Preparing for a Dragon Hunt

I know little about humans, and even less about elves (these are the first I've ever met). But Belboz has said to Astra: "So, Princess, would you like to go with them and lead them to the dragon's lair? I'm sure that they will take good care of you." So in spite of a certain edginess that I seem to detect between Belboz and some of the newcomers, it would appear that he trusts them. And Astra has nodded her assent, so she seems willing to trust them as well. Of course, I know that she's not quite in her right mind, so perhaps I shouldn't read too much into that.

Fred:

I hesitate. Having Checkers' help is one thing, but to let so many others join in doesn't seem like a good idea. But I seem to have very friendly feelings towards several of the elves, almost as though they were kin, for no obvious reason. Jarlath, too, somehow reminds me of what my brother of that name might have been like had he lived. So I slightly surprise myself by saying: "Your help would be welcome." Checkers, who seems to have been waiting to see which way I would jump, nods her agreement.

Astra:

I have been feeling a little happier, having just been given a remarkable suit of armour by one of the elves, when I realise that Belboz has found a new indignity to heap on me. Not content with having both modified my body and rendered me mute, he has now made me illiterate as well. So much for my hope of communicating with the newcomers.

Even the peasants in Aqualaria are taught to read and write (unlike in most of the neighbouring countries, I'm told, where even some of the nobles never learn their letters), and I've been literate since I was five years old. But now I couldn't write - or even recognise - my own name! I feel a mixture of frustration, embarrassment and fury, and forget myself sufficiently as to glare at Belboz (for I know that showing any anger towards him isn't wise). Fortunately, he seems to be too busy concentrating on examining my evidently magical new armour, and on following the remarks of the newcomers, to notice my dirty look or to tune in to my angry thoughts.

"It seems that you will all be going together to find the dragon, then," Belboz says. "You'll excuse me if I don't go with you, but I am getting a little old for this kind of thing. You would seem to have a sufficiency both of warriors and magic users, though. Astra here should be able to lead you to him."

"If she was so traumatised by him, is that a good idea?" the blonde woman called Annafrid asks.

"It might be the best thing for her," Belboz says. "Only if she sees him killed will she truly believe that he is dead. And she seems eager to go."

Indeed I am, now that I know that Belboz won't be accompanying us. Anything to get away from him. Leading the party to the dragon will be problematic, of course. But I imagine that Belboz intends that sooner or later the dragon will find us.

1. Then...

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