Friends

"Why would you want to kill me?" Jess said as he sensed hesitation in the dragon. "You don't even know me."

"I don't have to know a thief to roast one."

"I'm not a thief."

"Oh, sure; you just stumbled into my lair in search of adventure."

"Well, sort of."

"You - an adventurer. Hah!"

""Believe me; I understand your skepticism, but I am on a quest. A friend of mine was kidnapped by Huskus."

The dragert suddenly hissed. "Are you going to kill him?"

"I hope it doesn't come to that, but I plan on doing whatever it takes."

"Who's your friend?"

"Her name is Shelvin," Jess said.

The dragon lifted his talon. "I know her. Sweet girl."

"Maybe you could help me."

"Sorry. I have to protect my lair."

"Why would the Zyglots - whoever they are - want your treasure?"

"To make their armor."

A thought popped into Jess' head with such force and clarity he almost fell backwards. "This is really personal with you, isn't it? These are more than coins."

"You are very perceptive … what can I call you?"

"Jess. And you?"

"Oglethaine." He sighed and then got very quiet.

"I'm sorry if I have said something to upset you." Jess put his hand on the dragon's shoulder. "I'm new to this world. The only things I know about other worlds are in the stories my great-great grandfather made up."

Oglethaine picked up one of the coins. "Each one of these coins, as you call them, is a scale that belonged to a dragon who died. See how they are all piled up."