The shadow quickly approached, and soon a large black dragon became visible through the forest canopy. Cynder nervously rose to her feet, this dragon was ancient, possibly even older than her clan’s Matriarch. This dragon also brought with it a very familiar scent, one which she had become largely accustomed to during her recent travels. It smelled like Dover’s armor. Her entire body was tense, and she could just barely resist morphing her hands into claws. She looked towards Dover for a hint at what to do and was shocked to see that he hadn’t even bothered to get to his feet.

  She briefly wondered if perhaps fear had immobilized him. She felt terror sinking into her very bones as the dragon drew closer, the presence was certainly fearsome enough to shake even the most hardy adventurer. To her amazement she quickly realized that Dover hadn’t even paused his work on the deer he was skinning. As she watched the rhythmic, even soothing motion of his knife, she felt the terror begin to leave her as well, as if a spell was beginning to dissipate.

  The dragon flew towards them and plummeted into the clearing like a hawk chasing prey. Dover acted oblivious until the last possible moment, when he quickly reached into the fire and tossed a fistful of burning ashes into the Dragon’s face. With a roar it reeled back and in a flash a naked man landed on the ground, rubbing his eyes.

  “Driks, what the hell do ya want this time?” Dover demanded, annoyed. He tossed a nearby blanket at the familiar man. “And put some blasted pants on! There’s a lady here!”

  Wrapping the blanket around his waist, you could practically see his eyes light up at the word lady. Dover momentarily forgotten, he quickly approached Cynder, “Why hello there my lovely. I would welcome the chance to become better acquainted with you.”

  Without thinking Cynder morphed a hand into a claw and slapped him as hard across the face as her small form was capable of. Though her fingers cut deeply into his skin, the wounds rapidly healed before her eyes.

  Bowing in apology, Driks said “A simple No would have sufficed. That’s quite an impressive strike by the way.” Then, smiling, he turned his attention back to Dover.

  Cynder was a mix of horrified and baffled at what she’d done. She’d never lost control like that before. It was especially shocking when you consider that he outsclassed her in every sense. At least she now knew where Dover’s armor had come from, and that he was certainly familiar with dragons. She realized she could probably fully confide in him without anything changing. It was quite apparent that he treated Driks the same way he treated everyone else.

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  “We’re busy! Go away!” Dover waved Driks off.

  “Won't you at least invite an old friend such as myself to dinner? The amount of venison you have is far greater than the two of you can consume alone.”

  Not only had Cynder's fear rapidly faded, but her respect for this dragon had as well. While he was indeed old, and undoubtedly powerful, he was making a mockery of the dragon laws and acting fairly childlike. It was as if he was simply acting on whatever impulses came to mind, as if he were completely relaxed in this meeting. After a moment she realized he probably was, that was how she felt in Dover’s company.

  “No. We need it. None for you. Scram!”

  Though he was acting fairly grumpy, Cynder realized Dover was actually having a bit of fun too. The two of them bantered back and forth for a bit, and Dover subtly began preparing an extra serving of meat. Eventually, when it became obvious that Dover was indeed going to share, Driks got back on topic.

  “I have an important meeting coming up, and I need an entourage. Unfortunately, if it's just my girls, my presence won’t be taken seriously.” Smiling and winking at Cynder as he continued, “I was hoping you, and your lady friend as well, could accompany me.”

  “No.” There was no joking in this reply, Dover was dead serious. While he apparently didn’t mind sharing a meal with Driks, he clearly didn’t want anything more than a short visit.

  Still a bit nervous, Cynder approached Dover’s side. Laying a hand on his arm she quietly said “My Guide, we should at least listen to what our visitor, however foolish he may seem, has to say.”

  Sighing, Dover turned to her and said. “Fine.” Turning back towards Driks, “it's yer lucky day, I’ll at least hear ya out.”

  Smiling at them, a bit longer than was needed at Cynder specifically, he began. “It's about the recent monster attacks. The church and the Lords are finally taking them seriously.” Turning his full attention to Dover, his usual flirty playfulness gone, “something truly strange is going on. The other nobles suspect a dragon problem. I can guarantee it will be a memorable and important meeting.” Then, as suddenly as it left, his flirtatiousness returned, “Not only that, but the safety of my harem depends on it!”

  Dover looked towards Cynder to gauge her opinion. Though she had clearly taken a dislike to Driks, the meeting itself had caught her attention. She gave him a slight nod.

  With an excessively loud sigh, Dover replied. “Fine... I’ll take the payment out of yer hide... We’ll leave at first light, just tell us where to go.”

  Cynder was pretty sure Dover wasn’t serious about payment, but couldn't deny the brief glint of fear she saw in Driks' eyes.