By nightfall, they were roasting a boar over an open flame. They had found a few solid logs to sit on, and sat in a circle around the campfire. Kace tended to the boar as it cooked, slathering it with herbs and rotating it on a makeshift spit. 

“You seem to know your spices,” Breven chuckled. 

“Boar can be quite bitter, these will help to mellow the taste,” Kace explained. “I used to cook a lot for my family back in Octingale.”

“Octingale, that's a wizarding town in Hexus!” Breven exclaimed. “Perhaps we’ll pass through on our way to the Oracle.”

“Perhaps…” Kace continued softly, staring intensely into the fire. 

“I can’t imagine it's comfortable to cook in that mask,” Collin commented, resting his head in both his palms. 

Kace tilted his head playfully, sprinkling some dried green herbs onto the boar’s back. “But an air of mystery is alluring, is it not?” he said cheekily. 

“I suppose,” Animus purred. “But it could also be because you're hiding something.” They crossed their long legs and leaned forward, sitting up in attention. The fire embers drifted past their face, illuminating them faintly with a fiery orange glow. “What could it be? I nasty blemish? I’m sure you’re quite handsome by the look of the rest of you.”

“Like I said,” Kace teased. “The mystery has seemed to work its alluring charm on you.”

Animus couldn't help but wrinkle a smirk. Collin felt a strange unease roll through his stomach as he watched the exchange. Suddenly, Raz burst from the rune, leaping out into the grass. He ran up to Kace, barely taller than his shin, and snarled viciously. 

“Raz!” Collin scolded, grabbing the little dragon and backing away. “Sorry,” he added hurriedly, looking sheepishly up at Kace. 

“Hmm,” Kace hummed loudly. “Oh Raz, since you’re here, would you mind helping with dinner?” he asked. 

Raz stuck out his tongue, like a red streamer blowing in the wind. 

“I’d never help the likes of you,” he spat. 

“Your Majesty, I am well aware that your fiery breath has wiped out entire villages, surely it can cook a small boar. And if you did help, I would allow you the first bite.” Kace said. 

Raz sniffed at the air, his nostrils filling with the scent of roasting meat. 

“I guess I can humble you with my services,” Raz said, puffing out his small chest. He leaped down from Collin’s arms and faced the fire. He sucked in a deep breath and released a hot blaze over the boar. In an instant, the boar was perfectly roasted and beautifully caramelized. 

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” Kace said, slicing off a strip of meat and tossing it to Raz who caught it effortlessly. 

. . .

As they ate, Collin observed the others curiously. 

“Animus, I know you’ve already said you’re not sharing any secrets, but what about you two? Why do you seek the Oracle?” Collin inquired to Breven and Kace who both choked a little on their food. 

“I think I’ll do the same as Animus, and keep my motives to myself.” Kace chuckled. 

“I ont’ ow wut er talkin’ bout,” Breven mumbled loudly, stuffing his mouth with food. 

“So am I the only one whose dirty laundry gets to hang out for all to see! You all know why I’m here and about Razarith.”

“You act like that dragon is some sort of curse. But it looks like an adorable little companion to me. And a rather helpful one at that.” Animus said. 

Collin stood suddenly, glaring them down. He hooked his fingers beneath his shirt collar and pulled away the fabric. Growing from his shoulder and up his chest toward his neck was a purplish black rash. 

“The longer we stay together like this, the more the curse spreads. I’ve already been weakened by it, and so has Raz. He can only use a fraction of the powers he once had.” Collin explained seriously. “You’ve heard the legends. Razarith used to be the size of a mountain but look at him now. This is the only form he can take because of the curse.”

“Collin, I’m sorry-” Animus said genuinely. 

But just then, Kace also stood. 

“Content people do not seek the Oracle,” Kace said firmly. “We all have our curses to bear, metaphorically or not. I understand your circumstance is grim, but we are all looking to be freed from something by looking after the Oracle.”

“It sounds like mere treasure might not be your real reason for joining this party after all.” Collin teased. 

“Heh, perhaps,” Kace chuckled. 

. . .

Collin and Kace found themselves to be the last awake. Animus had transformed into a fruit bat, sleeping upside down from a tree branch. Breven was curled up with Gara, snoring loudly. Raz slumbered in Collin's lap, mumbling tyrannical orders and puffing out small clouds of smoke.

"I rather enjoyed your food. It's been a long time since I've had someone cook me a meal." Collin said softly.

"It's been a long time since I've had someone to cook for," Kace returned happily. He prodded the flame with a long stick, the fire crackling crisply. The embers drifted up into the sky, becoming indistinguishable from the stars.

"What is your favorite meal?" Kace asked. "I shall make it for you sometime."

"I don't have one," Collin said.

"Then it shall be quite fun trying to figure it out," Kace smiled.

For the first time, Collin was glad Kace wore the mask because if he didn't, Collin imagined his smile would have been all the more overwhelming.