Page 39 of Consort's Dragon
When they reached the open space that needed to be traversed to get to the rowboat, Griff paused.This would be the most dangerous part.No cover to hide, and if Argent happened to skulk nearby, would likely spot them.
“When I say go, run as fast as you can and get in the boat.Soon as we’re all aboard, cast off.Once we’re in the mist, the dragon won’t be able to see us,” Griff advised.
“What if it’s waiting on the other side of the mist?”Monty queried.
“Then we’re fucked.”Argent could simply tip them over and they’d be literally sunk.“Ready?”
“Last one to the boat gets to be kraken bait,” Monty sang, sprinting.
“Like fuck.I say the noisy one gets dangled,” Kreed muttered as he followed more cautiously.
Simhi clucked her tongue.“So nice of them to make targets of themselves.”
“Guess we’d better follow before they get in trouble.”Griff managed a few strides before something made him look up in time to see Argent had arrived without a sound.The dragon dove, its wings tucked tight to its body, its mouth opening wide, showing an orange glow.
If it breathed, Monty and Kreed were done for.
“Don’t you dare roast them!”Griff yelled, shaking his fist.
The dragon landed between him and his friends and huffed steam.But I’m hungry.
“Then you should snack on the bats we left for you in the city.”
Stringy things.I much prefer fresh and juicy red meat.Its head swiveled to observe the men at its back.
Griff heard the ring of steel as a blade left its scabbard and yelled, “Don’t attack.Let me talk to it first.”
A wise decision.Should they threaten, I will protect myself.
“They’re scared.A giant fucking dragon just about crushed them.”
As if I’d do that to a potential meal.I like my meat crunchy, not slurped off the ground.
“What’s it doing?”Simhi whispered by Griff’s side.
“Can you not hear it?”
She is not of the blood.Only you can hear greatness.
Griff almost rolled his eyes as he replied to Simhi, “It’s arguing with me.”
“I don’t hear nothing, Cap.”
“That’s because it talks inside my mind.”
“If you say so.”Simhi didn’t hide her skepticism.
“I swear it’s the truth.As to what we’re arguing about, the dragon is annoyed I’m leaving.”
No, you’re not.I didn’t give you permission.
Griff had enough of the bossy Argent.He stalked toward it, hand on the hilt of his sword, and growled, “I cannot stay here.There are people depending on me.”
And what of me?
“You’re the one who insists on staying here.Meanwhile, there’s a big, wide world out there.”
Mmm.New kinds of snacks…
