David kneeled down and helped wipe Tanuki clean with the arm cuff of his shirt. “Gullin called you clever, for that trick you did by turning into a box.”
Tanuki snorted. “Clever, right. If I was so clever, I would have blown up that fat toad before he fought Master Yofune…” He sniffled, wiping his nose. “Poor Master. I was supposed to look after him.”
Only now did David realize that Master Yofune was nowhere to be found. If the Sleepless Dragon survived the earlier fight…
“Stop your sniffling.” Punctually in response to Tanuki’s woe, Yofune glided through the air towards them, battle-worn and exhausted. “I appreciate the concern, but give an old dragon credit.”
“Master!” The badger scurried over to his giant lord and hugged one of his great scaled forelegs.
The nomads reeled back
