'First things first,' he said. 'I have to find a tree and no doubt you will too. I will head right, and I suggest you go left.' He moved away, stopping in the shade. 'Watch for the snakes.'
'Are there snakes here?' I asked.
'Not many,' Hugh replied quickly. 'The dragons killed them all.' His laugh was short and cheerful.
There was a small burn running through the forest, chuckling brown and friendly, with small pools and a number of miniature waterfalls. Hugh lay on his face beside one of the pools and slowly inserted his arms. A few moments later he flicked them out, holding a fat trout. He grinned over his shoulder to me.
'That's a good start, I think.'
'A very good start,' I agreed as he quickly put the fish out of its misery and slid his arms back into the water. 'Why don't you se
