A Second Chance?

To Fred's dismay, the wolves were apparently in no hurry, and seemed to be grinning as they circled the doomed knight. Because of Fred, they had lost a sizable meal, and seemed determined to make him pay. Fred remembered that Black Wolves were highly intelligent, with only Silverbacks ranking higher in brainpower. Also, quite unlike their silver cousins, Black Wolves were extremely evil, and took an almost cat-like pleasure in toying with their food.

"Get on with it!" Fred demanded. "You can be sure I'll take at least a few of you to Hell with me!"

Then to his complete surprise, the Dragon landed next to him. A psychic voice rang in Fred's mind, and presumably that of the wolves. "Get away from it! Or you'll have to deal with us both!"

The wolves considered this. Then, growling in disappointment, they began a slow retreat, apparently deciding the catch wasn't worth weakening the pack through further casualties. Their leader stopped for a second and glared at Fred as if saying "You'll pay for this!". Then he turned and loped away, and soon the entire pack had disappeared into the mists.

"Whew." Fred breathed.

The Dragon turned to him. It's psychic voice was soft and melodic, quite unlike the monstrous rumble the Dragon of the Southern Caves had produced in Fred's mind. "Kind Human, thank you for saving my life. I owe you a debt of honor which can never be discharged. If there is anything I can do to repay you, please tell me!"

"Not unless you can turn back time." Fred sighed. "Tell me rather, who are you, and what are you doing in the Unexplored Regions?"

"I... I don't really know." the Dragon said. "It's the oddest thing. Not long ago, I woke up here in the mists, with no recollection whatsoever of who I am or how I got here. It's as if all of my memories were wiped clean - if I even had memories to begin with!"

"Are you a Good Dragon?" Fred asked, even though such a thing was unheard of. "Rather, do you feel any impulses to do things like burn fields, steal livestock and chain women to walls?"

"I certainly would hope not!" the Dragon said, horrified. "At most I have an impulse to take a refreshing dip in a cool lake. All those things you mentioned sound absolutely ghastly!"

"Well, that's nice to know." Fred said. "Hmm..."

"So... where are you going?" the Dragon asked. "And more importantly, can I come with you? To be honest, I'm a bit scared to be alone in a place like this. I can only fly for short periods of time, but I could help you in other ways. What do you say?"

Fred thought about this. He certainly had nothing to lose. And with an ally like this strange young Dragon, perhaps he could yet turn his situation around.

"Allright." Fred said. "Then we're a team. And we're heading..."

1. "...back to the Southern Caves."
2. "...to see the King of Allaria."
3. "...far, far away from everything."

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