PAIN!
Ignasius was snapped out of the unconsciousness be the sharp pain going through his back. He screamed loudly. And started moving. After that, he heard a rather familiar voice.
"Damn it, he's awake. Milton, Wesley, hold his arms! Vanja, get him some moonshine! Ignasius, calm down, you are going to be okay. I need you to stay calm and trust me"
Ignasius trusted the man, even if he couldn't remember who's voice was that, but it wasn't as easy as he was being cut open while awake. He heard another voice.
"Bloody hell, father, this man is strong"
"I know, I already sliced and stitched him a few times. Alright, I'll hold it off for now. Ignasius needs some alcohol to dull his senses. Vanja, where is that booze?!"
He heard a female voice following.
"Coming, Arlo"
Arlo... Arlo Mattoney, a field surgeon that was has saved his and other knights lives more than any warrior. He saw a woman approach him with a bottle and a glass. He drunk a bit of it, which was strong and disgusting... And even after drinking a single glass he felt quite drunk. Ignasius sighed and opened his mouth
"Bloody hell, Arlo, how have you found me?"
"Let's talk about this after that thing is out of your lung, shall we?"
"Right, can I get another glass?"
After these words Arlo's wife once again filled a glass and poured down the man's throat. Ignasius coughed a bit, painfully too, and nodded.
"Do it."
And so, after an hour of screaming that turned into a hoarse groaning... After an hour of cutting and stitching, the both bolts were taken out. Ignasius now was bandaged and laid in bed....
When he woke up he only remembered the last things of the night in a heavy blur. He still ached, but at least now he could breathe freely. The man saw the door open as Arlo came in. He was a short haired man, and with a bushy mustache under his chin.
"Well Ignasius, how are you feeling?"
"No longer half dead.. Thanks to you, Arlo. How did you find me?"
"A strange story, really... A girl in our village found your body in the fields. She told that a dragon brought you but nobody really believed her.... Do you remember how you got injured?"
Ignasius sighed and spoke.
"Well, by a crossbow bolt. But no doubt you already know that... Apparantly I tried to protect a bunch of dragons from a band of slayers.... As far as I understood the latter scattered"
"Hmm... I am not a one to judge... But why did you charge in? Did you thought that you'd be able to defeat them?"
"No.. But I hoped I'd by the dragons some time. I've seen them up-close, Arlo. Majestic.... And menacing. And apparantly one of them played a part in saving my life... Say, any idea how far it is to Silverrun?"
"About a day's walk... Probably you should double that for your condition. Why do you want to go there?"
"You remember Hartam?"
"Of course... He was one of the most educaded warriors I've ever met. He's a schollar now, isn't he?"
"Indeed... And he had great interest in dragons. I remember him even researching their language during his free time. So I suppose I'll go to him for help in communicating with those majestic creatures..."
Arlo looked sceptic. He sighed and then nodded.
"If you think that is wise. I'll lend you a horse, and I will send my son with you to keep you safe. I also suggest you to leave the armour for weight reasons... You can pick something lighter from my wardrobe."
Ignasius nodded
"You have always been a great help, old friend. Hopefully we may meet again."
The man took a linen shirt, a pear of leather pants and a leather west. After he put that all on, he took a hooded cloak, once again thanking Arlo.
About fifteen minutes later, as well as Arlo's son Wesley were on their way towards the city of Silverrun.