Aren listened from the edge of the crowd with growing interest. Marek stood beside him, and Darin had joined them after finishing his assigned duties. They moved a little farther from the notice boards before Marek lowered his voice.
"Master, I don't like this. We came here to investigate Ludwig, and now you're looking at an expedition into a dragon's territory as though it's something worth considering."
"The offer is unusually generous as well. The creature has barely left, and he's already promising knighthoods to anyone useful enough to accompany him. I'd like to know why he's so eager to gather people."
Aren glanced at Darin, then looked back toward the manor. His retainers were concentrating on the danger and overlooking the opportunity that had just been handed to them.
"Because he needs support, apparently. What matters is that Ludwig will be there. We've spent days trying to get close to him, and now he's inviting people to accompany him outside the estate."
