Li had started to regret his decision of following Ralen. Although Ralen had clearly stated that they were hunting a dire bear that was terrorizing the local villages, Li was certain that no normal bear could survive the mountain’s desolate environment. Infact now that he thought about it, he started to recall the various wildlife that lived on this mountain. Of the common creatures such as, wolves and chimeras, that he knew lived within and on the mountain, he had not recalled even one instance of a dire bear seen around the territory. Hell the only thing worth hunting would be the wyvern that was rumoured to have made a den around these parts.

If this idiot lied to me again, there is no way I don’t poison his food and make him puke for the next four days. Ji sighed, his suspicion of Ralen increasing with every step. It wasn’t that Ji distrusted Ralen, it was just that anyone that knew Ralen for more than a handful of weeks, would undoubtedly get caught in some sort of disastrous plan. Ji had to admit, Ralen could make the most terrible ideas become enticing plans filled with glory and riches.

After another half stretch of their slow climb up the mountain, they had reached a large plateau. Mainly small shrubbery and weeds grew around this area, but compared to the rest of the areas they passed, this would be like finding an oasis in a desert. 

From the records that Li read, this particular plateau should be suitable for dire bears, and because of this reasoning, albeit hesitantly, Ji decided that Ralen did not hide any “small” details in his plan. That was until he heard a loud screech coming far above them, like metal being dragged through a gravel road. When the source of the creature was in view, a dark grey wyvern about 16 feet long, Li, for the third time, made a mental note reminding himself to never trust Ralen.