It didn’t take long for Collin to realize he had made a terrible mistake. Breven, unfortunately, lacked very little brain to match his brawn. He had nearly been hit by a carriage because he had gotten wrapped up in a monologue, and even after Collin had pushed him safely out of the way, he simply carried on with his story. Then when they went to pay for a room at the Blue Bird Inn, Breven had almost paid sixty extra oreals if Collin hadn’t made him recount.

Not to mention the slew of unwanted attention he unconsciously gathered. Collin enjoyed staying out of sight, quietly minding his business and hoping others would do the same (though they rarely did). But Breven’s looks had stolen the hearts of many young men and women, always flocked by a herd of gawking adorers. 

Finally, after an hour that had felt like many, they had made it up to their room. Collin slammed the door shut and fell into the nearest bed. He watched as Breven inspected the room, prodding every object curiously.

“He’s like a big toddler…” Collin thought irritably. 

The room they had been given was small but quaint. It had two beds with cotton sheets, a small writing desk with an ink jar and quill, as well as a balcony overlooking the city. 

“I’m surprised you didn't have a room of your own already,” Breven said. “You work here, don’t you?”

“I do, but the job doesn’t come with a room,” Collin explained. “My boss is a real money-grubber. Usually, I just sleep behind the bar, there’s a space beneath the counter with a mat and a pillow.”

“How dreadful!” Breven cried. 

“There have been times in my life where I didn’t even have a place to lay my head, so I don’t complain,” Collin said coolly. “Not all of us can live leisurely in a king’s castle,” he added, glaring at Breven. 

“But surely you could find a better occupation?” Breven asked. 

“It’s not worth it. The Knights always come and chase me out of town. Any job is merely a temporary means to get by.” Collin explained. “And soon enough they will find me here, and then it's off to the next town.”

“Why is it that the Knights are so keen on catching you?” Breven asked. 

Collin shot him a dirty look, and rolled over onto his side, facing the wall. 

“I saved your life, and you still can’t trust me with your secret?” Breven said, saddened. Collin didn’t say anything, keeping his gaze fixed on the wall. “Fine then. Sulk. I’m going to go get dinner downstairs."

Collin listened as Breven’s heavy footsteps moved along the wooden floorboard, the door creaking closed behind him. Collin sat up, rolling up the sleeve of his right arm, revealing a strange rune engraved into the wrist. The rune was a diamond held within a circle, a lining cutting through the middle of both.

“You can come out now,” Collin whispered gently. The rune went from black to orange, glowing like fire embers. A small spark shot out from his wrist, traveling up onto his shoulder. The embers took the form of a tiny, black dragon no larger than a puppy. 

“Guess the size of his muscles is compensation for the size of his brain.” the dragon laughed.

“Raz, do you think this is a good idea? Traveling with him-seeking the Oracle?” Collin asked, sitting up.

“I don’t think we have much of a choice,” Raz said. “We don’t have much time left.”

Collin nodded, a distance growing in his eyes.

“Don’t be so glum!” Raz barked, placing a clawed hand onto his cheek. “This is the best lead we’ve ever had.”

“Is it true? Is the Oracle real?” Collin asked, lifting Raz onto his lap. 

“I’ve heard many o’ tales of it,” Raz said.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Breven stood in the doorway, carrying two plates stacked with steamed vegetables and mutton legs. While he balanced the plates on his biceps, he held two frothy pints in both his hands. 

“I didn’t know whatcha liked so I got a little of everything,” Breven said, shoving the plates onto the writing desk. 

Collin panicked, hurriedly trying to shove Raz back into his wrist. Breven gasped, pointing to the little dragon. At first, Collin thought Breven might grab his sword and take a swing, but instead, he raced up, fell to his knees, and stared at Raz in awe. 

“What a cute lil’ critter!” Breven yelled, wiggling his finger in front of Raz’s snout. Two puffs of smoke shot out from Raz’s nostrils as he let out a small snarl and bit Breven’s finger. 

“Feisty little thing!” Breven chuckled, unfazed. “Where did you find him?”

“We’ve been traveling together for quite a long time,” Collin answered, gently removing Raz from Breven’s finger. “He’s a close friend,” Collin said gently, staring into Raz’s golden eyes. 

“What is he exactly?” Breven asked, looking Raz over. 

“You don’t…?” Collin trailed off. “He’s a tropical lizardling.” 

“You don’t say?” Breven gasped. 

“Lizardling!?” Raz snapped, his voice squeaking. “I am the powerful King of Beasts, Bringer of Death-” Collin shoved his hand over Raz’s mouth. 

“It can talk!” Breven exclaimed happily. 

“Of course I can talk,” snarled Raz, clawing Collin’s hand away. 

“We’ve already got another party member!” Breven bellowed with laughter. “Truly, our journey shall ring on in bard songs for the ages!” He raced out the door, not bothering to pull it shut behind himself. From beneath the thin floorboards, Collin heard him exclaim, “A round of Elf's Ale on me!” followed by a roar of cheers. 

“And there goes the last of our money.” Collin sighed, falling back onto the pillows.