"Then the presence of dragons tell us little or nothing," muttered Celedhan.
"I'm not so sure," said Belloc. "Even the lowliest of dragons is possessed of a surprising degree of intelligence and purpose. If they were roused they could do great harm. Dragons are most puzzling that way. Normally they have no interest in us. When they do become aroused it is invariably sudden, violent, and without apparent provocation. That kind of behaviour makes little sense on the surface, but I think that their behaviour is only part of a larger puzzle that has certain key pieces missing."
"Dragons and Demons," mused Celedhan. "We're going to need much more than mere bows and arrows and swords."
"Agreed," said Belloc, fingering the Vhurd-Aq. "But we do have a few surprises for the enemy this time. They will not find us nearly so weak or disorganized."
They were interrupted by the evening meal. They ate silently, each chewing over their own thoughts in silence before rising and going to bed.
When they arose the next morning the sullen skies had cleared somewhat, although the air carried the wet aftertaste of rain. They ate and broke camp quickly, setting a brisk pace across the slick stone of the Old Road. Lily became apprehensive about this part of the journey. The plain was as flat as a tabletop, and she instinctively felt exposed and vulnerable, there being no possible way to conceal one's presence.