Morning sunlight streamed through the wide open wooden window of the inn. Outside, the village appeared misty with curved roofs still wet from the dew. The sound of waterfalls roared softly in the distance, mingling with the chirping of birds in the trees around the cliffs. Below the window, dragon citizens began their activities at the market; the sound of footsteps and their chatter reached the second floor. The sharp aroma of black coffee and broth rose from the table.
"Ho ho, take it! Take it! I hope you did not realize," Zalvarich said while moving a wooden pawn with a confident gesture.
In truth, he was trapped, having just made a blunder that threatened his queen. Zalvarich leaned back against the wooden chair, grinning widely at his opponent.
"Oh? Does the young master want me to take it?" the dragon in front of him asked.
