Chapter 87

Rex whistled in surprise at the sight that beheld them when they followed Smarluuten to the town stables.

Five freshly groomed and saddled horses stood ready, all tied by their reigns to a post, the three largest of the five had medium-sized saddlebags over their rumps.

“Not to talk bad about a gift as extravagant as this,” Rex said hesitantly, counting the horses, then his companions, “But we seem to be one beast short?”

“I have realised Kiri will travel in the locket you have,” Smarluuten hissed, waving to Rex’s neck, “But for you, I have something more worthy of your higher blood station.”

Rex’s head cocked slightly, then went to confused as Smarluuten’s massive maw split into a broad grin, showing off his many rows of teeth. He was about to say something to the drakken when Smarluuten’s throat bulged out, and then a strange hissing, an almost wheezing sound emanated through vertical slits running down his neck.

“That almost sounded like a call,” Kiri said, scrunching her nose