Kanin snorted. I will never understand human tastes. Why bread? Only gets stuck in fangs. Not good to eat.
Khollo frowned as he set the improvised spit in two forked branches roughly three feet apart. I think we just need to agree to disagree, he said as he began gathering stones for the fire pit.
Kanin continued eating, ignoring Khollo’s preparations and the ruining of good meat.
When at last Khollo was ready for a fire, Kanin turned and delivered a short, controlled burst that seared the ground below and lit the pile of carefully arranged branches Khollo had made. The young warrior sat back and sighed contentedly. He was alone with Kanin, far from the war, far from any crowds, living off the land. It was a peaceful existence.
Kanin finished off his first buck and looked back at the streams. Hmm, still just deer, he observed. Oh well. They are not as good as the Ethgalin steers, but they will do.
Kanin took off for his second hunt, leaving Khollo to tend the flames of the small fire and ignore the growling of his mutinous stomach. Part of Khollo wanted to ask Kanin to just flame the meat when he got back. But the rest of him knew that waiting would result in a much tastier meal.
Finally, as Kanin was polishing off his second buck, Khollo judged the haunch to be ready. He sliced off a piece with his belt knife, blowing on it to cool it. He took a small bite and grinned in triumph. Perfect, he announced.
Kanin eyed the haunch dubiously. If you say so.
Khollo carved another slice and chewed slowly. The meat was tender and flavorful, the best he had ever cooked over an open fire. The herbs and onions had done him proud. Khollo ate another bite, and another, grease coating his lips, fingers, and chin.
Even when the young warrior had eaten his fill, there was still over half of the haunch left. He left it hanging over the dying fire to keep warm, then stood and stretched, looking out over the Renlor Basin.
This place is still, he said to Kanin. It’s hard to believe we fought a battle less than an hour’s flight from here.
Kanin pushed aside the second deer carcass, having eaten his fill. I can believe it. I still hurt and my scales are filthy.
Khollo laughed. To the streams, then?
Yes, finally.
Khollo climbed onto Kanin’s back and the dragon glided smoothly down to the wide, slow streams. The herds had vacated the area. Apparently two dragon hunts in one morning was too many for them to ignore. But this suited Khollo and Kanin, since they would no longer have to share the water.
Kanin landed on the frozen bank of the river, ice crystals cracking and crunching under his weight. Khollo carefully twisted around so that both his legs were on the side of Kanin that was closest to the shore, then vaulted from the dragon’s back to avoid landing in the river. Kanin snorted at this display.
It is only water. It will not hurt you.
It’s freezing, Khollo protested. How can you stand it?
I am far less sensitive to temperature than you, Kanin replied. The dragon rolled over on his side, splashing into the river and sending a small wave racing up the shore towards Khollo. The young Keeper jumped back just in time, shouting in protest.
Sorry, Kanin said innocently. Just getting my scales wet. He began rubbing at a foreleg with his snout. I am thinking it will take me a long time to get properly clean.
I’ll help, Khollo told him, moving carefully to the edge of the river to rub the dirt from Kanin’s flank. Just don’t try to douse me again.
I said I was sorry!
Khollo snorted and began rubbing with both hands, scraping dirt and mud from Kanin’s hard scales. They stung his hands, but did not cut him or pierce his skin. After several minutes of scrubbing though, Khollo realized he needed to find an alternative solution or he would rub his palms raw.
There are many flat rocks along the stream, Kanin observed. Those would feel good.
They won’t hurt you?
My hide is tougher than yours.
That’s what started this problem, Khollo observed, eying his reddened palms. He reached down and scooped up a flat rock that fit comfortably in his right hand. He looked at it dubiously, then began rubbing Kanin’s side vigorously. How’s this? Better?
Very nice, Kanin said, pausing his cleaning to look back at Khollo. You have missed a spot a little above and to the right.
Khollo snorted and attacked the dirty scales with the rock. I wish we’d brought Sermas and Hern to help, he told Kanin. And some good brushes with stiff bristles-
Keep scrubbing.
I am! Khollo replied indignantly.
My other side is still very dirty too.
Khollo pursed his lips and did not respond, save to scrub especially hard in the same place for a few seconds, intending to cause Kanin a small amount of discomfort.
Yes, that felt good, Kanin told him. My scales will be shining in no time!
Kanin’s estimate of no time left a lot to be desired in Khollo’s mind. It was another two hours before Kanin decided that his scales might be suitably bright and clean. The dragon waded further into the river, then rolled over and submerged himself to rinse off. Khollo shivered at the thought of diving into the freezing waters. But, as Kanin emerged from the river again, water streaming from his scales, Khollo had to agree that the dragon was an impressive sight, each scale glittering like a fabulous jewel.
With the chore of cleaning the dragon completed, Khollo hurled the flat rock he had been using away from him, watching it splash
