"I really didn't mean to anger it, at least the first time," Andy said.

"Never use the W-word when you speak with dragons," said Morwen.

Kermit had finally gotten Morwen fully healed, but there was still scarring on her neck. It was a gnarly wound, even for a clerical Intercession, so it would likely take a while longer. They snacked on some provisions, restoring all their health, before they continued toward the woods. Andy, Arlene, and Morwen walked in a roughly even first rank, while Sven followed, guiding PL. Kermit rode the back of the enormous pig.

The wood's edge It was only a short distance, perhaps a half a mile to go.

"Who do you think is after us?" Arlene asked. "You said it could be a wizard?"

"Could be," said Morwen. "They're a weird bunch, always up to their esoteric schemes… There's no telling who employed the dragon or why, and as far as I'm concerned, there's no need to seek it out."

"What do you mean?" Andy asked. "If we're being targeted by someone, shouldn't we know who it is?"

"Not with wizards," Morwen said. "The less you know, usually the better."

Andy took a couple of strides in silence. It sounded like Kermit was snoring. Andy turned around to see the kid slumped over, honking some serious shoos, in blissful sleep.

"Why's that?" Andy asked, turning back to face the approaching woods.

"Because they often fight among themselves, and getting any more involved in their schemes than absolutely necessary is ill-advised. If you know anything about a wizard, there's another wizard who wants that information. Before you know it, you're strapped to a white-hot truth table being tortured by some asshole in a pointy cap until you talk."

"Was that… from personal experience?" Andy asked, chuckling nervously.

"No," Morwen said, "but I've heard the stories."

"Are the dragons and wizards going to be trouble during our hunting trip?" Arlene asked.

Morwen shrugged. "If they are then they are, and we'll deal with it then."

"It seemed that the dragon's scales were impenetrable," said Andy. "I was able to pry some off, but only after I used Drain to weaken it."

"They're tough," said Morwen. "If I had known we'd be up against a green dragon, I'd have brought some chalk."

"What, like, to bind them in a magic circle or something?"

"No," Morwen said. "To neutralize their breath weapon."

"Ah, so like, calcium carbonate?" Arlene asked.

"Limestone chalk," said Morwen. "I don't know what you otherworlders would call it. But if you can get a coating of limestone chalk into the dragon's mouth, it neutralizes their acidic breath weapon. At least temporarily."

"Good to know," said Arlene. "Do they make them in vials that I can attach to arrows?"

"I haven't seen it done," said Morwen, "but it would likely work."

"It seems like an obvious solution," Andy said. "Why hasn't anyone done it?"

"I'm sure someone has," said Morwen. "I just haven't seen it because I don't make a habit of seeking out green dragons."

The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

The field trail plunged into the thick forest, the sun instantly obscured by the emerald canopy.

"Just a little further," said Morwen, "Verin should be at the hunting lodge up ahead."

"Should we be concerned about our lateness?" Andy asked.

"No," Morwen said. "We're only a day late. All things considered, we're making good time."

Andy nodded.

"I just mean if it were back home and I was a day late, my mom would've already called the police to search for me."

"Do you often have to travel multiple days by foot in dragon-infested territory, subject to the whims of bandits?"

Andy continued striding in silence.

"Good point," he said, finally.

"Is that it?" Arlene asked, pointing ahead.

"Good eye," said Morwen.

Andy strained to see as they walked around a bend. In the forest, darkened by the thick canopy overhead, Andy saw a warm glow. It was a window in what appeared to be a quaint cottage. As they approached, though, the full structure came into view: a multi-story tree-house built around five gigantic oaks, planned haphazardly but built with extreme precision and craftsmanship.

There was a wide, formal wooden staircase with hanging lanterns strung up on poles along either side, ascending up to a large cabin-style structure suspended between two oaks. Its window panes were diagonally set, small lamps glowing dimly behind the thick, multi colored glass. There were walkways and staircases leading to other buildings suspended variously among the oaks.

The front door swung open. A tall, handsome man with red-blond, shoulder length hair and a well-groomed beard stepped out, wearing heavy but fashionable hunting gear underneath an animal-skin cape. He leaned on a walking stick.

"Running a bit behind, eh?" the man said as he began to descend the stairs.

"Verin," Morwen said, bowing slightly as she continued to approach the stairs.

"And who do we have with you?" Verin said, gesturing toward the others.

"This is Arlene," Morwen said. Arlene waved. "And this is Andy."

"Hello," Andy said.

"And this is Sven, Kermit, and our companion, PL," Morwen said.

"A magnificent hog!" Verin said jubilantly as he stepped off the stairs and approached the pig.

PL backed away slightly as Verin approached.

Not a good sign, Andy thought.

"It's ok," Sven said. "He'll warm up to you."

Verin backed away, respecting the giant hog.

"Well, you've made it just in time for dinner," said Verin.

The noble beckoned them toward the center of the oaks, above them the treehouses were suspended. In the center, there was a small covered area with a fire pit and several tables on a stone patio. There was a skinny man roasting food over the fire.

"We didn't know whether to expect you tonight, so we don't have a feast, but it should suffice," said Verin. "Charl, will you please set six places?"

"Certainly," said Charl, rotating several kabobs over the flame and retreating to another area to grab plates and silverware.

"What of the hog?" Verin said. "What will he have to eat?"

"Vegetables, or rabbit if you have it," said Sven.

"Why, of course I do!" said Verin. "I am, after all, a spectacular hunter."

"Ah, of course," said Sven, bowing slightly.

There was an awkward pause before Verin burst out in laughter, giving Sven a slap on the shoulder.

"I'm just kidding," Verin said. "I'm actually a lousy hunter! But we do have some salted rabbit thanks to the last occupants of the lodge."

Sven breathed a sigh of relief.

The group sat and ate: beans, some kind of tangy slaw, and roasted vegetables and some kind of bird meat on a skewer. None of it was particularly spiced, but with a bit of salt, it was delicious. The naturally delightful flavors of fresh peppers, onions, and game prepared over an open flame needed little help.

"So, when and where are we headed for the hunt?" Morwen asked.

"You're not going to like it," said Verin.

There was an awkward silence until Kermit began slurping an onion off of his skewer.

"Go on," said Morwen.

"The cliffs," said Verin.

Morwen nearly spit out her food. She covered her mouth. "You're not–"

"Yes," said Verin. "I am. In fact, this will be my fifth annual hunt for a chimera."