We’ll learn for ourselves, Kanin replied. You can research fighting techniques in the library and we can try them. We may improve them too. And I will practice flying and evading arrows, he added, warming to his theme. The vertaga use arrows, I remember their sting.
When did the vertaga ever shoot at you?
When I was younger, they took me out of the fortress to hunt every now and then, Kanin informed him. Once or twice, I tried to fly away. Both times I was hit by arrows and brought down. I nearly died the second time.
They flew in silence for a few moments, Khollo digesting this new information. He felt Kanin shift beneath him, then the dragon spoke in his mind again.
Here we go, he announced. The hunt is on.
They emerged over the plains, flying high above the ground on silent wings. Below, Khollo could see multiple herds making their way towards the river. Deer, wild hogs, and yes, wild cows.
Kanin plunged into a steep dive, swooping towards the herd of cows. The cows were on the east bank of the river, just upstream of a wide place where the river slowed and nearly became a long lake. Where the cows were though, the river was still too swift to approach safely.
By the time the herd realized they were under attack from a dragon, it was too late. Then they made the mistake of running towards the river. They were brought up short at the bank, packed together and vulnerable.
Kanin swooped, talons outstretched, back winging to check his speed. Khollo leaned forward eagerly, trying to discern Kanin’s target. The edges of the herd were easy pickings for the dragon. Sure enough, Kanin snatched up one of the stragglers in his front claws, grunting with the effort of carrying the extra weight.
The dragon flew to the far side of the river and landed, bending his head to the kill. Khollo dismounted and looked back across the river. The herd was drifting north again, following the river.
Khollo rejoined Kanin, watching the dragon eat. Satisfied? he asked.
Kanin growled in reply and continued eating. Khollo grinned and lay back on a flat rock, throwing one arm over his eyes to block the sun. While Kanin ate, he dozed in the pleasant warmth. By the time the dragon had finished his meal though, the sun was setting and Khollo’s seat was growing cold.
Let’s grab another beast and head back, Khollo said to Kanin. It’s getting late.
Kanin crunched up a leg bone contentedly, then got to his feet. Much better, he announced. I have not eaten so well in a long time.
Khollo grinned and climbed up Kanin’s right foreleg. Glad you’re happy, he replied. Now, let’s finish the hunt and head back to the hold.
Any preference? Kanin asked, looking downriver to where the herds were still grazing and watering.
No, I’m not as picky as you.
Kanin snorted and launched himself into the sky. Immediately, sounds of consternation rose from the grouped herds and beasts scattered every which way.
To Khollo, there were no easy targets in the chaos. But Kanin made a decision quickly and confidently, zeroing in on a steer with massive horns that was leading a small group along the banks of the river. The steer bellowed in distress as Kanin pounced and tumbled it to the ground. It tried to rise, but the dragon pinned it with one leg and broke its neck easily. Just as quickly, Kanin rose into the air and scooped up the body with his hind feet, wheeling south towards the sheltered valley and the holds.
The sun had set by the time they returned to the holds. As they made the final descent, Khollo noticed a flickering light coming from one of the fourth level holds.
Land on the fourth level, Khollo said impulsively. I want to check on Ezraan.
Kanin obediently changed course, arrowing towards the lighted opening on the fourth level. The dragon set the slaughtered steer down on his first pass, then wheeled back around and settled on the ledge, hovering protectively over the carcass.
Khollo slid to the stone ledge, landing with a thump. “Ezraan?” he called.
“What d’you want from me now?” The older man emerged from the hold, a scowl on his face. The sour expression cleared when he saw the steer that Kanin had brought.
“How have you been?” Khollo asked.
Ezraan tilted his head, thinking. “I’ve been worse,” he said at last. “These holds are a good place to live, especially the upper levels. Only problem is I can’t get down from here on my own to hunt or retrieve supplies from my other hideouts.” He looked at the steer furtively. “Need a hand with that?”
Khollo shrugged. “Why not?”
Ezraan joined him beside the carcass, drawing a belt knife and kneeling beside the kill. “Did your dragon do this?”
“Yes,” Khollo said, glancing at Kanin. “And another as well.”
“Impressive,” Ezraan muttered. “Quick, clean kill by the look of things. Didn’t run them all over the plains did you?”
“The hunts didn’t last thirty seconds put together,” Khollo replied. “The herds will have forgotten all about it within a few days.”
Ezraan grunted, satisfied. “There’s grains in the western areas of the plains,” he said. “Did you know?”
Food for food, Kanin observed, disgusted. Chewy, gets stuck in fangs.
Khollo laughed. “We found the grains. Kanin has a very low opinion of my bread-making skills though.”
“I would expect so,” Ezraan replied as he began skinning the steer. “Dragons aren’t known to eat much other than meat.”
“Are they known to eat anything other than meat?” Khollo asked.
Ezraan nodded. “A few things. There are some plants that help with their digestion, and a few stones that will strengthen their fire.
