Once they were allowed within the town, the pair sold off most of the pelt and the teeth, then they walked around and explored the town. Wolfs senses were focused on trying to hone in to anything suspicious around them, but he didn’t pick up much.

“Dragon is in trouble.” He said.

“Yeah, probably. He’s not the kind to avoid towns… Not unless he was in danger…”

Wolf bowed his head. His gut instinct told him to hurry, Dragon would need him soon. As quick as they came, they left the town. Wordless, he bounded away, this time letting out a small amount of ki to move quicker.

Tiger followed behind him, and for once he was silent.

They followed the road for some time, kicking up dust with each step. The plains around them were golden and dusty. They could see creatures in the distance, large bovines that roamed the land. Near them were the steppe horses that were infamous for being untameable to those that weren’t of the Hei tribe.

Wolf noted several humanoid figures near the beasts.

‘Hei…’

He then veered off towards them.

Tiger followed.

After some time they could see several of the tribe start to mount their horses and rode out to meet the pair, spears in hand. Wolf slowed to a halt and Tiger stepped aside.

The one leading the five Hei was an older man, wrinkles barely touched along his brow, his long hair flowed down his shoulders and his front, large strands of grey accompanying the black. His eyes were brown, his skin tanned but more like amber. His shoulders were slumped and he held his spear loosely.

“You wish to speak with Hei?” The elder asked.

Wolf bowed his head. “Dear Hei, thank you for your time. We have come to ask if you have seen our companion. He is a man that goes by Dragon.”

The elder tilted his head in thought. “I have not spoken to a Dragon.”

“He is near our age, height and built, with long black hair. His skin is pale and he holds an aggressive disposition.”

The elder shook his head at the description. “We have not spoken to outsiders for some time, this Dragon is not one I have heard of.” He exchanged looks with his tribe members.

Wolf bowed and then reached in to grab onto some of the silt bear teeth and claws he had retained. “Thank you. Please accept this.” It was customary to offer members of the steppe tribe a tribute for safe passage, and usually they returned the kindness.

The elder bowed his head in response and took the items from Wolf. Wolf knew to show respect to those known as the Steppe Lords Hei, master of horse and battle. He would prefer not to fight with them, an exchange would be costly in both time and health.

“If you need an escort in this land, take my niece, Tak.”

A woman that looked similar to the elder rode forward to meet them, with long black hair and skin like amber. She sat tall on the horse, her hands gently caressing it.

“She knows her way around this land. She will be able to take you quickly to any place that is within a tendays ride.”

Wolf bowed his head. “We thank you for your generosity.” Tiger nodded and bowed his head as well.

The elder placed a hand onto Tak’s head and muttered something in their tongue. He placed his forehead against hers and then finally pulled back, before finally leaving her with the pair. Tak then turned to meet the pair. She did not speak, but motioned with her head.

“If you don’t mind, we will make haste.” Wolf said as he hasted himself, speeding up using ki, and she matched his speed. She was able to match the speed for a long while, but at this speed even the horse could not continue. The search for the missing dragon was on.