Dragon Chaser

Oh man, this could be bad... Real, real bad...

Something wrong?

Oh, Aldo! Long time no see. There's a worrying rumor going around; folk are saying there's a nasty dragon in the neighborhood.

What?! A dragon, in Baruoki? Now I've heard everything!

Not just any old dragon either, this one is really keen on rampaging. It's injured several people!

We've been told there's a hunter on the way to slay it. I'm just praying for their success.

Yeah, I don't know... A dragon is too much to handle for your average hunter. Where are they anyway, do you know?

Apparently, they're going to the Karek Swampland to track it down. Maybe to go look for them on the outskirts of the village?

Another day, another dragon...

I'd like to have a word with the hunter. Which way to the swampland?

You're intending to participate in the dragon hunt?

You never know, perhaps this dragon is the one I'm searching for.

Okay, the swampland is this way.

Hey, are you the hunter who's been hired to slay the dragon?

I am indeed. Might I have the honor of knowing who I'm speaking to?

I'm one of Baruoki's town guards. The name's Aldo. This is one of my companions, Lacla...

Yeah, that's nice. This dragon business is way over your head, boy. Don't meddle or you'll end up deep-fried.

Over my head, is it?

Leave me in peace, if you would. I'm trying to get myself in the right frame of mind.

I want to go along. Would you mind?

Eh? Don't make me laugh, lass. Dragon hunting is not for the faint of heart. Why don't you go off and polish your shield, or something.

Actually, I'm rather a dab hand at dragon hunting.

Judging from those...clothes, I take it you're a ranger or something?

But I'm afraid in all likelihood all you'll end up doing is providing the dragon with a nutritious meal.

Hey, my friend Laclair is no one's lunch! She's a very able dragon slayer, I can assure you of that.

No, I don't think you can. The lass is clearly not dragon-slayer material. You can take this coming from someone who's crossed claws with countless dragons, and emerged without so much as a scratch.

Should we have heard of you then? Judging from what you're telling us about yourself, you sound like a bit of a legend.

Perhaps you should have. I've been competently plying my trade around these parts for the last 10 years.

Then you should be able to figure out a way to make use of me. Use me as bait if you must. I insist on going.

Bait you say? Yeah, bait's always useful I guess. All right, agree to obey my every order and I'll have you along. And if you end up in the dragon's stomach, no complaints.

You're not offended, being spoken to like that? You're probably way stronger than him...

My sole objective is to slay the dragon who stole everything from me. I don't care about getting chummy with some hunter.

Are you ever going to tell me about that?

......

What are you standing around yapping for? I'm going to the swamp!

They told me this is the site of the dragon attacks. Hmm, what next...

Hey, I didn't say you could move! Get back immediately!

Hm, there's a slight trace of a footprint... Yes, this shape is particular to dragons. We've found it.

Lemme se, Eh, meh, sorry, but I'm not taking an amateur at their word. It might belong to any of the dozens of lizardy beasts in the region.

My...word! There's no mistaking it, this here toeprint could only belong to that deadliest of reptiles: the dragon!

Looks like it headed deeper into the swamp. We should follow the trail.

Should we indeed! In case you're forgetting, we set out some clear rules! I lead, you obey.

Sure, that's true. All right then boss, what's the next move?

Well yes, that is...of course, the logical thing to do in this situation is...as your friend suggested.

Then what was the point of getting all confrontational?

Because! Your friend happened to get it right one time. That doesn't mean I'm going to hand over the reins to a couple of scrubs like you.

Right, right. Well if you're done brandishing the whip of authority, how about we get going?

Yep. The dragon could leap out on us from anywhere. If you have any eyes in the back of your head, I suggest you keep them peeled.

Look guys, another dragon footprint!

Drat. It's clear from this one! This dragon is bigger, and surely more deadly than I'd bargained for...

Just as I thought, that is. *sigh* A dragon's bad enough without having to watch the backs of a pair of scrubs.

I hear it! It's close by!

You two, this is where stuff gets real. I suggest you head on back to Baruoki.

And you? What are you going to do?

Nothing for it. With you two in tow taking on that dragon will be a nightmare. A temporary retreat is the only option.

Off you trot then. Aldo and I will handle the dragon.

What claptrap is this?! Have you scrubs got a death wish?

A death wish? Not personally. There is, however, a certain dragon who I wish death upon. And I intend to ensure that wish comes true.

I'm with you.

Let this be a lesson to dragons nationwide! Baruokians aren't on the lunch menu.

Blast it! Cowards!

You made short work of it, eh? The dragon's bark must have been worse than its bite, huh!

I've fought stronger, yeah... Laclair, that wasn't the one that's your mortal enemy, I guess?

Please, Aldo... Don't be ridiculous. The dragon I'm after is no small fry.

You'd need no more than to look at one of its scales to realize that. Here.

Ah yeah, I see. This scale looks like it belongs to a completely different type of dragon.

What's this about dragons and scales? Or dragon scales even?

Hang on a minute... Could it be you're that world-famous ranger who goes around with a dragon-scale in their pocket? Golly-gosh, well I never... You're THE Dragon-Scale Hunter?!

I'm aware of the moniker.

So you knew about her and didn't make the connection?

I did know indeed. Anyone doing this job as long as I have surely knows the tale.

Most tragic. Lost her whole family, so it's said. All because of a merciless rampaging dragon. Then as a young orphan, she went on to purge the lands of all things draken and wyrmy, saving countless lives.

......

You'll forgive me, I hope. It was a tad dense of me not to realize who you were. As a token of apology, I'll let you claim the bounty for the dragon.

That's awfully kind of you considering you did little more than spectate while we fought it. But we must refuse.

If only I could compensate you with some info on that mortal enemy dragon of yours. I tend to go after the smaller lizards, I'm no expert.

That's fine. Could you inform the mayor that the dragon's been slain? Thank you.

O-Okay!

Another dragon falls to my bow, and yet the one I would see dead before any of them still draws breath, somewhere. How many years have passed now... And still he eludes me.

Laclair... You're doing what you can.