choices, culminating in a fantastical alliance between man and creature.
By Robert Silverberg · First published 1992 · Genre: Science Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy