Night Venture

Even after Uncle Belboz’s snoring began reverberating throughout their rocky home, Hannah waited a bit longer, just in case. When she felt absolutely sure he would not reawaken, she crept back out, candle in hand, and made her way back to the cave entrance.

Before turning the last bend, she made sure to put out her flame. No sense illuminating herself whilst trying to stay hidden. Setting the holder down, she went out into the night. Thanks to a lifetime in dim caves, even the gloomy night sky cast more than enough light for her.

Fortunately, she had the foresight to wear a dark cloak instead of her usual white gown. Thus, she slipped like a thief among the hide structures beneath the notice of the two lookouts. Low snoring from inside told her that the other knights had already gone down for the night, all the better to explore their camp.

Coming across one particular building devoid of any tell-tale snores, Hannah ducked inside, her eyes wide to drink in whatever moonlight that managed to get in with her. At once, her hand went to her mouth to stifle her automatic gasp. All around, she saw weapons of every shape. Many she recognized from her uncle’s books. Some she had never encountered before.

Suddenly, a rustle made her jump and look up. Overhead, small cages containing birds hung from the top of the structure. Curious, she eyed the little creatures. Rarely had she seen them from this close. At least, not alive. Did these people eat them? A recollection of one of these birds flying out of this building came back to her. Perhaps, they had another use. These knights certainly employed a lot of animals. First horses, now birds.

Wait. Horses!

Reminded of one of her goals tonight, Hannah turned back to the entrance just as another sound reached her ears. What was that?

1. Nothing but a sneeze from one of the lookouts. Hannah continued on to the horses
2. That was a halberd tipping over, causing a loud crash that brings every knight running
3. Wilfram had entered the tent, having forgotten something earlier
4. In a blast of smoke, Uncle Belboz appeared in the middle of the camp
5. One of the strange weapons in the tent is making funny noises
6. The roar of a dragon echoes through the sky!

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