Foster adjusted his gear, tightening the straps of his reinforced skin battle suit, while the dragon perched on his shoulder twitched slightly, a sign of impatience or excitement. They were ready to leave Vollua, to move away from the protection of the Mother Tree to meet the creature's growing needs.
Lïanna and a few elves watched silently as they left, concern evident on their faces. Köflik, arms folded, grunted as he shook his head.
- Are you sure you want to go alone?" he asked gravely.
- I'm not alone," replied Foster, glancing at his dragon. And I can't risk imposing this burden on our people. If they're to learn to survive, it's I who must guide them.
Lïanna nodded slowly, her gaze heavy on the empty jade egg he still carried attached to his belt.
- Be careful, Foster," she murmured. I sense disturbances in the forest. Something lurks beyond our borders.
Foster didn't answer. He felt it too. An unhealthy presence, lurking somewhere in the shadows of the forest.
