After moving the dragon from the entrance to the cave, most of the pirates returned to safety and to get some sleep, but there were still more than half a dozen who stayed, lingering nearby and looking at one another expectantly.
None of them knew what to do, but they all knew what they wanted. It would take a brave man to make the first move, and none of those waiting around could quite bring themselves to do it.
Until finally, one did.
Pierce Vane stepped up to the side of the dragon with a wide, long knife in his hand and, without hesitation, stabbed down into its side. With an expert aim, the movement was just right, so the end of the dagger landed in the soft place between two scales. From there, he could drag it downward, and the scales would part easily.
"Come on now, men," he called over his shoulder, "I know I'm not the only one with a knife here. Get over and start helping me get meat to roast."
