muttering to myself somewhat

The problem with having a really entertaining idea at work for the next chapter in book 4 is that I can't immediately tell people all about it.

(Well, all right, maybe one or two people.)

It was just one of those moments when I was thinking "okay, I need some sort of plot hurdle at this point and something dramatic", and I was scribbling down "where everyone currently is in the plotline" to see if that sparked any ideas, and I had a beautiful idea about what would work.

I also now know why Li Ming shows up later, which is additionally useful. (Not strictly connected to the new idea, but in reference to "what some people are doing offstage while this takes place".)

And the beautiful new idea is supported by earlier references to dragons and art. Even better.