Laurence holds his tongue at the slightly blasphemous idea that any flesh and blood creature, even one so spectacular as a dragon, could be celestial in more than name and attempts to explain.

"There is no doubt in my mind that dragons are an incredible species," he says, honestly. "Whether they are more of earthly or heavenly origin is a question beyond my own meager understanding. But it so happens that 'Celestial' is the name of Temeraire's breed; very rare and deeply cherished in China. In fact, only an Emperor or close kin are allowed to be companion to Celestial dragons... a practice which has caused no small amount of distress for Temeraire and myself."