Skin and Bones

Of all the hundreds upon hundreds of animals Anteel had deftly skinned and tanned in his years as a hunter, this by far was the strangest. He wasn't even sure if Dragons really counted as animals. He didn't know of any weasels or hawks that could breath fire, or that cast spells for that matter. He had never owned or even seen anything made of dragonhide before, but judging by the way it turned his blades as he had danced and slashed on its back during the battle, it would be worth the effort.

He had gathered some important tips from some townsfolk (Who had lived with dragons all their lives) before setting at the task at hand. His enchanted gloves helped keep the intense heat from scalding his nimble fingers, and the edge of his mithril blade was honed and sharper than sharp. The smell alone was like burning tobacco, spiced cachaca, and rotten meat. It poured out of each cut and made his head spin. Inch by inch he carved and peeled, careful not to let unwanted heat out, and to keep as many scales attached as possible. By the end of his first hour he had removed most of the skin off a leg. This would take a while. And they didn't' have much time.

He took a break to wipe clean his tools and soak his upper arms in some cool water from the endless spring on Meriths Island. He had done a good job of keeping himself distracted for most of the time, and after his friends had finished with their short business in town they would be heading off to the last temple. Speed was of the essence, but Terran had meet an old friend or some such in town, and was probably learning of the temples exact location. His busywork had kept his mind off the next task at hand, and what had happened in the past few hours. His body was still a ball of nerves. "Anteel, the Dragonslayer.." He spat and chuckled to himself.

In all of Ezras stories there was a great climax, usually what was delivered right before the old man had to say goodnight to the excitable children. Whether he was about to face a great evil demon, or come face to face with some all powerful wizard, something big happened at the end. He could feel it in the air. Something big was about to happen to him and his friends. Something that would change them forever.

He decided to go into the town for one last drink before they left. It might be his last.