A Dragon Scorned (WIP 2nd edition)

Chapter 3 cont.

Thorar stopped at the top of the rocky hill to give Burkin time to sketch another bit of the path behind them. Despite the pre-dawn hours the clear, star-filled sky and large moon provided plenty of light for drawing in his little black notebook.

When the warrior first pulled out a pencil from his pocket it took Thorar by surprise. He knew the man as a leader, skilled fighter, and from Urim's comments a fearsome adversary. Drawing and map sketching would have been the last thing he expected.

Thorar stared down the hillside they had just climbed. While the large and small boulders and thick shrubs and trees didn't quite form a maze, they did block the view further than a few feet away in either direction. That in turn forced them to follow the treaded route.

The squelching of boots announced Saghal's arrival behind him. The young dwarf must have finally given up on trying to squeeze out the remaining water out of his shoes.

"It feels so good to be off that bloody ship," Saghal said and leaned over the large boulder beside Thorar.

"It does." Thorar nodded and looked back to the rocky hills to his left.

They rose up turning into cliff tops as they neared the ocean. In front of him lay a vast lush meadow with fresh dew glistening in the moonlight. While Burkin drew in his journal the fog had partially retreated from the area revealing a path cutting through the meadow. It wound towards a forest spread over hills looming in the distance.

"It is rather pleasant here," Saghal must have followed his gaze. "Almost makes me feel sorry that we'll probably have to burn the place down to the ground."

"Maybe I need a few critters to keep me fit, Master Burkin." Saghal grinned.

"Yeah, more likely so you could throw your woman to them when she talks too much," Burkin laughed.

"At least I have a woman." Saghal snapped back and Burkin raised his brow.

"Like that's anything to be proud of."

Saghal reddened and looked down.

Urim never married, but Thorar knew he wasn't a stranger when it came to the ladies. He always thought his friend just hadn't found the right shield maiden to share his life with. But then he recalled the rumors about the Brothers' sole devotion to their cause. Were they really that strict, or was it just Burkin's personal opinion? He would have to ask Urim later.

"We should cover as much ground as we can," Thorar said once Burkin turned in his direction. "Let's move towards the settlement."

He pointed to the bone-like white tower at the center of the island surrounded by a forest. Burking nodded, but did not move. Instead he just scribbled something in his notebook. Was it just an extra detail for his map, or did he take notes on Thorar's performance as well?

He chased away the thought. He had not faltered in any way so far.