‘Lift that shit up, please. Thanks.’

‘Mhm.’

‘Could you hold its leg?’

‘Mhm.’

‘Good. Now a little stab around the thighs … all right. I think I got it.’

‘Looks like it.’

‘Have you done this before?’

‘I haven’t.’

‘Yeah. Right. You work with vines.’

‘Mhm.’

‘Let me cut it around … it’s very much like a pig slaughter, you know?’

‘It had a bit more hair. But I agree.’

‘Good thing the Herald could raise that fire.’

‘Actually, she only stoked it up.’

‘What do you mean?’

‘Nothing. Let’s continue.’

‘Yes. Here we go. Should we get the other leg off before moving to the front?’

‘You’re the expert.’

‘Then we will. One hand on the leg, one on its neck, please. A bit further. Splendid.’

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‘Will we roast all of it?’

‘I plan to. You have something else in mind?’

‘No. I’m just not sure.’

‘You haven’t eaten it before?’

‘Not really. I’m not even sure bloodwolves are edible.’

‘We will very soon find out. You can have the honour of tasting the first portion.’

‘You humble me.’

‘Were there some more fat on those thighs … ah, that’s all we got. Should we make a stew of it?’

‘With what spices?’

‘Oh. Then I guess it’s a small portion for all.’

‘For all?’

‘We eat first. The remnants are for the civilians.’

‘They will tear each other apart.’

‘Do you want them to tear us apart instead?’

‘I’m surprised you want to give them anything at all.’

‘If it’s poisonous, they might as well have all of it.’

‘Such a kind soul is a pleasure to be around.’

‘Thank thee, knight of the shadow.’

‘I’m no knight.’

‘Yeah. I was joking. Obviously.’

‘Obviously.’

‘You’re a little oddball. But I might have judged you hastily. It’s … fine to work with you over this bloodied carcass.’

‘You’re saying this only because you think we’re going to die. It seems Velardhari speak a lot when they’re nervous.’

‘I’m not. I mean it. Truly.’

‘Mhm.’

‘Fine. We are going to die.’

‘Hah. You know what? I also might have judged you hastily. It’s a pleasure working with you over this bloodied carcass, Draggan.’

‘That didn’t sound genuine.’

‘We are going to die, aren’t we?’

‘That’s what I’m talking about. Come now, let’s take apart its head.’