Cosar pulled his cloak tight against the night air and nestled himself against the foot of a tree overlooking the camp the trio had settled in to for the night; gathered around a fire and continuing to bicker. He had followed the mage and forester from Halendos deeper into the forest than he had ever been before, but was beginning to wonder if it was worth the effort. He could have snatched a dozen purses by now, and been nestled in a comfy bed with a comely maid… but no, he had to set off on some grand adventure! “Wait a minute,” he whispered to himself, “where’s the forester?” He could see the mage and the half-elven beauty still sitting around the fire and arguing about nothing, but the young woodsman was gone. Then he felt the touch of cold steel at his throat. “Ah… There you are,” he said nonchalantly, carefully turning his head to follow the blade. “It’s a chilly night,” Courynn remarked, his voice tainted with amusement; “you’d do better by our fire.” “How can I refuse such a gracious offer?” Cosar replied, gently pushing the sword’s blade away from his throat. “These woods literally teem with spies!” Rynard announced as Courynn walked Cosar into their camp. “You followed us from Halendos,” Courynn accused. “I saw you there.” “That’s not a crime,” Cosar countered, settling down by the fire. “You’re the one with the blade at my back.” Courynn looked down to the sword still bare in his hand, and, realizing he was right, sheathed it. “What do you want here?” Talice demanded, eyeing him even more distrust than Rynard. “I heard them talking about a dragon,” Cosar replied, unabashedly admiring her beauty, “and everyone knows… where there’s a dragon… there’s a dragon’s horde!” “A thief out for gold,” Talice dismissed him like something unworthy of her attention. “Go back to stealing purses in Halendos… you’ll find the pickings slim here.” “I’ve got as much right to that dragon’s horde as you do!” Cosar shot back. His whole life people had looked down on him, just like this uppity trio. He was a thief, but he was honest about it… and what made them more deserving of the dragon’s treasure. “We’re not after the dragon’s gold,” Courynn interrupted. “We’re out to stop it, and those working with it… they’ve captured at least three encampments full of people… to what end, we can only guess.” “Well then,” Cosar met his stoic gaze with a devilish grin, “I’ll happily stay out of the way while you slay the beast, right the wrongs and do your heroic deeds… and you can stay out of my way while I cart off whatever treasure might be left behind!”