Will followed quietly not making any sudden moves. The guards were their predictable crassness pushing through the crowd until reaching a guardpost and an attached jailhall.

The guardpost’s in the city stood out. They had high wall, armoured and fortified. Will was marched up the steps through the narrow doors. In the front room, watching the door was a large impressive desk that several people were working at. One man glanced up

“We got the criminal!” William’s captors announced.

Will glanced at the man they addressed. He was well dressed, clean, noble birth and obviously in charge. He looked exceedingly tired. On seeing Will he closed his eyes and then stroked them gently with his fingers before speaking slowly in a manner one explains to a child.

“He’s not. A criminal.” The guards shuffled awkwardly away from Will, “I asked you to fetch him. Not arrest him. Look. Just go get some food and...”

“We can’t!” The first guard protested.

“Why not?”

“We got the baker right here!” The second added.

The first nodded, “Who we gonna get sweets from?”

The leader rose, “Just. Let me talk to the Baker.” He grabbed a jacket, a helmet and twin swords. He motioned Will out of the suffocating space of the guard post through a side door.

Will glanced around the alley as the man pulled out a bottle and took a swig of water. Then gestured Will to follow him. “Was wondering if you would mind helping me out of a small problem.” They took a different path away from the guardpost.

“What is it.” Will asked curtly

“Well two things. First there is a missing persons. A woman.”

Will rolled his eyes, “Really? A woman. So half the population?”

“Seem’s she ran away from home. Has a tiny white dragon. You see such a person leave the city you let me know.”

Will’s blood froze, “I haven’t seen such a person leave the city.” Not a lie.

“Okey, there is a bounty on any information of her whereabouts.” The two walked in awkward silence until reaching a small square, “As for our current issue. We have a dragon that has taken up residence in that fountain.” He pointed where the fountain should’ve been. Instead it was covered in a mysterious fog that obscured the centre of the square.

“I’ve been ordered to have the dragon killed, but I would rather avoid that.” He smiled, “Since you have have a dragon under your control. I was hoping you could work your magic.” he wiggled his fingers for emphasis.

“I could try talking to it. No promises... but ugh..” Will tilted his head, “why?”

“I was hoping out of the kindness of your heart... but best I can do is put some big orders into your bakery. Anything more and I’ll get in trouble.”

Not quite what he had in mind but Will wasn’t going to turn down a favour from the local guards. “Deal.” Will spat on his hand and extended it to shake. To Will’s surprise the guard shook his hand without hesitation and with a smile.

“Deal Baker. Oh I’m sorry, I’m Markhor, you are?”

“Will, the baker.”

“Anything you need?”

“A bucket. And a large fish. I think.”