02

Near the Western Sea

It’s a sunny day near the ruins of the Old Capital of the Empire. After having a fight a week ago with his friend Karl over the whole dragon issue, Balin decides to do some research of his own. The Imperial records mention a battle between two dragons near this area long ago and Balin knows this might just be his chance to prove himself worthy of becoming a member of the Imperial Research Institute.

Balin: I might be a soldier but I’m a bright one - he said smiling at the idea of success.

He started exploring the area looking for anything suspicious: perhaps some evidence of “d-unit activity”. After spending more than an hour in the beach Balin finally found something: footprints. Huge footprints. No doubt, these were made by a dragon. They were so big! No other creature could have made them; or could it?

However there was something strange about them - the dragon who made them was clearly not heading anyway specific. It almost seemed like he was fighting or in pain perhaps - the creature was running in circles or something…

Balin immediately began to draw what he saw, confident that the Academy might be interested in checking this themselves upon taking a look at his sketch. Balin stopped however when he heard the sound of a coolia behind him. He turned himself, not expecting to see anyone around this area, only to find Karl.

Karl descended from his mount and with a smile on his face asked:

Karl: Friends?

Balin: What are you doing here? - Balin asked clearly surprised by his arrival.

Karl: Business Balin, business!