then he lifted an arm and the dragons let loose , their massive bodies bulged , necks extended , their fanged mouths opened and flames erupted , shot forward and i stared as we were surrounded by an inferno over our heads , at our sides , my gown blowing with the force of it , the heat enveloping me , the bloody snow melting to a river rushing over my boots but frey 's body , to my shock , was impervious and acted as a shield against the flames .