Grey Drakkon, I liked that about the book as well, even though there was that hint of romance with Tisala , a definite spark, there wasn't the rush to make it into something and the book remains more about Ward's journey.
He's at his core a true Hurogmeten, a guardian not only to the dragons but to his people and the land.
One of my favorite parts of the book is when Duraugh sends the Blue Guard with Beckram. "We fight as one." Nice. And most definitely, the responses to Ward are just the best to read. Awesome stuff.