“Hey you, get out here.” A slaver called out to the wagon. They pulled on the ropes that held Dragon. In his vulnerability, he stumbled out of the wagon, almost dropping on to the ground. He glanced around to see the leader flanked by several other slavers, and then a few others stepped around him to surround him.

“…” As he glanced around them he noticed most of them were sweating. They glared at him, not that he cared. They crumbled under his intense gaze.

His eyes shot back to the leader, and he raised a brow.

“Dun’ worry, we’re not gonna do nuthin’.” He motioned with his head for Dragon to follow him. Dragon did so, silently.

“How did you manage it?” The leader asked.

“What?” Dragon replied.

“How did you beat the Red Wolf?” The leader led Dragon out to the campsite. There was no trail to follow, but the campsite seemed man made at the least.

“I’ve fought Wolf before.” Dragon replied. It was a simple statement, like it were a matter of fact.

“A single wolf?” The leader asked.

“Wolf is stronger.” Dragon cocked his head to one side, stretching his neck. He could feel the sun above his head, and though it was the colder season, he enjoyed the warmth it gave to his bare skin. He preferred the cold, but something he didn’t mind the warmth.

“…” The leader was speechless.

Dragon finally sat on his own. There was a small bowl with lukewarm soup. It seemed to be fresh enough, though the murkiness within it didn’t inspire any confidence. He turned back to look at the slavers that were armed, hands on their sabres, circling around him.

“…” Dragon seemed unimpressed.

“This’uh jus’ ah precaution…” The leader chuckled. He left his men to watch, heading off. Dragon could also see four other men with crossbows pointed at his back.

Then the girl was escorted by the returning leader. She was still free, no bounds at her ankles or wrists like when they had first met.

She scampered over to the heavily injured Dragon that was currently surrounded, and then began to feed him. She was quieter now, not wishing to speak with so many crossbows pointed at them. The tension caused Dragon to grow warmer. He hated it… Being in such a position, as powerful as before…

He stopped his thoughts. He didn’t need to give their twitchy fingers any reason to shoot. He was in no position to do anything, he was too weak to start anything without the girl getting injured in the crossfire.

The little lady spoke with him now, though quietly. He didn’t reply to her either, deep in his own thoughts. As she continued to speak, she became more comfortable and started to casually chat away at him.

He could still feel the cold, frightened glares of the various slavers behind him. He couldn’t blame them for being so afraid though. Dragon had been trained by one of the greatest martial artists of the previous generation, a man who was known in the Southern Lands as a demon. Not that they knew that, but he still gave off that kind of vibe. That being said, his master would have never found himself in this situation.

Unfortunately he didn’t have the time or the food to rest. Food had always been rationed to the captured slaves, but he noticed that it was further reduced. His display with the Red Wolf had caused quite an issue.

No matter what came his way, he’d overcome it like he always had. He had no worries in that regard. If he was truly in danger, then he knew that his brothers would be there, as they always had been.

Even Tiger, who he had beaten so badly not so long ago, would come if he was needed.

Eventually the leader came to escort the girl back, then Dragon stood up to follow them from a distance. He took his time however, standing tall to look up at the sky. The slavers behind him a little space to do so. He could see the clouds in the distance, which had started to roll in as he ate. Grey and crackling.

A storm was approaching.